HOW TO LIVE IN THESE DAYS

2009

January through April

By Joan Royer

INTRODUCTION

In this year 2009 great shaking has been going on in our country, and even in the world. The shaking is primarily coming right now in the economy. Many people are losing their jobs. Many are losing their houses. Many are losing some of their retirement funds and savings. The stock market jumps up and down by big swings daily. Some businesses are going bankrupt. Some banks have been faltering near collapse, and some have collapsed or are bought out by other banks. It is a scary time to be living. This is also happening in other countries and the leaders of these countries are looking for ways to stabilize things. People are looking for leaders who can help. What can we do! Where can we turn for help? 

This is a book taken from my journal writings during these days. I am looking to God Almighty for my help and guidance and comfort during these days. Since I have given my life to God through Jesus Christ my Lord, I seek Him daily for this. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God as He told us when He was here on earth. He went to the cross willingly to die as a sacrifice for our sins. He had no sin in Himself; He was pure and without sin. So He was the perfect sacrifice for my sins. Since He took them on Himself and died in my place, I can be forgiven for my sins through Him. All I need to do is to believe what He did for me; then repent of all my sins, ask Jesus to forgive me for those sins, and ask Him to come and live inside me and be my Savior and Lord. He will do that! 

Since I have Jesus living inside me I seek His presence daily and seek His guidance on how to live in these days. He gives me His amazing peace to walk through these days in quiet rest and trust in Him. I will put in this book some of the dreams, thoughts, impressions, and guidance He has given me. Perhaps some of what I write here will also speak to you and comfort you as you walk through the difficult days in your own life. There is nothing and no one else that is stable during these days. Jesus is our Rock and our Fortress.

This is what the Holy Spirit says about the messages He brings:

I will tell you what it means. I speak in riddles sometimes. I do this so you will seek Me to know what I said and what I mean. I want to teach you something, so I give you a vision, a dream, or a message to stimulate you to come and listen to Me to hear what I want to teach you today, at this time, regarding this time.

Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You, too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. (James 5:7-8)

* * *

January 1, 2009

I finished reading Mike Bickle's book of notes for the ONETHING CONFERENCE 2008	regarding the Book of Revelation: Forerunners Preparing the Bride. It was most interesting. He does not believe the Christians will be raptured before the tribulation, but after it when Jesus returns and everyone sees Him. Mike is ministering to prepare those who will go through the tribulation in how to help people understand what is going on then, how to help bring about the judgments through prayer, etc. His material can be found at www.IHOP.org.  There are free teachings available (this one also) at www.IHOP.org/free.

I see myself as a "forerunner" who seeks to understand what is coming and writes what the Holy Spirit shows me to help others during the tribulation and beyond through the Millenium. I relate to what John the Baptist says in John 1:23 

He said, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness: make straight the way of the Lord, as the prophet Isaiah said." 

And what Isaiah 40:3 says: 

The voice of one crying in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God." 

However, I believe that Christians will be raptured before the tribulation, and my writings will be ministering to others during the tribulation. We will learn which way it will be as we live out the next few years.

* * *

January 2, 2009

I felt led to try to find some Christian TV show to watch while doing my dishes this morning, so I used the TV guide and found the 700 Club was on. At just the time I turned to it, they were doing a segment on Pat Robertson's predictions for 2009 which he gives on the first day of each year after spending retreat time with the Lord seeking wisdom from Him about what's coming. These ideas came:

1.	The economy will improve, not get worse, perhaps even by the second quarter.
2.	America will be willing to become more socialistic and allow the government greater power to change things than it has been since the 1930's new deal.
3.	Hyperinflation is coming due to the dollar falling in value. America will not be the leader worldwide anymore, and the dollar will not be trusted as the world's currency to base things on. People on fixed incomes will have a difficult time as the cost of things accelerates.
4.	Obama will be able to get anything he wants (so pray for wisdom for him).
5.	Islam is on the decline because of reaction against the terrible things they have done killing people.
6.	People are ready for the greatest advance of the Gospel ever, especially Muslims. They are seeking answers.

* * *

January 3, 2009

A DREAM ABOUT WIND AND RAIN BLOWING IN TWO WINDOWS BY OUR BED

In this dream Beth and I were in a room like a dorm room. There was a large bed that we had slept in. We had just gotten up so I was trying to make up the bed. As I tried to make up the bed I kept finding various layers there which were unexpected. 

It seemed we were supposed to go to an outside sale of items like a farmer's market type of affair, and we had slept rather late. Some people from our church were already at the market and we were getting ready to go as soon as possible. I saw Cindy outside the window I was standing by. Beth mentioned seeing Carol.

There were two very tall windows in the wall at the head of the bed on either side of it. They had layers of things covering them, some wood and maybe some glass. However the coverings blew off …and wind and rain were blowing in hard. 

Interpretation:

The setting for this dream was in a room, like a dorm room, which symbolizes a place to learn things. It was a place of rest and intimacy and we rested there. Our rest included layers of unexpected things. We had just gotten up so I was trying to make up the bed (put things back in the same order they were before we rested).

It seemed we were supposed to go to an outside sale of items (like a farmer's market type of affair) and we had slept rather late. Some people were already at the market and we were getting ready to go as soon as possible. This could symbolize ministry we were planning to engage in (selling things) which could refer to helping people "buy" oil and other things needed for salvation and perseverance.

There were two very tall windows in the wall at the head of the bed on either side of it. These windows represent large possibilities for revelation. They were covered with layers of things which may represent things blocking that revelation. However the coverings blew off …and wind and rain were blowing in hard. This may represent revival coming with fierceness and great power, which opens up lots of revelation possibilities.

Seeing Cindy and Beth mentioning Carol may symbolize this event happening involving our church.

This is a dream from Me. It is very special and important. That's why I had you spend time writing it and interpreting it rather than doing the errands you had planned to do today. This shows a picture of us (you and Me) resting in intimacy, then getting up together to go out to minister to others. Whatever I give you, that is what you have to give out to others. The two very tall windows show the possibility of great revelations coming soon - as soon as I send the wind and rain to open them up. I want you to be watching and waiting for this to happen, and to expect great revelations for you to follow. We will do this together. And, yes, your church will be involved too. Beth will be involved too. Look for this to happen soon. Expect it. Pray for it.

* * *

January 4, 2009

A DREAM ABOUT TALKING TO CHILDREN AT CAMP

In this dream I was visiting a children's camp watching what they were doing. As they went by they would ask me a question, or we would talk a bit. I enjoyed just being there and talking with them about whatever they needed/wanted to talk about. One of the ladies who helped lead would come to me and try to see what thing I might want to lead at the camp, but I wasn't interested in leading, just being available to talk to the children as they wanted to. 

After I awoke the Holy Spirit helped me realize that it was ok to just be available for His children, and talk with them as they wanted to, and not to take a leadership role in some class. He cares about His children and wants me to relate to them in that way.

Also during the night I asked the Lord what His purpose for me was. 

And He said, "to be His friend." 

I like that answer, Lord, because that's what I desire most right now - to be Your friend.

And I am the One who put that desire in you, Joan, to be My friend. I want/need friendship, just like you do, and that's what I have been developing in you for your whole lifetime so far. Just continue to be My friend, and all will go well with you. I will take care of you always and never leave you or forsake you. So many people have come and gone in your life, but I will never leave you. You will ALWAYS have Me with you. That's the kind of person I have developed you to be - My friend.

* * *

January 6, 2009

A DREAM ABOUT BEING PUT ON THE FOOTBALL TEAM

In this dream I was put on the football team at my school. It was difficult because I couldn't throw the ball well even though I tried. I was trying to get someone to teach me how to do it right. I also went through the football locker/office area and cleaned it up. While doing that I found some small football charm which I gave to some woman to use for a necklace.

Interpretation:

Go with your feet shod with the Gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:10-18). You take the Gospel of peace with you wherever you go, and through sharing that Gospel you share Me with others. You share My peace with others and it comforts them. My Gospel is one of peace, love, joy, righteousness, and salvation. That is what you take with you all the time, wherever you go. Put that Gospel on each morning before you "go forth" into that day, and take it to all whom you meet…and all situations you encounter. That is the "football team" you are a member of. That is My message through this dream. You "display" this like a necklace is displayed. Worshiping Me is displaying Me before others too. And it fights the spiritual warfare for you. And it "proceeds from your heart." That's what I want you to know from this dream.

Thank You, Lord! Right now I put on the Gospel of righteousness, peace, joy, love and salvation. I will take it with me everywhere I go today and share it with others as You lead me…in whatever way You lead me. For some it might mean giving a smile; for others it might mean giving something else; for even others it might mean telling them about You and what You did for them. I look for Your leading.

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January 7, 2009

Quote from the book Speak, Lord, I'm Listening by Larry Kreider, pg. 26

What Sets Christian Meditation Apart

   Western Christians today are often a bit leery of meditation because it is generally seen as a practice of the New Age movement and its association with Transcendental Meditation ™, which is steeped in Hindu philosophy. There are two major differences, however, between other forms of meditation and Christian meditation. In Christian meditation, the believer seeks to fill his or her thoughts with truths about God from the Word of God. "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night" (Ps. 1:2). Rather than emptying oneself, the Christian fills his or her mind with the promises that God has given in His Word.
   In meditation that is practiced with some yoga techniques or by Hindu gurus and Buddhist monks, the individual seeks to empty self or consciousness of all thoughts, often using a tool called a mantra - a word or sounds that the person repeats until the mind is completely empty. This exercise is supposed to allow relaxation and a relief from stress. However, in this disconnection between the body and spirit, or altered state of consciousness, a doorway to a false spirit can be opened to the human soul. In sharp contrast, God's Word encourages us to fill our minds with (meditate on) the Word of God. As we do so, the Holy Spirit illuminates the Word of God from our spirit to our minds, and we are changed.
   You could simplify the differences between Christian meditation and other meditation by saying that Christian meditation dwells on the already revealed or inspired revelation of God's Word, and God as the object of worship and adoration; other forms of meditation seek some new truth to be revealed, with the object of worship being self.

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January 8, 2009

One of the best times the Holy Spirit speaks to me is when I read Scripture. It's like He's giving me a running commentary in my thoughts while I read His Word. The Holy Spirit was speaking ideas to me today as I read this Scripture. 

   The people surrounded him and asked, "How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly."
   Jesus replied, "I have already told you, and you don't believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father's name. But you don't believe me because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father's hand. The Father and I are one." (John 10:24-30 NLT)

Here are some of those ideas:

Jesus replied, "I have already told you, and you don't believe me. 

You see, Joan, there are some people who have already been told and they don't believe Me. They may have seen or heard the proof, but still don't believe Me. That is their choice. So, they are not My sheep.

The proof is the work I do in my Father's name. But you don't believe me because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 

Those who ARE My sheep DO hear My voice. I KNOW them. They listen to My voice. They follow Me. That is work that the Holy Spirit does. You cannot do this work, but you can only testify to who I am by what you say and do. It is up to them whether they listen to My voice and become My sheep. Some have heard My voice (as they did in this Scripture passage) and didn't listen and believe. That is their choice. I already know all those who will become My sheep, and how many are left yet who will do this. When the last one who will, becomes My sheep, then I will rapture all of Mine up to heaven to be with Me during the tribulation. You are one of those and your children are also.

I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father's hand. The Father and I are one." (John 10:25-30 NLT)

You see, the only ones who (seemingly) become snatched from My hand are those who truly weren't committed to Me in the first place (like the foolish bridesmaids in Matthew 25:1-13). They might have thought they were, and looked like they were, but "the cares of this world" and "the lack of depth of their commitment" (Matthew 13:1-30) caused them to give up their supposed belief (or exposed the lack of depth of belief). It's those who persevere/continue in listening to Me and following Me who can't be snatched from My hand.

Regarding some people I was concerned about, He said:

You are not to evaluate them anymore. You are to let Me do that evaluation regarding how strong their faith in Me is. Just keep praying for them.

I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called -- his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. (Ephesians 1:16-19 NLT)

So I prayed this Scripture for them and my whole prayer bundle.

* * *

January 9, 2009

A DREAM ABOUT SEWING POCKETS IN A SKIRT

In this dream I was sewing together the parts for a full pleated skirt for myself. It seemed to have the cloth pieces for several pockets, but I felt I could only sew one pocket into it for some reason (?). Later I sewed another skirt which also had cloth pieces for several pockets, and I sewed all of them this time. I seemed to be able to identify the pocket pieces because they were pink.

My thoughts of interpretation:  

I am in the process of sewing or joining together with a new covering of grace which includes room for more possessions or things I own now, new things which are hidden in me. I used to have a covering which had only one pocket, but now I have (am preparing) a new covering which has many pockets. I somehow sew these together. This could symbolize my coming into union with greater possibilities. It may also refer to being reconciled now to the Lord and to my past circumstances so there is freedom to store up in my covering greater grace, greater righteousness, a better spirit/attitude, more anointing, and greater things I am going to be doing. These things will be things I have a God-given passion for. What do You want to tell me about this dream, Lord? Is it from You? What does it mean to You?

Yes. That is My answer to "is it from You?" I want to tell you about this dream - that it is given to give you hope and expectation for new things that are coming in your life that you are now ready for. The dream means - expect more grace and more hidden possessions in your covering. I am your covering and I am your grace. Expect more from Me now. It is being put together even now for you. And I will give you passion for whatever it is I have for you now.

* * *

January 10, 2009

These are the words I heard just as I awoke this morning. It seemed like Beth said the first line as if she was announcing to me some message she saw that was for me. Then the second line was like the Lord was giving me this message.

M, shore secretary,

I will be there when the mountains dry up and the springs are dry.

This message seems to be saying to me:

To Margaret (my first name), 
One who goes to the boundaries (shore) of her spiritual search,
One who is capable of providing support and assistance to others (secretary),
One who goes to the edge (shore) of the masses of people and tries to assist and support them.

I, the Lord, will be with you, there where you are, 
I will always still exist and be there
When the mountains give off no more water, when those who are great and exalted have no more of the spirit to give, when people have dried up and have no more life to give,
When the springs are dry - meaning there is no more spiritual life left in those who gave it previously.

This may be the Lord saying to me that He will always exist, from everlasting to everlasting. He will always be with me, no matter what happens in the world. He's saying I am His secretary, trying to assist and support others. That is the way He sees me. He may be saying that when those who seem great and huge (like mountains now) don't have any more (water) to give, and those who spout forth words of supposed knowledge (springs) are all dried up with nothing more to give forth, He will still exist and He will still be there.

This is the best I know to try to interpret what You said, Lord. Did You say these words to me? And what do they mean, if so?

I will tell you what it means. I speak in riddles sometimes. I do this so you will seek Me to know what I said and what I mean. I want to teach you something, so I give you a vision, a dream, or a message to stimulate you to come and listen to Me to hear what I want to teach you today, at this time, regarding this time.

I want you to know that when all the "great ones" who try to explain things in this world, and all those who spout forth their supposed great wisdom, are all dried up (meaning they have nothing more to say and no more explanations to give from out of their spirit or knowledge), then know that I am still there to show you, tell you, teach you, what is happening and what is the truth. I will always enlighten you on circumstances going on in the world FROM MY STANDPOINT, MY PERSPECTIVE. That is what you REALLY want to know anyway, right?

Yes, Lord.

So know, as My secretary, My one who is there in the waters of the world, the people of the world, and as one who is on the shore watching out over the ocean of people and events of the world, and who is ready to assist and support others in My Name, that I am ALWAYS with you and will ALWAYS explain what is happening to you as you seek Me to do so.

Yes, this is for you. Yes, I gave it. Yes, it is to assure you that no matter what happens in the world, I will be there with you.

* * *

JOURNAL 1-11-09 Sunday

Today the Lord told me I was His pearl, His pearl of great price - which He gave a great price to purchase. He said I was His "hidden pearl." My first name is Margaret, and the meaning of that name is pearl. I think He plans to keep me "hidden."

* * *

A DREAM ABOUT MIXING MEDICINE TO TAKE

In this dream I was to mix up medicine to take - enough for several doses. This needed to be done regularly. Other people were to do this also. I went to some meeting regarding this routine. We were to indicate how long we had been doing this. I had been for three months. The leader of the meeting would call out the length of time she had been doing it also, then if you had been doing it the same length of time, you could volunteer to trade with her what you had brought to the meeting (your plate of medicine). I did that when she called out 3 months. I got up from my seat and walked forward to trade mine with hers. I felt pleased that I got to do this as I walked forward. Later I was at a filling station and was to get gas (or something) there from the gas pumps. 

Interpretation:

Yes, it's from Me. Write out what you think it means, then I will share with you.

This dream seems to be telling me to regularly take the "medicine" of prayer, influence, and healing. I get to trade my own "medicine" for the Holy Spirit's "medicine" and I am delighted to get to do that. The number 3 (months) reminds me of the three angels I saw in the vision at CFO camp and the 3 seasons of my life they stood for. Perhaps I am to ponder that vision again. I think I am in the 3rd season and that it is about over. It seems to be a dream to remind me and encourage me to keep taking my "medicine"

That's right, Joan. I am encouraging you to keep on praying, reading My Word, soaking in My Presence, talking to Me, and listening to Me. This is just a reminder dream, but a good one.

* * *

JOURNAL 1-12-09 Monday

A DREAM ABOUT G SAYING THE CHURCH NAME WAS CORNERSTONE CHURCH ON THE CORNER OF CENTRAL AND NORTH

In this dream I seemed to be at CBC (or some church) and overheard G answer the phone in another room. He answered it by saying: "Cornerstone Church at the corner of Central and North." I hadn't heard that the church name had been changed and thought "It still is going to be CBC (or whatever church it was - it wasn't named) for me." Then I heard G talking with someone else about the name of the church and that person seemed to be disagreeing with him. Then G came into the room where I was and he was lying on his right side on a bed there and was complaining to me about how that person had treated him in regard to the church's name. He seemed to indicate that the person's name was Roy King. (stands for Royal King?)

Cornerstone is a name for Jesus. He is the "cornerstone" of the church. Central may refer to Him being central, first, most important, in our lives. North can symbolize something spiritual, judgment, Heaven or heavenly, or spiritual warfare (as in taking your inheritance). So the name of this church, which G is stating, may refer to his recognizing Jesus as Lord of his life, or a need to state that and follow that. The person he was getting disagreement from was named Roy King. This may symbolize Royal King, Jesus, and G seems to be arguing with Him in the dream. Then he comes to me, and complains about what Roy King said to him. As I pondered this dream before the Lord, He had me pray in my prayer language for G.  This dream may be showing me God is doing something in G's life right now and he needs my prayers. So I prayed for him. Then the Lord said to me:

More and more I will be giving you dreams that will be prayer directives. This dream is a directive to pray for G. He is in a close personal relationship with you and believes in you and trusts you. I will hear your prayers for him, and he needs them now. Pray in the Spirit for him, and I will hear those prayers. Keep praying for him each time he comes to your mind for awhile now, until I take away the directive to do that. OK?

