This is POWERFUL! Chew on it for a while and rejoice!

Spirit of Prophecy Bulletin

Prophecy by Bill Burns - January 2011:

Twenty-eleven will bring periods of divine visitation. If I were trying to be poetic, I would say, "Heaven in Eleven." This would mean that Heaven's glory will be the sign of these visitations from on high. The Lord in His glory will visit His people in 2011:

Small Straws in a Soft Wind by Marsha Burns: "You have both heard and seen the opening of My glory statement. I am in charge; not flesh and blood. I Myself will lead you into the next move of My Spirit. It won't be engineered by your own good ideas or sense of religiosity, nor will it be patterned after any other move. You will not only see My glory, but you will experience My glory in every aspect of your life and being. Yours is only to yield and let Me take you into the realms of glory," says the Lord.

As stated, this visitation and the glory that comes with it will not be controlled by men. It shall be as it is written:

1 Kings 8:10-11 And it came to pass, when the priests came out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the LORD, so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD.

Our part in this visitation must be the same as that which David spoke of:

Psalm 26:6-8 I will wash my hands in innocence; so I will go about Your altar, O LORD, that I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all Your wondrous works. LORD, I have loved the habitation of Your house, and the place where Your glory dwells.

The purpose of this visitation is to bring God's people into His glory and, thereby, establish Kingdom reality (the atmosphere of Heaven).

Our desire in this season should be like the desire that Moses had when he said in Exodus 33:18: "Please, show me Your glory."

And God said in Exodus 33:19: "I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion."

I prophetically spoke of God's goodness in The Trumpet on December 27, 2010:

"Come and see, in the season that is before you, the goodness of the Lord in the land of those who are living by faith; who are trusting Me; who choose to walk in Spirit. I encourage you to allow yourself to be driven by the wind of My Spirit and to be carried by the water of My Spirit. My blessings will not be withheld in this coming year, which shall be a year of blessing to those who have been faithful. So, My faithful ones, get ready for the manifestation of multiplied blessings. Even though the world itself will be in disarray, even though the economic conditions of this world are not good, you will live within the confines of My blessings. Lift up your heads and let your worship ascend," says the Lord God Almighty.

The glory of God will bring His blessings:

The Trumpet, December 13, 2010: "Have you not read that I am the Lord of Glory? I am the King of Glory! My glory I share with no other because it originates with Me, but that glory that I am speaking of I will bring upon you. If you will walk with Me in the place of My glory, the path that is before you, which is already been set ablaze for your journey. My call to you today is come and walk in the glory. Come and abide in the glory, for all things are manifest in My glory. Every promise is received in My glory. Again, I say, come. Come and receive. Come and participate," says the Lord.

The glory of God will bring forth the sons of His glory.

Romans 8:18-19 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.

And the sons abiding in His glory will become the glorious Church.

Ephesians 5:27 ...that He might present her to Himself a glorious Church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

The Prophetic Book of Numbers

God has used and still uses numbers to communicate with His people. The numbers He uses are prophetic. The book of Revelation is the book of sevens. Seven is God's number of spiritual perfection and completion.

The number of the first-born is found in Numbers 3:46: "And for the redemption of the two hundred and seventy-three of the firstborn of the children of Israel, who are more than the number of the Levites."

In the book of Acts we find 120 in the Upper Room who were the firstborn priests of grace. In John chapter 21, the 153 fish caught, was a symbol of all Christians whose inheritance is that of the firstborn. One hundred, twenty plus 153 equals the 273 firstborn found in Numbers 3:46.

And, 2 Chronicles 5:12-13 tells us that 120 priests were blowing the trumpet and then the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.

I have said all of this to confirm the fact that God uses numbers to reveal Himself and to confirm His works.

The Psalm for 2011 is Psalm 65 (6 + 5 = 11).

Psalm 65:9-11 You visit the earth and water it, You greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; You provide their grain, for so You have prepared it. You water its ridges abundantly, You settle its furrows; You make it soft with showers, You bless its growth. You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance.

This Psalm is a promise of visitation, the glory and anointing of God's river, provision, spiritual growth and His goodness this year. He will crown this year as a year of abundance.

Let this word be ours to embrace and receive His goodness.

The Number Four

We are prophetically living in the fourth watch of the Church Age, and it is a time of visitation when Jesus comes, walking on the waves to His people.

Matthew 14:25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea.

And, in this fourth watch His glory will come:

Ezekiel 44:4 Also He brought me by way of the north gate to the front of the temple; so I looked, and behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD; and I fell on my face.

