Hi Everyone,

I hope you are doing well.  I am writing today about three visions that were given a bit ago, but I had not had a chance to write about them until now.  They concern things that affect our relationship with God, which has everything to do with spiritual power and authority.  Our commitment to the Lord is paramount when it comes to believing God for miracles, and answered prayers.   So power, faith, obedience and dedication are the primary topics that are shown in these visions.

The Visions

The Locomotive Engine

I saw a woman pulling a locomotive engine by a rope, effortlessly, as if she were a child pulling a toy with a string.  What a truly amazing display of power and strength.  A locomotive engine is a massive machine which in itself has great power.  

Years ago, I lived in the Chicago area, which has been the primary hub for railway transportation.  If you were to see a map of the railroad system across the nation, you would notice that all rail lines lead to Chicago, just like the old expression, “all roads lead to Rome.”  I used to encourage my kids to keep a book or something to do in the car, because when we would drive, simply across town, we might get stuck at a railroad crossing.  Very often it would be a 15-20 minute wait for the train to pass by.  We would count the cars - perhaps 100 or more would be found connected in a single train.

The weight of the cars filled with coal, lumber, grain, etc, would be so massive that it might take two engines to pull the load.  We knew immediately when a huge train was going to pass by, by the number of engines needed to pull it.  A train engine is itself very heavy because it needs  traction to initiate the movement.  

The woman pulling the locomotive engine, in the vision, I believe represents the church.  God wants the church to operate in power.  “And these signs will accompany those who 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

Throughout the New Testament, the power of God was demonstrated by the disciples as they shared the gospel. Miracles and supernatural healing was a means of confirming the word of God to those listening.  “Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.”  Mark 16:20

Paul, the Lord’s apostle to the Gentiles, spoke of the signs and miracles as a display of God’s power.  “When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.  For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.  My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith would not rest on men’s wisdom, but on the power of God.”  1 Corinthians 2:1-5

The Lord’s plan for mankind has not changed. He wants the church today, to show forth his mighty power as the gospel is preached. He is equipping and sending his believers out to share the good news to people who need to know the love of God.

In the vision the woman who represents the church, pulled the train which represents God’s supernatural power. But what does the rope represent?  It is the means by which these miracles and signs can be produced.  It represents the connection—the access to power.  And It is our relationship with the Lord, that gives us access to his divine power.  

When we become born again, we are given a remarkable gift.  We are given the gift of salvation, through the Lord’s sacrificial death on the cross.  We are put in “right standing,” with the Father, for when he sees us, he sees the blood of Jesus, which has atoned for our sins.  He recognizes us as his children.  We have been cleansed of our sins by his blood.  

We receive a regenerated spirit—we become a new creation.  But we also receive another gift—the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, who lives within us, who leads us, comforts us and guides us.  But there is still another gift.  

The Lord did not want to leave his disciples as orphans, so he promised to give them a counselor, but not until after he departed. “Never the less, I tell you the truth: it is for your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Counselor will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” John 16:7

Then he gave them instructions as to what to do. Jesus told them: “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 24:50  

Now the disciples had already received the regeneration of the Holy Spirit, before this:  “On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for  fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”  After he said this, he showed them his hands and side.  The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.  Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you!  As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”  And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”  John 20:19-22

This was the first day that Jesus appeared to the disciples.  It was at that time that they became born again and filled with the Holy Spirit.  But the power of God coming to the disciples, through the Baptism in the Holy Spirit did not happen until seven weeks later.

The Lord’s first appearance to his disciples was on Sunday, the first day of the week and the day he rose from the dead. This was the first day following the Feast of Passover, which was also the day that the wave offering of “First Fruits,” was given.  It is not surprising then, that Jesus rose from the dead as the “first fruit,” of all who would be raised to life with him!

This day also began seven weeks of a growing season.  At the end of these seven weeks, the harvest would be celebrated at the Feast of Shavuot, or the Feast of Weeks.  The New Testament, written in Greek, refers to the Feast of Shavuot as “Pentecost” meaning “fifty,” because there are fifty days from the offering of “First Fruits” to the Feast of Shavuot.  

On the day of Pentecost, in the city of Jerusalem, the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples in the upper room where they were staying. The sound of a mighty wind came into that room, and tongues of fire came to rest on each disciple.  Then suddenly, they were filled with the Holy Spirit.  But not as before, when they were regenerated.  What they experienced now was the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. They were given the gift of tongues, and the power to speak boldly, without fear.  

