THOUGHTS 
And 
STORIES
Book 4

A Devotional Book 
on 
Listening to God 

through Quiet Time journals, 
through dreams, 
through visions 
through stories

Joan Whitacre Royer

DEDICATION

I dedicate this book to the Lord Jesus Christ,
my best Friend.
May it bring Him glory
in the lives of others as they read it.

SPECIAL THANKS

A special thank you to my daughter, Beth,
for inviting me to stay in her lovely quiet home
during the months of writing this book,
for letting me use her computer and printer,
for putting this book on the internet,
and for being such encouraging company.
Thanks, Beth!

 Introduction
“When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.” (1 Corinthians 2:1-5)

That is what I say as I write this journal devotional book today. I don’t have any persuasive words of my own to offer to you, but I do offer to you a demonstration of the Spirit’s power in these words. If you find any of these words helpful and meaningful in your own life, it will be by a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, for I do not have that power with my own words. I offer you the words the Spirit has given me and pray for them to minister to you also.

These are nuggets for thought and meditation. Read them slowly and allow time for the Holy Spirit to “speak” to you through the ideas written here. He does this for me by putting ‘thoughts’ in my mind as I read. I put those words in italics in this book. It’s important to stop and examine those thoughts and see if they are from the Lord for you.

“The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep.... the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out... his sheep follow him because they know his voice.” (John 10:2-4)

Ask the Lord if He wants you to listen to Him. Ask the Lord why He wants you to listen to Him. Ask Him what He wants to say to you today. You might want to write down those thoughts and ideas in your own journal - similar to what I do in my journal. These will usually be ideas specifically for you, ideas that fit your life, that guide what you think. The Holy Spirit is our guide. 

Remember this Scripture: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you, and watch over you.”  Let Him do that as you read this book and listen to Him!

Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. (Psalm 96:3) One day in my Quiet Time the Lord drew my attention to this Scripture in Psalm 96:3. He impressed me He wanted me to write stories telling about His Marvelous Deeds and put them in a book. You will find some of these stories (in boxes) throughout this book.

The Scriptures in this book are all from the New International Version of the Bible unless otherwise indicated.
			Joan (“Jo Ann”) Whitacre Royer
December, 2004

WRITE THESE THINGS
“Go now, write it on a tablet for them, inscribe it on a scroll, that for the days to come it may be an everlasting witness.” (Isaiah 30:8)
* * * * * * * *

I noted in Scripture this morning about how God told Isaiah to write things down. I want to look up other Scriptures where He told people to write things down (since He has told me to do that also) and put them here. It is such an encouragement to me to know God spoke to others and told them to write things down to be read...

“Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. (Habakkuk 2:2)

“Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered...” (Exodus 17:14)

“Write in a book all the words I have spoken to you.” (Jeremiah 30:2)

“Take a scroll and write on it all the words I have spoken to you...” (Jeremiah 36:2)

“Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later.” (Revelation 1:19)

These Scriptures are an encouragement to me to write down the things the Lord teaches me and tells me daily, and put them into a form that can be read by others (like a book). Therefore I have put these Scriptures at the beginning of this book as a reminder to me and to my readers.

PROVE FAITHFUL
“So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secrets things of God. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:1-2)
* * * * * * * *

And how am I proved faithful, Lord?

By listening to Me daily, by accepting what I teach you, and by sharing it with others. You have many secret things of God that you know and live out, but you don’t understand how few people have those secret things.

Like what, Lord?

Like how to give themselves to Me and become Mine. Like how to communicate with Me and be obedient to Me. Like the things I teach you through My Word and how to obey them. Like how to love Me. These are secret things to most people in the world, especially to those who don’t belong to Me, but also to some who do.

But there are other secret things I can show you, and I will be showing you gradually. These secret things you can share with others, too, as I show you the right time to do that. You keep writing and I’ll keep revealing/showing.

THE YEAR OF RELEASE
“Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.” (Isaiah 35:5)
* * * * * * * *

Thoughts I wrote down from the Holy Spirit as I read Todd Bentley’s Destiny 2005 predictions sent by email newsletter:

2004 was the year of testing  (I feel like I have been thoroughly tested in 2004 in many many ways!)

2005 is the year of release  (Lord, I am eager to see Your release of all the promises we, your people, have been given!) This includes release of funds, insight, wisdom, glory, writings, ministry, anointing-gifting (Yeah!)

My eyes are going to be opened, My ears are going to be unstopped (Isaiah 35:5) and I will carry this healing to others’ eyes and ears physically and spiritually. (This is one of my dreams for 2005)

Two of my dreams for 2005: the books (that the Lord has called me to write) finished, published and distributed, and for revival to come.

I WILL BRING PROVISION WITH ME
“I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity.” (Proverbs 8:17-18)
* * * * * * * *

Seek Me, not the money, and I will bring provision with Me.

A VISION
* * * * * * * *

I was in the sanctuary at my church and was looking toward the pulpit at the front of the church. As I watched I saw it being pulled up, as if by an invisible hand, and pulled right out of the floor. When the bottom of the pulpit became visible I saw long roots coming down from it, roots that had extended down holding it in place before. As this was happening the space beside the pulpit where I was standing began heaving up and down tossing me up and down with it. At first the movement was great in scope, but gradually got less and less violent, and calmed down so I could eventually stand on the floor beside the pulpit again. 

As I look back at that vision (which occurred in 1985) I see it was a prophetic picture of an event that took place at that church in 1990 which involved the pastor resigning suddenly and leaving, along with a portion of the church members. This split the church and produced much much upheaval for all involved. We were all ‘tossed up and down’ suddenly with no solid floor to stand on for awhile until gradually the turmoil became less and less.

MORE THAN ENOUGH
“And the people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning. So all the skilled craftsmen who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left their work and said to Moses, ‘The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the Lord commanded to be done.’” (Exodus 36:3-5)
* * * * * * * *

You see how this Scripture fits you? The skilled craftsmen were doing the work of the Lord on the sanctuary, and people brought them offerings daily, until the craftsmen informed Moses they had more than enough to accomplish the work given them to do.

This is like you. You are daily doing the work of the Lord that I have given you to do...and I will have My people bring you the offerings needed to accomplish what I want to do through you. My people can be believers on earth, or they can be non-believers, or they can be angels (My messengers to help believers on earth). 

You have proven faithful in continuing to do My work even though it used up all the money you had, and you have been faithful in believing Me to bring the “offerings” that you need to accomplish what I have called you to do. Since you are faithful, I will also be faithful to you, to bring in the “offerings” you need too.

YOUR RIGHT HAND
“Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered.” (Psalm 108:6)
* * * * * * * *

This Scripture reminds me of the dream where I saw a right hand coming toward me. I felt it represented the righteous right hand of the Lord bringing what I need. So I prayed this Scripture verse over my needs: my financial needs, my mental attitude, my health, and my writing.

NOTHING WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE FOR YOU
“If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)
* * * * * * * *

That’s what the Lord is trying to develop in me - faith that can move mountains and have nothing impossible for me.

HOW TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  (Isaiah 9:6)

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:11-12)
* * * * * * * *

This is the question I asked the Lord today: In Your mind, Jesus, what is important for me to do to celebrate Your birth at Christmas?

The answer came in the form of a song singing over and over in my mind as I got up in the morning. Sometimes God communicates with me through putting a song in my mind that gives me an answer.

The first two lines of the song were: “Good Christian men rejoice, with heart and soul and voice.” The last line was: “Christ is born today, Christ is born today.” 

I don’t remember the words in between the beginning and the end. However I felt the reason that particular song was in my mind was to answer the question about what is important in Jesus’ mind for me to do to celebrate His birth. The answer is: I am to rejoice, with heart and soul and voice, because Jesus Christ is born. 

That’s why I send Christmas cards and letters - to rejoice that He is born. That’s why I sing Christmas hymns and carols - to rejoice with my voice because He is born. Just like I rejoice with cards and gifts on my daughters’ birthdays on the day they were born, so I also rejoice in Jesus’ birthday with cards and gifts to celebrate.

LET GOD DO IT
* * * * * * * *

As I was praying about my financial needs today I felt I was to read from the book, The Blessing of Favor by Kate McVeigh.1 I came to these words and stopped: “In other words, when it’s God’s will, it’s His bill! What God orders, He pays for. When God does it for you, He will see it through. Let go and let God do it!”

Then the Holy Spirit began to put these words in my mind:

That’s what I wanted you to see in that book when I guided you to read it today. Note: when it’s My will, it’s My bill. What I order, I pay for. Did I order you, by My will, to spend your time writing these books when you moved to Lee’s Summit? (yes) Then you are following My guidance, right? (right) Then it’s My will. I pay for it. I pay your salary...no matter where it comes from.

I am your husband (Jesus) and I am your father (Heavenly Father) and I am your counselor (Holy Spirit). And we have all the finances we need to take care of you in the way we want to do that. This is a walk of faith for you and you are to walk it by faith, not by sight. Trust Me.

SCRIPTURES FOR ENCOURAGEMENT
* * * * * * * *

B. has been describing the negative attitudes of her co-workers in the environment where she works because they are going through some changes. The negativism is hard to live with and deal with day after day. I wrote out some Scriptures for her to post at her workplace so she can read them throughout the day when negative comments come her way, and she can be encouraged in the Lord through them. So I am including those Scriptures in this book for any readers who might also need encouragement in a personal situation.

The joy of the Lord is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10)

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)

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23)

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)

We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. (Romans 5:3-4)

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:15)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7)

The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. (Isaiah 32:17)

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. (2 Thessalonians 3:16)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me. (Psalm 50:15)

When God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work--this is a gift of God. (Ecclesiastes 5:19)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

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

But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded. (2 Chronicles 15:7)

Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. (1Thess. 4:11-12)

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. (Isaiah 26:3)

IN MY NAME
“Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits--who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases...” (Psalm 103:2-3)
* * * * * * * *

I have been following instructions from the Holy Spirit to draw near to God, submit to Him, and resist the devil and he will flee. In light of that I have been taking authority over the sickness (cold) I have been fighting. The Holy Spirit told me to bind it and command that it leave in Jesus’ Name. So I have been doing that this morning. It seems like I used to be able to do that and get results sooner than this time. I asked Him why, and He said:

It is because as you grow and mature I must do less and you must do more. I did more before (more of taking the authority for your healing) and you did less. Now I want you to take more of the authority and stand in that authority. It will come. Expect it.

Even though the victory is won, you still keep fighting the battle in your realm of time. My angels will help you. They will help fight the battle to bring the healing from the third heaven, where I am, through the second heaven, to earth where you are. Keep praying “thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” as I taught you. It is won in heaven and must be brought to earth to your time realm. 

Keep praying and expecting! It’s on its way! This is the key I want you to learn - the key of persistent prayer until the answer gets through to earth from heaven. Keep thanking Me for the answer to it.

IN CHRIST
“With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity.” (Proverbs 8:18)
* * * * * * * *

There is one more key I want to reveal to you. It has to do with how to release the money/provision I have for you. It is WITH ME. The provision is IN ME. It is IN CHRIST.

It is ‘with Me’ that you have access to riches, wealth, prosperity as well as honor. So draw close to Me and you will have those things too. “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” ( Matt.6:33) Draw near to Me and I will draw near to you. I will show you the things of the kingdom as you draw near to me. It may or may not include the treasury room of heaven. I AM the treasury room for you.

Now quiet your soul, your mind, will, and emotions. In quietness and confidence is your strength. 

A VISION
* * * * * * *

I was attending a special revival/renewal meeting at my church. The presence of the Lord was very close to me and I was communicating in worship with Him. As I was doing this I “saw” a picture before my eyes, my inner spiritual eyes, of the pastor placing his hands on my bowed head (like a blessing) as I knelt before him. I wondered what this picture meant.

Now, many years later, the Lord is revealing the meaning of that vision picture to me. It was a prophetic picture telling of a promise He was giving me: that I would be kept under the blessing of the authority of my pastors. I look back over the years of my life since then and see that I have surely been under the blessing of the authority of my pastors in the churches I’ve attended ever since then, and that was from 1980 to now, 2004. Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of being under the authority of these men and women of God for all these years! 