Also, the number four represents an open door in Heaven:

Revelation 4:1-2 After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in Heaven. And the first voice, which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, "Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this." Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in Heaven, and One sat on the throne.

The Vision

The Trumpet, November 9, 2010: I see seven doors opening in the heavenlies. And the Lord is saying, "Come up here; the doors are opening. Spiritual perfection will flow from these doors to My people. The Spirit of wisdom and revelation will come forth in floods of glory from these places in the heavenlies. Christian life is no more to be normal," says the Lord. "You are to become supernatural as you were meant to be." Flow, river, flow upon Your people, and let that golden oil run forth and bring Your power and tangible presence alive among Your people. Amen.

When I first saw this vision, I only knew that one of the doors related to wisdom. I have since seen the names of the seven doors, which are gifts of the Holy Spirit.

1. The Word of Wisdom, which brings revelation (1 Corinthians 12:7-10).

2. The Word of Knowledge, which gives understanding.

3. The Gift of Faith, which gives us the faith that Jesus had (Galatians 2:20, KJV).

4. Gifts of Healings, which the Body of Christ must have.

5. The Working of Miracles are especially necessary in these last days.

6. Prophecy, so that God's voice may be heard.

2 Samuel 22:10-14 He bowed the heavens also, and came down with darkness under His feet. He rode upon a cherub, and flew; and He was seen upon the wings of the wind. He made darkness canopies around Him, dark waters and thick clouds of the skies. From the brightness before Him coals of fire were kindled. The LORD thundered from Heaven, and the Most High uttered His voice.

7. Discerning of Spirits so that the Church can know which spirits are working against it.

Ephesians 6:10-12 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Greater Access to the Gifts and Power of the Spirit Will Come in 2011

The key of David is required to open these doors:

Revelation 3:7-8 And to the angel of the Church in Philadelphia write, "These things says He who is holy, He who is true, 'He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens': I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name."

Jesus has the key of David and opens these doors for us when we become those who worship in spirit and in truth like David did.

John 4:23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.

Worship in Spirit

1 Corinthians 14:15 What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.

I will pray and sing with the spiritual gift of tongues, the eighth gift of the Spirit, and I will be given interpretation of my songs and prayers, which is the ninth gift of the Spirit.

Heaven's songs will be played by today's psalmists, and we shall interpret the meanings of those songs - this is the key of David that will open the seven doors that we can then enter into.

Worship will position us to go through these seven doors as the Spirit of God wills, and He will bring us through the door of whatever gift is needed at the time. A fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit will help this process of accessing Heaven's doors.

The Upper Room

Again, the number eleven comes into play for our understanding regarding the Upper Room and the fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit that the Church needs. Eleven apostles entered the Upper Room (Acts 1:13).

In the year 2011 the same power that the apostles demonstrated in the book of Acts will come upon God's people. A fresh baptism that produces the gifts of the Holy Spirit is necessary. As a Church, we will be redefined by this fresh baptism of apostolic power so we can become one with Jesus in His works.

John 14:11-14 "Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves. Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it."

This baptism will bring about a great transition from the Church Age into the Kingdom Age.

The Equipping Continues

In 2008 the Lord told me that the years 2009, 2010, and 2011 would be years in which He would equip His people to live in the power of His divine government of 2012.

The Body of Christ has been afflicted in 2009 and 2010 because equipping takes place in adversity. But, because of the fresh baptism of apostolic power that is available to us, we will begin to rejoice in our victories over the adversity. Satan is not going to be happy about the favor of God that is coming upon the Church in 2011.

In early December, for about a week, I kept hearing in my spirit the term "slumdog millionaire." All I knew about this phrase was that it is the title of a movie which I had not seen, and that it is a rags-to-riches story. I announced this to the congregation on a Sunday, and one of the dear ladies at our church told me that in the storyline it came out that the young man was equipped to be a winner by the adversity found in his life's circumstances.

I believe God wants us to know that He has been with us through our many trials and we have been equipped to win. We are strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!

Jesus taught (equipped) His disciples for roughly three years and then He empowered them for service on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). So, in like manner, we are also being equipped so that we can be empowered. His glory in this year will both equip and empower us. Even so, Lord Jesus, come and do your work in us.

God's Economy

Luke 21:25 tells us that one of the signs of the end of the age is the "distress of nations." The distress of all of the nations of the world right now is the economy. Banks and businesses are failing in record numbers. Unemployment will continue because of these failures. The credit debt is huge, and sooner or later the bubble will burst.

So, it is time for God's people to learn to live in God's economy. Position yourselves by faith to receive His blessings.