Ok, Lord.

Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. (Ephesians 2:20 NLT)

* * *

Yesterday Jim Goll spoke at our church and he read this Scripture:

All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. (Hebrews 11:3-12:2 NLT)

Today as I read this Scripture again, I am reminded of a past dream God gave me in which I was seated out in front of a line of people who made up an orchestra which was being conducted by Jesus. Those behind me were those who had gone before me and I was the one now living on earth. We were all part of the orchestra, and it was my turn to be alive on earth. But they were still part of what was being played. They were like the great cloud of witnesses (crowd of witnesses in this version) cheering me on. And the Holy Spirit was the Singer in front of us singing across the field of the world.

Jim went on to tell us of glimpses he was given into the heavenly realm when he saw his wife there (who recently died). The message given to him, through an angel bringing him a card with the last message from his wife, was to never, never, never, never quit. To keep on "counting the stars" that represented promises God had given to him.

* * *

JOURNAL 1-13-09 Tuesday

A DREAM ABOUT LEARNING TO ORDER SPORTS EQUIPMENT FOR MY CLASSROOM AND A TRUCK ARRIVING TO BRING LUMBER

In this dream I was a teacher of little children. I took them out for recess for someone else to watch them while they played. I didn't find any balls or equipment for them to play with in the storage area for that. I saw that other teachers had such supplies, and then realized that they had ordered them earlier for their classrooms. I didn't know I was supposed to do that, so I hadn't. I knew then that I needed to order such supplies ahead of time next time.

I saw a group of us women teachers standing around and I was observing our dresses. We each had loose-fitting cotton jumper-type dresses. Two of the women had on the same dress - dark blue with white design/dots in it. 

In the next scene I saw a long large truck coming up to my place of living carrying long pieces of lumber. I realized they were for something I/we were planning to build in one of our rooms. I called out to someone to have them leave the lumber in our driveway so it would then be available for building that. I realized my car wouldn't then be able to use the driveway, so I would need to keep it in the street for awhile.

I wanted to write this dream down in case it was a prayer directive that I needed to be praying about.

1.	When teaching others, I need to "order the necessary supplies ahead of time." This comes by praying.
2.	It's important to be aware of and wear the right covering/mantle when teaching others.
3.	The necessary lumber for building is being delivered to me for what I am to begin building. In doing this new building, I am to move my car out into the street. This refers to begin building my ministry out into the street and use the building materials God brings to build the new thing He is desiring for me to do. 

I believe I am to now begin praying for the people on my street from Windsong to the end of 34th St. as I walk up and down this section of land. This idea came to me as I read Kris Vallotin's book about their ministry to the small town of Lewiston, CA on pp. 182-185 in the following book.

* * *

(Quotes from The Supernatural Ways of Royalty by Bill Johnson and Kris Valloton)

Inheritance
(p. 188-9 by Bill Johnson) 
   The key ingredient of this process of increase is inheritance. Inheritance is the link between the generations. It is what each generation receives from the previous generation, and then what they pass on to the next. When one generation has been "fruitful and multiplied," the next generation starts out ahead of where they would have had to start in a certain area of life…

   If, as God's royal priesthood, we understand that it is by inheritance that God wishes to establish each generation to advance His Kingdom, we must recognize what that makes us responsible for. When we receive an inheritance, we are freely getting what someone else paid a price for. Inheritance makes each generation responsible to both receive and honor what has passed on from the previous generation, and then pay their own price to make it grow so that the next generation starts ahead of them. The ceiling of one generation must become the floor of the next. In our lifetime, this requires us to act with an awareness that our actions affect generations ahead of us. This is precisely the effect that righteousness will have on the way we think, because "a righteous man leaves an inheritance to his children's children."

Revelation
   But what constitutes the inheritance of the Kingdom? What do we receive from our royal history, and what are we to give to those ahead of us? After God established His covenant with the people of Israel at Mount Sinai, Moses made this statement: "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law" (Deut. 29:29). "Revelation," or the "things which are revealed," is the inheritance of the Kingdom.

(pg. 197 by Bill Johnson) 
   God hides things for us because, "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter" (Prov. 25:1). God is glorified by not speaking in plain language to you. He's actually glorified by speaking in parables and symbols and dark sayings. And because the glory of kings is to search out a matter, the royalty that exists in the life of the believer comes to the surface when we realize we have legal access to hidden things and we begin to pursue the unlocking of those mysteries…

   Now those who gain access to realms of revelation and anointing, through rising into their royal call and searching out the matters that have gripped their hearts, will experience a spike in human experience, just as the heroes of history did. But what they and the people of God must realize is that that spike is not to equip just one person to operate in that realm, but to empower that person to equip the Body of Christ to walk in that anointing, in order to establish it as the new norm for Kingdom life.

(pg. 185) (by Kris Vallotin)
   What I learned firsthand through the experience is that we in the Body of Christ have what it takes to see our cities transformed. If we are willing to follow the burden in our hearts and take ownership for our community beyond what is expected, God will give us the strategies and strength to see breakthrough happen.

   The Body of Christ is equipped to bring the kingdom of righteousness, peace and joy wherever we go. We have power over the evil prince that keeps people in bondage. We have love that causes people to know they are cared about. We have grace that gives them the power to change. We have mercy that picks them up when they fall. We have courage that stands in the face of violence and brings peace, and we have wisdom that shows people how to live. Most of all, we have an awesome Father who knows how to melt the hearts of His people. We have the answers to the world's problems and the devil's devices.

You honor God by reading and studying about the lives of men/women whom He has anointed and guided and led to do things in their lives for Him. You honor those people by reading the "inheritance" they left to you through their writings. Others honor Me and you by reading and studying what you and I wrote together. This writing is your inheritance which I wrote in and through you which you are leaving for them.

* * *

JOURNAL 1-14-09 Wednesday

Pastors Alan, Joe, and Don are your spiritual covering. I want you at CTC to stay under their covering. That is one reason you are doing so well here in Lee's Summit, is that you have such powerful and effective spiritual covering over you. I want that for you. That is one of many reasons I brought you here to live in these days. They are covering for Beth also, and so are you covering for her, and so is Lee. That is one reason she is so effective in prayer for healing for others - because of her strong covering. You may tell her this if the time ever comes you feel you should.

* * *

(Quote from The Supernatural Ways of Royalty by Bill Johnson and Kris Vallotton)

Affecting the Invisible Realm
(pp.204-5 Kris Vallotton)

It's amazing that an apostle with a hanky has more power than seven sons of Sceva with the right name. Paul had something they didn't - an apostolic commission. There are two reasons why that is significant: the first is that Paul was an apostle because he was commissioned to be one in Acts 13 by the Holy Spirit and by the other church leaders. He was under authority, and Scripture shows us that we only have as much authority as we have submitted to…

The second reason Paul had authority is because he was commissioned as an apostle. Although there are other roles and levels of leadership in the church, apostles and prophets are specifically called the foundation of the church (see Eph. 2:20). Paul was designated as a governmental leader of the Body of Christ, and as such was assigned to a much larger sphere of spiritual influence than most of us are. Because of how authority works, when we come into submission to an apostolic leader and are commissioned to serve their mission, we can operate with their authority. That is probably the broadest and most fundamental level of our spiritual covering.

How does spiritual authority work? When we pray, prophesy, and minister in the name of the Lord, we know that the Holy Spirit is the ultimate source of power and authority. In the same way that we are invited to co-labor with Him, God commissions angels to carry out His will. In Hebrews 1:13 it says of the angels, "Are they not ministering spirits sent out to render service for the sake of those who will receive salvation?" The angels are there to make sure that the sons and daughters of the King come into their destiny and that the mission of the Kingdom actually happens. What many of us don't realize is that we have a role in commissioning the angels. Psalm 103:19-20 says:

The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all. Bless the Lord, you His angels, mighty in strength who perform His word, obeying the voice of His word. Bless you, the Lord, all His hosts, you who serve Him, doing His will. Bless the Lord all you works of His in all places of His dominion. Bless the Lord, oh my soul.

The angels heed the voice of His word, but the Church is His voice to declare that word on earth. I am proposing to you that the angels actually receive their commissioning from the prayers and prophecies of the saints. I don't think we have to tell the angels what to do; I think we just need to pray and prophesy in the Name of the Lord, and when they hear the word of the Lord they go out and perform it. But we can only declare a word of the Lord that commissions the angels if we are under authority and therefore have authority to send them.

* * *

JOURNAL 1-14-09 Thursday

(Quote from The Supernatural Ways of Royalty by Bill Johnson and Kris Vallotton)

(pg 207 Kris Vallotton)

There is no victory without a battle. Battles are designed to free us from the prisons of life and take us to the palace of our destiny. Between the prison and the palace there is always a process that this warfare facilitates. The process is often better described as a trial. The trials of our life are designed to develop our character so that we can stay in the palace.

Yes, you are in the palace now, Joan. You are a special, special daughter of the King - King Jesus. You had to go through a major battle to get here. That major battle was your marital failure. It brought many battle fronts on which you had to fight: emotional, spiritual, physical, and financial. And you had to fight battles for your children during that time too. All of these battles brought you to be freer from the prisons of life.

That's why I get to stay in the palace you have me in right now, Lord? Because You have developed my character so that I can stay in it?

Yes, that's true. You know you don't deserve such blessings as I am pouring out on you, but you also know that I keep giving them. That's because you have now gotten your character developed enough so you can stay there. It is My blessing: to develop the character, to bring you to the palace, and to keep you there. It is all My grace and My blessing.

I praise You, Lord, and thank You, Lord!!!

So I want you to see where you are in your life right now, and why you are there, and know that I will keep you there - and it's all because of Me, not you. You've been through many battles to get here.

Thank You, Lord!!!

* * *

(Quote from The Supernatural Ways of Royalty by Bill Johnson and Kris Vallotton)

(pg 208-9 Kris Vallotton)

Notice that Joseph submitted to Pharaoh's authority, even though Pharaoh was a pagan leader. God could trust him with the position he had dreamt of years earlier because he had learned submission through his trials. He maintained that attitude in his position of authority. Submission to Pharaoh didn't mean he abandoned his identity and belief in God. It was precisely God's plans and ways that gave him the wisdom Pharaoh deferred to. Romans 13:1 states: "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God." Because Joseph recognized God's delegated authority and His way of testing, he proved himself worthy to walk in authority.

(pg. 210-211 Kris Vallotton)
…Giants in Scripture are often a symbol of spiritual principalities. Goliath's challenge is a good example of how spiritual authority works. If the principality is unseated, then everyone that was under its influence will come under the influence of whatever replaces it.. (Here [1 Samuel 17:9], if someone kills the giant, all the Philistines will serve Israel, but if that person loses the battle, all of Israel will be enslaved to the Philistines.)

David is up for the task because, like Joseph, he has been faithful in a place of obscurity. He has been doing a remarkable job taking care of a herd of sheep on the edge of the wilderness. Once again, this is the key to obtaining spiritual authority: submission until promotion. Little did he know that the challenges he faced while protecting his flock would prepare him for his day of destiny.

Before he can fight Goliath, again like Joseph, he must first endure his brothers' ridicule. Those of us who aspire to leadership must realize that we will face what Joseph and David did from their brothers. Like David and Joseph's brothers, people who have no vision live their lives in the bondage of their own frailties and sins. They persecute anyone who has a vision, has conquered fear, or lives their life above sin rather than under it. This persecution takes place because it is easy to feel all right about their bondage as long as everybody they know is in bondage too--misery loves company. If someone starts to get victory in the same circumstances that others are failing in, it takes away their excuses and calls them to give an account for the inconsistencies in their character.

Scripture says that David, before he fought the giant, left "his baggage with the baggage keeper" (1 Sam. 17:22). While that wasn't necessarily a character test for him, I believe it's mentioned as a significant detail because he is modeling how we should face our challenges. David didn't go into battle without first unloading anything that could hinder him. Similarly, we shouldn't plunge into confrontation with the enemy without first letting God confront any unresolved sin or issues in our heart. I find the most important things we do in our lives are often done in private. Watch out for people who have a public victory without a private one.

Because David took down the champion of the Philistines, the battle ended. David's personal victory became a corporate blessing, bringing all of Israel peace.

* * *

Do I have a corporate blessing because of all the trials I have been through, Lord?

Yes. Your corporate blessing is conferred on Beth first of all. That's one reason I sent you here to live with her…so it could be brought into her home and life more easily. And secondly, it is over Kim and John, your other children whom you pray for regularly. Your corporate blessing covers them too…even when they make some poor choices. I am with them and help them through all their days and their choices, and keep them provided for. I will continue to do that to all of your children.

Thank You, Lord, for doing that!!! It means so much to me!

* * *

(Quote from The Supernatural Ways of Royalty by Bill Johnson and Kris Vallotton)
 
(pg. 211 Kris Vallotton)

Favor With the Invisible

One of the principles that is important for us to understand here is that physical obedience brings spiritual release. Paul said that the natural is first, then the spiritual (see 1 Cor. 15:46). We have been investigating the lives of people who passed their character tests, completing the process of promotion in the natural (visible) realm of life, which then resulted in gaining authority in the spirit (invisible) realm. Much of the church hardly acknowledges the invisible realm at all, much less realizes the implications that it has on our daily lives. The invisible kingdom that lies within us and around us is more powerful than the visible world that is perceived with our natural eyes. We are either benefited or befuddled by the invisible world, depending on how we relate to it.

* * *

JOURNAL 1-16-09 Friday

I had a dream last night where someone else and I were putting on a musical/dramatic performance around the theme of America and how great it is. When we finished that, we began putting together ideas for the next production. I was planning food for it and was thinking about putting out ingredients for sandwiches (meats, cheeses, lettuce, breads, etc).

I am reading Joyce Meyer's book 100 Ways to Simplify Your Life and find it very good and helpful.

* * *

JOURNAL 1-17-09 Saturday

A DREAM ABOUT SEEING SMALL AND LARGE DARK CLOUDS

In this dream I was riding in a car someone else was driving. I was in the back seat. I looked out the windows and saw dark clouds in an otherwise clear sky. The dark clouds would appear in various sizes, some very small and some quite large. They appeared as individual clouds, not part of a whole front of clouds. I watched as a very small cloud came down to the ground and touched it. I saw a very large one above where we were driving.

Interpretation:

I was experiencing this event from inside the car which represents my life and ministry. But I wasn't driving so I am not controlling it or choosing its destination. I am only an observer. In fact I am in the back seat, not even in the front seat. These individual clouds seem to represent individual threatening events in the world, some little and some large. Some even come clear down to the ground and touching it - which may represent touching people or places. It may show a representation of the world right now where many negative events are happening and I have no control over them. I just get to watch them from inside the safety of being where I have been placed. It reminds me of the vision I had years ago where I was in a clear bubble which kept me safe but I could still see what was going on around me.

I gave you this for a reason, Joan. What might that reason be?

To prepare me to know I will be seeing "dark cloud" events? And possibly not to be afraid of them because I will be kept safe in my car?

Yes, that is so. But there is more. You must be "in your car," which is your ministry, when these events come, and from that position, you can take your ministry of writing about these events along with you to share with others in writing. I want you to be including a record of these "dark cloud" events in your daily journal. Like the "dark cloud" event that took place this week when that plane went down in the Hudson River in NY. That was such a miracle that I want that event recorded. That doesn't mean to record everything that is in the news - just the events that I lead you to, especially the ones that glorify Me.

* * *

IN THE NEWS

A most amazing event took place this week in the news. A twin engine plane of US Airways with 155 people aboard took off from New York La Guardia airport bound for Raleigh, North Carolina. Just minutes after takeoff a flock of Canadian geese flew into the plane's two engines which shut both engines down. Without any power the pilot turned the plane around and looked for an airport he could land in. Realizing that wasn't going to work, he landed the plane in the Hudson River. The plane floated awhile and all the people were able to get off in time. 

Miraculously it stopped right in the pathway where ferry boats crossed the river between NY and NJ. These ferry boats quickly came to the rescue of the passengers and some of them were even able to step right from the open door on the side of the plane into a boat. Others went down the opened chute into the water and were picked up. Many went out on the wing of the plane and were rescued from there. It was just amazing! The pilot had set the plane down just right so it didn't break apart or flip over. He is being hailed as a hero now for saving all those lives. The NYPD and the FDNY arrived within a very short time and helped people also. There were no major injuries, the worst I know of so far was a broken leg. 

It really seemed like a miracle from God: 1) in the timing so they were near the river and could make a semi-soft landing there, 2) the pilot was a very experienced one who automatically knew exactly what to do and could make quick accurate decisions as the plane was floating downward, 3) the plane was able to fly above a bridge across the area and not into it, 4) the landing was in the exact area where the ferry boats were crossing the river so they got to the plane quickly, etc. People are calling it a miracle. I do too. This demonstrates God's hand in this situation. I can imagine His angels being there helping everyone.

* * *

JOURNAL 1-18-09 Sunday

A DREAM ABOUT A BEACH BALL AND PAIL

In the midst of dreaming last night I was told by someone coming up to me that my beach ball and pail were somewhere waiting for me to pick them up. I seemed as if I (or my daughter) had been using them at the beach, and I needed to now pick them up to take them with me. It was said to me more than once, but I don't know how many times.

Interpretation: 

This dream suggests to me that there is a pail and beach ball that belong to me and I had been using them. Now I need to pick them up so I can take them with me. They may represent my spiritual role in life, my spiritual quest, and what I give to others spiritually. The amount I have to give in this life is small, like a beach pail, but it is still the part that I am to contribute to the "Kingdom of God." 

It reminds me that I am to pray for the people who live on my street, and that if each Christian did that for the people who live on their streets, then lots of people in LS would receive prayer. God could use that to work revival here. Each small part of the whole is important and necessary.

How do I "pick them up," Lord? Does "pick them up" mean to start using them more? What do You want to tell me about this dream?

As I looked at the rainbow prisms/balls of light coming from the sun shining through the large crystal ball hanging in our window, the Lord drew my thoughts to the fact that those balls of light were all small and there were many of them, that the light didn't go through that crystal ball with one huge prism of light, but many, many small ones. In a similar way His light comes through His Body of people into many, many prisms of light, each one being small but a replica of Him broken into small parts. 

As I write today, this Scripture keeps coming to my mind, so I will put it here. Perhaps it's for someone who will read this someday:

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! (Isaiah 26:3 NLT)

I want to draw your attention to the pail. It is a pail used for fun, for pleasure. It is used for times of refreshing apart with Me. As you use your pail along the beach you are in the sun (Son) and playing (worshipping) in the sand. The sand DOES represent the people you will give an inheritance to, just as many others, who have gone before you, give an inheritance to you through their speaking, writing, etc. You also have an inheritance to give to those who come after you - those you impact and influence (like perfume). You give My fragrance to others daily as you come in contact with them and pray for them. In this way you spread My fragrance through your portion of the world. 