PRESENT YOUR REQUESTS TO GOD
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  (Philippians 4:6-7)
* * * * * * * *

Thank You, Lord, for helping me through the night! During the night I had a long period when I could not sleep and the cold symptoms were such that I coughed a lot and it was difficult at times to breath through my nose. I began to feel some vague little pains on the left side of my chest in the area of my heart, and I had to fight fear of heart troubles. 

The thought came to pray the Scripture of Philippians 4:6-7 and I did. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

I was struck by the fact that Scripture said His peace would guard my heart!  Hmmm! I had always thought of that referring to my inner heart, meaning my soul (mind, will, and emotions). I prayed and prayed for Jesus to heal me; over and over I called on Him to do that. Gradually I relaxed and had peace, and went to sleep. Thank You, Lord!

You’re welcome. I did guard your heart (meaning your mind, will, and emotions) through your prayer, but I also guarded your physical heart too. I can do both at the same time.

Will you please not only guard my heart, but totally heal my heart and blood vessel system, Lord? This is what I ask You for today!

Yes, I can, and I will. I want to give you a renewed body so you can continue the rest of your life in good health, ministering for Me. I want this for you. Keep asking. I want you to ask, and seek Me for this. I will do it. Do not base your thoughts on your feelings, but on Me. With Me all things are possible. I am Jehovah Rophe, your Healer. I can make ALL THINGS new. 

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26)

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

 “Behold, I make all things new.” (Revelation 21:5 RSV)

“All things are possible to him who believes.” (Mark 9:23 RSV)

I ask you, Jesus, Jehovah Rophe, to make all things new in my body. Make my body new like You created me to be, Jesus, like You planned and created the human body to be! Like you created it in the beginning.

I hear your prayer, and I say yes to your prayer! The answer is yes. Watch for it. Look for it. At precisely the right time... It’s My grace, My grace to heal you. In Me all things are possible, even things you have not thought of or dreamed. Ask Me for ALL THINGS!

SO JOSHUA TOOK THE ENTIRE LAND
“So Joshua took the entire land, just as the Lord had directed Moses, and he gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal divisions. Then the land had rest from war.”  (Joshua 11:25)
* * * * * * * *

I read page 297 in my NIV Bible as He instructed me to do. It was about Joshua doing all the things he had been commanded by Moses to do. “He left nothing undone of all that the Lord commanded Moses.” (Joshua 11:15)

You have a battle to fight to get your inheritance too. As Joshua fought his battle under My instructions to Moses, so you must fight My battles for Me also in your time of living on this earth. You are about finished with the battle to get your inheritance from Me for you on this earth. It’s health and finances - the two areas for which Satan has fought so hard against you, and tried to keep My provision from you.

Keep fighting day after day. By that I mean keep praying and declaring what I have promised you. My word is right and will be fulfilled, but you must fight the battle for Me. You fight it by speaking forth My Word as you were taught yesterday at church. Now speak forth My Word today about provision, the words I’ve given you.

2004 is the year of fighting. 2005 is the year of releasing what you have fought for. Don’t give up the fight; the new is coming!

A STORY
* * * * * * * *

MY TWENTY-FIRST BIRTHDAY

Perhaps every adult remembers his/her twenty-first birthday because that is the day you officially become an adult. It should be a very special day, right? Well, mine was very very special, but not in the way I wanted it to be. I was a junior in college, and it began as I sat in the chapel for the presentation that morning...

As I sat there I gradually began to have this overwhelming feeling of dread, of something awful about to happen, of getting really sick. I was such a shy person I didn’t want to get up during the talk being presented and walk out in front of those hundreds of eyes looking at me. After all I did sit that day on the second row from the front in the middle area of the chapel, and it would be very visible to everyone when I left. But I knew I just had to leave! The overpowering feeling kept getting worse and worse by the minute.

So I stood up and walked to the side door conscious of all eyes being on me as I did so. As soon as I got outside I started to run as fast as I could toward my dorm because something awful was starting to happen to me. I ran to the dorm, ran inside into the hallway, then to the nearest bathroom. As soon as I got there I almost collapsed on the floor in front of a stool and began to vomit over and over and over. As I did all my energy left me and I was suddenly in great pain...so great I couldn’t even stand up.

Then I knew I was really in trouble! I had been having internal pain off and on for weeks before this, and had even been to see a doctor about it the week before, but nothing was diagnosed. Now, here I was, sitting on the floor of the bathroom, unable to stand, and no one was around to help me. What was I going to do?

I decided I needed to contact the college nurse a.s.a.p. To get to the telephone in the dorm office I would have to travel quite a way down the hall and through the lobby...and I couldn’t stand up! So I did what I could do - I crawled on my hands and knees toward the office, calling out to anyone who might be around to help me. But - no help answered!

I reached up from the office floor and got the telephone off the desk and called the college nurse. She said she would be right over and suggested I go to my room (which was on the second floor). So I crawled on my hands and knees up the stairs and crawled into my bed while doubled up and moaning and groaning out loud with pain. I couldn’t hold back the groans, it was so bad.

Finally the nurse arrived and helped me downstairs and into her car to take me to the doctor. As he examined me I just kept saying over and over, “Please give me something for the pain! Please give me something for the pain!” After examining me he did give me something for the pain which pretty well knocked me out until the ambulance could get there to take me to Fort Wayne to Parkview Hospital - about a 40 mile trip. Someone contacted my sister, who was also a student at Manchester College at that time, and she went with me in the ambulance.

When I arrived at the emergency room I was asked if I could sign myself in, and I responded that I guess I could since I just turned 21 that day - it was my birthday! Happy Birthday! Someone contacted my mother who was teaching school, and she came right to the emergency room also and stayed with me. I remember enough to remember going into the operating room. This was a totally new experience for me! I think they told me to count backwards as they put me out, and then I was really put out of pain!

When I woke up later, after surgery, I was told that I had a tumor on my right ovary about the size of a grapefruit, and they had removed it. They said that while I was under the anesthetic I kept saying something like, “Why does it have to happen to us girls all the time; why can’t it happen to the boys sometimes?” Why I would say that, I surely don’t know, but they thought it was really funny!

They gave me good care and I was able to return to school in about a week, even though I was still standing crooked from the incision and surgery. Eventually that healed too. And I remember this as one of those times when God went with me through a great trauma and took care of me when I couldn’t take care of myself. It was one of His Marvelous Deeds in my life.

“Even though I walk through the valley 
of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
(Psalm 23:4)

DREAMS A BLACK BEAR AND HUGE CAKES

“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.” (Psalm 91:14)
* * * * * * * *

“A big black bear” - the words came over and over in my dream last night--so much that I got up and wrote down those words. It means evil or sorrowful destroyer...some kind of lack due to the destroyer, some situation of destruction.

Also I saw, in another dream, huge cakes, each about 4 ft in diameter and about 2 1/2 ft. high. They were cut in half showing decorations inside them (like chocolates and strawberries) and decorations on top of M & M’s or strawberries. These represent celebration times like birthday celebrations, and a time of plenty (in times of famine you don’t usually have desert). Strawberries are fruit and may represent words or fruit of the Spirit.

The big black bear is for certain situations in America, but the cakes are for My Bride, those I am protecting in the midst of the bear situations. 

Is there any particular way you want me to pray regarding this?

Yes, pray for My Bride, My people, those who belong to Me - to be spared the destruction, and to be kept in plenty during the difficult days ahead...in 2005.

“Whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.” (Proverbs 1:33)

“If you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2:1-5)

“For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.” (Proverbs 2:6-8)

THE KINDNESSES OF THE LORD
“I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us.” (Isaiah 63:7)
* * * * * * * *

Remember that I’m the author and you’re the writer of this book. And I cannot author a book unless you listen to Me. And you cannot listen to Me unless you spend time in My presence--basking, soaking, gazing. Remember Lou Ingle said that those who gaze upon Me are given My secrets.  And you are gazing now as you focus your attention fully on Me. Just take My hands, spiritually, and look into My face, spiritually, and let Me guide you wherever I want to take you. I will take you walking with Me on a pathway...your pathway of life and adventure. 

“...he takes the upright into his confidence.” (Proverbs 3:32b)

A STORY
* * * * * * * *

OUT WALKING

I was out taking a walk around my neighborhood for exercise. As I neared my home this beautiful miniature collie, my favorite type of dog, came along beside me and ran along at my pace, accompanying me on my walk. I talked to him and he just trotted along happily. 

Two other dogs came near but didn’t come any closer. Hmmm. I wondered about all this. This had never happened to me before in all my neighborhood walks, and never did again after that day...just this one time. The beautiful collie walked me all the way home. After going into my apartment, I watched out the front window and saw that he was sitting quietly on the front walk. Hmmm. What was this? 

Could this have been a gift sent from God to delight me and protect me during that particular time - protect me from a danger I wasn’t even aware of? I have remembered this event for many years as one of His Marvelous Deeds. A most unusual event for me! Thank You, Lord.

“The Lord is good...
He cares for those who trust in him.”
(Nahum 1:7)

Yes, that collie was a gift from Me. I have many ways of being with you and protecting you. My angels can assume many forms, as needed, to help those who belong to Me. You’re welcome.

ABOUT THE FUTURE
 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:18-19)
* * * * * * * *

And now, this is the day to start a new part of the book, a part about the future and what is coming. Don’t be afraid. I am with you and I will be with you. I will NEVER leave you or forsake you. I know it is hard to write of future events for you, but I want us to do that now. We’ll start with a vision by Tommy Hicks...

This is a vision I read many years ago in a book called To Heal The Sick2 by Charles and Frances Hunter. It meant so much to me, and gave me such encouragement, that I get the book out every so often and reread it. Therefore I want to share this vision with you, my readers, also. It was received by Tommy Hicks, noted evangelist, in 1961, and published in a book entitled Pertinent Prophecies I by John M. and Dorothea M. Gardner, and reprinted by permission in the Hunters’ book. Here is the vision:

VISION OF THE BODY OF CHRIST AND THE END-TIME MINISTRIES

My message begins July 25, about 2:30 in the morning at Winnipeg, Canada. I had hardly fallen asleep when the vision and the revelation that God gave me came before me. The vision came three times, exactly in detail, the morning of July 25, 1961. I was so stirred and so moved by the revelation that this has changed my complete outlook upon the body of Christ, and upon the end-time ministries....

As the vision appeared to me after I was asleep, I suddenly found myself in a great high distance. Where I was, I do not know. But I was looking down upon the earth. Suddenly the whole earth came into my view. Every nation, every kindred, every tongue came before my sight from the east and the west, the north and the south. I recognized every country and many cities that I had been in, and I was almost in fear and trembling as I beheld the great sight before me; and at that moment when the world came into view, it began to lightning and thunder.

As the lightning flashed over the face of the earth, my eyes went downward and I was facing the north. Suddenly I beheld what looked like a great giant, and as I stared and looked at it, I was almost bewildered by the sight. It was so gigantic and so great. His feet seemed to reach to the north pole and his head to the south. Its arms were stretched from sea to sea. I could not even begin to understand whether this be a mountain or this be a giant, but as I watched, I suddenly beheld a great giant. I could see his head was struggling for life. He wanted to live, but his body was covered with debris from head to foot, and at times this great giant would move his body and act as though it would even raise up at times. And when it did, thousands of little creatures seemed to run away. Hideous creatures would run away from this giant, and when he would become calm, they would come back.

All of a sudden this great giant lifted his hand toward the heaven, and then it lifted its other hand, and when it did, these creatures by the thousands seemed to flee away from this giant and go into the darkness of the night.

Slowly this great giant began to rise and as he did, his head and hands went into the clouds. As he rose to his feet he seemed to have cleansed himself from the debris and filth that was upon him, and he began to raise his hands into the heavens as though praising the Lord, and as he raised his hands, they went even unto the clouds.

Suddenly, every cloud became silver, the most beautiful silver I have ever known. As I watched this phenomenon it was so great I could not even begin to understand what it all meant. I was so stirred as I watched it, and I cried unto the Lord and I said, “Oh, Lord, what is the meaning of this,” and I felt as if I was actually in the Spirit and I could feel the presence of the Lord even as I was asleep.