Final Thoughts

2011 is going to give us a wild ride, so fasten your spiritual seat belts and hang on. An earmark of this season will be acceleration; things will be moving fast. Opportunities will come and go very quickly, so be ready - instant in season.

Get out of debt and stay out of debt if at all possible. Trust in the Lord for your provision, and lean not on your own understanding. Fight the good fight of faith. Embrace the adversity and overcome it by the power of God's name.

And, I pray that you will indeed see God's goodness in 2011.

Psalm 27:13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living.

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The Great Release

Prophecy by Marsha Burns - January 2011:

Twenty-eleven! The number 20 symbolizes expectation in this century, and eleven symbolizes disintegration and transition. The eleven faithful apostles after the disintegration were released to build the Church.

Twenty-eleven corresponds with the Hebrew year 5771: Israel was held in captivity 70 years and released in the 71st year.

In Hebrew, Ayin is the word for 70, which names the decade: Ayin means eye: to see, understand and obey. Ayin is described as having two eyes, representing the choice of good or evil; optimism or pessimism. Ayin can also mean fountain - the fountain of wisdom and the ability to perceive. This is the decade of enlightenment to the Church and prophetic insight.

Aleph in Hebrew is the word for 1, which names the year. Aleph is the symbol of the ox, which means strength and leadership. It represents the breath of God and the revelation of the mysteries of God through His leaders who have been sent to equip and prepare His people.

Aleph has two arms, one above and one below, connected in the middle by a hook, which represents humanity. The humanity that connects Heaven above to earth below is Christ. Expect heavenly reality to invade the earth in greater ways this year.

Genesis 46:27 And the sons of Joseph who were born to him in Egypt were two persons. All the persons of the house of Jacob who went to Egypt were seventy (who became captives).

Jeremiah 25:8-12 Therefore thus says the LORD of hosts: "Because you have not heard My words, behold, I will send and take all the families of the north," says the LORD, "and Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, My servant, and will bring them against this land, against its inhabitants, and against these nations all around, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, a hissing, and perpetual desolations.

Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones and the light of the lamp. And this whole land shall be a desolation and an astonishment, and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years. Then it will come to pass, when seventy years are completed, that I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation, the land of the Chaldeans, for their iniquity," says the LORD; "and I will make it a perpetual desolation."

Daniel 9:24 Seventy weeks are determined for your people and for your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sins, to make reconciliation for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy.

We are now in the 71st year, which presumably represents the release from captivity and punishment.

We are Now in the Position to Rebuild

Nehemiah 1:1-3 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. It came to pass in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the citadel, that Hanani one of my brethren came with men from Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews who had escaped, who had survived the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. And they said to me, "The survivors who are left from the captivity in the province are there in great distress and reproach. The wall of Jerusalem is also broken down, and its gates are burned with fire."

This is somewhat reminiscent of the cleaning of our own spiritual foundation and the burning of the wood, hay and straw - or the works of the flesh.

2010 has been a year of change on every level as God has swept the foundation clean. Our good ideas for ministry and our American religious traditions have been challenged and found lacking. Our focus cannot be people, church growth, and finances; our focus must be God Himself and no other.

We are now in the position of Nehemiah to rebuild that which has been torn down. And, this time, we must build only as led by the Holy Spirit of God.

We can probably expect opposition such as Nehemiah experienced as he went forth by the mandate of God to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and Ezra in rebuilding the Temple.

Nehemiah 2:17-20 Then I said to them, "You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach."

And I told them of the hand of my God which had been good upon me, and also of the king's words that he had spoken to me. So they said, "Let us rise up and build." Then they set their hands to this good work.

But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard of it, they laughed at us and despised us, and said, "What is this thing that you are doing? Will you rebel against the king?"

So I answered them, and said to them, "The God of Heaven Himself will prosper us; therefore we His servants will arise and build, but you have no heritage or right or memorial in Jerusalem."

Nehemiah 4:7-9, 16-17 Now it happened, when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites heard that the walls of Jerusalem were being restored and the gaps were beginning to be closed, that they became very angry, and all of them conspired together to come and attack Jerusalem and create confusion. Nevertheless we made our prayer to our God, and because of them we set a watch against them day and night... So it was, from that time on, that half of my servants worked at construction, while the other half held the spears, the shields, the bows, and wore armor; and the leaders were behind all the house of Judah. Those who built on the wall, and those who carried burdens, loaded themselves so that with one hand they worked at construction, and with the other held a weapon.

We also, will watch for the enemy to stop the work and to create confusion. And we will pray to our God and be ready to fight against every attack.

Jeremiah 20:11 But the LORD is with me as a mighty, awesome One. Therefore my persecutors will stumble, and will not prevail. They will be greatly ashamed, for they will not prosper. Their everlasting confusion will never be forgotten.