You DO have a beach ball and pail that is just for you. I wanted you to recognize that they are specifically yours, not someone else's, and I want you to pick up just yours. It isn't that you are not already walking in that ministry to others; you are. I just wanted to draw your attention to it. I wanted you to see that the ball you take with you is lighthearted and simple, easy to share, pleasant/fun to do and to receive by others. I am that way too, and I work and manifest Myself through you in that way. It is a blessing to others, even as I am a blessing to them through you. 

That is the message/point of the dream message - to encourage you to continue doing your small part in the whole "beach/ocean" of the world. Do it with lightheartedness, simplicity, and enjoyment.

* * *

JOURNAL 1-19-09 Monday

A DREAM ABOUT WATCHING JOHN AND CAROL'S BABY

In this dream I was helping to take care of some baby. It seemed to belong to someone else - perhaps John and Carol. It was quite young as it couldn't sit up by itself, couldn't hold its head up by itself, etc.  But it did move around in the baby bed so it needed to be watched so it would be ok. It needed to be protected from older babies near it so it wouldn't be smothered, etc. It seemed that I needed to watch it until they could do that. 

Interpretation:

I think this dream is a prayer directive to pray for John and Carol and the "new thing" You are birthing in them. 

* * *

JOURNAL 1-20-09 Tuesday

IN THE NEWS

Today Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th President of the U. S. It was a most respectful and awe-inspiring event to watch. It made me proud of the way we choose Presidents and how we transfer power from one to the next with such gracious cordiality. I pray for God's guidance for him and his administration, for daily protection, and for Godly wisdom in what to do. I pray that he will look to God and pray for guidance daily, and that the American people will also pray for him.

* * *

JOURNAL 1-21-09 Wednesday

A DREAM ABOUT LOOKING FOR A SMALL ROUND BLACK SOAP

In this dream I was trying to find a small round black soap. It had been sent to me and I had given it to a lady who seemed to be a person who helped people. I went to her to get this soap because I had little reddish spots on the skin of my hands, and that soap was supposed to take those spots away. She didn't give me the soap so I was looking for it and asking her for it in the dream. I could picture it in a small long box with a white soap of the same size on either side of it, so that's what I was looking for.

Interpretation:

I was looking for something (soap) to bring cleansing to my works, deeds, labor, or service. What I was looking for was spiritual, but showed a lack or ignorance. I was looking for it from God's messenger or the church. That doesn't make much sense to me, Lord. Was this dream from You? And what does it refer to?

Yes, it was from Me. It refers to your deeds. They are not yet perfect, but will be cleansed when you get the right cleansing agent. In this case, black doesn't refer to evil, but to a lack of something.

What do I lack, Lord?

You lack complete and total submission to Me. Your submission under My authority is growing, getting better, but there are still a few "spots" what need cleansing for purity. Come to Me for that.

* * *

JOURNAL 1-22-09 Thursday

For forty days the floodwaters grew deeper, covering the ground and lifting the boat high above the earth. As the waters rose higher and higher above the ground, the boat floated safely on the surface. (Genesis 7:17-18 NLT)

"The boat floated safely on the surface." This is what I am doing for you and your family right now. And I will continue to keep you "floating" above the deep waters of difficulty in the world right now that will continue until I return. I have put you four in My ark of safety. I will keep you in My ark of safety until you are raptured. That is My promise to you, Joan. Count on it.

* * *

JOURNAL 1-23-09 Friday

I am to read the book Strengthen Yourself In The Lord by Bill Johnson once a month beginning on the first day of each month. This book is powerful and filled with precious nougats of wisdom about how to live life with God. 

I am to make out 3x5 cards as Bill suggested, with promises from the Word and promises from dreams, visions, and prophecies. I am to read these at least once a week on the first day of each week (Sunday).

He said to me: "I and My Word are One." The idea is that when I apply His Word to myself, I am applying Him to myself.

I asked Him to give me a Scripture confirming that, and He gave me John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."

So today I am writing out 3x5 cards with promises from visions, dreams, and Scriptures that I am to review regularly.

* * *

JOURNAL 1-24-09 Saturday

This message came in an email today:

Dear Family & Friends, 
If you recall, Maurice Sklar is a professional violinist from Russia who performed and also played in churches in Tulsa a lot in the past few years. He has been through many trials and has developed a ministry as a result. He is a very talented musician and theologian. 
My friend in California keeps me up-dated on different ministries and what they have to say about current Biblical prophecy. Here is an interesting one from Maurice Sklar. 
One of our family resolutions is to pray more. Here is something to pray about! 
Lots of love, 
Jane

Storms On The Horizon: Prayer Alert!
MAURICE SKLAR MINISTRIES

January 1, 2009

We have once again passed another prophetic threshold on the 26th of
December of 2008. Time itself is accelerating much like a snowball
rolling down a mountain: growing ever larger and moving faster and
faster as it reaches the bottom. We have entered into a narrow
funnel in the spirit realm that is propelling us into the Day of the
Lord. We are now in the beginning of the season of the time of
judgment upon the nations of the earth.

The length of time between this and the appearing of the Lord for
His bride is totally dependent upon how she will intercede in
prayer. We MUST hold back these storms of judgment that are coming
if the fullness of the harvest, particularly in the Arab and Moslem
world is to come forth for God's Kingdom. This is God's word that
He has given me at this time.

Beloved brothers and sisters in Messiah:

THERE IS NO GREATER WORK THAT WE CAN DO THAN TO GIVE OURSELVES IN
PRAYER AND INTERCESSION FOR THE NATIONS! WE HAVE THE AUTHORITY,
EVEN NOW, TO CHANGE THE COURSE OF MILLIONS OF SOULS IN ETERNITY AND WIN THEM TO GOD, IF WE WILL ONLY PRAY AND NOT FAINT AT THIS TIME.

Prayer alert #1: Pray for Israel and the Middle East!

The Israeli conflict in Gaza with Hamas is the prelude to the three
final wars coming in the very near future. The first war is
regional and God WILL judge Islam and its fanatic terrorists. All
those surrounding Israel, including Syria, Iran, parts of Jordan,
Egypt, and even portions of Iraq, among other regions, will be wiped
out and never lived in again, according to Biblical prophecy. This
will pave the way for the "international community's" response,
which will bring the second war, recorded in Ezekiel 38-39: a
Russian-led Arab coalition invading Israel from the north. The
third war will be Armageddon itself, before the return of our Lord,
Yeshua the Messiah to establish God's everlasting Kingdom on earth.

Pray for wisdom for those in authority in Israel: both politically
and militarily. In the next two-three weeks, Israel must do all she
can to eliminate the immediate threats of Hamas in the south and
Hezbollah in the north. After Obama's inauguration, the leaders of
Israel know that there will come even more pressure from America
toward the so-called "two-state solution" – which will only bring
more judgment upon America and the nations. God will NOT allow it.
Pray, nevertheless, that somehow, Obama's foreign policy team will
not completely turn their backs against Israel. Pray against the
alarming rise of anti-Semitism against the cause of Zion both here
in America and around the world. This sudden increase in
anti-Semitism, even here in America, is very disturbing to see, as
this latest war has broken out. Pray for protection of the Israeli
Defense Forces, particularly if (when!) they send in the ground
forces into Gaza. Pray for the Jewish people in Israel and around
the world that they are protected in every way: especially those
that have experienced trauma and the families of those facing the
coming days of war in the Middle East. Pray for the Palestinians
and the deceived Arab nations also! The Lord loves them ALL and
does NOT want any to perish.

It is going to get a whole lot worse as 2009 continues to unfold.
Pray for many opportunities for the Gospel message to spread and be
received among the Jewish people in Israel and throughout the world.
Finally, please pray for the return of the Jews to Israel from the
western nations and other places where they have prospered: places
in the U.S. like New York City, Los Angeles, and many cities
throughout the world in Europe, South Africa, and Australia, etc.
God will continue to shake the economies of the earth so the
fullness of the Jews WILL come home, as the Bible predicts. Ask the
Lord to wake them up and send them home!

Prayer alert #2:

Pray that the Laodicean church will repent and return to God before
it is too late! Most are asleep spiritually and cannot see what is
about to happen. Many will NOT be ready at the rapidly approaching
midnight hour when Yeshua appears in the sky to catch away His
Bride. There are so many millions of so-called "Christians" that
have never made Jesus the LORD of their lives and hearts. Watch for
the passing of two great Generals: Billy Graham and Oral Roberts.
When they are taken from this earth, a door of grace will be closed
that STILL remains open, blessed be God forever. Like Methusaleh of
old, I believe God is lengthening their lives as long as possible!
But, this won't last forever, Beloved!

God is a very patient farmer that is waiting for the precious souls
of the earth. He doesn't want ANY to perish but all to come to
repentance, even at this final hour. Pray the Lord of the Harvest
to continue to send laborers out to preach the Gospel into the
darkest regions of the nations LIKE NEVER BEFORE!

Pray against the demonic spirits of religious and occult deception
that the light of the truth will shine in millions of hearts that
are bound in darkness – ESPECIALLY IN THE MIDDLE EAST!! Pray that
billions of lost souls will be released from their spiritual
blindness and deafness and escape the damnation of hell.

Prayer alert #3:

Cry out for God to have mercy upon America! In 2005, the Lord spoke
to me an alarming prophecy concerning the preparation of the Bride
and coming judgments. Almost every one of those were stopped and/or
postponed, I believe, because of the intercession of the saints.
Blessed be His Holy name!

However, TODAY, the Lord spoke to me clearly that we are now once
again facing a removal of God's grace covering of protection. The
upcoming election in itself will be a removal of protection from
terrorism in the United States and the other Babylonian nations. I
asked The Lord why those terrorist events in that prophecy never
happened, and He said:

"President Bush fell on his knees in the oval office and cried out
to Me for mercy right after 9/11 and in the Spring of 2006. I heard
him and answered his prayers. I made a covenant with Him, like I
did with King Josiah long ago, that as long as he would be in office
as President of the United States, I would keep terrorism out of
your country. However, concerning Israel, he has failed Me. He
failed to stop the political and economic pressure upon Israel to
give up and divide the land. Therefore, I have allowed the natural
disasters and the economic judgments to begin to fall. This is only
a small taste of what is to come. I struck the American economy and
removed one third of its' wealth during the past six months. If
there is not a national humbling and repentance in America, there
will be NO way out of economic disaster. Tell my Bride to cry out
for mercy upon your land! For the coming days and weeks will be
ones of further great upheaval and change economically. There is no
stopping the next two crashes in the stock market, unless America
turns back to me in prayer, fasting, and repentance. Only my Bride
can lead them into this. The next economic plunge will reduce the
wealth of America to half. The one after that will cause the
collapse of the entire economic system and will bankrupt the entire
nation. The "American Dream" will then become the "American
Nightmare".

There are two grace coverings of protection that I have allowed to
remain over America. The first has to do with the covenant I made
with President Bush. However, if there is no spiritual change in
the next month, by the swearing in of Obama, the covering will be
removed. This will release terrorism on America and the great
cities of the earth. The Horseman of War is preparing to ride and is
waiting to be released at My command. The seal will be broken and
he is about to remove the false antichrist spirit of "peace and
safety" from the wealthy and proud nations of the earth. However, I
will not yet remove the covering of protection concerning nuclear
weapons. THAT SEAL WILL FIRST BE BROKEN IN THE MIDDLE EAST. WATCH
WHAT I DO IN THE DAYS TO COME AS I JUDGE MILITANT ISLAM: I SHALL
SURELY DEFEND ISRAEL AS ALL MY PROPHETS HAVE WRITTEN IN MY WORD.
WOE UPON ESAU! ESAU SHALL BE THE FIRST TO EXPERIENCE NUCLEAR
JUDGMENT. PRAY! PRAY! PRAY! MILLIONS OF MUSLIM SOULS ARE IN THE
BALANCE.

"Then, I will judge the other goat nations that have turned their
back on Israel with this same fire. That is the judgment of fire
upon the end your Babylonian system of spiritual deception,
idolatry, and the greed of mankind. The "nuclear threshold", as
some have called it, will be either hastened or postponed upon
America and the rest of Babylon, depending upon the prayers of My
people AT THIS TIME. IF I CAN FIND EVEN ONE INTERCESSOR, IT IS MY
DESIRE TO POSTPONE THESE TERRIBLE CALAMITIES. WILL YOU PRAY? I
have given America 50 years to return to Me, and have pleaded with
her over and over. Why will you face ruin, America: the once
beautiful and majestic. I weep over you. How have the mighty fallen!

"Many natural disasters shall also continue to come in ever
increasing frequency and intensity, as I shake violently the earth!
It is just as I have spoken of these days in My Word. Like a
pregnant woman beginning her labor, so has this planet now gone into
the beginning of major contractions. Watch and pray, for I will
surely protect and provide supernaturally for My Bride in this final
hour! BEHOLD I AM AT THE DOOR! I AM ABOUT TO RETURN FOR HER! ALL
THINGS ARE NOW MADE READY! BEHOLD THE BRIDEGROOM KING IS COMING!
LOOK UP, FOR YOUR REDEMPTION IS HERE! AMEN."

The times of decadence and plenty are nearly over. Now, we must set
out hearts on eternal things, and not this present life. Comfort
and pleasure are not the goal. We must be obedient as never before,
fall on our knees and pray. These storm clouds are indeed on the
horizon. What are you going to do about this call to intercede?
Will God find the intercessors that He needs at this time? May God
have mercy on us all!

May the Lord burn this timely word into our hearts and awaken the
sleeping church!

Love in our Messiah!

Maurice Sklar

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MAURICE SKLAR MINISTRIES 

	

* * *

JOURNAL 1-27-09 Tuesday

Yesterday Darlene told me several more episodes of events in her life. She is fluent in talking about it, but not fluent in writing. However she is trying to follow God's leading to write three books about her life. As she was talking the Holy Spirit prompted me to give her my voice recorder which I bought at a garage sale last summer. Then she can speak out what is inside her to tell others, and she can transcribe it. She talks like she wants me to edit it when it's written. Perhaps I am to do that, we'll see. I bought the voice recorder so I could record prophecies as they were given, so, since I don't have that anymore, I am trusting the Lord to get me copies of any prophecies He may want me to have to write out.

I will, Joan. Trust Me in this. She needed that voice recorder much more than you did. It will be put to good use - for My Kingdom work. And I will use her books too for My Kingdom work in others - just as I will use yours.

* * *

JOURNAL 1-29-09 Thursday

Today the Lord is leading me to read this message from John Belt which I got by email through ElijahList.com.  I will copy and paste that message here:

"Morning Glory - Abide in His Light"
By John Belt 
Jan 24, 2009

Morning Glory

When we start our day we need to make sure we get a dose of the Morning Glory of God. That glory, which we experience in our times with the Lord, goes with us throughout the day. Every day we need to be saturated with His Presence. Every day we need the daily bread from Heaven. We need to allow the Lord to make His Word alive in our hearts. It is when we come into His glory that all things, old and new, come alive within our hearts. 

John 15:7, "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you."

It is abiding in the resurrection power of Jesus that opens up the doors of revelation and ignites our spirits, opening our eyes to the realities of Heaven. We are Heavenly creatures living in the earthly realm. Our spirit is "more" real than our fleshly body. Our body will perish and we will get a new one. But our spirit man is eternal. Our spirit is the divine center of all God-activity in our being.

John 7:38, "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." 

Allow the food for your spirit to take priority over all other things. If we are not experiencing the deep well within, it may be clogged with earthly distractions. Pay the price to make sure that your well stays open and functioning at the highest level. There is a maintenance, discipline, and focus that keeps the well in your spirit flowing. 

Enter His Gates

Psalm 100:4, "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name." 

One of the first things we can do to keep our well functioning is to start our day, every day, with praise and thanksgiving, communing with God in the Spirit. It starts with being Holy Spirit sensitive and understanding the reality of having our spirit connected into the anointing of His Presence. It is true that the anointing is for others, but it also true that the anointing is for us to know Him and His truth.

1 John 2:20, "But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things."

That anointing from the Lord teaches us all things. There are anointings for specific purposes, but there is an anointing for our devotional and prayer life. When you begin to develop the habit of opening your day with praise, thoughts can sometimes come to distract us off course. If they are important, quickly write them down. If not, cast them down. Then we can move into deeper worship. Stay on course. 

God calls us to intimacy in His glory. Abiding in Jesus is all about starting our days right and ending our days right. We do this with Him as the beginning and the end. Live a life of thanksgiving, blessing and encouragement and displace complaining, criticism and accusation. Complaining opens the door to snake bites and the venom of the enemy. Thanksgiving opens the door to the healing and life-giving virtue of the Spirit.

Problem Solvers

This year we will have things to overcome - just as every year. It is important, as always, to have our morning glory time. God is calling us to be problem solvers this year, to be filled with the wisdom of His Spirit. With this we must be a Holy Spirit people. The Holy Spirit is not an option. 

We cannot be enamored with teachings and people but with Jesus and getting to know Him through the person of the Holy Spirit. All else falls by the wayside. I like good teaching. But the Lord is the focus. If we are intoxicated with His love, that will be the only motivation we need to follow Him.

John 16:13-15, "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you."

When we are a people that know the ways of the Spirit and understand His Word, we will be filled with the ability to overcome difficulties and solve problems. Some can find problems, create problems and maintain problems, but God is looking for those who solve them. That takes a life of faith.

Find Victory in Your Heart

It is important to surround ourselves with people who have an overcoming spirit and are filled with faith so that we are willing to learn and follow that example. Press into that extra mile with the Lord. Go the distance. Don't settle for mediocrity. His righteous ones will live by His faith. Find victory in your heart. He is the victory!

1 Samuel 30:6, "...David strengthened himself in the LORD his God." 

This life is a journey. Each one of us must walk out our own unique path as the Lord leads us. Each of us has choices to make; we must make them wisely. Don't worship at the altars of yesterday. Don't stay somewhere just because your relatives lived and died there. Get out of the box and find God adventures in your life. You're only on earth one time. Be connected with God, have a plan, let Him order your steps and find your life in Him. 

Isaiah 43:19, "Behold, I will do a new thing...it shall spring forth!"

God is always into "new things." Heaven is loaded with new things. Tap into our heavenly resources, get creative and remove all the boundaries of the natural mind, believing God for His best in 2009! 

Isaiah 12:3, "Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation."

Let your light burn brightly as you dwell in the glory of His light each day and as you wake each day with a thankful heart.

In His Overwhelming Love, 

John Belt
Live In His Presence Ministries
Email: admin@liveinhispresence.com 

Permission is granted (and you are also encouraged) to reprint these articles in hard copy form, as well as sending them to your own email lists and posting them on your own websites. We ask only that you keep ElijahList website, email contact info, and author contact information intact.

ElijahList Publications
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email: info@elijahlist.net
Phone 1-541-926-3250 	

As I prayed for Beth who is in Topeka, KS at the conference by "warring doves"…

I am teaching her things that you know not of. And I am doing things in her which you don't understand. KNOW that she is in My hand, My righteous right hand, and I AM protecting her, leading her, and guiding her into all things new, things she hasn't experienced yet. My face IS shining upon her and I AM with her giving her My peace. Email this to her.