And from those clouds suddenly there came great drops of liquid light raining down upon this mighty giant, and slowly, slowly, this giant began to melt, began to sink itself in the very earth itself, and as he melted, his whole form seemed to have melted upon the face of the earth, and this great rain began to come down. Liquid drops of light began to flood the very earth itself and as I watched this giant that seemed to melt, suddenly it became millions of people over the face of the earth. As I beheld the sight before me, people stood up all over the world! They were lifting their hands and they were praising the Lord.

At that very moment there came a great thunder that seemed to roar from the heavens. I turned my eyes toward the heavens and suddenly I saw a figure in white, in glistening white--the most glorious thing that I have ever seen in my entire life. I did not see the face, but somehow I knew it was the Lord Jesus Christ, and he stretched forth his hand, and as he did, He would stretch it forth to one, and to another, and to another. And as he stretched forth his hand upon the nations and the people of the world--men and women--as he pointed toward them, this liquid light seemed to flow from his hands into them, and those people began to go forth in the name of the Lord.

I do not know how long I watched it. It seemed it went into days and weeks and months. And I beheld this Christ as he continued to stretch forth his hand; but there was a tragedy. There were many people as he stretched forth his hand that refused the anointing of God and the call of God. I saw men and women that I knew. People that I felt would certainly receive the call of God. But as he stretched forth his hand toward this one and toward that one, they simply bowed their head and began to back away. And each of those that seemed to bow down and back away, seemed to go into darkness. Blackness seemed to swallow them everywhere.

I was bewildered as I watched it, but these people that he had anointed, hundreds of thousands of people in all the world, in Africa, England, Russia, China, America, all over the world, the anointing of God was upon these people as they went forward in the name of the Lord. I saw these men and women as they went forth. They were ditch diggers, they were washerwomen, they were rich men, they were poor men. I saw people who were bound with paralysis and sickness and blindness and deafness. As the Lord stretched forth to give them this anointing, they became well, they became healed, and they went forth!

And this is the miracle of it--this is the glorious miracle of it--those people would stretch forth their hands exactly as the Lord did, and it seemed as if there was this same liquid fire in their hands. As they stretched forth their hands they said, “According to my word, be thou made whole.”

As these people continued in this mighty end-time ministry, I did not fully realize what it was, and I looked to the Lord and said, “What is the meaning of this?”

And he said, “This is that which I will do in the last days. I will restore all that the cankerworm, the palmerworm, the caterpillar--I will restore all that they have destroyed. This, my people, in the end times will go forth. As a mighty army shall they sweep over the face of the earth.”

As I was at this great height, I could behold the whole world. I watched these people as they were going to and fro over the face of the earth. Suddenly there was a man in Africa and in a moment he was transported by the Spirit of God, and perhaps he was in Russia, or China or America or some other place, and vice versa. All over the world these people went, and they came through fire, and through pestilence, and through famine. Neither fire nor persecution, nothing seemed to stop them.

Angry mobs came to them with swords and with guns. And like Jesus, they passed through the multitudes and they could not find them, but they went forth in the name of the Lord, and everywhere they stretched forth their hands, the sick were healed, the blind eyes were opened. There was not a long prayer, and after I had reviewed the vision many times in my mind, and I thought about it many times, I realized that I never saw a church, and I never saw or heard a denomination, but these people were going in the name of the Lord of Hosts. Hallelujah!

As they marched forth in everything they did as the ministry of Christ in the end times, these people were ministering to the multitudes over the face of the earth. Tens of thousands, even millions seemed to come to the Lord Jesus Christ as these people stood forth and gave the message of the kingdom, of the coming kingdom, in this last hour. It was so glorious, but it seems as though there were those that rebelled, and they would become angry and they tried to attack those workers that were giving the message.

God is going to give to the world a demonstration in this last hour as the world has never known. These men and women are of all walks of life; degrees will mean nothing. I saw these workers as they were going over the face of the earth. When one would stumble and fall, another would come and pick him up. There were no “big I” and “little you,” but every mountain was brought low and every valley was exalted, and they seemed to have one thing in common--there was a divine love, a divine love that seemed to flow forth from these people as they worked together, and as they lived together. It was the most glorious sight that I have ever known. Jesus Christ was the theme of their life. They continued and it seemed the days went by as I stood and beheld this sight. I could only cry, and sometimes I laughed. It was so wonderful as these people went throughout the face of the whole earth, bringing forth in this last end time.

As I watched from the very heaven itself, there were times when great deluges of this liquid light seemed to fall upon great congregations, and that congregation would lift their hands and seemingly praise God for hours and even days as the Spirit of God came upon them....

And then again, as these people were going about the face of the earth, a great persecution seemed to come from every angle.

Suddenly there was another great clap of thunder, that seemed to resound around the world, and I heard again the voice, the voice that seemed to speak, “Now this is my people. This is my beloved bride.” And when the voice spoke, I looked upon the earth and I could see the lakes and mountains. The graves were opened and people from all over the world, the saints of all ages, seemed to be rising. And as they rose from the grave, suddenly all these people came from every direction. From the east and the west, from the north and the south, and they seemed to be forming again this gigantic body. As the dead in Christ seemed to be rising first, I could hardly comprehend it. It was so marvelous. It was so far beyond anything I could ever dream or think of.

But as this body suddenly began to form, and take shape again, it took shape again in the form of this mighty giant, but this time it was different. It was arrayed in the most beautiful gorgeous white. Its garments were without spot or wrinkle as its body began to form, and the people of all ages seemed to be gathered into this body, and slowly, slowly, as it began to form up into the very heavens, suddenly from the heavens above, the Lord Jesus came, and became the head, and I heard another clap of thunder that said, “This is my beloved bride for whom I have waited. She will come forth even tried by fire. This is she that I have loved from the beginning of time” 

As I watched, my eyes suddenly turned to the far north, and I saw seemingly destruction: men and women in anguish and crying out, and buildings in destruction.

Then I heard again, the fourth voice that said, “Now is My wrath being poured out upon the face of the earth.” From the ends of the whole world, the wrath of God seemed to be poured out and it seemed that there were great vials of God’s wrath being poured out upon the face of the earth. I can remember it as though it happened a moment ago. I shook and trembled as I beheld the awful sight of seeing the cities, and whole nations going down into destruction.

I could hear the weeping and wailing. I could hear people crying. They seemed to cry as they went into caves, but the caves in the mountains opened up.

They leaped into water, but the water would not drown them. There was nothing that could destroy them. They were wanting to take their lives, but they could not.

Then again I turned my eyes to this glorious sight, this body arrayed in beautiful white, shining garments. Slowly, slowly, it began to lift from the earth, and as it did, I awoke. What a sight I had beheld! I had seen the end-time ministries--the last hour.

THOSE WHO HOPE IN THE LORD
“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
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I guided you to give up all that the world calls “security” so your sole security can be in Me alone. I am your security and I am your retirement funds. I am your treasury where you have deposited your life all these many years. I have these things stored up for you. I will pour them out upon you now, in your retirement years. I will take care of you.

“Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.” (Proverbs 8:10-11)

You chose Me rather than retirement funds and safe checking accounts. You chose Me, Wisdom. You chose Me, Understanding. You chose Me, Life. And now I give all those back into you - therefore you now have wisdom, understanding, and life! You have Me! And that is much better than earthly funds and checking accounts. With Me comes all of that, all the provision you need, along with wisdom, understanding, and life. With Me comes provision, because I AM Provision. You have found the secret to having ALL you need - Me. With Me. With Me. “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matt. 6:33)

So--"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

"The Lord is my light and salvation--whom shall I fear?" (Psalm 27:1) Light lights your way, and salvation saves you from everything, including famine, want, lack of enough. So I am your salvation and I light your way. You do not need to fear anyone or anything!

Your future is bright. It is full of hope. It is full of love and fulfillment of who you are, what I made you to be. It is full of the joy of the Lord. Your future is bright and cheery - more so than Christmas is. More so than Easter is. More so than monetary funds are. More so than the love of humans is. I am all of these things to you, and you got Me when you gave up those funds to draw closer to Me. So rejoice!

TEACH ME YOUR WAYS
“If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you... The Lord said, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’” (Exodus 33:13-14)
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Is that Scripture all for me today, Lord? Are you saying this to me?

Yes, My Presence will go with you and I will give you rest. I AM teaching you My ways. That is one reason I brought you to Lee’s Summit to CTC - to teach you My ways in a different way than you have ever been taught. I gifted you in prophecy (as you asked Me many years ago, remember?) and you needed to see prophets at work like here at your church. Here you see many prophets and you see how they function publicly. Now, I haven’t asked you or guided you to function as a prophet publicly, but privately, as a writer of what I show you.  Just as the prophets here function publicly by speaking what I show them, you function privately by writing what I show you. 

I needed to show you that being prophetic is ok; it is a gifting that I give for edifying My people. It needs to be given in love, and you do that in your books. It’s a gracious gift you are giving others for Me and from Me. Use it wherever I lead you. I gave it to you to be used.

I know you. And I am leading you to find out who you really are - as I gifted you and as I made you. It is ok to be exactly who you really are. 

Yes, you have found favor with Me. Yes, you please Me. And yes, I will continue to teach you to know Me, because as you know Me more, you know yourself more too. The two are intertwined/interlocked. As you know yourself better, you know Me better. As you know Me better, you know yourself better.

As John, My disciple, knew Me, I am teaching you, too, to know Me. You may rest your head (your mind and thoughts) on my chest just as John did. You may be that close to Me if you want to be.

I will and am helping you. That’s why I arranged this move here and set you in Christ Triumphant Church under many leaders and authorities in the prophetic -- so you could find out who you really are in the gifting and call I have upon your life. I brought all this about in My way and in My time. 

You prayed that I would “teach you to know Me” as in that Scripture, many times. I heard that prayer and answered it in a way you never asked or imagined. That’s the way I often work in people who are willing to entrust themselves and their lives to Me and to follow Me. You are following Me, and I am leading you, I am directing your path (Proverbs 3:6)

REST IN THE LORD
“Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him... Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” (Psalm 37:4-7)
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Gazing time: It’s like we’re sitting on two couches across from each other. I am gazing at you, and you are gazing at Me. This is not about DOING something, but BEING something in My Presence. Gazing. Looking intently at Me as I look intently at you. I teach you in your spirit during gazing time. That’s what you do almost every morning as you sit and focus on Me and listen for Me to speak inside you. Gazing. Remember, Lou Ingle said the secrets of God come from gazing on Him. That’s true.

I love you and I want to work all good things into your life that I have planned for you. I don’t want you to miss a single thing. As you gaze at Me I am able to place more of Myself in you and more of My thoughts and plans in you. Gaze at Me often, especially when you don’t know which way to go. As you gaze at Me, that’s when I tell you “This is the way, walk ye in it.” You don’t have to “see” anything with your natural eyes, but it’s with your heart you “see” Me, and know I am here.

Now relax, and wait before Me. Visions will begin to come soon. And I want you to record all these visions in your books you and I are writing so others can see and experience them too.

Listen, just listen. I will give to you any thoughts and/or visions I want you to have. Take My hands and hold on to Me.

I will take you to places you have never known before...places you will know later in your future up here with Me, in heaven...heavenly places which I want to give you a glimpse of right now for you to be enlightened and for you to share with others. Like Paul Keith Davis and others see. 

I love you, and those I love I want to share Myself and My life with. You are one I want to share Myself and My life with, and, through you, to others too who will read your books. I DO have a purpose for these books, and I will see that it gets to them - the right ones. Leave that in My hands.

Then this song went through my mind, a song from The Messiah that I learned in college to sing:

“Oh, rest in the Lord, wait patiently for Him, and He will give thee thy heart’s desires, oh, rest in the Lord, wait patiently for Him. And He will give thee thy heart’s desires, and He will give thee thy heart’s desires.

“Commit your way unto Him, and trust in Him. Commit your way unto Him, and trust in Him. And fret not yourself because of evil doers.

