Faithfulness, Divorce and Apostasy
Hi Friends,
I hope you are well. Today I am writing about two visions that I received a couple of weeks ago. One I thought I understood right away, but the other was a little harder to understand. But the Lord is faithful. He has made his vision understood, so that now I can share it with you.
The Visions
The Dog
I saw a large dog standing in front of me looking to the right. He stood very close to me, as if he could sense danger. I believed that he was offering me his protection, and in a way, I might have been there to offer my support to him as well.
The Automobile Seat
Next I found myself in a large room with an Oriental rug covering the vast majority of the floor. In the center of the room was the front seat of an automobile. It was facing away from me; I only saw its back. The room was entirely empty, no furniture at all. There was a large window through which sunlight poured into the room.
What do these visions mean?
Be Faithful
In the first vision, the dog represents faith or faithfulness. The Lord wants us to have faith and to be faithful, just as a dog is faithful to its owner. He wants us to believe in him and to trust in him in all things, for he is faithful. “Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he will also deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.” 2 Timothy 2:11-13
I believe that what the Lord is showing us today is the necessity to be faithful to God and faithful to his calling on our lives. However what I see all around the world and the church is a lack of faith in God. People are not really willing to trust God with their lives, or their families. I see a lot of people who are overwhelmed with life’s circumstances and rather than stand in faith, they become anxious. They fret and worry.
Many believers have been affected by the lock-downs. And even after months of Covid, now they are afraid of getting sick with the Delta variant. They can’t seem to trust God to protect them while attending church services. The number in attendance is perhaps ⅔ of its former size before Covid. Fear, and complacency seem to be winning over faith and spiritual hunger.
Much of the fear is created by the change of leadership in our nation. The mainstream news media has aligned itself with the left’s ideology, so fear, chaos, and lies are what they promote. God is using these current events, and fear for the fate of our nation, to test the believer’s faith. No matter what comes our way, we must stand firm and know that “He will never leave us nor forsake us!” Deuteronomy 31:6
We, as current day Americans, have never seen such turmoil and disregard for the Constitution and law in general. People in power sin openly with no remorse, having lost all sense of right and wrong. There is no shame, and no attempt to conceal the lawlessness. There is a double standard regarding law in general. Someone has expressed this attitude among the political elite as “Rules for thee, but not for me.” There have been treasonous acts against our former president, yet no one is held accountable.
These political elites expect everyone to agree with the narratives that they put forth as “truth.” Their purposeful and orchestrated effort to control and squelch free speech, and undermine our civil liberties is absolutely wicked. But we must stand in faith and believe that God will make a way to halt and reverse these actions that could potentially destroy our republic. “The prayers of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16
Let us trust in the Lord. This is not time to become apathetic or complacent. It is not the time to bury ourselves in our work or hide out, hoping that it will all go away by itself. We need to grow in our faith and trust God with everything--our lives, our families and our country.
And I do believe that the Lord is faithful and can be trusted. He watches over us and cares for us as a loving father. But we must recognize that the Lord disciplines those whom he loves. And frankly, we as the church have not been faithful to hold to the teachings of God, but have allowed ourselves to become like the world.
Everyone can be enticed by what the “world” offers in terms of physical pleasures and material goods. It is natural for people to desire to be important, influential or admired. Many are swayed by money and power. But when we allow these desires to take precedence over our love and devotion to God and his will, we become like the world.
Whatever we see in the world, we see to some degree in the church: lieing, cheating, stealing, power craving, jealousy, envy, strife, idolatry and corruption. There is no sin uncommon to man.
Even in the church you will find sin in high places. A friend recently shared a YouTube video with me about a woman who had been sex trafficked for over ten years to some of the most prominent and most wealthy people in the world, as well as several very well known Christian “celebrities.” It was shocking to say the least.
But we know that throughout history, there have been many clergy, pastors, teachers, and leaders in the church, who have used their positions to prey upon the innocent. They commit wicked acts that devastate others’ lives and undermine faith within the body of believers. I know some young parents who are afraid of predators in churches, so they refuse to expose their children to risk.