I want the best for her, Lord.

I know, and that is why I have given you to her to be her intercessor - to pray My prayers over her each day of her life. She needs this and she needs you. She knows that. Even as she goes out on her own to conferences, etc. she needs you to sustain her with your prayers. I have given you to her for this very reason. She is a star in My Kingdom and so she needs intercession to keep her strong as she "goes out" for Me and with Me. You are the "hidden one" who helps sustain her through the prayers I give you. Actually I sustain her, but I need My prayers prayed by you, as you and I work together in partnership for her. Know this. Be willing in the day of battle. We are now in the day of battle. 

Lord, you told me in 2006 that You were excited about that coming year, and that You wanted us to be excited with You. Are You excited NOW, Lord?

I AM excited now, Joan! I know what you don't know - that the Rapture is very soon, and I am excited to bring My Bride up here to the place I have prepared for them. (John 14:2) "In My Father's house are many rooms/mansions." There IS one for you, and for each person who belongs to Me. I know those who belong to Me. Trust Me in that.

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going…I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:2-4, 6 NIV)

* * *

JOURNAL 1-30-09 Friday

QUIET TIME NOTES

You are connected with Me now. There is a difference between My being "with" you and our being "connected" together. Your prayer and praise and speaking My Word have connected us closer - like you wanted it to. This is good.

* * *

JOURNAL 2-3-09 Tuesday

I'm reading the book The Pleasures of God by John Piper. He is giving me things to think about God that I haven't been aware of before, so it is intriguing me. John Piper has written many books, and God is using him to mentor me right now, and I thank God for that.

I asked God about the wind chimes I have and whether they are something an evil spirit can use to enter this house (since their origin was for use to attract spirits in the Oriental culture).

It's not the wind chime itself; it's what blows on it. My Spirit can blow on those chimes that belong to Me, and evil spirits can blow on chimes that are dedicated to evil. You can dedicate your chimes to Me, and they will be ok. Just because someone else uses wind chimes for evil purposes doesn't mean that ALL wind chimes are evil or bring evil to your house. Remember that you plead My blood over your house daily, so My blood is covering your house and the items in your house too. That includes wind chimes - either inside or outside your home - because they are dedicated to Me.

But if the wind chimes are offensive to Beth, then don't have them in her house. It's her house and she gets to determine what is ok to have in it.

These Scriptures (which I was reading today) the Lord told me to write down in my journal.

Some time later, the Lord spoke to Abram [Joan] in a vision and said to him, "Do not be afraid, Abram [Joan], for I will protect you, and your reward will be great." (Genesis 15:1 NLT)

[Balaam said] "God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through? Listen, I received a command to bless; God has blessed, and I cannot reverse it! No misfortune is in his plan for Jacob [Joan]; no trouble is in store for Israel [Joan]. For the Lord their God is with them; he has been proclaimed their king. God brought them out of Egypt; for them he is as strong as a wild ox. No curse can touch Jacob [Joan]; no magic has any power against Israel [Joan]. (Numbers 23:19-23 NLT)

Is that true for me, Lord?

That is true for you. That's why I had you write it in your journal. I am giving you the same protection that I gave Abram and the Israelites. I am the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, and what I do is true and right. These are My promises for you today. You may put them on your promise cards with today's date.

* * *

JOURNAL 2-5-09 Thursday

Good morning, Heavenly Father! Thank you for drawing me to come to You this morning. Thank You for watching over us during the night and for helping Beth deal with "on call" work problems during the night. Thank you for the beautiful flowers I see pictured on my computer screen this morning - pale pink peonies. You created so many varied flowers that I am amazed when I see flowers from other parts of the world and see how different they are from where I live. I believe You create people with just as many variations, and that is amazing too. Thank You for Your Word which encourages me, heals me, lifts me, inspires me, and leads me in Your pathway. As You said in Your Word:

People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. (Matthew 4:4)

He sent forth his word and healed them. (Psalm 107:20)

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. (Hebrews 4:12)

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. (Psalm 32:8)

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119:105)

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11)

* * *

JOURNAL 2-6-09 Friday

A DREAM OF OUR HOUSE BEING BROKEN INTO AND A GIANT TURTLE IN IT

1. In the dream I was returning to our house after a time away. I discovered that the front door had been broken into around the square window pane area at the upper part of the door. I could put my hand through where it had been broken. The wood was battered as well as the glass. The door was not closed all the way or locked. I could push it open by gently touching it, not unlatching it. I called to my husband to tell him to come and look. 

2. I also discovered a giant turtle (about 3 ft. in diameter) in the bedroom chewing on the bedspread and spitting out bits of it. This giant turtle was pink and looked like a toy stuffed turtle, but it was alive. My husband was in another room when I discovered the turtle. He had a visitor, a young man, there with him. I wanted to get that young man to carry outside that turtle.

3. I was inside my clothes closet where a few items of clothing were hanging and I thought I should take them with me because I didn't want to live in the house that was damaged like that until it was fixed. 

4. I wanted to try out the intercom system to see if it worked properly and transmitted all my message over it, or whether it left off the last part of the message. I suspected it had done that previously when I spoke a message to my husband over it.

I woke up with the first two lines of the 4th verse of this song going through my head:

Our fathers' God to Thee, (4th verse)
Author of Liberty,
To thee we sing,
Long may our land be bright
With Freedom's holy light,
Protect us by thy might
Great God, our King.

My country, 'tis of Thee, (1st verse)
Sweet Land of Liberty
Of thee I sing;
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the pilgrims' pride,
From every mountain side
Let Freedom ring.

Interpretation:

I feel this dream is a call to prayer with anointing (closet with clothes), a time to call to the Lord (my husband) to send his angels (young man) to take out the large group/influence of fleshly passionate people posing as peaceful people (large pink turtle stuffed animal, not real) which represents the newly elected and appointed administration of our country. 

The dream reveals the problems in the present and future (broken front door and square windows) coming from those that are currently leading in our country (the house we live in - America) and how the thief can enter and steal things away from us due to the lock and door being broken into. 

The clue that this prayer concern pertains to America is in the song put into my head as I awoke - America (especially the line "Our fathers' God to Thee, author of liberty, to Thee we sing (pray). Long may our land be bright, with freedom's holy light; protect us by Thy might, Great God our King."

I am praying that way in English and in tongues, asking that the "intercom" system be open and clear between the Lord and me.

* * *

JOURNAL 2-7-09 Saturday

Interesting! Last Thursday Beth attended her home group at Walter and Kathleen's house. Walter told them that the Lord had told him to store up food for 2-3 months ahead. This fits with what I have already heard through Rick Joyner, Perry Stone, and Glenn Beck. Something is coming which will necessitate this food storage. We had started this previously, but this additional word coming from Walter will encourage us to continue this storage. Thank You, Lord, for giving us this warning ahead of time so we will have food to use and share when needed.

You're welcome, My child. I will continue to take care of you and Beth as you listen to Me and follow Me. Do not be afraid. Just trust Me and listen to Me and follow Me. I know what is coming, and you don't. But I will show you the way. Trust Me. I love you and care about you every day of your life, not just on some days. I want you to have adequate provision in food, and money, and electricity, and for all your everyday needs.

* * *

JOURNAL 2-8-09 Sunday

A DREAM ABOUT GIVING A CHILD A DRINK FROM A MEASURING SPOON

In this dream I was a worker at a grocery store. The store was selling bananas at $.10 a pound and well ripe ones were to be 1/2 price. A customer wanted to know if those 1/2 price ones cost $.05, but I thought they still paid $.10 but got twice as many bananas for that price. 

Then I was trying to help a woman check out her groceries and showed her where to get in line to do that. As I was with her in line a friend of mine, with her little girl (in her cart), got into line. I asked the little girl if she would like a drink and she eagerly moved toward me to do that. Then she shrank away from me as if she just realized she didn't know me. Then she quickly came toward me again so I could take her to get that drink. I took her in my arms and carried her to an area where I thought there was a drinking fountain, but I didn't see it. So I looked in a cupboard and found a small glass to use. 

I went to a faucet area to get the drink for her, but some woman was using the faucet to wash something out. She said I could use the faucet also if I didn't mind she was using it for her father's stuff. So I got a drink for the little girl…only instead of a small glass in my hand, I now had a white measuring spoon like the one I use in the kitchen. I let water run into it, and gave the child a drink from the measuring spoon. Then Beth woke me up.

Interpretation:

People come to the grocery store to get food which, in this dream, refers to coming to get the Word of God and the work of God.  I worked at the grocery store so I was a person in the dream who provided service or opportunity to get this. People came "shopping" to look for this, search for this. We offered fruit of the Spirit for sale. Using a shopping cart shows they came with high expectations. The little child represents someone who comes in a stage of acceptance and innocence and a belief in possibilities. Since the child doesn't know me, she at first draws back from me, then quickly comes to me to be taken in my arms. This may indicate I need to be patient with those who come for service or help until they feel comfortable with me.

I take her to get a drink of water representing giving her the Word, the Holy Spirit, salvation. I take her to a faucet to get the water. This faucet may represent selectively turning on the water gradually, or on and off as needed. The spoon I use is about a teaspoon or tablespoon in size. This shows I need to give out this Word in a small measured amount as she is able and willing to drink. It needs to come in a pure container.

This dream seems to be giving me a lesson in slowly and patiently giving out His Word to people who come looking/searching for Him.

* * *

JOURNAL 2-9-09 Monday

A DREAM ABOUT PLANTING IN APRIL AND HARVESTING IN JUNE

In this dream I was the main character so it is about me. I was talking to some students/children while we were outside in a vegetable garden area. I had planted some seeds there is various places and the children wanted to see the full grown plants. I showed them places where tiny plants were sprouting up through the ground and said that it would take awhile before they were full grown with vegetables growing on them. I said that we plant in April, the plants grow in May, and we harvest in June.

Interpretation:

I think this dream is planting the idea in me that some significant Spiritual planting will be taking place in April of this year and the product/harvest from that will take place in June. This dream has stuck with me for several hours this morning, so I am to remember it and write it out.

It occurs to me that April-June is 3 months. I am wondering if those 3 months are the ones we are to prepare for by storing up food and water now. That is a thought in my mind right now. What do You think, Lord?

I think this is right on. Plan with Beth to have enough food and water ready for yourselves and to share with others by April. That gives you almost 2 months to get things ready.

* * *

JOURNAL 2-12-09 Thursday

(Quote from Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ by John Piper)

(pg. 41-42)
But the glory and grace of Jesus is that he is, and always will be, indestructibly happy. I say it is his glory, because gloom is not glorious. I say it is his grace, because the best thing he has to give us is his joy. "These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full" (John 15:11, RSV; see also 17:13). It would not be fully gracious of Jesus simply to increase my joy to its final limit and then leave me short of his. My capacities for joy are very confined. So Christ not only offers himself as the divine object of my joy, but pours his capacity for joy into me, so that I can enjoy him with the very joy of God. This is glory, and this is grace.

As I read this I thought about the joy of the Lord - when were times I experienced it greatly - 

1.	After Lonnie Shields and Linda prayed for me regarding my divorce, and I had confessed and was cleansed of any and all of my part in that, I experienced great joy which seemed like being up on a cloud in heaven.
2.	After returning from CFO camp in Missouri I sat by the fountain at the Shelter Garden, and had extreme joy well up inside me.
3.	One time while in the midst of choir practice at CBC the joy of the Lord welled up within me so strongly I felt I couldn't contain any more without bursting.
4.	In Los Angeles at the AAFP convention, outside the theater where they were installed, I met someone who saw my tiny Holy Spirit pin and introduced herself to me. She said she wanted to meet the woman wearing that pin. After that I experienced extreme joy which welled up within me. Perhaps she was an angel!
5.	One time while in college at Manchester, as I walked at night across the open area past the chapel and toward the Winger Building, I had intense joy well up within me and I wanted immensely to go to someone and share that joy, but I didn't know of a single person with whom I could do that. It was the joy of the Lord!
6.	The first really real vision I can remember from the Lord at CFO camp was of Jesus at the front of the auditorium and three angels with trumpets on a ledge on the right side of the room. I was absolutely astounded at seeing this vision three times in a row. I felt the joy of the Lord at this time. It stayed with me a long time!
7.	Perhaps I felt the joy of the Lord as a child when I used to "wonder" at the sky, the clouds, the creation He made, and "wonder" about the huge questions of God, who He was, what was "out there," the extent of the Universe, etc.
8.	After having lunch with two ladies (in Indianapolis) where they questioned me about my faith and seemed to want to know if I was really saved, as we were leaving one of them said something like, "You do believe Jesus Christ is your Savior, don't you?" I said, "Yes," to her and immediately was filled with intense joy and buoyancy!

* * *

JOURNAL 2-13-09 Friday

In the night when I awoke these words were with me and I felt I was to write them down:

"Live like a bird. The white bird of hope will empower you."

This bird represents the Holy Spirit. It is pure and has power to give me. I am to live like it lives - in other words, live like Jesus did/does. I will have power through the Holy Spirit in me.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere - in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8 NLT)

* * *

(Quote from Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ by John Piper, p. 96-7)

A PRAYER

O Father, how we need mercy. We sin every day. We fall short of your command to love you with all our heart and soul and mind and strength. We are lukewarm in our affections. All our motives, even at their best, are mixed. We murmur. We are anxious about tomorrow. We get angry too quickly. We desire what ought not be desired. We get irritated at the very attitudes in others that we ourselves displayed five minutes before. If you do not show mercy to us, we are undone. O God, let us see the mercy of Christ and savor it for what it is. Grant us power to comprehend his love.

* * *

JOURNAL 2-15-09 Sunday

Today at church Vicki came up to me and gave me 2 gifts she had brought from Korea: knitted slippers and a small coin purse. Then she began to tell me prophetically that I was faithful in my praying, and that it was powerful, and that I should never think it wasn't important. She said I was to keep speaking out what God put into my mouth. She said it might not seem important or powerful to me, but seem a small thing, but it was powerful and I should keep on doing it. It touched me to tears.

* * *

JOURNAL 2-17-09 Tuesday

A DREAM ABOUT FILLING OUT A GRADUATION FORM

In this dream I was filling out a multi-paged form which was for graduating. There were lots of people filling out the forms in the same room. We were to make some choices on the form regarding which graduation party we wanted to attend. I had let a friend see my form at some time earlier. She liked the picture of some couple I had put in my form. The last thing we were asked (by the person up front instructing us) was what our nickname was during our school years. I wrote JO on my form and then told some young man near me that my name was JOAN and so my nickname was JO. 

Interpretation:

A nickname could reveal an important characteristic or hidden aspect of someone.

This is what the name book says: JO (from Joanna) Cultural origin: German; Inherent meaning: God is Gracious; Special connotation: Delivered; Scripture: 1 Cor. 15:10 RSV - "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain."

What does it mean, Lord, that I was filling out a graduation form?

It means your graduation from this earthly body to your heavenly body is soon. It may be this fall during Rosh Hashanah, but it may not. But plan your life as if it is then that you are raptured. Then you can sort out your "stuff" as if you will leave then, and put lots of "stuff" in this next garage sale.

* * *

JOURNAL 2-18-09 Wednesday

Today the Lord indicated this would somehow be a significant day, but He didn't say how or why. I am recording this in my journal so I can know exactly what day He indicated that. Then I can look back later and see (perhaps) what happened on this day that was significant. Maybe on this day someone I am praying for received Christ into his/her heart. Perhaps the last Christian chooses Christ today. Perhaps some important decision is made today by Iran, or Russia, or North Korea, or something like that. Or perhaps today the choice is made in Israel which leader can set up their ruling coalition in the Knesset and become the new Prime Minister there. I'm praying for Netanyahu to be that person.

* * *

JOURNAL 2-19-09 Thursday

A DREAM ABOUT TRYING TO GET TO MY FIRST COLLEGE CLASS AT 9:00 A.M.

In this dream I was trying to get to class on time. It seemed it was my first class at college and I wasn't sure where the class was held. I was driving an old, old truck-car like maybe I've seen on the Waltons TV show. I parked it in a circular driveway near the building where I was going, and tried to lock it, but the key wouldn't lock it. I went into a building where I was trying to leave the key with an attendant there. I told her I needed to hurry so I wouldn't be late to class. She kept talking and talking, and I told her to hurry so I could go to class. The class was to start at 9:00 a.m. I tried to learn what time it was, but the clock on the wall didn't have accurate time on it. I realized that when I compared it with my watch time.

Interpretation:

The reference to 9:00 refers to the harvest of that which was planted. This includes the harvest of all those souls who come to salvation through Jesus Christ and the harvest (judgment) of all those who reject Jesus Christ by not choosing to give their lives to Him and by not believing in Him for salvation from their sins. So this dream centers around that event happening very soon. In the dream I am eagerly getting ready for this 9:00 time. The clock draws attention to a warning about this time. It is hard to know exactly what time it is in relation to the event, but it is close. Is that it, Lord?

That's it, Joan. That's the part of the dream I wanted you to listen to, to figure out. It is VERY close to time for the harvest of all souls on the earth…some to salvation and some to destruction. That's what the 9:00 (when new classes start) refers to, and that's what the broken clock (which doesn't give accurate time) refers to. It's soon but you can't tell for sure exactly when this harvest will be finished. And that's all you need to know from this dream. Sometimes I will just have you focus on a piece of a dream and not all the many details or other parts.

The Lord told me to begin reading the book of Revelation today, so I am doing that. This fits with the dream regarding 9:00 and the harvest as the book of Revelation tells about this.

Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. (Revelation 1:3 NIV)

God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near. (Revelation 1:3 NLT)

* * *

JOURNAL 2-20-09 Friday

A DREAM ABOUT TWO PINE TREES CUT DOWN AT MY CHILDHOOD HOME

In this dream I arrived at my childhood home in NH area along with some other people. We noticed that there were cuttings from trees in the front yard and front part of the driveway near the road. I looked at this and saw that there were two pine trees in the cuttings. I looked to see where these had been before they were cut down and realized the big pine tree beside the porch was gone.

Interpretation:

One of my first thoughts is that these two evergreen trees may represent two people from my childhood home that die, that go on to eternal life. It's rather amazing to me that I, and all my brothers and sisters, are still alive and functioning well. This dream may be a warning that that may change. My thought is that this big pine tree, along with another one, may represent my oldest brother or my oldest sister and that person's spouse. But it could mean those who are born again and have eternal life.

Is that what this means, Lord?

Yes, and you will need your savings money to make the trip back, and Beth will need her vacation days to go with you. Know that this is coming soon. I will enable her to take off work during that time without too much problem. 

Eternal LIFE means being with Me. Eternal DEATH means eternal destruction, not being with Me. So these two evergreen trees represent these two people who are cut down from earthly life and who come to Me for eternal life.