“Oh, rest in the Lord, wait patiently for Him, wait patiently for Him. And He will give thee thy heart’s desires. And He will give thee thy heart’s desires.”

And that’s what you are doing right now, resting in Me. And I WILL give you your heart’s desires. What are they?

To know You more, Jesus and Holy Spirit, to be closer to You and to fulfill all You have planned/destined for me on this earth during the rest of my time here.

And that will come  as you come to Me each day and rest in Me and wait for Me.

DREAMS ABOUT FINISHING SOME LEARNING AND MAKING A DECISION
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In my dream last night I saw 4 file folders. Three for my brothers and sister, and one for me. At the label tab for each folder I was trying to assign/place the date or type of, their graduation. They were each for masters’ degrees except one may have been for graduation from high school. I was telling someone unseen what each degree.

Interpretation 
Brothers and sister = represent me
File folders = represent reports, information about me. These had to do with “graduating” or accomplishing or finishing a learning situation in some area
Master’s degrees may represent graduating from a school of the Master - Jesus
High school may represent school from on high, from above, from the Lord
School - teaching or learning, training.

These seemed to be reports about finishing a learning situation in several areas for me. I was talking to an unseen person (Holy Spirit, God) about this. It seemed these 4 areas were now finished. I wasn’t sure how to place a title/label on the tab of the file folders. That may mean I didn’t know the date or even the name of what I graduated from so I couldn’t label them.

In another part of the dream I was trying to cross a street. I was trying to see the green light to tell me when I could cross...and it was difficult to see. There were many young men throwing a baseball around standing in various parts of that intersection, and it was very risky to cross the intersection to keep from being hit. I didn’t know if the ball would be thrown from beside or behind me and hit me, so I didn’t know when to duck. 

Interpretation
Trying to cross a street = trying to make a decision 
Trying to see the green light = looking for God’s sign, His all clear signal, that I could make this decision. It was difficult to see.
Playing baseball = spiritual warfare surrounding the decision

I think this refers to trying to make a difficult decision. Hard to see or get a clear sign from God as to what to do that would suit Him.

I was trying to cross the street straight ahead to go to the bus station which was on the other side after that intersection.  I stepped out into the intersection and a car suddenly came toward me from my left. I saw its headlights. I stood almost frozen in place as I tried to decide which direction to go: forward or backward. Finally I took steps backward.

Interpretation 
Bus station: waiting, preparing, being made ready (for ministry, travel, change, etc)
Crossroads = decision, change of direction, confusion, choice
Automobile = life, person, ministry
Left = spiritual
Headlights = manifest, reveal, expose

I was trying to make it to the bus station = working/going toward preparing for ministry, change. Seeing the headlights of a car on my left = having revealed to me a spiritual ministry. Standing frozen in place and not knowing which way to go: forward or backward = my time of waiting in indecision about whether to stay in that ministry. Stepping backward = going back from that spiritual ministry, stepping out of its path of travel/movement

A CHILD IS BORN!
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11 KJV)

“Unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”  (Isaiah 9:6 KJV)
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Good Morning, Jesus, and Happy Birthday! Thank You for coming as that little child to the earth to die for me. Thank You for teaching us, healing us, loving us, dying for us, and redeeming us back to You. Thank You for loving us soooo much! I celebrate Your birth, Lord Jesus!

Thank you for the peace on earth, good will to men that is coming upon the earth through You. Thank You for bringing Your kingdom on earth as it is in heaven, and I pray for that today.

You are welcome. I love you too. Come away with Me right now and let’s talk. Come away for a Christmas message to you...and for you.

This is My Christmas promise to you today. I will bless you all the days of your life:
-	with My Presence - as much of the Son (sun of righteousness Malachi 4:2) as you can take and not be burned up
-	-with My provision - that includes financial provision, but all other provision needed too
-	with My love - and this will never diminish, but only grow stronger within you
-	with My anointing for all I want you to do
-	with favor from Me and others - in all situations you encounter
-	with closeness and nearness to Me every day - and this includes writing My words
-	with joy bubbling up within you, My joy - more than you have ever felt so far in your life
-	with every good thing that I have for you especially - things unique to your wants/needs
-	with healing - I shall arise with healing in My wings as it says in Malachi 4:2
-	and I will prove Myself to you, as in Malachi 3:10, that I will pour out more blessing on you than you can contain, and you will give this out to others - in My Name

This is My plan for 2005, to do all this and more, to you and to many many others too. It IS the year of the release of My blessing, and My prophetic words being fulfilled. You’ll see!

And that is My message to you today. Now go and enjoy My birthday!

YOU MAKE MY WAY PERFECT
“You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.” (Psalm 18:28)

“You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.” (Psalm 18:36)

“It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.” (Psalm 18:32)
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Imagine! God makes my way perfect! Not I, but God. You, God, keep my lamp burning! Yes, that’s true. How could I keep going except for You. You give me the strength inside to keep going.

Thank You, Lord, for keeping my lamp burning! Thank You, Lord, for turning my darkness into light. Thank You, Lord, for broadening the path beneath me so my ankles do not turn. Thank You, Lord, for arming me with strength and making my way perfect!  I praise You, Lord!!!

COME, LORD JESUS, COME
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“Even so, come Lord Jesus, come.
Even so, take your bride away.
How my soul longs to be with You, my Lord.
Even so, even so, 
Come, Lord Jesus, come.”

“Lord, You are the lover of my soul.
Lord, You are exalted over all.
And I bow before Your throne to worship You.
Lord, You are, Lord, You are 
The lover of my soul.”3

This is one of my very favorite worship songs titled “Even So” sung by Terry MacAlmon on his Live Worship album. As I worship Him singing along with this album, I am in the bubble of His Presence and His protection today. Jesus, You’re my Friend forever!

I TELL YOU TO WORSHIP ME
“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23-24)
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I tell you to worship Me in this way all the days of your life on earth. This is what you will do in heaven, only even more so, greater, more magnificent, more empowered with My Presence, than you can EVER know and feel on earth. More, more , more. More of Me. That is what you are crying out for - more of Me. And I will give you more of Me. Even today.

I am your healing; I am your righteousness; I am your love; I am your peace; I am your joy. When you have Me near and close, you have all of these things and more, for I am all of these things and more. When I come to you, I bring all of these things with Me. For I AM all of these. I AM all in all. 

You can feel My Presence now, today. It feels like peace, and life, and joy, all bundled up into one and poured out upon you…Such a sense of “rightness” and security in My Presence.

If it takes music to get you to this place in My Presence, then use music. If you can come without the music that day, come without the music. But remember this sense of being in My Presence, and plan to come there each day.

I love you,  and I want to spend this time with you in this closeness each of your remaining days on earth. I know that some days it will be easier than others. Sometimes you will just turn your attention toward Me and you will immediately come into this sense of My Presence. Some days it will take more soaking time in seeking Me using anointed music to help you get there. But I want you there. 

This is a great blessing I offer you for the rest of your days. Do you want this? Then seek it each day, especially in the morning when you are fresh and you are by yourself. This is My delight as well as yours.

You do not comprehend how much I WANT to be close to you, but trust Me, I do. You said you want to know Me more? Then know that I delight in being close to you like this is today. And I want it every day. Will you accept that? Don’t settle for less.

A DREAM ABOUT PRAISING GOD TO BUILD YOURSELF UP

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” (Psalm 100:4)
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If you want to build yourself up, praise God. These are the words that came to me in a dream during the night.  In this dream I was being driven in a car into this lovely woodland glen area. As soon as I entered it, I felt the wonderful presence of God. There were rays of mystical, almost foggy, light coming down from above, almost like fingers of cloudy shapes. I kept saying “Oh God, Oh, God!” I moved around in that area in the Presence until I heard these words and knew they were a very important message for me. After that I kept trying to find a piece of paper to write them on to put in my Bible so I could continually remind myself of it. Other things kept happening to keep me from writing it down, but I kept saying it to myself over and over so I wouldn’t forget. The idea was to turn my palms up toward God and praise Him. This was to be the antidote to my discouragement. This was the revelation from God I must remember: If you want to build yourself up, praise God.

The car represents my life. Since I wasn’t driving, I think the Holy Spirit was taking me there. The beautiful woodland glen was a place of God, of refreshing, rest, renewal in the midst of the woods, the unknown, the fearful, the dark place. The white clouds with rays of light represent good change, glory, renewal, and revival. It was the place of the Presence of God for me to enter. In that lovely place He gave me a message - that if I want to build myself up, I need to praise God. That is what I should have been doing yesterday. He told me on Monday to do that each day. Praising Him in the midst of trouble makes me an overcomer. The Scripture on the calendar today is: “Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God.” (Revelation 3:12)

You really are with me, aren’t You, God? That You would give me this wonderful encouraging dream when I was so stressed and discouraged yesterday! That You would really be with me and know what I needed, and visit me in a dream like this! Thank You, God! 

TAKE NOTHING FOR THE JOURNEY
“When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He told them: ‘Take nothing for the journey--no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them.’ So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.” (Luke 9:1-7)
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Beth gave me this Scripture this morning: (Luke 9:1-6, I added 7) She brought up the idea that this Scripture might be referring to me and said maybe I am not supposed to have money with me for right now. The rest of what I need to live on is stored up in Heaven with Jesus, and He will disburse it in His way and time to me - when it is time to release it. And 2005 is the year for releasing it...sometime, I don’t know when. And I don’t know how much, or in what form it will come. 

CHRISTLIKENESS
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Quote from Francis Frangipane in ElijahList.com article titled: The True Foundation: Christlikeness. 4

“Christ Himself is the eternal blueprint for our lives. Only in studying Him, in measuring ourselves by Him, do we grow securely upon the foundation of God... The problem is that, too often, we define ourselves by what we do for God rather than what we become to Him. What pleases the Father most is not what proceeds from our hands but what rises from our hearts. He is seeking the revelation of His Son in us.”

AT THE END OF 2004
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 29:11-14) 
* * * * * * * *

This is the instruction I was given today, the last day of 2004, while in worship time:

After I finish Book 5 of Thoughts and Stories I will be guided to begin a new book called: Things The Lord Has Shown Me. It will contain: insights, visions, dreams, wisdom, and knowledge given by the Lord-- things the Lord wants to put into print for others to read at strategic times in their lives.

My instructions are that I am not to get a job outside the home in 2005. If any job is offered me I must bring that idea to the Lord before His throne, and seek His guidance...not a quick answer, but a sure answer from His throne room to me.

You will be of help to others, as you desire to be, but not through a job outside your home, but through writing for Me, anointed writings, that will bless others you know not of. This is My plan for you.

Worship before My throne will be the key to your writing from now on. The more you worship, the greater the revelations will be in your writing. Plan on a worship time each day before you write.

It doesn’t mean I will show you greater things than I show others, but I will have you put those things in writing for specific people to read who will be greatly blessed and benefited by it. This is “our plan” for 2005. I will show you the way, and provide for you all the way - as long as it takes.

THE START FOR THE NEW YEAR - 2005
“I bring you good news of great joy...” (Luke 2:10)
* * * * * * * *

This is the start of where I am going to take you in the New Year. I have been eagerly awaiting this New Year, 2005, for great and wonderful things are in store for you during this New Year. I’m telling you ahead of time, so you can know when they come that they are from Me, and that I told you ahead of time.

I brought you here for a reason, and have been preparing for that reason for this last five months since you arrived here. Now it is time for you to begin to “see” what it is I’ve brought you here for. It is more than you have ever thought or imagined. Just like I am more than you have ever thought or imagined. It will be great and glorious, and more than you can ask or imagine. That’s the kind of God I am...great and mighty and glorious.

PREDICTIONS FOR 2005
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” (Psalm 188:1)
* * * * * * * *

In 2005 will come great release of answers to prophetic words I’ve previously given.

In 2005 will come release of answers to prayers that have been prayed previously and not yet fulfilled - even great healings, miracles, wonders, and signs

In 2005 will come the greatest stress yet on the whole world in terms of economics, jobs, terrorists, family relations, churches, and countries.