I am personally aware of scandals in two of the largest churches that I have attended. Scandals taint the church’s reputation and often cause church splits. The congregation no longer trusts the leaders and many leave the church in disgust.
This should not surprise you for the Bible warns us that in the last days there will be many people who will leave the faith. The Lord told his disciples and followers: “And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.” Matthew 24:10
That is the very climate of the time in which we are living. People have lost love for their family members, and are out of fellowship with long time friends. People are angry, and quick-tempered. Grace is all but gone with many people. No one trusts his neighbor. No one has patience to listen. Love is missing. Our society is full of hurting and abused people. It is time to pray!
We absolutely must pray-- and fast as well-- if you are able. Let us trust God to deliver our nation and our church from the plans of the wicked one. Pray that the Lord will bring a revival to our land. Pray that people will have the fear of God and will experience conviction of sin. Pray that we as a nation will repent and return to our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ (the Messiah.) “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, but forfeit his soul?” Mark 8:36
Protect and Defend the Faith
The dog in the vision not only represents faith, for a dog is faithful, but he also represents protection. The dog was standing so close to me, that he either saw the need to protect me or had the desire to seek protection for himself.
If an intruder was nearby, a dog would stand near me to protect me and defend me against any attack. If however, there was a terrible storm with flashing lightning and thunder booming, the dog would probably look to me for his safety.
This vision shows us the need to defend our faith. Everyday the world challenges our faith. It calls us to leave the path of righteousness and follow its ways. The world has much to offer as it primarily appeals to human nature. Some people compromise their faith by accepting the world’s values in order to “fit in,” and to be accepted.
“You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” James 4:4
The Lord calls us to be different and separate from the world. We are to be the called out ones. “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9
To overcome these temptations, and separate from the world, we must learn to guard our hearts and protect our faith. We do that by reading the word of God and committing it to memory. “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11
Spending time with the Lord in prayer and in fellowship with him, helps us to develop a true friendship with the Lord. As we come to know him, our trust in him grows. As his friend, he reveals himself to us. And we find ourselves responding with love. When he asks us to make a greater commitment, we are more than willing. We show our love for him with a resounding “Yes!”
If we never get to know him, we will not put our trust in him. We will have nothing; no one to give us support, and no anchor to hold us. We will be set adrift, going whichever direction the wind happens to blow.
“...because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” James 1:5-8
Without faith, we doubt. We become anxious and double-minded, unable to believe that God will help us. When we do not trust the Lord, we have no peace and no hope.
In the vision, the dog (faith) was there to protect me. And I am protected by my faith and trust in God. But I was there also to protect the dog (faith). We are commissioned to guard the faith, and hold on to the faith. “Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.” 2 Timothy 1:13-14.
I believe that the “good deposit,” of which Paul spoke, is faith. We are to protect our faith. Our faith is based on the truth of the Word of God, the Bible. When false teachers come to lead us astray, or to corrupt our faith, we are to know what we believe and be able to defend those beliefs with the Word of God. If we do not know the Word, or do not have the inner witness of the Holy Spirit, or a genuine relationship with the Lord, then we have nothing.
“I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.” Acts 20:29
We cannot defend our faith if we are not certain of what we believe. We cannot recognize a true believer from a false believer if we cannot recognize truth from falsehood.
“Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.” 2 Peter 2:1
“For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.” Matthew 24:1-51
“This issue arose because some false brothers had come in under false pretenses to spy on our freedom in Christ Jesus, in order to enslave us.” Galatians 2:4
You can see that Jesus, Peter and Paul as well as James and Jude all spoke above false brothers, false teachers and false prophets. When pastors, teachers, television evangelists depart from sound doctrine, believers can be led astray and become deceived. Apostasy is a real possibility. We must know the word of God, for not everyone who is in the position of pastor, teacher, elder, leader is who they claim to be. Jesus told us that we could recognize them by their fruit:
“By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” Matthew 7:16-20
Let us guard our faith by reading the word of God everyday. And if a teaching seems to contradict something that you believe is true, seek God and give the topic further study. Speak to the teacher and ask him to back up his teaching with scripture. Be cautious about teachings that are not fully backed up with scripture. Some teachers will lead people astray by focusing their ministry or teaching on one extraneous concept and creating from it an entire doctrine.