* * *

JOURNAL 2-23-09 Monday

(Quote from Strengthen Yourself in the Lord by Bill Johnson)

(P. 27) The "favor" that Jesus grew in is the word charis, which refers to the divine grace and ability of God Himself that comes upon and enables a person to accomplish His purposes. As Jesus modeled, each of us must grow in favor if we are going to fulfill our destiny in God. But favor, because it is so glorious and powerful, is a weighty thing. Thus, God, in His mercy, gives you His favor in the measure your character can handle, taking you from glory to glory, faith to faith, and strength to strength.

As I read the above paragraph this morning in my Quiet Time, the Holy Spirit brought to my mind the dream I had where Charis and I were walking up a hill looking for her new house number. When we found it, it was a home with beautiful furniture in it. 

He showed me that that dream could also refer to my growing in "favor" with Him walking alongside me as my charis (favor), and bringing me to a new place, a new "home," which is beautiful to live in.

* * *

JOURNAL 2-24-09 Tuesday

A DREAM ABOUT LOOKING FOR MY KINDERGARTEN CLASSROOM IN AN UNFAMILIAR SCHOOL BUILDING

In this dream I was a kindergarten teacher. It was the day for the teachers to come and prepare for the first day of school, which was the next day. I wasn't familiar with the school building or layout. And I didn't know which room was to be mine. I drove up to the school, parked, went inside, and went into the office. There I saw lots of people, most of whom I didn't know. It seemed that I used to work in this school some years ago, so a few faces were familiar. The people in the office started singing some song together. 

I left the office and started walking down the hall looking at the various signs over the rooms to see which room was mine. None on the first floor were mine, so I came to the end of the school hallway and looked for stairs to go to the second floor. In the process of going up stairs I somehow became outside the building at the very far end of it. I walked through the driveway and parking area toward the other side of the building to enter there. As I was walking I watched a car try to drive there and saw a huge unmarked hole in the driving area. The car saw it and stopped just short of going into the hole. He tried to turn and drive around it and just barely missed driving into it.

I got around to the other side of the building and was walking through the parking area. There were two different horses with riders riding around there and one of them almost ran into me. When walking on the sidewalk toward the building I talked to someone who remembered me who asked me about where I was going. It seemed like this part of the building was for upper level classes, like at least 5-6 grades. I wondered about the wisdom of having a kindergarten classroom in this area. I was expressing to the person who remembered me that I was still looking for my classroom, and didn't yet have the books I was to use, and I only had tonight to prepare.

I've had a similar dream to this several times in my adult lifetime - where I was to teach a kindergarten class and didn't know where the room was, wasn't familiar with the building, etc.

Interpretation:

What's the overall gist of this dream, Joan?

That I was coming up on a deadline (the first day of school) and I was trying to prepare ahead for it but couldn't find the right place and materials needed. There were lots of people involved in this dream besides me, but I was the primary actor in it. I walked around, I looked, I went up stairs and went outside to try to find this place and materials. I encountered lots of people along the way. Many of them I didn't know. A few I did. I watched a car almost wreck due to a huge hole in the concrete. I encountered 2 horses with riders. 

Is it referring to my whole lifetime?

Yes. Your whole lifetime has been spent going TOWARD something that you haven't yet found. It is the place (and materials) of your work. This is coming very soon and you want to get ready. You encounter many people, and walk through many places in your lifetime, but still aren't there yet. But you are about to arrive there. It is in the building where classes are held for 5-6 graders - which represents mankind under grace and serving Me. There you will teach beginners in your own special room, marked just for you and your students. This "classroom" is over the internet and your teaching materials are your books which you have prepared in service to Me to be used by Me. You don't find the room because it is not a physical place, but an internet place. And you didn't see your students because you don't know who is reading your books around the world. But you are still on that journey of your lifetime. And the final day for preparation is today, now.

Song that comes to my mind: Work for the night is coming.

* * *

JOURNAL 2-25-09 Wednesday

A DREAM ABOUT SAYING I WOULD WASH SOME MAN'S DISHES BY HAND

In this dream I was in a house. Various other people seemed to be in the same house. I was trying to listen to a little boy tell me about something he was interested in while at the same time trying to do my various duties.  While in the kitchen I saw some man (who seemed to be a visitor) start the DW to wash just a few dishes he had put on the top shelf of it. I looked at it and said I would wash them by hand since there were so few.

Interpretation: 

If this house represents my life or heart then it seems to show the Holy Spirit doing some cleansing in it. I offered to do this cleansing with my hands representing my works or service. What was being cleansed was myself as a vessel, or some of the things I think or believe. Is this right, Lord?

Yes; I am cleansing some attitudes and "form of the truth" in you. You offer to help Me, and that is good. We will do it together.

* * *

JOURNAL 2-27-09 Friday

This week the Holy Spirit has been urging me to read the book called Are We Living In The End Times by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins (authors of the Left Behind series). As I read about the many, many signs of the end times given in the Bible, and saw how many have already happened, or are right now happening, I felt we are right on the edge of the end time event called the Rapture (in which the Church is taken out of the world), and after that the Tribulation. The authors believe that, too, in this book, and the book is from 1999! How much closer are we now - 10 years closer.

I have been really concerned about the direction our country is being led since the last election - toward big, big government, lots of government control of everyone and everything, and lots of loss of personal freedoms. But, as I read the above book I see how this, too, is happening as steps toward the one world government prophesied for the tribulation. It will happen, and I cannot stop it. But that doesn't mean I have to agree with it.

I rather expect the Rapture to take place during 2009 and I hope that is right! If it happens this year, I expect it will take place during Rosh Hashanah in September ~ 19th.

* * *

JOURNAL 2-28-09 Saturday

A DREAM ABOUT 5 FRENCH HORN PLAYERS IN BLUE SWEAT SUITS

In this dream I was in a building where I was preparing for a musical concert. I was new as the conductor in this place so people didn't know me. There was a group of musicians (5) who played together on French horns and wore blue sweat suits in this place. They weren't sure they wanted to perform in the concert coming up because they didn't know me. They seemed to be trying to decide whether to perform at the upcoming concert or not. I seemed to be waiting for them to choose and trying not to pressure them while they decided.

Interpretation:

The focus of this dream didn't seem to be about me, it seemed to be about these 5 musicians who wore blue sweat suits and played French horns together. I awoke curious to find out what these five people represented. They seem to represent those who have on the Spiritual clothing of righteousness and anointing. They represent those who worship God together due to playing French horns/instruments together. Their response to me was uncertainty about whether to play together in something I was organizing since they didn't know me.

Yesterday before going to bed I watched the first DVD by Perry Stone about the Rapture Revelation. I also just finished reading the book yesterday by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins called Are We Living In the End Times? My thought is that these 5 horn players in blue sweat suits may symbolize Christians who are not quite sure of what to do right now in this season of the end times where we face dealing with hard events and situations (such as the current economic downturn) that are "new" to them…events that seem to be leading up to the Rapture and the Tribulation. Perhaps this is a call to prayer for the Christians living now in these uncertain times.

That's it, Joan. I want you to pray for those who belong to Me (worshippers who have the spiritual clothing of anointing on, carry French horns, and serve Me). Pray they come to know the times they are living in and the significance of what they choose to do with their anointed clothing and praise/worship instruments.

* * *

JOURNAL 3-3-09 Tuesday

I believe the Lord is showing me today that if I warn certain people about the wrath to come and to prepare for the Rapture so they are qualified to be raptured, then they might return to the Lord for this reason and not because they truly seek Him and want Him. If I allow the Lord to draw them to Him in the way He knows best to do that, then they will be returning to Him because they truly are seeking Him and want Him in their lives. Is that right, Lord?

Yes, pray I draw them to Me in the right way and at the right time. You may share with them that My time of rapturing My saints is very soon because all the signs have appeared that anticipate that. And you may share with them that you are praying for them to get their lives right with Me before the Rapture comes. You may tell them about the book you read by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins (Are We Living In The End Times?) and what you learned from that. You may offer to send them the book if they let you know they would like to read it. Let them take some initiative in this.

* * *

Last night I listened to Perry Stone's Rapture Revelation DVD #4 which focused on the Book of Remembrance and how that fit in with determining who would be taken in the Rapture and who would be left behind. He sited the Scripture in Malachi 3:16-4:2 which says:

Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored his name. "They will be mine," says the Lord Almighty, "In the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not…But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall. (Malachi 3:16-4:2 NIV)

These are the things Perry said distinguished those who will be raptured (whose names are written in God's Book of Remembrance) according to this Scripture:
•	They fear God
•	They witness to others
•	They pray to God
•	They give tithes and offerings

Perry also said to pray as instructed in Luke 21:36

Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man. (Luke 21:36 NIV)

Perry says the Rapture is next in line on God's timetable as the next "feast or holy days" He taught the Israelites to celebrate. He says the spring feasts are already fulfilled: Passover (when Christ was crucified), Unleavened bread (when Christ was buried), First Fruits (when Christ was resurrected), and 50 days later Pentecost (when the Holy Spirit came and started the church). Next in line is the fall feast of Rosh Hashanah (the blowing of trumpets) which he believes will be fulfilled by the Rapture of the saints who belong to Him and are pure and set apart unto Him with their lives. 

There is a great concern in me to warn my family about the closeness of the Rapture and the conditions one must meet to be ready. I think I am to write something about this for the next round robin family letter.

1.	I would like to tell them to read Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkin's book. 
2.	I can offer to send them the DVDs by Perry Stone.
3.	I can mention the book Driven by Eternity by John Bevere to read and/or to send to them.
4.	Also I can mention the book Drawing Near by John Bevere to read and/or to send to them.
5.	I can also mention the fiction book Left Behind by Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins.

* * *

JOURNAL 3-4-09 Wednesday

A DREAM ABOUT JUDGMENTS COMING BY MAIL

In this dream I saw things which seemed to represent judgments coming or already here. It was as if I could see them as something specific, like a picture or item. One seemed to cost a penny. That one was extra huge in size and scope. These were not things which I could change, only observe. They seemed to be arriving by mail.

Interpretation: 

Perhaps the things coming by mail represent angels, as messengers, bringing the judgments. They were already determined. I did not do anything except observe what was taking place. Silver coins represent revelation knowledge. Money symbolizes power, provision, wealth, riches, favor or loss of it. Since this money was the smallest coin we have in our country, perhaps it represents the loss of favor or power. So a huge judgment is shown for those who have lost favor or power. Money can also represent spiritual riches like faith, wisdom, spiritual gifts, etc. So it may show almost a total lack of these.  It can also symbolize the strength of man as opposed to trusting in God - a trust in human strength. This may then symbolize people trying to trust in the economy and the economy being almost worthless.

Lord, You told me to write this down even though it is extremely vague. So I tried to. What does it mean, Lord? And why did You give me this dream, if You did?

Did I give you this dream, Joan? Yes.

Does it mean something I want you to know? Yes.

Is it vague on purpose? Yes. Because the judgments it represents are still vague, even though you are starting to perceive them. This dream shows the judgment(s) have to do with money. They can be seen, but not clearly yet.

This money situation in your country and the world is a great shaking I am sending to shake loose all that can be shaken and to see what is left in/inside each person after that shaking. Those who stand on Me will still be standing firm, for I will hold them and support them and help them. Those who depend on the god of money will be devastated and some may even seek Me as a result of it. K and J may seek Me as a result of it. J may seek Me as a result of it. Others may also. 

I am "shaking out" the last of those who get the opportunity to come to Me before the Rapture. You, and those who belong to Me, who are standing firm during this time, will be the witnesses who will shine like lights during this time. Be that witness for Me, Joan. 

There may be many who will come to you and Beth and ask what keeps you strong during this shaking time. Then you can tell them about Me - that I am what gives you strength, and you can ask them if they want to know Me also. If so, then you can tell them how to ask Me into their hearts and how to follow Me each day for inner strength. Tell them your hope is not in yourself, or money, or political leaders, or retirement funds, or any other worldly thing which can pass away at any time…that I am the everlasting strength they may put their trust and hope in.

And I will do a mighty work in each one who asks to know Me.

* * *

JOURNAL 3-6-09 Friday

A DREAM ABOUT PREPARING FOR A REUNION

In this dream there was to be a reunion. I, along with some others, was making preparations for it. I was to work on the invitations. I also was to work on some lights for it.  I was looking to see if I knew anyone who came.

Interpretation:

I feel this "reunion" is the gathering together in one place of the believers who honor and serve Christ and who are looking for His coming. Many people are anticipating this and working toward this - those who believe in it (the Rapture). It is my work and desire to reveal (to shine light on) this coming "reunion" to others, to tell about it so it is no longer hidden from their understanding. I am to work on inviting others. 

Don't warn them; just tell them. Bring light and an invitation to them. I will help you word that invitation and light/revelation. We can work on it tomorrow morning.

* * *

JOURNAL 3-9-09 Monday

(Quote from A Godward Life by John Piper, p. 25-27)

Today's Mercies For Today's Troubles

Meditation on Matthew 6:34

Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble (author's translation). 

Part of saving faith is the assurance that you will have faith tomorrow. Trusting Christ today includes trusting him to give you tomorrow's trust when tomorrow comes. Often we feel today like our reservoir of strength is not going to last for another day. The fact is, it won't. Today's resources are for today, and part of those resources is the confidence that new resources will be given tomorrow.

The basis of this assurance is the wonderful teaching of the Bible that God assigns only as much trouble to each day as that day can bear. God will not let his children be tested in any given day beyond what his mercy for that day will sustain. That's what Paul means when he says, "No test has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tested beyond what you are able, but with the test will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:13, author's translation).

The old Swedish hymn "Day by Day" is based on Deuteronomy 33:25: "As your days, so shall your strength be." It gives us the same assurance:

Day by day, and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment,
I've no cause for worry or for fear.

The "Father's wise bestowment" is the amount of trouble that we can bear each day - and no more:

He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what he deems best
Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.

With every day's measure of pain, he gives new mercies. This is the point of Lamentations 3:22-23, "The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."

God's mercies are new every morning because each day has enough mercy in it only for that day. This is why we tend to despair when we think that we may have to bear tomorrow's load on today's resources. God wants us to know that we won't. Today's mercies are for today's troubles. Tomorrow's mercies are for tomorrow's troubles.

Sometimes I wonder if we will have the mercy to stand in terrible testing. Yes, we will. Peter says, "If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you" (1 Peter 4:14). When the reviling comes, the Spirit of glory comes. It happened for Stephen as he was being stoned (Acts 7:55-60). It will happen for you. When the Spirit and the glory are needed, they will come.

The manna in the wilderness was given one day at a time. There was no storing up. That is the way we must depend on God's mercy. You do not receive today the strength to bear tomorrow's burdens. You are given mercies today for today's troubles. Tomorrow the mercies will be new. "God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." (1 Corinthians 1:9 RSV). "Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will act!" (1 Thessalonians 5:24, author's translation).

* * *

JOURNAL 3-10-09 Tuesday

A DREAM ABOUT TEACHING CHILDREN TO PRONOUNCE W-A-T-E-R

In this dream I was teaching children at school. I was trying to teach them how to pronounce the word WATER by pronouncing phonetically each letter at a time.

Interpretation:

Water represents the Holy Spirit to me, so this dream shows me teaching others about Him.

* * *

(Quote from A Godward Life:120 Daily Readings by John Piper, p. 37)

Obedience comes from trusting God for more grace - future grace - and thus magnifying the infinite resources of God's love and power. "I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God which is with me" (1 Corinthians 15:10 RSV). The grace that enabled Paul to work hard in a life of obedience was the daily arrival of fresh supplies of grace. This is what faith trusts in - the continuing arrivals of grace. Faith looks to the promises like, I will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9), and in that confidence faith ventures, in obedience, to take the land… Trusting in future grace is the enabling strength of our obedience. The more we trust in future grace, the more we give God the opportunity in our lives to show the glory of his inexhaustible grace. So take a promise of future grace and do some radical act of obedience on it. God will be mightily honored.

* * *

JOURNAL 3-12-09 Thursday

Today Beth forwarded an email sent by Shirley from David Wilkerson which warned of disasters happening in America's large cities soon…and suggesting we store up at least 1 month's food and supplies for that time. She wanted me to make her a grocery list of what she will need, so I spent lots of time planning menus, storage lists, and a grocery list for her. Then I did a list for me, and I plan to go to Walmart tomorrow and get my supplies. I sent the email on to my sisters and brothers and my children. You can read it by going to www.davidwilkerson.org  

* * *

JOURNAL 3-14-09 Saturday

A DREAM ABOUT JESUS TAKING THE LOAD OF MY PAST EXPERIENCES OFF OF ME

A strange dream! In this dream I was standing outside on the sidewalk across the street from a place that seemed like it might be a school/college. I was with a couple of other people. I was looking at my mail, which was stacked on my arms in front of me. On top were several items (which I hadn't yet looked at) which seemed like they might be pictures. An unknown lady came up beside me and took those "pictures" and put them with her stuff in her arms. I assumed she was stealing them, so I took her across the street to the college administration building (or whatever it was) and took her to the office of the authorities. She didn't seem to mind, and didn't resist. Others (all women) there acted like they knew her and weren't concerned about her taking my pictures. A lady began to question me about what had happened, almost (but not exactly) as if it was something I had done wrong instead of the other person. I awoke with a feeling of frustration about the injustice of it.

Interpretation:

I'm going through life and am in a place of learning. So perhaps I am supposed to "learn" something from this dream, from life. Along the way I seem to be using my own arms (strength) to carry the information (mail) I get and the memories/past experiences (pictures) I have. A stranger (an unknown woman), which could represent God's messenger/angel or the church, comes to me and takes those memories (pictures) off my strength (my arms) and puts them on her strength (her arms). Since I thought she was stealing something that belonged to me, I took her before someone in authority to seek justice for what she had done. The authorities didn't pay attention to her but to me as if I needed to understand something or learn something, possibly about myself. Lord, what do You want me to learn or understand from this strange dream?

I want you to learn that I am taking all the things from your past, memories, and consciousness upon My arms, My strength now, at this time in your life.

Was that woman You?

No, but she represented My angel. Remember in the Old Testament when terms were used interchangeably for Me and for an angel? She represented Me, but came in the form of an angel in the dream. It would have been a whole different thing if she had been represented as a male.

What does it mean that You now are taking all my past memories and consciousness upon Your arms and Your strength?

It means I love you, and I carry you in My strength. It means your load is now light and your burden is now light to carry. It means I do everything to lighten your load in life. It means you do not have to EVER AGAIN blame yourself for anything you have ever done that you feel sad or sorry for, because I have taken it all upon Myself, and it is gone from you. You are now free and clean and pure before Me.

Is that right, Lord? That's what I want to be, Lord…clean and pure before You.

Yes, and I want you to forever see yourself as free and clean and pure in My eyes, before Me. No more condemnation for things done and missed opportunities.

Wow! Thank You, Lord. You mean that strange dream could mean that?

Yes, that is why it was so vivid in your mind when you woke up. It really was an important dream, even if you didn't immediately see why.

So You are doing good for me and I react by thinking You are stealing from me in my misunderstanding of what is going on?