In 2005 great leadership and strength will be needed, and therefore called forth, in all My churches. 

In 2005 you will see your children come much closer to Me as they seek Me to help them through difficulties they face. But I will keep them safe in the midst of it all.

In 2005 you will find an even greater “peace that passes all understanding” and you will find your way through the great unknowns that are before you right now. Do not be afraid of these steps to come. I know what they are, and I will lead you through them one day at a time. Keep your hands in Mine.

Keep coming to Me morning after morning and seek My Presence as you are right now. I will come, I promise.

The terrorists will multiply and their effects will multiply. This terror will prepare the world for a one-world government eventually. Stand firm in the midst of this, trusting Me to take care of you and your loved ones. I will be carefully watching over My Bride, My faithful ones, and bringing about in their lives My plan for them. I will add many new members to My Bride during this next year.

The end is almost here, so determine you will be faithful to the end. It won’t be much longer. Most of My Bride is already committed to Me, but some are yet to make that choice. The time is short for that choosing.

YOU GUIDE ME WITH YOUR COUNSEL
“Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterwards you will take me into glory.”  (Psalm 73:24)
* * * * * * * *

And afterwards isn’t far away;  it is close, soon, not long yet.  

Since today is January 1, 2005, this is a good Scripture for beginning 2005 - knowing God is with me and I am with Him, that He holds me by my right hand, He guides me with His counsel, and He will take me into glory someday. Thank You, Lord, for that promise Scripture for this New Year.

MY WORD TO YOU
“Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:2)
* * * * * * * *

My Word to you today, is HONOR ME!”

How do I honor you, Lord?

By giving Me your time and attention. By giving Me your tithes and offerings. By giving Me praise and thanksgiving. By calling on Me day and night. By spending time with Me. You honor the one you spend time with. You declare that one important to you and that honors him.

You are spending your days with Me and that honors Me. Therefore I honor you. And therefore I listen to you. And what I listen to, I fulfill and answer when it’s best and right for you. All that I do is for your benefit. ALL. I am a God of righteousness and justice. What is right and just is best for you and for My people.

LEANING HEAVILY ON THE LORD
“Who is this coming up from the desert leaning on her lover?” (Solomon 8:5)
* * * * * * * *

And you are now coming up from your desert experience, leaning heavily on Me - and that is what I want. That is why I had you go through the desert. You had many “defining moments” during the last 5-6 months and you made the right decision each time. I am very pleased with you and now you are “leaning heavily” on Me. Now you are ready for more of Me.

DREAMS ABOUT THINGS MY BOOKS WILL DO
* * * * * * * *

Today I read my dream series from August 25, 2004. I now see this dream series as referring to the books the Lord is having me write. I didn’t realize it then. Here is what I saw:

A DREAM SERIES

1. I was part of a group preparing/practicing to sing together before an audience. The leader pointed to me and I sang a verse as a solo. The words were telling how Jesus was wonderful and Jesus was good. The notes came out clearly and I was not timid. The words were not scripted, but I just sang the thoughts that I wanted to about Jesus being wonderful and good to the same tune over and over.

2. I saw planting/cultivating being done in a field. There were already tall plants in that field, yet someone was still cultivating and, I think, planting in it.

3. I saw a very large refrigerator door open and we were looking at the instructions inside which told what to put in each compartment/space in this large door. The top space was for cold stuff like butter and such. Then another space--I don’t remember what it was for. There were words imprinted between these first two sections telling what was to go in them and arrows pointing to the correct section. Then the next space was for workers’ supplies. It looked like I/we would be bending down a lot to put the regular refrigerator stuff in the lower parts of this door. I thought it might be good exercise for us to bend down to use the lower section.

4. I tried to scrape stickers off that were stuck on a window so it would be cleaner. I desired to see that window clean and free of various stickers on it. This seemed to be the window on the door of a classroom.

5. I saw blackboards being washed clean of all the chalky stuff that had been written on them. There was someone compiling how much stuff had likely been written on those blackboards over time, and it was something like 7 times 7. It was good to see them cleaned. This was in the same classroom as the door with the window mentioned in #4.

6. It seemed like I was preparing to plant seeds and cultivate baby chicks somehow. I was looking at the space/place where I was going to do this.

Before I went to sleep last night I was asked if I would get up and write the vision He was going to give me during the night. I said I would. But as I woke several times and thought about whether I had had a vision, it didn’t seem like I had. But I did have bits and pieces of dreams as I wrote out above. If any of it was a “vision” I didn’t recognize it as such. The clearest and boldest memory this morning is of the singing the solo about Jesus over and over with a simple clear voice. I think I was a bit surprised I could actually sing when I was pointed to by the leader. Maybe that part was a “vision.”

But all the things mentioned above were positive feeling, good, with joy at times. There were various other people involved, but I don’t remember who they were. There were other singers and a leader of the singers, and there was an audience although this was not the actual performance, just the practice. The singing could refer to prophecy about Jesus and His goodness and wonderfulness.

It seems the Lord is leading me to NOT plan ahead as I have often done in my past, but to let Him lead me each day without preconceived plans. Like that leaf I saw floating in the water at Shelter Garden. I felt before I went to bed last night that He was wanting to give me a vision for what’s coming next in my life so I could pray/decree/expect toward that new vision... as in Job 22:28 "You will also declare a thing and it will be established for you."

Today I “see” this dream sequence as relating to the series of books the Lord is having me write (most of which I did not know about then) so, in that sense, this is a vision about what is coming through the books into other’s lives:

1. The books are done solo, done alone, about Jesus and His goodness

2. The books will be used to plant and cultivate in the field of others’ lives. Even though there were already tall plants (mature Christians) there was still cultivating and planting being done.

3. The books will be like a refrigerator holding food, with different spaces (help, information) for different groups of people with different needs. 

4. The books will help take away stickers--things which block people’s vision/revelation.

5. The books will help wash away stuff needed to be cleaned from people’s lives.

6. The books will plant seeds (begin new Christians) and cultivate baby Christians.

THREE QUESTIONS
“Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives...” (Matthew 7:7-8)
* * * * * * * *

After worshiping the Lord, and gazing upon Him for awhile by sitting in His Presence, He said:  

Ask Me these three questions:   

What do I want to tell you that’s on My heart for you?  
   Pray that My will be done in your life. That is all you need to pray.

What do I want to tell you that’s on My heart for Myself?
	For Me, I want clear free access to all those I am calling to Me. How do you help Me do that? You pray for My heart’s desires be completed. You pray that My will be done on earth as it is in heaven. You pray that those I am calling be given ears to hear Me and eyes to see Me and a heart to desire Me.

What do I want to tell you that’s on My heart for others?
	For others, please pray for tender hearts that yearn for Me, for a heart that desires Me and seeks Me, and for them to take the time to seek Me. Please pray that I will put people and circumstances in their pathways that they will notice and follow to reach Me. Please pray that I block all the efforts of the enemy that would try to keep them from seeking Me. If they seek Me, they will find Me. So seeking Me is all important.

A DREAM ABOUT MY AIRPLANE HAVING ENOUGH OIL
* * * * * * * *

1. I took SK and C to their house/hotel and started back to my car. We went up some hilly area to their place and I was walking down to get back to my car. I walked down some steps and had to walk through a group of women to get outside to my car. As I did, the leader woman had someone give me a small basket, like an Easter basket with no handles, full of little eggs or candies as a gift. I was surprised. Several of the women seemed to know me and I didn’t want to stop and chat because I was in a hurry to get to my own women’s meeting at another place. When I got there, I realized both women’s groups used to be together and now were meeting in two different places and groups.

2. I had forgotten to bring my luggage from the plane I came on. I wondered if the airline would find it and bring it anyway. I didn’t see it on the luggage cart.

3. I saw myself walking in my nightgown, so I wrapped my coat around me better to cover it.

4. I was in my plane preparing to fly home. I looked to see if my luggage was there because I forgot to take it with me. It was there. But, while looking for it, I noticed an oil leak dripping. I wondered what to do to stop it and whether I could fly with it leaking.

5. A young woman, whom I didn’t know, came and put something in my plane, something like a cold package in a compartment, like it was a gift and a very nice thing to do. I was surprised and thanked her. Then she started fixing little things on my plane that seemed to need fixing in her estimation - like putting in a screw where there might have been one missing or that needed replacing. Then a young man came and started to fix things also. I wondered if they could fix the oil leak. I was wondering if I could fly the plane since I didn’t know much about flying planes.

Interpretation

1. This may represent my work at a past church, then my time with the women at a church I attended after that, but then my desire to hurry on to be with the women at my current church. I realized all the women were part of the same ministry group, but just in different places at the moment. The basket of eggs represents promises or promising new thoughts or plans, or revelations given to me by the leader (Jesus). They can be fragile.

2. My luggage may represent my clothes, and clothing represents my covering, righteousness, my spirit or attitude. That was left in the airplane which represents my flying with the Holy Spirit in His anointing. I needed this covering with me.

3. Nightgown represents clothing worn at night and night represents darkness, hidden, unknown course of action. So I saw myself wearing that, and drew my coat around me to cover that. Coat represents my covering, anointing, authority, protection. I put that on to cover the darkness time, the time of the unknown course of action. Jesus is my covering and the Holy Spirit is my anointing. He covers me during this time on the earth of darkness, hidden things, unknown courses of action.

4. The airplane represents me/my ministry. I was preparing to fly means preparing to be moved by the Spirit. Oil represents the Holy Spirit’s anointing. Leaking oil may mean I am losing some of the Spirit’s anointing in this dream and want to get the leak fixed so it won’t leak more. I wonder if I can even fly with the oil leaking (without enough oil)

5. The young woman represents an angel bringing me a gift and helping me fix up the plane (myself/my ministry) so it can fly. The young man also represents an angel and he also helps fix up me/my ministry so it can fly better. This also expresses my concern about being moved by the Spirit in order to get home or where I am supposed to be with enough oil to get me there.

Do I have enough of You, Holy Spirit, to get me to the place I am supposed to be - to fly me there?

Yes, you do. This dream expresses your concern about getting to the place you know you are to be when you finish up (the books published and distributed in the right places). I am showing you that My angels will help you. And I will give you enough anointing (oil) to do all I am asking of you. You do not need to fear its leaking away and not having enough to get you to your destination.

SHAPING YOU, TEACHING YOU, FORMING YOU
“There is none like the God of Jerusalem--He descends from the heavens in majestic splendor to help you.” (Deuteronomy 33:26 TLB)

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise.” (Psalm 100:4)
* * * * * * * *

I am here; just wait before Me. I am here to receive you since you are seeking Me. This is a new day in Me. I want to talk to you this day. Come and worship Me. Then we will talk together and you can write what I say. 

Shaping you, teaching you, forming you (out of the dust as I shaped Adam) is the most important thing in our relationship. I am forming you little by little, day by day, into an image of My Son. Remember--We created you in Our image. 

I am always here ready for you to come to Me. That way you have instant access to Me. But your best answers, if you have questions, are found after worshiping Me.

You are My friend, and that’s why I am explaining this to you. Friends share their secrets with each other and share how to best communicate with each other. I communicate best with you after you have spent time thanking Me and praising Me and you sit before My throne, waiting to hear from Me. You communicate best with Me after you quiet yourself before Me, and everything around you, which might distract you from Me, is quiet too. 

FILL ME WITH YOUR GLORY
“Spirit of the Lord, fall on me, And fill me with Your glory.” 5
* * * * * * * *

I am. I am filling you with Me today, and My glory is one attribute of Me that comes with Me as I fill you. You have My glory when you have Me outshining from you.

I love you. I want you to know that every single day of your life on earth. You will have no trouble knowing that when you are up here in heaven with Me because there will be nothing to block that love from you. But on earth, there are so many blockades and so many disturbances that try to block My love from you. My love is still always there for you, but you may not always “feel” it and so I keep telling you to remind you of it. I love you with My whole heart, with all My being, with all that I am. You do not comprehend all that means yet, but I will keep opening understanding to you about it.