The Automobile Seat
The first vision was about faithfulness. This second vision is about the opposite. It is about the failure to be faithful. It is about divorce.
In this second vision, there was an automobile seat that had been removed from either the driver’s side or passenger’s side of the car. It was sitting on a very large Oriental rug. The room was void of furniture. The seat and the rug were its sole furnishings. The window across the room was wide with light pouring in. I believe that the vision represents a divorce or abandonment. The seat had been removed from the car for it was no longer needed. Whoever took the car had since departed. The furnishings went as well.
When I considered the car seat, I thought that it must be the passenger seat, for no one could drive the car without the driver’s seat. When the seat was removed, it was not placed in the garage. If it was removed temporarily, to use the additional space for a short term purpose, then the seat would have stayed in the garage. But, it was carried into the house and left as a final statement. “I no longer need a seat for you.”
Because I was an interior designer for 20 years, I am familiar with various styles and methods of manufacturing woven rugs. I noticed that the rug in the vision was Oriental, and Chinese by design. However, this rug was not genuine. Its quality was not like a fine Chinese rug which is extremely dense and heavy with a longer nap and more finely sculpted. This rug in the vision was inferior. It was wool, but the nap was shorter and less glossy. The sculpting was rough and irregular. The colors of the yarns were not clear or pure, but muted and mixed. I believe that whoever left the rug behind knew that it had no great value. Of course a rug of this size has some value, just not as highly valued as a genuine Chinese rug would have been. So it was left behind.
The rug was colored in a soft beige and gold. It is noteworthy that the color gold usually represents something that is kingly, or of great value. But in this case, it is only a copy of something that represents great value.
The window that allows the light to pour in represents an opportunity. A new day. “His mercies are new every morning.” So even though someone was abandoned, or divorced, there is a new day in store for him or her.
“Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
I want to share with you the passage of scripture that the Lord had used to confirm his message. It is found in Malachi chapter 2:
Breaking Covenant Through Divorce
Do we not all have one Father? Did not one God create us? Why do we profane the covenant of our ancestors by being unfaithful to one another?
Judah has been unfaithful. A detestable thing has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem: Judah has desecrated the sanctuary the Lord loves, by marrying women who worship a foreign god. As for the man who does this, whoever he may be, may the Lord remove him from the tents of Jacob—even though he brings an offering to the Lord Almighty.
Another thing you do: You flood the Lord’s altar with tears. You weep and wail because he no longer looks with favor on your offerings or accepts them with pleasure from your hands. You ask, “Why?” It is because the Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant.
Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth.
“The man who hates and divorces his wife,” says the Lord, the God of Israel, “does violence to the one he should protect,” says the Lord Almighty.
So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful. Matthew 2:10-16
The Lord hates divorce; it is sin. And yet, nearly 50% of marriages end in divorce. Even in the church, the statistics of divorce are no different. Many couples today choose not to marry at all. Co-habitation no longer carries the shame that it once did. The world sees co-habitation as “smart” It is seen as a practical idea, to “try it out before you buy it.”
Even so, those that know sex and co-habitation is a sin, they continue to do it anyway. And to satisfy their guilt, they tell everyone, “We’re engaged.” As if that justifies their actions. However it is still sin in the Lord’s eyes.
It is generally the men who refuse to make a commitment. Their intention is to avoid marriage altogether. They want the comfort and pleasure of having an intimate relationship without the complication of a legally binding partnership. On the other hand, women generally want to be married. They want to have children and a husband in a stable marriage. Some women desperate for any relationship, will take what they can get, hoping that someday, the man will agree to marry. However, when women give the man what should be reserved for marriage, they will find themselves waiting for something that may never happen. They will feel used and unloved. They should not expect a man to marry them, for he has everything he wants already. He has already proven himself to have no principles and no fear of God.