Yes, and I want you to now understand. That's why I wanted you to interpret this dream.

Thank You, Lord. You are sooooo good to me! Thank You for giving me that dream!

You are in My Book of Remembrance, Joan, and you can "go out and leap like calves released from the stall" (Malachi  4:2 NIV). You are FREE of all those earthly burdens. They are Mine and I took them upon Myself. Isn't that wonderful?

Yes, yes, yes!

* * *

JOURNAL 3-15-09 Sunday

During the night while awake the Lord began telling me that He had been training me to become a private, hidden intercessor throughout my life. That is why I have had so much warfare trying to keep me from praying. I thought it meant praying out loud in front of a group of people, and that threatened me, starting at church camp as a child when I felt pressured to do that…and again at CFO camp in the prayer groups. It is something He has been teaching me to overcome, but not to become a public pray-er, but a private one. He said first I had to establish a close listening relationship with Him, then I needed to learn to pray what He guided me to pray. Therefore, what I used to try to do (pray from my own mind) didn't work well for me. Now I can expect this happening more and more, especially during the quiet night time hours. It was such a peaceful, wonderful, satisfying time with Him…like John Piper says that we need to learn to be satisfied in Him.

* * *

JOURNAL 3-16-09 Monday

A DREAM ABOUT SEEING TV'S IN MY NH HOME, AND SEEING A LARGE DITCH

This dream took place inside my childhood home in NH. Several times I looked outside in the front yard toward the south and saw that the yard close to the road was being dug up making a deep ditch there. The last time I viewed it, it was dug right up to the edge of the driveway and made it dangerous to drive on that. I also saw some people on that road near Hwy 30.

Inside I was sitting in the living room on the floor with Beth and Kim who were little girls. I was leaning against a TV which was on the floor by us and had a large thin screen. We had this TV turned on at first. Another TV was on the front wall of the living room and also was very large screened and mounted on the wall. I felt the volume knob of this one, and realized it was very hot, so I turned it off to cool down. Later I also turned off the one on the floor by us.

Interpretation:

The first part about the ditch being dug by others in the yard may represent a habit or snare being created by others perhaps through religious traditions or habits, or sins. This ditch is dug closer and closer to my "driveway" where I drive my ministry (car) and is threatening to it. And the ditch is deep and wide. I am to be aware of this. This dream reveals this to me as a warning.

The second part of the dream with Kim and Beth refers to the ministry that is my child in the Spirit (prayer and writing). I am being warned that the TV news coming into me (my house) is too loud and the volume of it is heating up the knob on the TV. It is time to turn it off as I did in the dream and lean on the other TV which may represent God's vision, message, prophecy, preaching, etc of that which is Spiritual. And I do this from a position of being on the floor, down, looking up to God. It refers to that (in the living room) which is everyday or current affairs, that which is manifest, truth exposed, that which is revealed.

•	The snare of religious tradition, habit, or sin is getting closer and wider and deeper.
•	I am to turn off what I was hearing and watching on the news, and lean of what God is revealing to me as that is the truth and that which is manifest to me.

* * *

In reading Bill Johnson's book today Strengthen Yourself in the Lord he said to review and pray and proclaim the prophetic words, visions, dreams, and Scriptures the Lord has given me, even if I don't understand it. 

Psalm 68:13
Even while you sleep among the campfires, the wings of my dove are sheathed with silver, its feathers with shining gold."

As I read that idea by Bill Johnson, I thought of Psalm 68:13 which I read a year or two ago. It was greatly quickened to me then and drew my instant curiosity. I don't know exactly what it means, but perhaps it means His Dove (Holy Spirit) has silver and gold on Him and with Him for us - even while we are on earth and unaware (asleep).

He sure brought us a monetary blessing this last weekend when He gave us a used TV through Dave at Beth's workplace. Dave gave it to her if she would come and pick it up. And Elton brought his truck and helped carry it here for us. This after her TV went out recently. The new TV (for us) is bigger with a great picture. Thank You, Lord!!!

* * *

JOURNAL 3-18-09 Wednesday

A DREAM ABOUT LEADING ART PROJECTS IN VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

In this dream I was at a church. People there were getting ready for Vacation Bible School. I was preparing a young boy to play musical chords which were written across the top of pages of a book. He was practicing them. I was also to do some art project with the participants, so I was thinking up what I would have them draw and what supplies I would need to gather for them (i.e. a box of crayons and a piece of paper). 

Interpretation:

This dream is about me - about what I am doing and am to keep doing. It involves helping children to learn to worship God and also to articulate or represent (in drawing) what they are learning about Jesus and their relationship with Him. Children may represent pre-Christians or young Christians.

* * *

(Quotes from The Dangerous Duty of Delight by John Piper)

(p. 17-21) Take, for example, some of the steps of our salvation: predestination, creation, incarnation, propitiation, sanctification and consummation. At every step the Bible says God is doing these things, through Jesus Christ, to display and magnify His glory.

•	Predestination: "He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace." (Ephesians 1:5-6)
•	Creation: "Bring My sons from afar and My daughters from the ends of the earth, everyone who is called by My name, and whom I have created for My glory" (Isaiah 43:6-7).
•	Incarnation: "Christ has become a servant to the circumcision on behalf of the truth of God to confirm the promises given to the fathers, and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy" (Romans 15:8-9).
•	Propitiation: "God displayed [Christ] publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed" (Romans 3:25).
•	Sanctification: "And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more…having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God" (Philippians 1:9, 11).
•	Consummation: "[Those who do not obey the gospel] will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed" (2 Thessalonians 1:9-10).

[Jonathan] Edwards was the greatest pastor-theologian that America has ever produced. He wrote a book in 1755 called The End for Which God Created the World. The foundation and aim of that book is the following stunning insight. It is the deepest basis of Christian Hedonism. Read this old-fashioned English slowly to see Edwards's brilliant resolution.

God is glorified not only by His glory's being seen, but by its being rejoiced in. When those that see it delight in it, God is more glorified than if they only see it. His glory is then received by the whole soul, both by the understanding and by the heart. God made the world that He might communicate, and the creature receive, His glory; and that it might [be] received both by the mind and heart. He that testifies his idea of God's glory [doesn't] glorify God so much as he that testifies also his…delight in it.

This is the solution. Did God create you for His glory or for your joy? Answer: He created you so that you might spend eternity glorifying Him by enjoying Him forever. In other words, you do not have to choose between glorifying God and enjoying God. Indeed you dare not choose. If you forsake one, you lose the other. Edwards is absolutely right: "God is glorified not only by His glory's being seen, but by it's being rejoiced in." If we do not rejoice in God, we do not glorify God as we ought.

Here is the rock-solid foundation of Christian hedonism: God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him…

The radical implication is that pursuing pleasure in God is our highest calling. It is essential to all virtue and all reverence.

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(Quotes from Strengthen Yourself in the Lord by Bill Johnson)

(p 108-116 )
Testimonies reveal God's nature. This means that every story of every miracle or sign that God has ever performed is your story because you have become related to the God who made them happen.

The testimonies of God are the tools that equip us to walk in our purpose to demonstrate what He is like through the miraculous. First, they reveal the nature of God and how He does things--His ways. Secondly, this awareness of who God is creates an expectation in our hearts for God's ways to be manifested in our lives. The Hebrew root word for "testimony" means "do again." Every record of what God has done in generations past is a promise of what He will do again in our lives, because He is the same yesterday, today and forever, and is no respecter of persons…When we declare what God has done, power is released to make that testimony happen again in the lives of those who hear it.

Our expectation of God is what determines our level of faith. And we have to have faith in order to "keep His commandments." All of Christ's commands, from "heal the sick" to "love your neighbor" are only possible to fulfill through the supernatural empowerment of His Spirit that comes through faith.

They [Israelites] possessed the testimonies of what God had done for their fathers that, if declared, would not only give them the courage to step out in faith but would release a prophetic anointing to repeat those acts. The problem was that they had forgotten them. Thus they lacked the strength and faith needed to face the battle.

Like Israel, the only thing that distinguishes believers from the rest of the world is the reality that God is active among us. When we lose sight of that, we are no different than anyone else--with one exception, we will experience more serious consequences because we are accountable for the revelation of God we've received in the testimonies. We rob people of their encounters with Him when we forget that the testimony matters to God.

What does it take to keep the testimony so we can stay out of the downward spiral and carry out our responsibility to represent God with power? It simply takes following the prescriptions that God gave His people in the first place. We are to establish a culture of the testimony in our personal lives, in our homes, and in our churches…We're to build memorials that remind us of what God has done and consider them regularly.

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(Quotes from A Godward Life: 120 Daily Readings by John Piper, pp. 58-59))

THE RIPPLE EFFECT OF THE WORD

Thoughts on Reading and Writing

I've been thinking again about the importance of reading and writing. There are several reasons I write. One of the most personally compelling is that I read. I mean, my main spiritual sustenance comes by the Holy Spirit from reading. Therefore reading is more important to me than eating. If I went blind, I would pay to have someone read to me. I would try to learn Braille. I would buy books on tape. I would rather go without food than go without books. Therefore, writing feels very life-giving to me, since I get so much of my own life from reading.

Combine this with what Paul says in Ephesians 3:3-4 (RSV): "By revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief. And by referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ." The early church was established by apostolic writing as well as apostolic preaching. God chose to send his living Word into the world for thirty years, and his written Word into the world for two thousand years. Think of the assumption behind this divine decision. People in each generation would be dependent on those who read. Some people, if not all, would have to learn to read--and read well in order to be faithful to God.

So it has been for thousands of years. Generation after generation has read the insights of its writers. This is why fresh statements of old truth are always needed. Without them people will read error. Daniel Webster once said, 

If religious books are not widely circulated among the masses in this country, I do not know what is going to become of us as a nation. If truth be not diffused, error will be; if God and His Word are not known and received, the devil and his works will gain the ascendancy; if the evangelical volume does not reach every hamlet, the pages of a corrupt and licentious literature will. (Ernest Reisinger, "Every Christian a Publisher," Free Grace Broadcaster, no. 51, winter 1995: l7)

Millions of people are going to read. If they don't read contemporary Christian books, they are going to read contemporary secular books. They will read. It is amazing to watch people in an airport. In airports alone, at any given moment, there must be hundreds of thousands of people reading. One of the things we Christians need to be committed to, besides reading, is giving away thoughtful books to those who might read them but would never buy them. (bold mine)

The ripple effect is incalculable. Consider this illustration:

A book by Richard Sibbes, one of the choicest of the Puritan writers, was read by Richard Baxter, who was greatly blessed by it. Baxter then wrote A Call to the Unconverted which deeply influenced Philip Doddridge, who in turn wrote The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul. This brought the young William Wilberforce, subsequent English statesman and foe of slavery, to serious thoughts of eternity. Wilberforce wrote his Practical Book of Christianity which fired the soul of Leigh Richmond. Richmond, in turn, wrote The Dairyman's Daughter, a book that brought thousands to the Lord, helping Thomas Chalmers the great preacher, among others. (Ibid, 18.)

I seems to me that in a literate culture like ours, where most of us know how to read and where books are available, the biblical mandate is to keep on reading what will open the Holy Scriptures to you more and more, and to keep praying for Bible-saturated writers. There are many great old books to read, but each new generation needs its own writers to make the message fresh. Read and pray. And then obey.

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JOURNAL 3-20-09 Friday

These are Scriptures the Lord drew my attention to today:

Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given--and you will receive even more. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. (Mark 4:24-25 NLT)

Cheer up, Zion! Don't be afraid! For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. (Zephaniah 3:16-17 NLT)

   For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world but to save the world through him. 
   There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God's one and only Son. And the judgment is based on this fact: God's light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. (John 3:16-19 NLT)

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JOURNAL 3-21-09 Saturday

A DREAM ABOUT TRYING TO GET PRAYER FOR SOME BLOOD TREATMENT

In this dream three people came to my house to pray for me - a man and two women. The prayer was for some blood work I had had treatment for and the treatment hadn't produced the test results wanted. I was trying to talk about what I needed prayer for, but one woman (who was new to me and I didn't seem to know her as I did the other two people) started talking, and kept talking. The man went somewhere for a bit and came back and she was still talking. It seemed she had come to Missouri for swimming and was planning to go somewhere else later for some other sport. I was trying to tell them why I needed prayer.

After writing out this dream I felt such a need to draw apart and seek the Lord - that I needed to learn something. Then, as I did, the Lord had me open my Bible to Matthew 7:21. It said: "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."

Oh Lord, does that fit me? Am I one who says to you "Lord, Lord," but will not enter the kingdom of heaven? Is this some kind of a warning for me? Or is it a call to pray for someone?

I want you to record all this, this morning, as it is very important, and you will want a record of it. I want to teach you something, and your dream is part of it. You hear My voice inside you, right?

Yes, Lord, I hear your voice inside, in my mind or heart or both.

Well, you talk to Me that way, and it is good, it is authentic. But some people talk to Me out loud, calling out in loud prayers: "Lord, Lord, we call on You to do this or do that, or bless this or bless that." Remember I said, "the kingdom of God is within?" Well, it is, and from "within" I want you to call on Me. 

I know  you're concerned now that you have done something wrong, but you haven't. You DO hear Me and call on Me rightly. In your dream you came together to share a prayer need and pray. But one person seemed to think you got together to talk and to listen to her. That's what many people think. You wanted to pray. She wanted to talk instead. She might go away thinking you all had called on the Lord because your stated purpose was to pray. But you didn't. There is a deep misunderstanding about what it is to call upon the Lord. And your dream depicted that. And you saw and understood that in the dream, and were disturbed by it.

How does that fit with the Scripture I gave you? It is just one illustration of how people "think" they are calling upon the Lord, and they are not. I'm not brought into the situation. Why did I give you that dream and the following Scripture? For you to pray (as John Bevere says) for the eyes of the blind to be opened - the eyes of those who "think" they have called upon Me, and the eyes of those who "think" they belong to Me and they don't. Pray this for Me.

Yes, Lord, I will pray right now. Is that why You gave me the Scripture? Am I ok with You and in my relationship with You?

Yes, this dream and Scripture was brought to you for prayer I want lifted up to Me. Will you do that? (Yes, you are ok with Me, so don't fret about that thought.)

Yes, Lord!

You're here, Joan, and you are in My presence - and THIS is the way I want prayer brought before Me - while "in My presence." Now that you are in My presence, THEN I can and will hear your prayer - whatever it is.

I lift before You, Lord, those who are blind but think they see. They pray words out loud to You, but haven't even made contact with You yet before praying those words. They think prayer is just words they speak from their own minds instead of whispers of the heart that is in contact with You. I pray for You, Lord, to open their blind eyes and show/teach them how to come into this close, personal, intimate friendship like we have, (in which You lead me to pray the prayers You want prayed) - not looking to their own minds for words. Open their spiritual eyes, Lord, and their spiritual understanding. Bring them into a close intimate relationship with You. Help them know and understand that this even exists, and to seek after it. Take them the message of this, Lord. Bring them close to You, Lord.

And for those who think they belong to you, and really don't, shine the light of Your understanding into their hearts and minds and reveal to each of them how to call out to You rightly, and how to come into right relationship with You, Lord - a saving relationship, a true salvation. There may be many who are deceived, Lord. I pray for each one of them. Show them the way, Lord. You ARE the Way. Show them Yourself, Lord. Bring the truth to them. You ARE the Truth. Bring them into a life-giving, life-changing relationship with You, Lord. You ARE the Life.

I pray for all those who already belong to you, and for those who are really Yours (the elect) who have yet to come to You. I pray for them to find You - the Way, the Truth, and the Life. You are the only Way to the Father. Show them the Way, Lord. Teach them who You are and open their hearts to receive You inside of them.

I know You seek after us, or none of us would be saved. You seek after us until we "find" You. Thank You, Lord, for Your great love that seeks after us and brings us to salvation to be Your lovely Bride. Thank You that You are coming SOON to gather Your Bride unto Yourself - "that where You are, we may be with You" forever! 

I pray this all in Your precious name, Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen. 

Prayer is to seek after Me. If you pray with others, it is to seek after Me together. But it's still the same - seeking after Me until you come into My presence, then praying with Me. I am the great Intercessor. If you want to be like Me, then intercede as I do - only out of the heart of the Father, or My heart. Then it is true communication. It's not just empty, non-connecting words from the mind of man. You were not taught this as a child or even as a young adult. You did not learn this until recently, as a mature adult. Now you want all to know what real prayer is. That's why I want you to pray for those who need this understanding. Yes, I hear your prayer for them. I will seek them, and I will teach them. You will know the results when you come up here to heaven with Me. And it WILL be soon, Joan, as you desire. You are thinking rightly on that. It will be VERY soon. 

It won't be on Pentecost and it won't be on Easter. It won't be on Passover. It will be on Rosh Hashanah as you have been taught. The reason I can reveal that now is because it is so soon and the time just before the Rapture is here, now. So I am revealing more truth and understanding about the "end times" and "the day of the Lord" (tribulation) now.

Therefore I have many prayers that I want "prayed" by those who belong to Me. You are to do this by yourself, hidden in your prayer closet with Me. You are part of My end times ministry to be used for prayer and writing. I raised you up for this. This is your destiny and purpose. Enjoy it and enjoy our times together. Do not fear the economic or other difficulties that are going on around you. This is the shaking I warned of. It must come. It must be here. It is part of the end time scenario. Just keep your focus on Me in ALL situations, for I know all about it and what you are to pray and do.

* * *

JOURNAL 3-23-09 Monday

A DREAM ABOUT SEEING PURPLE-GREEN-BLUE-STREAKED SHAPES IN THE SKY

In this dream I was in an apartment-like dorm room at Manchester College. There were three of us women who were to move into and share this apartment. We were looking through it and trying to decide where each of us would sleep and put our things. It looked like a window (which looked out on the sidewalk beside the dorm) had previously been broken and repaired. It was out of place, so we pulled it back into place. I knew our end of the dorm was at the west end of the building.

Then I was at a different part of the campus and trying to find my way back to the dorm. I was seeking which direction west was so I could go that way to find my way back. At one time I went outside and looked at the sky and the sun to try to determine the direction west. I saw in the sky very strange-looking cloud-like formations, but more just colors in the sky. They were streaked with purples, greens, and blues in sort of round shapes and swirls. I called someone else to come and see it, but it was mostly gone by the time they came.

Interpretation:

We three women were trying to find how we fit together in our place to move into, to live, to settle there and put our things there, but this didn't get resolved. Perhaps we three represent those who belong to God and are trying to obey Him and grow into His likeness. We are looking for revelation and fixing up what had previously been broken so we can have better revelation. The position/place we were in was at the end time (west end), at the last, with God's grace upon us, and conformed to Him. The unusual colors in the sky indicate something that is visible to many as it is outside and very large. It refers to something royal, spiritual, and prosperous all intermingled and streaked together…and yet it was missed by those who looked later. What does this dream mean, Lord?