DANCE WITH ME
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven... a time to dance.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4)
* * * * * * * *

Get up and dance with Me. Remember how much more it means to Me for you to praise Me, worship Me, and dance with Me while still on earth, living during the darkness times. And you do it whether you “feel” like it or not. THAT means a lot to Me and I treasure it and delight in it up here in heaven.

MAKE STRAIGHT PATHS FOR ME
“A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind will see God’s salvation.’” (Luke 3:4-6)
* * * * * * * *

Make STRAIGHT paths for Me. That means don’t make Me work around all the difficulties in your life to get to you. Smooth out everything before you and reach out to Me in a straight, direct path right from Me to your heart and mind. Lay everything down except finding Me. You do this by focusing on Me in My throne room and “seeing” Me sitting there before you, like you are before the throne as the 24 elders in Revelation 4:4.

“Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads.”  (Revelation 4:4)

I AM WORKING THROUGH YOU
“If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” (John 14:23)
* * * * * * * *

I want you to “see” Me using your hands to type these words. I want you to “see” Me using your eyes to read My Word. I want you to “see” Me doing all sorts of things through you - every day. Keep picturing this happening. This gives you a “knowing” that I am working through you. These are My hands typing these words because you have given Me your hands to use. Even though your body makes the effort, your body belongs to Me now, so I am using it. Your will and My will are united, they have become one.

“Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.” (John 14:21) You make your home here with me, and You show yourself to me - even as Your Word says.

Romans 6:13 says: “and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness.” And I offer the parts of my body to You, Jesus, as instruments of righteousness, to do Your will with them.

PSALM 91
* * * * * * * *

The Lord has put in me the desire to memorize Psalm 91. I want to add one verse each day and keep repeating it from the beginning each day. Since I am now doing this, I was especially drawn to something I wrote last November about Psalm 91 -- which I am going to put in my journal again today since it is really meaningful to me....

 “He who dwells in the shelter (the Secret Place) of the Most High will rest in the shadow (The Presence) of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1)

And what this means is: dwelling with Me and resting in Me come together as a package. I, Holy Spirit, dwell with you when you invite Me to do that. When you invite Me to come to you, I never turn you down, I always come. When I come, then you REST in Me.

I want you to know that I am “with” you all the time, and I am “in” you all the time, BUT coming “to” you is something else, something different. I come “to” you when you invite Me to come. Otherwise I just stand waiting to be acknowledged, to be invited, to share your life, your time with you. When you say “Come, Holy Spirit,” that is My invitation. I come then. Once I come “to” you, then you can be in My presence instantly when you want to.

“I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” (Psalm 91:2)

And that refuge and that fortress is all within. It is in our Secret Place together. You see, when you come into that Secret Place with Me, then all My power and comfort and protection is available to you, and you can call upon it momentarily. It’s bringing Heaven down to earth. But it comes from dwelling in that Secret Place of the Most High with Me. My angels respond to the Secret Place with Me. The winds, the rain, the fire, the snow - they all respond to Me from the Secret Place.

Jesus dwelt in that Secret Place all the time. He never left it as you do. You walked out of the Secret Place and into the world on earth yesterday after you stopped your Quiet Time. You stayed in the world until you returned to the Secret Place just now. 

I want you to learn to live in the Secret Place with Me, Holy Spirit, all the time... and you do that mostly some days now, especially when you are writing. I want to guide you through your days and make choices with you and for you.

Then let’s try it today. When Beth gets up and you start responding to her and making plans, keep our communication line open. Don’t go back to the world, but keep thinking of Me and communicating with Me at the same time.

“Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.” (Psalm 91:3)

When you are in that Secret Place with Me, then you have access to My “saving.” As you dwell with Me moment by moment I can warn you of the snares of life and you will be listening because you are still in the Secret Place. I am the bubble around you that you saw in your vision! Deadly pestilence can’t get inside that bubble. I am your protection!

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” (Psalm 91:4)

This is a pictorial, “earthly” description of what I do when you are in My Secret Place. It’s like you are covered with My feathers. It’s like I have My wings over you to protect you. It’s like I am a shield in front of you. It’s My truth and My faithfulness that accomplishes this.

First you come to Me in the Secret Place and learn to relate to Me there for a short period of time. Then you learn gradually to extend that time out into the world and keep yourself in My Presence even while living in the world. Remember Jesus said to be “in the world but not of the world.” You must walk in the world while you are living this life on earth, but you can learn to walk it with Me, and then you will not be “of the world” and it’s way of thinking and acting (responding).

As you read the rest of this Psalm, all of these benefits come from our being together in the Secret Place - which means “dwelling” in My shelter - the shelter of the Most High. I am the Most High. I am the Holy Spirit. The Most High and I are one, in unity, together in a way you cannot fully comprehend while you live as a human, but you will understand it more later when you come up to Heaven and see things more fully, completely, and clearly. For right now, while on earth, you receive it “by faith.” That’s why it is impossible to please God without faith. Without faith you won’t and cannot walk in unity with Him, with Us. He is pleased when you are with Him, and displeased when you are not with Him. So without faith you are not pleasing Him - or Me since We are one.

MEMORIZING PSALM 91
* * * * * * *

I wrote out the verses of Psalm 91 and printed it out so I could work on memorizing it each day. I put it here in case you, my readers, would also like to memorize it or at least read it today:

1.	He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2.	I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

3.	Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.

4.	He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

5.	You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,

6.	Nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.

7.	A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.

8.	You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.

9.	If you make the Most High your dwelling--even the Lord, who is my refuge--

10.	Then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.

11.	For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;

12.	They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

13.	You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

14.	“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

15.	He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.

16.	With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

A DREAM ABOUT WHAT GOD HAS PREPARED IN HEAVEN

“Then the Lord came down in a pillar of cloud.... He said, ‘Listen to my words: When a prophet of the Lord is among you, I reveal myself to him in visions, I speak to him in dreams.’” (Numbers 12:5-6)
* * * * * * * *

These ideas came first but I didn’t know what they meant... and the ideas weren’t very clear. I got up and wrote down the ideas, then went back to bed.

1. Must deal first with the basic
2. Then can do the next thing
3. The basic (BC) is the natural
4. Then comes the spiritual

After interpreting the dream series written below, what I think this refers to is: first I must deal with the basic--which is life on earth. Then I can do the next thing--which is life in heaven. The first (before Christ) is the natural. Then comes the spiritual which is life after Christ comes into my life - and eventually heaven. These next 5 dream sequences seem to refer to life on earth, and life in heaven, the natural and the spiritual.

1. I was standing beside a bed and taking care of a former boss I worked for. He was in the bed. I remember pulling back the covers from his legs and seeing he was in long underwear.

Perhaps this man who was in authority over me at my job, represents my dad. My dad wore long underwear to sleep in. Legs refer to support, so perhaps this shows me seeing dad as my support during childhood. Now I see him at rest.

2. I was trying to get out the pills he was to take, but the pills spilled out onto the nightstand, and water was also spilled out there and the pills became wet, sticking together, etc. I felt I should organize those.

Pills (drugs) represent influence, control. Water represents Spirit, Word. Perhaps this shows the Spirit/Word of God diluting and rendering unusable the control and influence my dad had over me. 

3. I was cleaning up, organizing, my stuff in this room which had in it a large bed which curved up at the head of the bed like a lounge. Under the bed (which was maybe 3 ft off the ground) there were drawers with my stuff in them. I was still in my nightgown and wanted to get my stuff out and get dressed.

This was a place of rest. I was cleaning up and organizing my thoughts/attitudes in relation to being in the rest of God. Still in my nightgown means I was still wearing the clothing used in the nighttime, the time of darkness on earth. I was searching for the “daytime” clothes may refer to seeking my place in heaven where it is always day, never night. I wanted to get ready for that.

4. A man came into the room and we talked. He was telling me the things he had purchased for his wife. One was a pretty country style dress with a square dance type full ruffley skirt in brown and yellow prints. I held it up to me and danced around a bit with it in front of me. His wife came in and I handed it to her and asked her to show me or tell me about it. She pulled it partly over her head from behind her and walked with it like that.

An unknown person can represent an angel or Christ. I think this man represents Christ. He was telling me about things He purchased for his wife/bride - Christians. The dress He had with him was for dancing. Dancing represents worship, romance and joy. He let me see the dress of heaven and hold it up in front of me to try it out. (I look forward to dancing with Him and/or before Him in heaven.) The colors represent (brown) being dead to sin/being born again, and (yellow) a gift of God/marriage. Flowers represent glory. His wife pulled it partly over her head: this signifies His gift is covering her, is her headship, is her authority

5. I saw the bed again which was curved up at the head, and it was covered with a beautiful comforter. That was lifted up and I saw another comforter or cover which had been embroidered with flowers, and lots of words along the edge. The words were like verses or poems in about 4 lines each in tiny stitches all along the edge. I was amazed at the intricate work.

“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.” (John 14:3)  This represents the place He has prepared for me -- a place of rest, with a covering for me which is beautiful to look at and have over me. It has His Word on it. I will be amazed at what He has prepared for me in heaven when I get there.

A BOOK ON PRAYER STRATEGY
* * * * * * * *

I had a wonderful book sent to me by my sister. It is a book I want to recommend to anyone who reads my books, so I will give the information here about the book and how to order it. It is titled: Prayer Strategy Resource Book by Ruth Shinness. 

In this book Ruth tells how she began studying Scriptures and eventually gained insight into how to pray the Scriptures. In this helpful and delightful book she gives instruction to the readers in “Tuning Up Your Prayer Life” and “How to Pray the Book.”  She then puts Scriptures into sections of such topics as Family, Children, Favor, Fear not, Guidance, Prosper, Healing, Knowing Jesus, Deliverance, etc. She lists the Scripture and reference, but she also paraphrases each Scripture into a positive way to pray that Scripture back to the Lord to :”remind God of His promises.”  At the back of the book she gives many testimonies from people who received prayer answers after praying God’s Word. 

To get a copy of this book you may order it on her web page at www.prayerstrategy.com. Or you may write her at: Ruth Shinness Brinduse, 2539 E. 450 N., Anderson, IN 46012-9518. You may call her at (765) 643-0612 or email her at PrayerStrategy@juno.com.

THE THIRD DAY
 “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” (Matthew 24:44)
* * * * * * * *

Yesterday at church the speaker taught us about our being in The Third Day. I had heard this expression before but didn’t know what it referred to. He called us a Third Day Church. He took us through Scriptures which talked about things happening on “the third day”. He also mentioned how 2 Peter 3:8 says that 1000 years are like a day unto the Lord, and that we are now in the 3rd 1000 years, or soon coming to it, depending on when you start timing those 1000 years - either at Jesus’ birth (around 4-6 BC) or from his ministry years (around 26-30 AD) Here are some of the Scriptures he taught us:

There are two things that take place on the 3rd day:
1.	End of the age and judgment
2.	Return of Jesus for His Bride-those who belong to Him

In Revelation 22:20 (last words of Jesus in Bible) “Yes, I am coming quickly.”

Matthew 24:32-35 “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” 

Matthew 24:44 “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

Luke 13:32 “He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’”

2 Peter 3:8 “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.”

Psalm 90:4 “For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.”

Genesis 40:20  When Joseph was in prison and interpreted the dreams of the chief baker and Pharaoh’s cupbearer. Each dream had “three days” involved with it: “Now the third day was Pharaoh’s birthday, and he gave a feast for all his officials. He restored the chief cupbearer to his position, so that he once again put the cup into Pharaoh’s hand, but he hanged the chief baker, just as Joseph had said to them in his interpretation.”

Exodus 19:10-17 “And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes and be ready by the third day, because on that day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people....Then he said to the people, ‘Prepare yourselves for the third day.’ On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain.”

John 2:1 “On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee.”

Ezra 6:15 “The temple was completed on the third day of the month Adar...”

1 Corinthians 6:19 “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God.” (We are now the temple of God and completed on the third day)

Hosea 6:2 “After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence.”

Acts 10:40-41 “...but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen--by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.”  (We are witnesses who eat, drink, and have communion with Him...He was not visible to all the people, just to those chosen)

Jonah was in the belly of the whale for 3 days

Esther 4-5:1 Esther went before the king on the third day.