Words of Knowledge and Words of Wisdom from the Lord for 2011

I see in a vision the engine of an automobile that needs to be adjusted and tuned up so that it can run better. Expect to make some adjustments as you are being fine-tuned to fulfill your purpose in the overall scheme of things. Things that once sparked your interest will be replaced by that which better suits your level of spiritual maturity.

"As you continue to draw close to Me, you will see My creation from a new perspective. The sky will seem bluer and the grass greener, yet worldly interests and the satisfying of your flesh will become a secondary pursuit at best. And your knowledge of the written Word will combine with your experiences to produce fresh, life-producing revelation.

"Just when you think you've lost your edge, spiritual clarity will come forth like a picture coming into focus. You will be able to see and discern with greater depth and lucidity than ever. Expect to be more decisive with issues and concerns where you have been duplicitous. Instead you will be focused and more efficient."

I kept hearing in my spirit the term "quantum leap." You will broaden your spectral lines. This means that you will move beyond your normal limitations into a new realm of understanding and activity. You will no longer allow circumstances or people to hold you back or keep you from achieving your spiritual and natural potential.

"I have torn, but I will heal. What has seemed like destruction has only been a good house cleaning to remove from your life the things that were no longer relevant. You have been released from the things that have held you back or created spiritual stagnation, and you can now move forward with a greater sense of freedom.

"Do not concern yourself with thoughts of what you cannot do. Refuse to be a 'Jack in the Box' confined by old mindsets. Instead of focusing on your inabilities, let Me reveal your possibilities. I am with you to take you beyond your perceived restraints.

"I am taking you to new heights. You will be delighted in what you see, but you must wait for Me instead of striking out on your own in presumption. This will be a time when you will begin to know the difference between the leading of My Spirit and the impulse of your own soul. I will lead you in perfect timing if you will wait on Me and trust in Me," says the Lord.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

Arise! Music Journey to the Secret Place by Terri Geisel Prophetic Worsh...

Shall We? Happy New Year! Forever!

Spirit of Prophecy Bulletin

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns -- 1/03/2010:

I see in a vision the engine of an automobile that needs to be adjusted and tuned up so that it can run better. Expect to make some adjustments as you are being fine tuned to fulfill your purpose in the overall scheme of things. Things that once sparked your interest will be replaced by that which better suits your level of spiritual maturity.

As you continue to draw close to Me, you will see My creation from a new perspective. The sky will seem bluer and the grass greener, yet worldly interests and the satisfying of your flesh will become a secondary pursuit at best. And, your knowledge of the written Word will combine with your experiences to produce fresh, life-producing revelation.

Just when you think you've lost your edge, spiritual clarity will come forth like a picture coming into focus. You will be able to see and discern with greater depth and lucidity than ever. Expect to be more decisive with issues and concerns where you have been duplicitous. Instead you will be focused and more efficient.

I kept hearing in my spirit the term "quantum leap". You will broaden your spectral lines. This means that you will move beyond your normal limitations into a new realm of understanding and activity. You will no longer allow circumstances or people to hold you back or keep you from achieving your spiritual and natural potential.

I have torn, but I will heal. What has seemed like destruction has only been a good house cleaning to remove from your life the things that were no longer relevant. You have been released from the things that have held you back or created spiritual stagnation, and you can now move forward with a greater sense of freedom.

Do not concern yourself with thoughts of what you cannot do. Refuse to be a "Jack in the box" confined by old mindsets. Instead of focusing on your inabilities, let Me reveal your possibilities. I am with you to take you beyond your perceived restraints.

I am taking you to new heights. You will be delighted in what you see, but you must wait for Me instead of striking out on your own in presumption. This will be a time when you will begin to know the difference between the leading of My Spirit and the impulse of your own soul. I will lead you in perfect timing if you will wait on Me and trust in Me, says the Lord.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

The Dam Has Broken .....

Spirit of Prophecy Bulletin

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns -- 12/23/2010:

I had a vision of a beaver dam as it slowly began to leak and then the full force of the water pushed through to destroy the dam. And, I heard the Lord say: Watch for the signs, for breakthrough is surely coming. The power of My Spirit will work in you to bring down strongholds that have hindered the flow of your anointing for some time. Rejoice in this great and yet subtle and supernatural work.

Isaiah 45:2-3 I will go before you and make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the LORD, Who call you by your name, Am the God of Israel.

A CHRISTmas Story ...