It means I am with you, that I have My own (three) set apart in their temporary living quarters for now, but you don't get really settled in there because you won't be there long. You go outside and see a "sign" in the sky - like I mentioned/told you there would be signs in the sky. You know it is important and unusual, but those who come to look after you don't see it for it is gone by then. Being in the "west" indicates the last, the end, and My grace at that time and place.

* * *

JOURNAL 3-24-09 Tuesday

Today I was reading the presentation in my NIV Bible of information about the period of time between Malachi and Matthew, and the information about the four Gospels. At one point it said something which really spoke to me. It stated: "It is always true that 'the pure in heart' are happy because they 'see God.'" (pg 1194) I really identified with that statement that I am pure in heart and, due to that, I see God and am happy through that. I say 'amen' to that!

I was also reading today in Joshua 1:5, 7-9 where it says: No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. Then the Holy Spirit began to speak to me:

This is because I will ALWAYS BE WITH YOU. and STAND UP FOR YOU, and GIVE MY ANGELS CHARGE OVER YOU, therefore no one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. You may FEEL afraid and fearful, but they still won't be able to stand up against you - BECAUSE I will take care of you, protect you, watch over you, and keep you safe from ALL evil and harm all the days of your life, Joan. I love you that much!

Thank You, Lord!!!!!!!! I receive that "word" from You today, right now! I choose to call upon You all the days of my life here on earth for this protection and watch care. This is a display of Your glory and power, isn't it, Lord? You are doing this to show others who You are. Thank You for choosing me to display Your glory!

No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you…Be strong, and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

* * *

JOURNAL 3-25-09 Wednesday

(Quotes taken from Contending For Our All by John Piper, pp. 24-25 which quoted J. I. Packer A Quest For Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life, p 128)

The First Great Awakening in Britain and America in the eighteenth century was a time of tremendous growth for the church and of profound awakening of thousands of individuals. But it is common knowledge that the two greatest itinerant preachers in this movement were opposed to each other's understanding of God's work in salvation. George Whitefield was a Calvinist, and John Wesley was an Arminian.

J. I. Packer explains the five points of Calvinism in this way:

(1)	Fallen man in his natural state lacks all power to believe the gospel, just as he lacks all power to believe the law, despite all external inducements that may be extended to him.
(2)	God's election is a free, sovereign, unconditional choice of sinners, as sinners, to be redeemed by Christ, given faith, and brought to glory.
(3)	The redeeming work of Christ had as its end and goal the salvation of the elect.
(4)	The work of the Holy Spirit in bringing men to faith never fails to achieve its object.
(5)	Believers are kept in faith and grace by the unconquerable power of God till they come to glory.

These five points are conveniently denoted by the mnemonic TULIP: Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace, Preservation of the saints.

And here is how Packer unpacks the five points of Arminianism:

(1)	Man is never so completely corrupted by sin that he cannot savingly believe the gospel when it is put before him,
(2)	Nor is he ever so completely controlled by God that he cannot reject it.
(3)	God's election of those who shall be saved is prompted by his foreseeing that they will of their own accord believe.
(4)	Christ's death did not ensure the salvation of anyone, for it did not secure the gift of faith to anyone (there is no such gift): what it did was rather to create a possibility of salvation for everyone if they believe.
(5)	It rests with believers to keep themselves in a state of grace by keeping up their faith; those who fail here fall away and are lost. 

Thus Arminianism made man's salvation depend ultimately on man himself, saving faith being viewed throughout as man's own work and, because his own, not God's in him.

---------------------

I do not know which of these ways of believing is right. I do know it talks a lot in the Bible about God's elect, and I have wondered what all that meant. I want to know and understand, so I ask You, God, to teach me.

I will, Joan. You will learn more about this as I lead you and teach you. Watch for it and expect it.

Later, I went on John Piper's web site (www.DesiringGod.org) and found lots of sermons, and writings - all available for free. I downloaded and printed many articles on election, put them into a notebook, and spent days studying them. In this way, God has been teaching me what "election" means according to the Bible. I have never been taught this material before that I can remember, but have been intrigued by many Scriptures that mentioned election. 

I have been so influenced by living in a democracy and thinking as it teaches, that I didn't know how to respond to those Scriptures about election. But the Spirit says the Kingdom will not be a democracy but a theocracy. God decides everything and all is done His way…including who is "elected" to be part of that Kingdom.

* * *

JOURNAL 4-1-09 Wednesday

Last night I awoke during the night and had an impression in my mind of a picture of a man with high boots on standing in black oil/petroleum inside some building. I don't know if it was a dream or vision or what, but it seemed pretty substantial/real in my mind. I thought a long time about what it might mean and wondered what petroleum oil meant/symbolized.

Interpretation:

This man represents God's messenger showing me something. Having boots on may show warring in the Spirit and to be alert to that. His "standing" there may represent being committed to a point of view or belief. Standing in black oil/petroleum may represent an element in my life that has multiple aspects and diverse uses as petroleum does. The building could represent my life choices or edification. It also could represent a new body after resurrection. This could be showing me to keep "standing" on what I believe, and to keep warring in the Spirit for it. The oil could also represent prosperity and anointing.

* * *

JOURNAL 4-4-09 Saturday

TWO DREAMS ABOUT PUTTING SOMETHING ON MY FEET

In this dream I was going to do an Indian-like dance along with a group of women. To do this dance I needed to wrap my left foot in plastic wrap. I forgot to do that ahead of time and so I was trying to wrap it in pieces of plastic wrap just before we were to perform the dance. I called the dance a "hop" and said if we got mixed up in our motions we would need to "re-hop."  After we put plastic wrap on, then we were to put on boots over it.

In another dream I was visiting at someone's house and had a suitcase with my clothes, etc. in it. I had brought my navy blue dress to wear to dress up and I was trying to decide which shoes to wear with it: my low white sandals, or some other pair. 

I notice both dreams dealt with the feet and what to put on them.

In this first dream I was going to do an Indian dance (pseudo-spirituality worship) along with a group of women (the church). To do this dance I needed to wrap my left (spiritual) foot (heart, walk, way, thoughts) in plastic wrap (was without full preparation). I forgot to do that ahead of time (wasn't prepared on time) and so I was trying to wrap it in pieces of plastic wrap just before we were to perform the dance. I called the dance a "hop" and said if we got mixed up in our motions we would need to do it over - "re-hop."  After we put plastic wrap (transparent covering) on then we were to put on boots (used for spiritual warfare) over it.

This first dream seems to indicate that I am not yet ready/prepared (but close) in our words, thoughts, and sharing the Gospel for what is coming. We need to put on protection and preparation for spiritual warfare.

In the second dream I was prepared to put on a spiritual covering and trying to decide what color and kind of shoes that would be best. I seemed to lean toward the pure sandals of peace to cover my heart/walk/way/thoughts. I was only a visitor and was prepared/packed so I could leave.

Anything You want to tell me about these two dreams, Lord?

You have done a good interpretation. And you have asked me to prepare you in your thoughts, words, and heart so you will be ready to fight the spiritual warfare and to share the Gospel as I lead you. This is good, Joan, and I WILL lead you and prepare you. These dreams were to alert you to ask, and you have asked.

* * *

JOURNAL 4-6-09 Monday

A DREAM ABOUT TIME AND NOT BEING READY TO GO TO WORK TEACHING CHILDREN

In this dream I was in my childhood home working on my clothes, trying to get them ready to wear. I noticed the time on the clock. It was about 12 minutes until 8:00 am, and I realized I was already too late to make it to work on time, even if I left immediately. My thought was that I was a teacher of children (kindergarten) at Jackson School. I wasn't yet dressed to go to work. I thought I needed to call the school and tell them I would be late, and to have someone watch the children until I got there. I also thought that I didn't have lesson plans ready to teach the children.

What does this dream mean, Lord? Did You give it to me? I had a similar dream many times. What are You trying to tell me that I don't get/understand? Please tell me.

Do the symbol looking up.

Are You telling me that it is a very short time before the closing of this time (clock) era on earth for me? Are You telling me that there is soon coming a resurrection (8), regeneration, the beginning of a new era or order, liberty, salvation, and resurrection life? Does this refer to the Church, the Divine government and election (12), and their being "united"? That makes me think it may refer to the Rapture and the great change that will bring about soon. 

I was trying to find the right clothes to wear, which may mean I am trying to put on the anointing/mantle for the work I am to do. It's about what I am going to be doing, my righteousness, and my attitude.

I thought I was supposed to be at a school to teach children. This may symbolize that I have revelations from God to share with others in my writings. My ministry is to those elementary in the Christian life, to small group ministry within the Church. I am one chosen for learning and training others through my writings. I don't want to be late in this dream for doing that. It may be showing my concern that my writings are not yet getting to the people I am supposed to teach…but that the time is short before that happens.

In another part of the dream I had locked a door of the house and used a chain lock also. There was a black dog outside that was trying to come in. He was only kept out because of the chain lock as the regular lock in the door didn't work.

This dream may symbolize securing safety from evil and fearful possibilities by the use of a chain lock. It may symbolize the binding together of circles - or the binding of Christians together. In other words, keep the lock of safety latched at all times to keep out those who might bring strife.

* * *

JOURNAL 4-7-09 Tuesday

Last night Beth and I listened to a CD by Paul Keith Davis regarding the season of the Feast of Tabernacles that the Lord showed him is coming. It is a time when the Manifest Presence of the Lord comes to His people, His Bride, in fullness on the earth and reveals His glory as He brings in the final harvest (the "ingathering") just before He takes His Bride up to heaven in the Rapture. He said he thought the season of the awakening of people (the blowing of trumpets-Rosh Hashanah) was during the 1940-50's during the revival then. And that we are now in the season of atonement when the Lord is getting us cleansed and freed from all that would hinder His work in us. And that the celebration of the Feast of Booths is soon coming when He indwells us to the fullest extent He ever has. He calls it several names: the Feast of the Open Book, the Ingathering, the Harvest, the Feast of Tabernacles, and Booths.

* * *

JOURNAL 4-11-09 Saturday

A DREAM ABOUT THREE DIFFERENT ROOMS (OF COMFORT, WARMTH, AND CLEANSING) FOR ME TO LIVE IN

In this dream I was looking at and inspecting closely three different dorm rooms in a house. Two other women and I were to get these three rooms to live in. I suggested we draw numbers to see who got to pick first, second, and third. I wanted to go to each room and look it over carefully to see which one had the best things about it to fit me.

The first one I inspected was on the left side of the building and had windows that looked out that way. It seemed to be the best room as far as layout for housing my furniture. But I saw through the front entrance (which came through part of the building in front of it) that this seemed to be a funeral home where the hearse drove up into the area just in front of this room.

The second one I inspected was on the right side of the building and looked out over a driveway about 2 stories down below. As I examined it closer, I saw it was about 3/4 tiled like a shower room area. The walls and floors were not flat or squared so it would be very hard to fit furniture in it. I began cleaning the shower area so I could shower myself there.

The third one was in the middle of the building. I didn't get around to looking in it during the dream. I thought it might have the advantage of being warmer than the other two.

This house may represent me. The different rooms inside may represent different aspect of things inside of me. The number three may represent the Godhead and conforming to it. It can represent completion, perfection, divine fullness. So these three dorm rooms inside a funeral home may represent a building or place to live after I die (am born again). Or it could represent a place where others are brought when they "die" to themselves and become born again in Jesus. 

They have to come "through" the hearse garage/room to get to the three apartments/dorm rooms. There they get to have a dorm room/apartment to the right side representing a "natural" lifestyle showing the power of God revealed through flesh (the Church), or the left side of the building representing the spiritual or God's strength or ability demonstrated through man's weakness. The room on the right/natural side showed a place for much cleansing. The room on the left side showed a place to live in comfortably.

I don't get anything out of this, Lord? What does this dream teach me? What does it represent? Why did You give it to me and have me write it out?

Let's give it some time and think on it awhile so I can reveal something to you from it. When I reveal something to you as this day goes on, then come and write it here.

Later the same day

The three rooms/apartments refer to three places you get to live in due to your death to self: a room of comfort, a room of warmth, and a room of cleansing. The rest of your life here on earth will be lived in these three rooms along with Me, because, due to Me, you died to your self and are now living for and with Me. This is a promise dream - a dream of what's yet to come for you on this earth. Be assured and comforted by this promise. You will have comfort, warmth, and cleansing all the days left of your life here on earth, Joan. It is a gift from Me - My gift to you. That is why I kept this dream in your mind and had you write it down, and had you wait for My revelation of what it meant.

I can now see that I currently live in three rooms in Beth's house literally and these three rooms give me comfort, warmth, and cleansing daily. Thank You, Lord!!!

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JOURNAL 4-13-09 Monday

A DREAM OF TEACHING KINDERGARTEN CHILDREN TO STAND IN LINE

In this dream I was a teacher of kindergarten students in a schoolroom. I was showing them how to play together in a large room by moving around in the room, playing together by imitating each other and following each other in groups of two's etc. Then I looked at my watch and saw it was their recess time on the school playground so I taught them about how to get into a line so they could follow me to the playground. 

Interpretation:

This dream seems to symbolize my teaching young Christians (children) how to worship (play) together inside the church (classroom), and then I was to take them outside (into the world) and help them learn to worship there too. Teaching them "how to stand in line" may refer to training children to stand on a committed point of view or belief and going in the right direction.

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JOURNAL 4-15-09 Wednesday

A DREAM ABOUT PUTTING ON BOOTS

In an early dream I remember we were putting on clothes, etc. to stay warm while sitting on the bleachers. Someone had on black knee high boots with brass buckles crisscrossing to buckle them up. I had on pull-on boots with a warm lining. I considered putting on the brass buckle boots but decided my warm pull-on boots were best, so I left them on. I saw in my mind a picture of about 3 people sitting on the bleachers with a dark blanket pulled over their backs and up over the top of their heads, so I assumed I would eventually be doing that too.

Interpretation:

You sit on bleachers to watch something - a game, a contest. So maybe this refers to our getting ready to go to heaven where we will watch what is happening on earth. Or perhaps it indicates watching and seeing happenings on earth from a sidelines heavenly perspective. The boots can represent putting on what is needed to do Spiritual warfare. The blanket may refer to trying to keep hidden - therefore it is dark. Since there are three, they may represent the Trinity watching from a hidden place.

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A DREAM OF GETTING INTO CARS TO RIDE SOMEWHERE

In the later dream there were many cars lined up along the side of a street ready to go someplace. A whole group of us were to get into the various cars to ride there. I was with a girlfriend and she and I wanted to sit together so we got into a car together. I realized that I had a little brother and a bigger sister in the group and I didn't watch out for them to see if they got into cars all right. Later I felt badly that I didn't see to them before I looked after myself. My girlfriend and I really wanted to ride in the car of a certain guy whom we liked, but we just got into a car quickly and didn't seek out his. Later we wished we had tried to find his car to ride in.

Interpretation:

My first impression is that this group of people represent Christians. We are preparing to "ride" to our place in heaven together. This is part of our pathway/journey. My girlfriend could represent the Holy Spirit, or it could represent my daughter. The little brother may represent J and the bigger sister may represent L. I am dreaming that I am concerned about their destiny and whether they will make it to heaven. The certain guy we wanted to ride with may refer to Jesus.

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JOURNAL 4-16-09 Thursday

A letter to my sister:

Are you going to respond to ___ mentioning of studying Kaballah? Her saying that just renewed my deep concern for her eternal soul! I feel I MUST let her know that I think studying that and New Age stuff is wrong. Why else would she mention it to us (I think knowing we both would disapprove) except to get our acceptance of it?

If the Rapture comes soon, and if she is left behind, perhaps she will remember what we said about how Jesus is the only Way to God, not through the stuff she is looking at. Perhaps that might awaken her??? The Scriptures I am thinking of sending her (the Scriptures have power to convict) are Matthew 7:13-14 and John 3:16-21. Let me know what you think.

This morning Beth noticed a lot of pink clouds outside the window during breakfast time (about 6:30-6:45) and then noticed a rainbow too. We went outside and saw in the clouds a triple rainbow! It was fantastic! And it wasn't rainy here, but was in downtown KC area. She took pictures of it on her phone camera. 

And just last night we were hearing the teaching about Noah and the covenant made to him with the sign of the rainbow. Grant Jeffrey taught on TBN the 8 covenants made by God with mankind.

I am reading through the book of Revelation again. I have read it many times. This time I am also reading Tim LaHaye's explanations in his book Revelation Revealed. He gives insights I hadn't thought of in some parts. He also gives an interesting chart showing the Scriptures about the Rapture versus the Scriptures on the "Glorious Appearing." It's a good list to have.

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JOURNAL 4-19-09 Sunday

I think the Lord is impressing me to write the testimony about how I made the decision to follow Jesus exclusively and believe the Bible as truth - and how that led me away from the New Age ideas and books which were fed to me from others. So I will try to do that here:

* * *

MY TESTIMONY
ABOUT GIVING MY HEART TOTALLY TO JESUS
AND SEPARATING MYSELF FROM THOSE THINGS I FEEL ARE NOT FROM HIM
April 19, 2009

I had a dream last night through which I came to realize that M had been interested in New Age ideas and she and L had both shared them with me and shared books with me regarding them. I believe she never got beyond the stage of finding them interesting to read about. I don't believe she followed them into New Age meditation, etc. I realized through the dream that I had "hosted" those ideas too, in that I made a place for them in my thoughts during that period of time

Sometime in the 60's (after I returned from Japan) and the early 70's I can remember becoming interested in reading books (which M and L were reading) that dealt with Eastern philosophies, New Age ideas, etc. At that time I was not going to church, reading the Bible, or feeling a sense of exclusive commitment to Christianity. So I was quite vulnerable and susceptible to non-Christian ideas. They were new to me and quite intriguing. But I also began reading books written by Christians and listening to Christian speakers on tapes. These were given to me by J. Both were interesting. 

One day in 1971, after reading one of the Christian books, I asked the Lord what I could do about my interest in following Christ as that author did. He told me I should call L and ask her about how to go to CFO camp which she had attended the previous summer (1970) and had told me about. So I did, and she gave me the information about how to register. I made arrangements to go during the summer of l971.

Previous to that camp I was not discerning about the difference between New Age stuff and Christianity. I joined for awhile a small study group in Indianapolis which I would now call a New Age seeking group. They were nice people but I had some reservation about something they were looking into - visiting some psychic.

I went to CFO camp with questions and came home with my answers. I was strongly impressed by the Lord while at camp that Jesus was the Way, and the only Way to follow. As soon as I returned home I called someone in that small group and said I wasn't going to attend anymore and told her why - that Jesus was the only Way and following Him didn't fit with what that group was seeking.

There was a period of time when I felt really tugged back and forth between what L shared and what J shared. For awhile I tried to incorporate some New Age ideas and Christian ideas together, but eventually I realized it didn't work. I chose to believe the Bible was the truth, and had to discard things which didn't fit with what the Bible taught. Slowly I read more and more Christian books and less and less the New Age books. Eventually I gave up the New Age ideas and replaced them with the truth from the Bible.