They went into the street and spoke in such a manner that everyone heard what they were saying in their own language.  At that time there were many visitors in Jerusalem who had come to celebrate the Feast of Shavuot.  “Utterly amazed, they asked: ‘Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans?  Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language?  Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontusand Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!’”  Acts 2:7-11

Today, we celebrate Pentecost  as the birthday of the Church.  For on that day, the Lord empowered them to speak the wonders of God in new tongues. As a result, three thousand people came to believe, in that one day. “Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.  And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off-- for all whom the Lord our God will call.’  With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.’  Those who accepted his message were baptized , and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”  Acts 2:38-41

Because the disciples trusted the Lord and were obedient to his instructions to “stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high,”  they received the Holy Spirit and power.  Obedience to God is absolutely essential if one is to receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and to have divine, supernatural power. And that power comes from God, and is given at the discretion of the Holy Spirit. “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.” 1 Corinthians 12:4

The Lord wants us as believers to seek him for the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, moving in his power to reach the lost and edify the church.  The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is also for our personal edification and for communicating with God using our prayer language. When we speak in tongues, pray in tongues, or sing and worship in tongues, we are one in the spirit with God. Through the Spirit, we become sensitive to the Lord’s heart.

Just as Jesus sent his disciples out two by two, he will send us out. “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons.  Freely you have received; freely give.”  Matthew 10:8

 He wants us to preach the gospel and to perform miracles to make his name great in the world.  “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 I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.”  Matthew 28: 18-20  

So the Lord gives us authority and power to share the gospel and to make his name known. The Lord wants us to partner with him to build his church. As we commit to what he is doing, he will furnish the power. So let us seek the Lord, intercede for the lost, and those who need healing and deliverance. Let us repent for our own sins and the sins of our nation, and pray for others to receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. And let us pray with faith and expectation.

A Black Dog

In this vision, I saw a dog, a black Labrador,  sitting on the floor right in front of me.  He had his back to me and was looking forward.  I believe that the dog represents faithfulness. Jesus wants us to be faithful—as a dog is faithful to his owner. 

A dog will wait at the door, or look out the window of the house waiting for his owner to come home.  A dog waits patiently, faithfully, longing to be with his master.  This is the faith that the Lord hopes to find in us.  We are the church, his bride.  Are we faithfully waiting with anticipation for his return?  Are we like servants waiting for their master?

“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time?  It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.  Truly, I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.”  Matthew 24:45-47

A dog is not only faithful but he is watchful as well.  He keeps watch over the family as they sleep. He stays alert, and is sensitive to notice anything that is suspicious, unusual, or potentially harmful.  He is quick to respond to an intruder, or to danger.

The dog in the vision was there to protect me.  He was sitting right in front of me, like a bodyguard, keeping watch.  In the same way, the Lord dispatches his angels to protect us from physical or spiritual harm.  

The Lord spoke to me once saying, “I keep my angels around you, but you go your own way.”  His words cut me to the heart—such a terrible testimony of my unfaithfulness!  But yet his words moved me to tears, for even though it was a rebuke, I understood that it was his desire to protect me and keep me safe.  Can you see how wonderful the Lord really is?  He makes me feel so loved—he keeps his angels around me! God is good.  He is faithful.  Lord, can you help us to be faithful too?

We are so blessed!  God is good—he is truly wonderful!

Being faithful and willing to wait upon the Lord, watching and listening for his voice, shows our love for him.  As we seek him, and spend time with him, our relationship with the Lord grows stronger.  He responds to our devotion by drawing close to us and offering his protection.  As we prove our trustworthiness, he gives us his authority and power.  The Lord does not give authority and power to just anyone.  There are some who would use that power for their own glory and benefit.  However, once a believer does receive a gift from God, the word says that “the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.”  Romans 11:29

So as God shows faithfulness to us, he expects us to be faithful too.  And if we want to have spiritual authority and power, then we must be faithful to him. 

Hair Creme

In the third vision, I saw several personal care items, laid out on a counter.  In the center of the collection was a hair styling cream that I used.   I saw that the jar was open and the lid nearby.  Then someone took the lid and placed it on the jar and screwed it down tightly.

I must mention that this hair styling cream is called “Men’s Solutions,” so I knew that it was intended for men’s hairstyles.  But my hairstylist recommended it to me, so I didn’t think too much about the name on the label, I just wanted something to control my hair.  Of course, when I saw someone put the lid on the jar and tighten it, I believed that God did not want me to use it ever again. The Bible does command us to not to appear or dress in any manner that might suggest that a man is a woman or a woman is a man.  Because this is offensive to God, I got rid of it right away.

Then I began to question the Lord, perhaps my short hairstyle was also offensive to him, so I have not cut my hair since I received this vision.  It is now without style, rather unattractive.  But I have to decide what to do with it - tie it up or hide it under a hat!

But in all seriousness, I have been praying and I believe that what the Lord is showing me, particularly with the other two visions, that power, and spiritual authority are connected to obedience.  I believe that God wants to give power and authority to the church, but obedience is a prerequisite.  Obedience even in small matters, like hairstyles affects our relationship  with the Lord.  After all, who are we trying to please?