When in that third day will He take His bride to be with him?
1. Jesus was raised at dawn on the third day
2. In Exodus 19 it was on the morning of the third day
These would seem to indicate He will take His Bride to be with him at the beginning or early part of the third day. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 tells about the Rapture of His Bride.

Thank You, Lord, we are now in The Third Day !!! The Holy Spirit says to me now that the timing for the third day began at Jesus’ birth. His life was the beginning of the first day (first 1000 years) ...so we are now in the third day!!!

FAITHFUL AND WISE SERVANT
“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.” (Matthew 24:45-46)
* * * * * * * *

You are preparing the food I want to give to My servants at the proper time. And I want you to keep doing this until I return. You see what I said I will do for you if you do this? I will put you in charge of all My possessions. I know you don’t know what that means, but it is good, and it is what I want to do for you.

Then let’s do it together! I don’t want you to take a different job than the one I’ve given you - to listen to Me daily and write for Me. We are preparing the food that I want to give to My servants at the proper time. You are a part of this preparation. It is extremely important to Me. So I want it to be important to you too.

I have prepared you all your life for this time, this harvest of all I have put into you. I am harvesting it into words in your books and I will use those words and those books to feed others at the times they need that food which I’m giving through you.

A DREAM ABOUT GOING BACK TO COLLEGE
* * * * * * * *

In the dream I was downtown and wanted to get back to college. I was with Duane and it seems like someone else also. I walked a block in the direction I thought was right, then realized I was not going the right direction because it didn’t look familiar. I ran back to the place where I had started, calling out to Duane to be sure he was still there, and to ask Duane the direction. I distinctly remember black cinders we were walking on and maybe all round us.

This dream represents me in a town trying to find my way back to the place of learning--college (learning on an upper level, kingdom learning, spiritual learning). This was about the time back in my college days (represented by people back in college days) where I lost my way. This scene represents my character of being in a confused state, not clear where I was to go, surrounded by tall buildings representing people with different foundations than Jesus blocking my sight.

I walked that path for a season (maybe a block represents a season in my life) doing what I had thought was right until I became aware that pathway wasn’t heading where I wanted to go. I went back to the place where I made the decision to go that direction and sought new directions. I wanted to start again and this time get help going in the right direction. This walk took place in my past as represented by the cinders/ashes (memories, repentance).

You are now going in the right direction in this season of your life. You went back, repented, and changed direction to follow Me. I wanted you to know this is finished and you can shut the door on that season of your life and let it go.

AN EVERLASTING WITNESS
“Go now, write it on a tablet for them, inscribe it on a scroll, that for the days to come it may be an everlasting witness.” (Isaiah 30:8)
* * * * * * * *

As I read back over my journals I wrote down the dates when the Lord spoke to me about writing the books I have worked on since May 1st:

May 1, 2004 He told me to write a book called Thoughts and Stories: On a life God Leads, Guides, and Protects (Book 1)

August 20, 2004 He told me to begin putting together another book about Quiet Time Thoughts (which became Thoughts and Stories, Book 2)

October 20, 2004 I mentioned in my writing a possible name for my 3rd book (Thoughts and Stories, Book 3)

November 1, 2004 The Lord said he wanted me to write 5 books for Him (Thoughts and Stories, books 1-5) so I knew I was to write 2 more books on that topic.

December 31, 2004 He said after the 5 books were done I should write a book titled: Things The Lord Has Shown Me. After that book He had me write books 2 and 3 in that series.

August 22, 2005 The Lord revealed to me that I was to write a 9th book called In His Time.

THE VALLEY OF DECISION
“Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.” (Joel 3:14)
* * * * * * * *

It’s now here - these final days of the years of the earth under the Gentiles. Soon the Israelites will be in charge--praised and envied by all others. They will have their promised, cherished place in ruling over the earth...being the head and not the tail, on top and not below. They will be My cherished ones, My treasured prize, My possession forever. My Bride will come and help Me rule and reign over the world. It’s happening soon - what you just read in the book of Joel. We are ‘at the gate’ of that time.

THOSE WHO WAIT FOR HIM
“And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]!” (Isaiah 30:18 AMP)
* * * * * * * *

Wow! That is one powerful Scripture, Lord! This describes so much what You are like - One who waits to be gracious to us, One who wants to have mercy on us, One who wants to show loving-kindness to us. And for those who wait for You, the blessings are great - victory, favor, love, peace, joy, companionship with You! That’s what I want, Lord. I wait for You! And we wait for You in this way: 

“In returning [to Me] and resting [in Me] you shall be saved; in quietness and in [trusting] confidence shall be your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15 AMP)

“And your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, This is the way; walk in it, when you turn to the right hand and when you turn to the left.” (Isaiah 30:21 AMP)

COME TO ME
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
* * * * * * * *

Come to Me every day of your life. I am your strength and your comforter. You will need My strength and comfort each day as you walk through the rest of your days on earth. They will be troubled days. There will continue to be many signs in the weather, in the skies, in the shaking of the earth, in men who do evil. It all is part of the end times that you are now living in. The end times are here. You know this from My Word and how it tells of these times.

Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matt. 11:28) I know you get heavy laden and labor when you think about the future. Come unto Me with that burden, and I will give you rest each time you get concerned.

I want you to know these things and tell others these things in your books. I want My goodness and My faithfulness recorded for all others to see and know. I am a faithful God to those who belong to Me. I take care of My own...and you are My own. You have been faithful to Me and I am and will be faithful to you. Count on it.

DWELLING IN THE SECRET PLACE
“You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, not the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.” (Psalm 91:6-7)
* * * * * * * *

I am trying to memorize Psalm 91 in the NIV version of the Bible. I try to add a new verse every couple of days. Today I wanted to see what those verses were like in the Amplified Bible because that version expands on the understanding of the words. So I wrote out the NIV in bold print and the AMP in regular print.... 

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. NIV  He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and  fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. AMP

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” NIV  I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust! AMP

Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. NIV
For [then] He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. AMP

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. NIV  [Then] He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings shall you trust and find refuge; His truth and His faithfulness are a shield and a buckler. AMP

You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. NIV  You shall not be afraid of the terror of the night, nor of the arrow (the evil plots and slanders of the wicked) that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor of the destruction and sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noonday. AMP

A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. NIV  A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you. AMP

You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. NIV  Only a spectator shall you be [yourself inaccessible in the secret place of the Most High] as you witness the reward of the wicked. AMP

If you make the Most High your dwelling--even the Lord, who is my refuge--then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. NIV  Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place, There shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent. AMP

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. NIV  For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service]. They shall bear you up on their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone. AMP

You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. NIV  You shall tread upon the lion and adder; the young lion and the serpent shall you trample underfoot. AMP

“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. NIV  Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness--trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never]. AMP

He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. NIV  He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. AMP

With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.” NIV  With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation. AMP

A DREAM ABOUT A TEST COMING
* * * * * * * *

In this dream there was a test coming. I was talking with the teacher who told me the pages in the textbook where there were three things (ideas) we would be tested over. I wrote the page numbers on the tabs in my notebook along with the idea. Later I planned to go to those pages and look up those ideas, and write them down, so I would know them for the test. The three ideas had to do with an apple - like maybe how to cut and use the apple (maybe 1. the core, 2. the flesh, and 3. the skin). The skin was not yet fully ripe, still green.

Interpretation:
Apples = Fruit: words, fruit of the Spirit
Book = Record: Word of God, heart of man, knowledge
Three = Conform: obey, copy, imitate, likeness
Test = being tested and tried for the purpose of promotion

This is about me and about my fruit. The inside parts of my fruit are ready - but the exterior part is not fully ready. The teacher is the Holy Spirit (Jesus) and the textbook is His Word. Three refers to fully conforming to His Word. I will be tested over how I conform to His Word...how ripe and ready my fruit is in showing His likeness. The testing will be over how I conform (3 pages, 3 parts of apple) to Jesus the teacher and the textbook about Him. It seems to show that the “outside” of me (the part others see?) is not yet ready - not yet fully conformed to Jesus. 

This dream came January 4, 2004. The thought that comes as I review it in January 2005 is that I was not yet ready to show myself (via exposing my thoughts and writings) to others by writing books. I didn’t know about those books at the time of this dream. But God did.

At the time of interpreting the dream in January 2004 the Holy Spirit said: 

I will get you ready. You cannot prepare yourself. Just stay close to Me, and listen to Me, and obey Me. I will take you to and through this “unknown territory.” I want you to know it is almost here (the skin is almost ripe). This is the year for “it.” (2004) My Holy Spirit will sing your way through (referring to a previous dream where the Holy Spirit was singing ahead of me).

DENY MYSELF 
“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.” (Luke 9:23)
* * * * * * * *

One of the ideas in a recent dream indicated there would be three areas we would be tested over. Today I am thinking about that and feel those three areas might be from Luke 9:23.

1.	My real life comes when I deny myself (give up my life) 
2.	Take up my cross daily (take up what He gives me to do just as He took up what His Father gave Him to do)
3.	And follow Him (go where He leads me, do what He guides me to do). 

THE LAND WE INHERIT
“The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.” (Psalm 37:29)
* * * * * * * *

What is the “land” we inherit, Lord?

The “land” is where I am, where I dwell, in heaven and on earth - wherever I dwell...even in the hearts of others in whom I dwell. The land is “in Jesus.” The land is “in the Holy Spirit.” The land is full of the treasures and mysteries of heaven--including angels. The land is all that I am--My characteristics, My power, My grace, My love. All that I am is part of the “land” you inherit in Me. That’s where the righteous live, inherit, dwell. It’s the whole package of Me and who you are in Me, in Christ.

YOU ARE THE POTTER, I AM THE CLAY
“In returning and rest is your salvation, In quietness and trust is your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15)
* * * * * * * *

One sin that can entangle us is the desire to be something we are not. Change my desires, Lord, so that I desire to be only that which You want me to be and all that You want me to be.

Let Me decide all I want you to be and equip you to be. Do all I say and I will take you to where I want you to be -- here on earth and later in heaven.

I just don’t want to miss out on something I could have been by not passing Your tests, Jesus.

You can only do it by listening to Me and being obedient to Me. In returning and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength (Isaiah 30:15).

I’m just to listen to You and rest in You!

“Have thine own way, Lord, have thine own way,
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.”6

You are the Potter, Lord, I am the clay.

Keep working on quietness and trust.

STAND BEFORE GOD
“...and after you have done everything, to stand...” (Ephesians 6:15)
* * * * * * * *

Today I was reading from the book by Bob Sorge called Secrets of The Secret Place7 (one of my favorite books), and especially noted these two quotes which meant a lot to me and encouraged me:

(Regarding Elijah) “God had already taught him to stand before Him. So when the time of testing came, Elijah was able to persevere and just stand before His God and minister to Him… God doesn’t need our strength; He needs our availability. He’s just looking for us to stand in His presence, gaze upon Him, love Him, and fulfill His word when He speaks.”

"This reminded me of what Ephesians 6:15 said about standing -- after you have done everything. God had already taught Elijah how to stand in His presence. As I learn to stand in His presence, I, too, want to stand there at the time of my testing and call upon Him. I want to learn this a little each day as I come before Him in my quiet time."

YOU WILL WATCH MANY THINGS HAPPENING
“He (the centurion) ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. The rest were to get there on planks or on pieces of the ship.” (Acts 27:43-44)
* * * * * * * *

Today I read Acts 27 which tells the story about the apostle Paul’s shipwreck and how they were saved. The Holy Spirit began to teach me after this and I wrote it down:

You will never go through such a difficult time as Paul did. I will keep you safe from that kind of storm. But you will watch many things happen in your country and the world which are grievous. And you will watch the greatest revival ever seen on earth.

You will pray as I lead you, and go as I lead you, and do as I lead you, as you are very much a part of My work this season. You will have peace and you will have joy as you keep your eyes on Me. Keep your eyes off bad TV, movies, and news you don’t need to see.

REPRESENT JESUS
“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23)
* * * * * * * *

I want My Church to represent Me by being exactly as I was on earth -- no sin, no sickness, and completely responsive to and filled with the Holy Spirit.