“There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Romans 3:18
God wants people to commit to each other because when they come together physically, they become “one flesh.” This creates what is called a soul tie. When this union is made under the covenant of marriage, it receives God’s blessing. The couple and their children will be blessed. However, when this union is outside of marriage, the soul tie that is created becomes an open door to demonic influence. God will not bless this.
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” Galatians 6:7
A soul tie between two people who are not married needs to be broken. If the couple repents of their sin and chooses to “make it right,” by marrying, then God can bless this marriage. But without repentance, there can be no forgiveness and no restoration.
If these two individuals go their separate ways, they need to repent and ask the Lord to break the soul tie that was formed by sexual relations outside of marriage. Repentance means to turn around, or to change the mind. It means to make a promise or covenant with the Lord that they will no longer engage in sexual sin, but will remain pure or celibate. They will agree that sexual intimacy is reserved for marriage only.
Thank the Lord that God gives us second chances. Hallelujah! He died on the cross for our sins, so that when we repent for our sins, and acknowledge that Jesus is God, he promises to forgive us and reconcile us to the Father. So today if you need to repent and get right with God. Please do so right now!
I do also want to address the fact that when divorce occurs, sometimes one party does not want the divorce. This is a very sad situation. This is why the Lord speaks of divorce as “doing violence to the one that he should protect.” Malachi 2:16
And there is only one circumstance when the Lord will give his consent to a divorce. It is in the case of marital unfaithfulness:
“Now I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman, commits adultery. His disciples said to Him, “If this is the case between a man and his wife, it is better not to marry.”
“Not everyone can accept this word,” He replied, “but only those to whom it has been given. For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it.” Matthew 19:9-11
Apostasy
There is a connection between these two visions that you may have already seen. Having faith and being faithful and protecting and defending the faith were the primary messages of the first vision. The second vision addresses the terrible human cost of unfaithfulness and divorce. There is the third message, that has already been introduced— apostasy, or the falling away of the church. This is seen by God as unfaithfulness and likened to adultery. In the New Testament, the Lord sees the church as his bride. And in the Old Testament, he sees Israel and Judah as his betrothed. When they sinned against the Lord by following “other gods,” he called them adulterous sisters. For he found them both to be unfaithful to him. He likened them to prostitutes. This story is found in the book of Ezekiel chapters 23 and 24.
In these passages, you can hear the voice of God. You hear his disappointment and anger over their unfaithfulness. They went after the gods of the Assyrians and the Babylonians, and prostituted themselves to these foreign gods. The Lord punished them for their unfaithfulness by having them taken captive by the very nations whose gods they worshiped.
Anything or anyone that is more important to us than God becomes an idol. Anything in which you place your hope is an idol. And anyone in whom you trust and desire more than God is also an idol. If you do everything to please your son or daughter, spouse, or even your boss and place God in a lesser position, then you have made them idols in your life.
“Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 10:37-39
So much of life can get in the way of your relationship with the Lord. Your desire for money, or to please your boss may keep you so busy you have no time for him. Activities and habits , Addictions, and passions, sports, education, food, sex, television and video games can all become idols.
If we give place in our lives to pleasing ourselves and give no place to God, we become idolaters. The Lord makes his stand on idolatry very clear:
“But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” Revelation 21:8
To unbelievers, these words are harsh. But to us who know the Lord, and love him, it is our reasonable expression of love and faith to him.
“Let the wicked man forsake his own way and the unrighteous man his own thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts. Neither are my ways your ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.…” Isaiah 55:7-9
Please understand that God is the very definition of love. He holds his arms out to you and simply asks you to surrender to his will. If you do, you will receive his forgiveness, and his great blessing. You can be reconciled to God and have eternal life with him! You will come to know him and love him. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 So surrender to him today.
“As it is said, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” Hebrews 3:15
Instead: “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” Isaiah 55:6
God bless you! Please share this message with all those who will benefit. And again, may God bless you always!