There is another aspect to the vision concerning obedience and power.  Do you remember the story of Samson?  It is found in the book of Judges, in the Old Testament.  Samson was a prophet of God who had been dedicated to God before conception.  His mother had received a visit from an angel of God who gave her instructions as to how she was to raise her son.  The angel told her: “Now see to it that you drink no wine or other fermented drink and that you do not eat anything unclean, because you will conceive and give birth to a son.  No razor may be used on his head, because the boy is to be a Nazarite, set apart to God from birth, and he will begin the deliverance of Israel from the hands of the Philistines.”  Judges 13:4-5

Samson was to avoid defiling himself with any fermented drink or any product produced by the vine, (grapes, juice, raisins, wine, vinegar…).  He was not to eat anything unclean, He was not to let a razor touch his head, and he was not to go near anything that was dead.  He was most likely a vegetarian, for a piece of meat was part of a dead animal.  (As a side note, John the Baptist was also a Nazarite, who ate honey and wild locusts.)  For these limitations, and his devotion to the Lord, Samson was given supernatural strength.  He was the Philistines’ worst nightmare.  The Philistines did everything to try to find out the secret to his great strength. 

Even though he proved to be unfaithful to God by not keeping his vows, (marrying a Philistine woman, eating honey from a dead carcass, and taking a Philistine as a lover, he was able to subdue the Philistines.  However, it was his lover, not his wife, with whom he shared the secret of his strength.  That was his demise.  Delilah cut his hair, while he was asleep, he was captured by his enemies.  His eyes were put out and he was placed in chains.  However, while still in captivity, his hair began to grow back.  And though it was not mentioned in the Biblical account that he repented, God allowed him to regain his strength for one last feat.  “Samson said, ‘Let me die with the Philistines!’  Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it.  Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived.”  Judges 16:30   

So these three visions work together to describe what it takes to have spiritual authority and power.  The woman, representing the church, was able to pull the locomotive engine with no real effort.  And Samson was able to do amazing feats, because of his life-long commitment to God.  

Yet Samson would have been able to accomplish more in his life, had he not become derailed by temptation.  His desire for Philistine women and the desire for delicacies like honey became a snare to him.  Had he remained faithful, as the black dog in the second vision, he would not have fallen so low as to defile himself.  His disobedience caused him to lose his eyesight, his freedom, and his life.  

Samson was to deliver the Israelites from the Philistines.  So in a way, he was like Moses, both a leader and a deliverer.  Moses lifted up his staff and the Lord performed signs and wonders, and worked miracles to deliver the Israelites supernaturally.  The Lord used Samson as a judge of Israel, and his supernatural strength to subdue their enemies.  And even though Samson sinned in many ways, God took advantage of every circumstance to deliver the Israelites from their subjugation.  

Samson was given power to fulfill his calling. But I do not believe that he would have received his power, without first dedicating himself to God. The woman in the vision was capable of pulling a locomotive, which is a feat like those of Samson. Perhaps dedicating oneself to God as Samson did by taking the Nazarite vow, is what is needed for us to have the Lord’s authority and power. Perhaps the Lord is showing us that the vision of the hair cream being closed, is to say - “No more of this. It is time to make a greater commitment to the Lord.” If we want the power to move mountains, then we must willing to make a personal vow to God. He may be saying to me personally, that he does not want me to cut my hair, as a sign of my dedication to him.

As I began to think of this more, I realized that for almost 33 years (this December), I have not eaten any type of meat, fish, or poultry. For 39 years, I have not had an alcoholic drink. For 1 1/2 years I have had no added sugar, and for 21 years I have had no diet pop (soda). The Lord has asked me to give up these things. Perhaps he has been testing my obedience and my faithfulness to him.

Years ago, he had asked me to give up my design business - so I did. He then asked me to give up my Masters Degree - so I gave it up too.

I have been praying about this topic for a while now, and God has just confirmed this morning that he is asking me to grow out my hair. I told the Lord, that I am willing. I do want to pleases him, after all he loves me!

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow me.’” Matthew 16:24

So we must respond in obedience. “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” 2 Corinthians 6:19-20

Obedience, faithfulness and dedication are all important in attaining authority and supernatural power, but having an intimate relationship with the Lord is most important of all. “If you love me, you will keep my commands.” John 14:15 Obedience is how we show our love to the Lord.

Please take warning—Do not desire power for its own sake— it will be a snare to you. But desire the Lord alone, and you will find true contentment!

This scripture is important to understand things from God’s perspective.

“Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.  And Yet I will show you the most excellent way.   If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.  If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant  or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.  Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.  For we know in part and we prophesy in part,  but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.  When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.  For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face.  Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”  1 Corinthians 12:31- 13:1-13

God bless you!  Pray, spend time with the Lord and he will take care of all the rest!

And, please share this post with your friends and those who will be blessed by this message.