It’s a process...as My Disciples went through for three years. Keep learning, keep seeking, keep believing until your Pentecost comes. It’s a point of time in the future, as it was for My Disciples, and it will come. Believe Me and trust Me.

As the “ministry house” idea is an idea from Me, but will come to pass later, so is this great infilling with My Holy Spirit a time in the future which I’m revealing to you now, but you will experience the “earthly” manifestation later in time, even though I have it now for you “in heaven.”

A DREAM ABOUT GOING ON A TRIP TO SEE THE KING
* * * * * * * *

I was telling people that my husband and I were going on a trip and that we would get to see the King while there, and that we were able to get tickets to attend the “royal wedding” while we were there. That seemed to be a wonderful treat and opportunity I was telling some people about. We seemed to be going soon.

This seems to refer to my relationship with Jesus, my Husband, and to indicate that soon we will be going together on a trip, the Rapture, to the place where a royal wedding will be held - and I was blessed to get tickets to attend that. My ticket is my relationship with Jesus, my Husband.

I was trying to get clothes ready for elementary children to go to school. I thought they would go to school while I was on the trip. We were making plans for how many pair of shorts and tops they needed, what colors, etc. One outfit had many colors and I told the child to tell us what colors there were, then he/she could match those colors with the top to wear with it.

Perhaps this refers to the clothes of righteousness children need to be able to go to the “school” of learning of the Lord. I was trying to get the children with the right clothes for their school--which would be while I was on the trip (maybe after the rapture). This may refer to those who would read my books after I left on my trip. If the child would look closely at the “colors” or aspects of the clothing article (look at what Jesus was like, His characteristics), then they would know how to match those aspects with their other clothing. I guess that is what my books are about - what is it like to look at the characteristics of wearing Jesus and being a Christian and to imitate those and be like Him. These children being elementary school children may mean they were new Christians and were starting their learning about following Jesus.

This may be primarily for those who become Christians after the Rapture who accept Jesus as their Savior then. For many years the Holy Spirit has brought to my mind that my writings might be used after the Rapture for those who come to Him then.

Why did You give me these dreams, Lord?

I want you to know the Rapture is soon, is near, and you will be participating. You already have your “ticket” for the royal wedding between My Bride and Me. There will be children, babes in Christ, who will need clothes of righteousness after your trip, and you are helping prepare them even now. Many colors are many aspects of what I am like and who I am. They will see these many colors in your writings. That is why I now want you to read back over your old journals and put them in writing.

All of them, Lord?

Yes, all you can find. Type a computer file for each year, and put them on disks and put them on Beth’s computer. Print out all that I show you to print out. I have plans for all of it. This may be easier for others to find after the Rapture than things found at Christian bookstores. I will look after your writings and protect them and keep them safe from being destroyed. I already have plans for all those who come to Me then. I know who they are and what they need. I am using you to help Me prepare for them.

A DREAM ABOUT A SOMETHING NEW AFTER 10 YEARS
* * * * * * * *

“After 10 solid selfsame years” As these words came I was seeing a large potted plant placed where I was. They were in a dream I had just as I awoke. The clock was at 1:11 a.m.

A pot = vessel, doctrine, container 
Plant = something green and growing, living life.
1:1 = refers to a new beginning, a full measure of what I was being tried for.

Perhaps something new or a change is coming. After 10 years something new is growing. I am the vessel or container of something living and growing. I think "after 10 years" refers to the almost 10 years I have been working as a secretary at a church, and that it is now time for something new.

I read Genesis 46 and 47 about Jacob and his family during a famine time, and how Joseph, who was in Egypt, helped his family. Then the Holy Spirit said to me:

I am looking on you with great favor. As I took care of them in their time of famine, so I also took care of you these 10 years of your famine (and growth).

It is now time to bring you great increase and move you to something new (as I moved Jacob and his family -- and sent Joseph ahead to prepare the way). Beth has gone ahead to prepare the way for you. And I have provided her with “the grain” for you both to live. You’ll bring your part and she’ll bring her part.

(This dream I recorded about one year ago. I can look at these words now, a year later, and see how they have already been fulfilled and are continuing to be fulfilled. After those 10 years the Lord guided me to leave that job and city, and move to Lee's Summit, MO where I am writing books for Him. The Lord is so faithful!)

A QUESTION FOR THE LORD
“The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom.” (2 Timothy 4:18)
* * * * * * * *

Q: I have this medical question, Lord, and I ask You to speak to me about it -- to give me Your knowledge and wisdom about it, because I’m not sure what to do or how to think. I know You know what it is and can guide me. Your Word says: 

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

“...The Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.” (Psalm 32:10b)

“...The word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.” (Psalm 33:4)

“I sought the Lord and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:4)

“Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against  me.” (Psalm 35:1)

As I praise and worship, this thought comes: I am to place my hand upon the “situation” area that needs healing each time it comes to my mind today and declare it is healed in Jesus’ name.

I am to submit to God and resist the devil and he will flee. I am to write this down: 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

(From A Purpose Driven Life8 by Rick Warren (p 174-5)) “Obedience unlocks God’s power. God waits for you to act first. Don’t wait to feel powerful or confident. Move ahead in your weakness, doing the right thing in spite of your fears and feelings. This is how you cooperate with the Holy Spirit, and it is how your character develops.”

I say “wait on the Lord” (as you are doing now in worship) and I will show you the way. Lift your soul up to Me and I will take care of your soul and your body.

HOW TO LISTEN TO THE LORD’S VOICE
“...the sheep listen to his voice...and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.” (John 10:3-4)
* * * * * * * *

Yes, you are to teach how to listen to Me and hear Me, and write what I say. I will guide you. 

1. You start by drawing near to Me -- worship is the best way to begin.

2. You cover yourself with My blood for protection. You don’t want some foreign voice.

3. You listen, then write, what I put in your mind. It is by faith.

	Questions to ask the Lord when you start:
	1. Do You want me to listen to You?
	2. Do You want to speak to Me?
	3. Why do you want to speak to me?

4. Keep what you write from Me and read back over it every so often.

5. Ask for confirmation as you feel you need to.

6. Obey My voice. It could be a test and it could be a real event.

Scriptures to study about this:

“The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.” (John 10:3-5)

“But we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:16)

“He who dwells in the shelter (Secret Place where you hear Him speak) of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty...He will call upon me, and I will answer him.”  (Psalm 91:1, 15)

“Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” (Jeremiah 29:12)

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” (Isaiah 30:21)

“He who has ears, let him hear.” (Matt 11:15)

“So, as the Holy Spirit says: ‘Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts...’” (Hebrews 3:7)

“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes he will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13)

“But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (Matt 10:19-20)

PRAYER AND INTERCESSION
“Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” (Jeremiah 29:12)
* * * * * * * *

(Excerpt from Thrones of Our Soul,9 by Paul Keith Davis:) “The Lord is looking for a righteous agent on earth to stand in the gap on behalf of a sinful generation and represent Him and the revelation of His Kingdom… The ‘friends’ of God will occupy an important place of intercession on behalf of the people, not because of any excellence of their own but because of His great compassion.” 

PENTECOST IS COMING
“For the kingdom of God is not in word (logos) but in power (dunamis).” (1 Corinthians 4:20)
* * * * * * * *

“Dunamis is ‘the power of God displayed and imparted in a Holy Spirit outpouring.’ That is the Kingdom!”   (When Heaven Invades Earth)10

When K and J received the word of prophecy that they were being brought a baby, that did not mean the baby was implanted in them at the moment. The conception came later, and, after the allotted time, the baby was born. Pentecost is coming to My people who are looking for Me -- seeking Me.

PLANS FOR YOU
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” (Jeremiah 29:11)
* * * * * * * *

This is what the Lord said about the place He was preparing for Beth and me in Lee’s Summit before she even bought a house there:

A safe house - a place I am preparing for you and Beth for these last days.

A place out of the big cities, yet with enough people around. 

I will make it everything you want and more...a house set apart unto Me.

To be in a safe place: she will be safer there than in OP

To take care of both of you - as your Father who knows what’s best for both of you. You can help each other.

I want you there so I can minister to you both, mainly through CTC and so you will minister to others (also through CTC) - a place where your gifts will be developed and appreciated and used for My kingdom work.

To fulfill some of both your desires for a place to live, not noisy, peaceful, quiet, pretty, spacious, room to share, etc.

SCRIPTURES ON PROSPERING
“I will look after you, and multiply you, and fulfill my covenant with you.” (Leviticus 26:9 TLB)
* * * * * * * *

Today I wrote out many Scriptures on prospering to remind myself of God’s Word on that. Then I can pray these Scriptures back to the Lord.

A faithful man will be richly blessed. (Proverbs 28:20)

May the Lord make you increase, both you and your children. (Psalm 115:14)

Blessings crown the head of the righteous. (Proverbs 10:6)

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. (3 John 2)

The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. (Deuteronomy 28:12)

I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten. (Joel 2:25)

The Lord will send a blessing on your barns (storehouses) and on everything you put your hand to. The Lord your God will bless you in the land he is giving you. (Deuteronomy 28:8)

Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. (Psalm 112:1,3)

YOUR OWN JOURNAL AND PRAYER TIME
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An article in Guideposts magazine, March 2005, by John Sherrill called “Pencil in Hand” gives a good description of how I approach the Lord in my Quiet Times when writing my journals. I will share parts of that article in case you want to try this also.

In the story John tells how a friend of his shared about a surprising way to pray and asked him to try it. His friend gave him a pencil and a legal-sized yellow pad to use. His friend told him to imagine himself sitting on a bench with Jesus, alone, and Jesus invites him to talk to Him about anything that is on his heart -- and to write down what he said to Jesus. Then he was to listen to Jesus’ response and record it also on the yellow pad.

John said he experimented with this technique, so unlike his usual prayer approach.  So he said, “Well, Lord, here I am,” and he wrote on the first line of his yellow pad, that what was on his mind was not very spiritual, but he was worried about their old car breaking down on a trip they were soon to take. He waited and listened, then wrote down what he thought he heard. He heard from the Lord that his concern was a greater one than the car, and the Lord told him what it really was. Back and forth the dialogue went on many subjects.

But he wondered if he was really hearing from God or were these his own thoughts. He had been given two yardsticks for measuring anything he heard:

1.	Were the responses in keeping with the personality of Jesus?
2.	Were the responses consistent with Scripture?

He was advised to check with a trusted and experienced Christian friend if he still had doubts.

John concluded by saying he still dialogues in the early morning. He “prays with his pencil.” He said, “My sessions now extend beyond strictly personal matters...to include daily thanksgivings and intercessions, and pleas for simple guidance. And never before in my life have I felt so close, so connected to God in prayer.”

So you, my readers, might take pencil and paper in your hands and sit down with Jesus. Tell Him what is on your heart, listen for His response, and write it all down. Keep these records as your journal and read back over them periodically. You, too, might find this a surprisingly effective way to pray and find you are feeling closer and more connected to God.

BIBLIOGRAPHY FOR THOUGHTS AND STORIES BOOK 4

1.	Kate McVeigh, The Blessing of Favor (Tulsa, OK: Harrison House, 2003)
2.	Charles and Frances Hunter, How To Heal The Sick (Kingwood, TX: Hunter Books, 1983)
3.	Terry MacAlmon, Live Worship, “Even So” (Terry MacAlmon Ministries, 2000)
4.	Francis Frangipane, The True Foundation: Christlikeness. (Email newsletter article, December, 2004)
5.	Terry MacAlmon, Visit Us, “Spirit Of The Lord,” (Terry MacAlmon Ministries, 2002)
6.	“Have Thine Own Way, Lord” hymn
7.	Bob Sorge, Secrets of The Secret Place (Greenwood, MO: Oasis House, 2001)
8.	Rick Warren,  A Purpose Driven Life (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002)
9.	Paul Keith Davis, Thrones of Our Soul (Lake Mary, FL: Creation House Press, 2003)
10.	Bill Johnson, When Heaven Invades Earth (Shippensburg, PA: Treasure House, 2003)
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