I now realize that New Age ideas and Christianity (true Christianity) do not fit together. We will eventually go toward one or the other, as we cannot serve two masters. I am so grateful to God for leading me to the Truth and giving me faith to believe in it. Gradually this has grown into a close personal relationship with Him - the treasure of my life. Praise God!

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JOURNAL 4-22-09 Wednesday

A DREAM OF TRYING TO FIND MY WAY IN JAPAN TO THE PLACE TO PLAY CARDS

The setting for this dream was in Japan. I was with a group of English speaking people. We were in a car driving along. I was sitting in the back seat. We were to go to someone's house where I was going to play bridge with some people. Then, for some unknown reason, I got out of the car to walk to that house, but I didn't know the way. The Japanese streets were many, going in various directions, and making turns was necessary. And I didn't speak the language to ask directions. I was trying to go along with another woman who seemed to be able to communicate and ask directions. I awoke while still in a street trying to find the right way to go.

I guess this expresses my feelings about L and K - trying to find the right way to go in regard to them and their salvation. I don't know how to communicate with them to help them understand the importance of committing their lives to Christ. Maybe that is like trying to find my way in a city where I don't speak the same language as they do. Cards symbolize facts; honesty (as in putting all your cards on the table); truth; expose or reveal; wisdom (as in knowing when to hold and when to fold). This makes me wonder if the dream indicates I want or need to be open and honest, telling the facts about salvation and its consequences in eternity. However I don't know how to get to them in a way so they will listen and understand. I awoke at least twice in the night and prayed for them. So they were on my mind.

Riding in a car with a group of English-speaking people may symbolize my being part of a church or ministry where we can communicate with each other. Being in the back seat may symbolize I am following others who are in the front/driving. Following the woman who can ask directions - this may refer to the Holy Spirit whom I need to follow and listen to in this situation. Perhaps that is the message I am to get from this dream - to listen to and follow the Holy Spirit through this territory or pathway which is unknown to me.

* * *

JOURNAL 4-23-09 Thursday

QUIET TIME NOTES

In my Quiet Time the Holy Spirit prompted me to read Ezekiel 9:11 which says:

Then the man in linen clothing, who carried the writer's case, reported back and said, "I have done as you commanded."

So I read it and then read Ezekiel 8, 9 and 10 to know how that verse fit into the rest of the story. It was a story of how God showed Ezekiel about many areas where people were sinning against Him. God had this man (angel) in linen clothing go around the city and mark the foreheads of all those who "weep and sigh because of the detestable sins being committed in their city." (Ezekiel 9:4) He told me many sins were taking place in my country, America, and that He was marking the foreheads of all those who are against those detestable sins. He was marking His own people, and He would soon take them out of America and judge the rest who are left behind. This would be soon, like at least in the next few years.

Then my attention went to two other places in the Bible where God had His people marked on their foreheads: Revelation 7:3-4 and Revelation 14:1. He reminded me that He is the same now as He was then, and He still marks His own. And He reminded me that in Ezekiel 9:11 (which He gave me at the beginning of QT) the task was already done - past tense. And He says it is already done in America - He has already marked on their foreheads those who belong to Him.

This reminded me of a CD teaching by Paul Keith Davis (which Beth and I listened to last night) in which Paul Keith prayed for those (whom the Lord was marking on their foreheads for His end time army) to receive the fullness of the Spirit as Jesus did. The teaching series was titled "Sons of The Kingdom and The Seven Spirits of God." Paul Keith thinks this fullness of the Spirit will be poured out on God's servants before the Rapture of the Church and will bring in the world's greatest harvest. I read a book by another teacher who thought this great outpouring of the Spirit would come after the Rapture of the Church, during the first part of the tribulation, and would reap a great harvest using the 144,000 mentioned in Revelation 7:3-10. They seemed to harvest "a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language."

And, interestingly enough, the Antichrist will cause a mark to be put on the foreheads of all who belong to him - as Satan, once again, imitates what God does - only for false reasons, not for good.

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JOURNAL 4-25-09 Saturday

A DREAM ABOUT  FEEDING ON SPIRITUAL FOOD FROM PAUL KEITH DAVIS' CD'S

1.	In this dream I was the secretary at a church and I was working on the bulletin - gathering material to cut and paste onto it, etc. This bulletin was large/tall with three sections - like the size of bulletins CBC used to have. 

2.	In another scene I was in a dining area which had lots of round tables and people were bringing their food there to sit at the tables and eat. There was one table that was where the office staff sat, and some other people sat there. I told them the office staff ate lunch there, and asked them to find some other table to use, so they did.

3.	After some meeting or conference was over I went through the dining area and picked up the bulletins they had left there. Then I cut pictures out from those bulletins - pictures of a tree with flowers on it - so I could use those again. I collected as many as I could and cut them out with scissors. They seemed to have lots of value to me. It was almost as if they were three-dimensional.

1. A bulletin is an announcement of events to happen. (This first scene makes me wonder if it was about CBC. Perhaps it shows something is soon to happen there or in that denomination.) The largeness of the bulletin may symbolize the great size of the event, and the three sections could show it is of God. I was helping prepare for this event by making an announcement (in writing) of what was about to take place. Maybe this symbolizes the books I write and have put on the web for others to read. I act like a secretary in that regard.

2. People gathering around round tables to eat food. This could represent the church eating the food of the Word together in communion around spiritual tables. The office staff may represent the leaders of this church - those teaching and organizing the gathering. They had a special area where they sat together separate from others to share and eat and commune together.

3. Three dimensional may symbolize something from God. The tree may symbolize the tree of life as being precious. Jesus is our Tree of Life and is very precious to us. Since it was beautiful and had flowers on it, it may symbolize God's blessings and great beauty. The shape was somewhat like an apple tree. This might symbolize fruitfulness in the early stages (flowering). I think these trees may symbolize the church. These were pictures of it, but it seemed they were real - not flat. A picture can symbolize something brought to mind, a significant occurrence, or something hidden brought to light. This makes me think it may refer to our listening to a CD of Paul Keith Davis teaching and praying for people at some conference. It was a conference giving out spiritual food to people and Beth and I got see/hear a "picture" of it as we listened. It was like something hidden brought to light and made known to us - something I considered a great "tree of life" which I cut out to keep. 

These scenes seem to be confirming to me that our listening to Paul Keith Davis' CD's and feeding on them is good and is feeding us spiritually. It was a very positive and uplifting dream.

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Prayer Warriors 
by Francis Frangipane  (www.frangipane.org) 
April 25, 2009

In our rapidly changing times people are desperate to know the future. Barely do we adjust to the last changes, when totally new realities explode into our world.
In answer to the common fears spawned by change, society has seen a plethora of occult and demonic sources--fortune tellers, astrologers and psychic hotlines---all pretending to be able peek into the mystery of tomorrow. Indeed, how many otherwise intelligent individuals glimpse, at least occasionally, at their "astrological signs" trying to get an edge on knowing the future!

Why anyone would consult someone who can't predict their own future is beyond me. These fortune tellers almost always live in abject poverty. Shouldn't their ability to predict the future at least work for themselves? They could invest in the stock market or pick the right lottery numbers. They can't even predict or better their own fortune, yet people go to them for discernment.

Tremendous Power In a Christian!

For Christians, God condemns this demonic, fleshly probing into the unknown. Indeed, as intercessors, He has called us not to wonder about the future, but to create it through the knowledge of His Living Word and prayer! Our Father gives us access to the future right now. You ask, How do we know what to pray? The Lord Jesus told us plainly,
"Pray, then, in this way: 'Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matt. 6:9-10).

We can look at the conditions of the world and faint or look at the possibilities of God and take faith. To bring revival is to pray for the reality of God's kingdom to manifest on earth. Jesus was not offering His disciples a millennial prayer focus, for that rule of God's kingdom is coming whether we want it to or not! No, but Christ calls us to pray for God's kingdom to manifest in our world today.

How will tomorrow look if God answers the prayer Christ gave us? Read the gospels. What we see in the life and power of Jesus Christ is a faith picture of God's kingdom. Jesus said that we can have that same full manifestation. In fact, He actually commanded us to pray for heaven's release!

The Prayer Womb

The reality God has planned will always manifest first in the prayer life of His intercessors. When you hear from God and then pray His Word, you are impacting the unformed essence of life with the Spirit of God Himself! Thus, God calls us, not only to know His Word, but to pray it. We must go from intellectualizing God's Word to being impregnated by it.

I know churches have special areas where intercessors can pray or people meditate. But maybe we ought to change the name from "prayer room" to "prayer womb." For everything good and holy that we see manifested in people, in churches and in life is first conceived, and then birthed, in the womb of prayer.

We have answers to prayer all around us. The place you are living in is an answer to prayer. Your church is an answer to prayer, as well as are your pastors, teachers and youth workers. As a church member, your attendance and participation is an answer to the prayer of your pastors and intercessors. When you asked God to lead you to the church you should attend, your current church became God's answer to your prayer!

Paul wrote, "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might" (Eph. 1:18-19).
If you are a Christian, there is a power accompanying your life that is greater than great---the "surpassing greatness of His power." It is not human power, but the actual "strength of His might."

Think about it: The strength of God Almighty is attached to your prayer life!

The power of God's might is His resurrection power. What does resurrection mean? It means that things which look dead, smell dead, and act dead, can be touched by God and raised to life!

God demonstrated this "power toward us who believe" first "in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places" (Eph. 1:19,20).
Right now, you have resurrection power attached to your prayer life! You can look on things that are absolutely dead and pray forth eternal LIFE! The power in us is the same potency God demonstrated when He raised Jesus out of the grave; it is resurrection power. Our mission is to bring resurrection life to situations that are dead.

If the devil challenges your prayer, remind him that you are seated with Christ, "far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come" (Eph. 1:21). Christ's authority is final. But not only has the Father put "all things in subjection under His feet," but He "gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all" (Eph. 1:22-23).

Notice the Lord uses anatomical metaphors to explain the downlink of authority: Christ is the "head" of a "body" that has all things put under its "feet."

This is a most profound understanding of our role: What the Head, Christ, has attained, the feet of the church walk out. In other words, God has positioned the church as the living bridge between the terrible conditions on earth and the wonderful solutions from heaven!
As we truly, passionately, and accurately submit to Christ in prayer, the kingdom of heaven steadily enters our now prayed-for world. The key of course, is to know Christ's word. We do not have authority; Christ has authority. What we have is revelation and submission. But as we submit to the Word, and persevere in prayer, we can see the future conformed to God's will.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
This article is adapted from In Christ's Image Training.

Please feel free to forward this message to others; acknowledging our web site would be kindly appreciated.

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JOURNAL 4-28-09 Tuesday

A DREAM OF WEARING GREEN AND BLUE CLOTHES, A BLUE CROSS, AND A GOLD NECKLACE

In this dream I was attending some kind of conference or camp. I was preparing to have my picture taken. I was wearing a patterned green long loose jumper type cotton dress over a blue skirt or dress that was also patterned. I had on several necklaces. One was a bright sparkly blue cross, made of precious stone. Another was a gold and brown necklace clasped up high around my neck which I had bought from a jewelry salesman there, but the clasp kept coming loose as I wore it, and I needed to keep closing the clasp to keep from loosing it. I was planning to see the salesman and get a different clasp that would hold it tightly. The gold necklace was formed in some kind of design that stood for some organization. One person looked at it and said "Oh, ____," and named the organization which he was also a member of. But I don't recall what he called it.

I came to the man who was to take my picture and sat down and snuggled close to him. We seemed to have a mutual understanding of caring for each other. I had just realized a few minutes before this that it was Friday, the last day of camp, and we would be leaving that day. I was almost stunned to think we would be leaving and not be there together anymore. 

Yes, this is from Me. I want you to interpret it, and I will be with you as you do. Go ahead.

In this dream I was attending some kind of camp which shows a place and time set apart for a specific cause. I was preparing to have my picture taken. This picture could be to show me how others see me or how the Lord sees me, to remember this special camp event, or it could refer to my imagination or something hidden brought to light.

I was wearing a patterned green long loose jumper type cotton dress over a blue dress that was also patterned. The pattern could symbolize details or signs of instructions written on the dress. The dress symbolizes what I am wearing spiritually, protection, my mantle or anointing, my covering, my authority, or things the Lord is clothed in and provides for me. The green color refers to life, provision, renewal, rest and peace. It also refers to something new blooming or coming to new life as in the spring, or The Spirit of the Lord (7 Spirits). The blue dress refers to the Holy Spirit, revelation, something revelatory, or the Fear of the Lord (7 Spirits). The Lord says I have those two on (from the 7 Spirits).

I had on several necklaces. One was a bright sparkly blue cross made of precious stone. This signifies the cross that Christ died on for my salvation. It also can identify a Christian. It's blue color shows it is spiritual and the sparkly stones shows it is precious and enduring.

Another necklace was a clasped gold and brown necklace up high around my neck which I had bought from a jewelry salesman there. This symbolizes being born again (brown) and buying from Jesus gold as He says to do in Revelation. It signifies purity, God, kingdom glory, the riches of the glory of God; enduring capacity of the believer as overcomer, unchanging holiness, wisdom, glory, righteousness, truth, something precious, kingship, and great value. That's what I want, Lord - the enduring capacity of the believer as overcomer. Do I have that on, Lord? He says: "Yes."

My neck can refer to my will, strength, authority, command, steadfast, rule, meekness. In order to have that "enduring capacity of the believer as overcomer" I must use my will, strength, steadfastness, and meekness to maintain/wear the gold and brown necklace.

The clasp kept coming loose as I wore it, and I needed to keep closing the clasp to keep from loosing it. Perhaps this shows that I must keep working to keep this gold and brown article firmly on me as it can come off if I am not constantly vigilant.

I was planning to see the salesman and get a different clasp that would hold it tightly. This means I need to see Jesus, who sold me the necklace, to get help keeping the necklace firmly in place and not losing it.

I came to the man who was to take my picture and sat down beside him and snuggled close to him. We seemed to have a mutual understanding of caring for each other. This man represents Jesus, who is my Best Friend, and who wants my closeness, and says he likes being with me.

I had just realized a few minutes before this that it was Friday, the last day of camp, and we would be leaving that day. I was almost stunned to think we would be leaving and not be there together anymore. Friday is "preparation for Sabbath" day. Since Sabbath represents the Sabbath rest we get to experience in heaven with Jesus, Friday means it is almost ready to begin. Camp refers to this earthly life which is a set-apart time to experience something. So leaving camp soon refers to the Rapture of the Church - which will soon take us out of the earth.

The gold necklace was formed in some kind of design that stood for some organization. One person looked at it and said "Oh, ____," and named the organization which he was also a member of. But I don't recall what he called it. This could refer to being a sign of the Bride of Christ - those who wore His emblem of gold (glory) and brown (born again) over their necks (will).

Oh, Lord, is this right? This is wonderful! I ask You for the ability to keep the necklace on all the time, for a clasp that never fails.

Yes, this is true. I wanted to give you a "picture" of how I see you, My child. I see you as adorned, filled, and covered with My Spirit, with the Fear of The Lord, with spiritual clothes and with new life, having bought gold, being born again, and wearing My cross to show to the world that you belong to Me. This is how I see you. This is the picture I want you to carry with you in your imagination/memory which the picture represents. I love you, My child, and I want to be close to you all the time, and I enjoy your companionship and presence with Me. We will continue this right up to the time to leave camp/earth life, and have an even closer relationship after you come to heaven with Me. This is to assure you of our relationship, and that it will never end. It is enduring like gold and it shows your will is adorned and surrounded by that symbol of gold and brown. And yes, I will give you a new "clasp" so it will stay in place and never be lost. Now you can rest in that. This is a beautiful, beautiful picture of who you are in Me…and a picture of your security in our relationship.

And I won't be farther away from You, Lord, in heaven than I am now - even though I am such a small and insignificant servant/friend of Yours (compared to so many great servants of Yours)?

You are not a small and insignificant person to Me, Joan. You are precious and important. And you will not be farther from Me in heaven than you are here on earth. In fact, you will be closer there than here because there won't be so many distractions to separate us.

* * *

Roland Buck received visits from the angel Gabriel over thirty times and Charles and Francis Hunter wrote a book about it called "Angels on Assignment." I got out my book and started to reread it this morning and wanted to send Joyce some quotes...because I felt God was using it to show me how to now pray for our family members and children.

This is from chapter 1 called "Good news for you and your family." 

(p.17) Do you know...
•	That if even one member of your family is living for God, each individual member is highly favored? 
•	That a great host of angels has been assigned to bring these highly favored people to God? 
•	That they have orders to listen to no objections, but to hasten individuals to a point of choice? 
•	That if a person chooses the wrong way, the angels will begin the cycle all over again?

(p.22) God's plan is a family plan. All of the beautiful ties of home and family are eternal, and you are going to have joy such as you have never dreamed of when you get to heaven. Gabriel spoke to me over and over again about the importance of families to God, and that we can trust him, even though we cannot comprehend how he can accomplish a family relationship in heaven.

(p. 23) Many Christians have been praying for the unsaved loved ones in their families. When the angel brought me the message that their prayers had already been answered, I thought, "Does this mean they are already ALL saved?" "No, God does not mean he will violate the free right of choice he has given, but it means that he is going to do everything necessary to bring people to the point where it will be easy for them to make the choice to serve him.

(p. 24) Since God has said that your prayers are already answered, those who have laid their loved ones before him in sincerity and in faith can stop praying right now! The angel said they can start praising God right now. He is on the job, and has released the forces to bring about circumstances which would make it hard for these people to resist God.

(p. 28) If you have been praying for a family member who does not know the Lord, and have sincerely laid them on the altar, stop pestering them! Quit preaching at them! They're getting enough pushing and pulling right now from the angels, and the Holy Spirit is doing a thorough job of preaching to them...

In Numbers 10:35 we read that when the cloud moved, and the ark and the people were ready to move ahead, Moses said, "Rise up, Lord, and let thine enemies be scattered." God showed him when to say it....then the angelic hosts of heaven swung into action and swooped out across the area where Moses and the Israelites would be traveling, clearing the way of all enemies, whether spiritual or physical. (He suggests we say this too for our unsaved loved ones).

(p. 29) There's an army at work right now. Wherever men and women honestly lay their loved ones out before God, those names are written on a very special list. 

(p. 32) As the Spirit draws and calls people, they often refuse to listen, and strenuously object, but the angels don't listen. They have orders to bring people to a point of either accepting or rejecting Jesus. If they refuse, the angels start the cycle over again, and again, and again as directed by the Spirit....And if they refuse again, the angels will start once more. Angels do not get discouraged.

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JOURNAL 4-29-09 Wednesday

Today the Lord told me that having my daily times with Him is the greatest thing I can do. During that time I minister to Him even though, to me, it seems like I am doing it for me. He says if I do other things with my time, it will be for lesser reward than spending my time with Him daily. He planned and purposed for this for me, and prepared me for this. So I am to accept that from Him.

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(Watch for the next installment of this book for May-August coming in September)