CHRISTMAS IN THE PASTURE

The little old house was looking mighty beat up from the last winter storm, however the glow from the lights that could be seen from the bridge were so warm and inviting it was always the highlight of getting off work and coming home!  As you traveled down the dirt road and crossed the bridge the house could be seen from a distance!

The cattle were unusually close to the fence it seemed that every Christmas eve they would draw close to the little house in hope that the song that rings so beautifully would fill the air once again!  The little house was centered in a pasture that was separated by a beautiful white fence.

The young mother was coming home from a long Christmas Eve hitch at the Dandy Dime country store.  She was very tired and was looking forward to seeing the one thing that keeps her going and always renewed her strength the minute she rushed through the old broken down screen door.

She recalled how a few years back she longed for the big city and was so sick of the pasture.  She longed for the excitement of the inner city life with all the trappings of the world and everything that went along with the freedom of leaving home. Now, as she tearfully gazes at the beat up old house and sees the object of her heart’s love sitting in the curtain less window she paused for a moment and thanked the Lord for bringing her back safe and sound to that old house in the pasture.

She recalled how lonely and lost she felt in that city. No one to talk to that really understood her. Not one person could feel her heart’s cry the way her Mama did. The many lonely nights that she sat all alone in the dark waiting for a chance to share the good news she had just found out, she was with child. And then she finds herself, on a bus headed back to the one place she despised so much.

As she pulls into the drive way, which is grass and very well worn from the many trips to the Dandy Dime she spots this little, tiny girl sitting on the window sill watching the cattle as they ate their evening meal.  The porch light caught a glimmer of her golden curls as she exclaimed in excitement, “Mommie’s home!” At that very moment the young woman realized just how blessed she was and how much she adored this little house in the pasture.

She rushes through the door way and is met by the biggest hug that a little, tiny three year old could give. Nothing could compare to the love that she felt at that moment.  Mommie! Mommie! Did you see the cows?  Mommie! Mommie! Can we feed the chickens?  Well a few years ago feeding those chickens would have made her angry, but now it was the highlight of her evening. “Yes, Moriah we can feed the chickens!” 

Mama was in the kitchen preparing a quick supper and she called and said, “Don’t forget to gather the eggs girls; I did not get a chance to do that today.”  As the two headed out to the pasture Moriah asked her mom something that brought back so many memories from years past.  Years that she wanted to just forget.  Mommie, she exclaimed! Grandee said we have to give Jesus something special tonight. She said that if we give Him something from our heart that’s what He likes the most.  The young woman recalled those years that she and her brother and sister were taught the same thing.

But this time, coming from her own daughter’s mouth a change took place inside her spirit.  At first she had no answer but the little girl was persistent.  Mommie, “What is your heart’s gift to Jesus”? The young woman was quiet and began to speak with a very shaky voice.  “This year Moriah, I offer Him not only my heart’s gift but the gift from His heart that He gave me”, she said crying.

“Don’t cry Mommie, Jesus loves you”. “I know Moriah, because He gave me you”.  They fed the chickens and gathered the eggs and then rushed inside the little, old house.  Grandee! Grandee! She squealed.  Mommie has a heart gift for Jesus! The grandmother turned around and looked at the tear stained face of her daughter and questioned, “Oh child what’s the matter?” Her daughter never was a big talker.  Seems she did most of the talking herself for years when it came to their conversations.  Then this year this little, golden haired girl had all the words so none were needed.

The mixing bowl was ready for the cake batter; the daughter could see it on the counter.  “What flavor is His desire this year Momma”, she asked? This was the first time in many years of the Christmas Eve tradition that their family shared that the tone of her voice was not sarcastic and was sweet and drenched with love.  Ever since the first Christmas that this little family had come to know Christ their Christmas Eve celebrations became a unique gift to the Father of Heaven.

For years they spent hours wrapping presents, stringing lights, and cooking all sorts of delicacies.  For years, arguing was the main music of the houses past.  But in an instant the motives were changed to bring a warm glow and hug to the One person that meant so much to the Mother.  Every year at 12:00am Christmas morning the woman and her three children would request in prayer what the Lord wanted to hear for His birthday.  The Mother would always ask, “What does Your heart Lord desire of ours?”  The children were never really paying attention but the Mother was always attentive to the Lord’s heart.

She had always baked a cake the night of Christmas Eve and they would get the CD player, and go out in the middle of that pasture and play the one song she felt in her spirit that the Lord has requested of her.  The candle was lit.  The children were in place and the music started.  The daughter would always open her eyes to see what would happen when her mother would begin the song.  You could here the rustle of feet and the scurrying of wings and when you looked up over the fence you could see that the cattle had made their way right up against it.  Even the birds and the chickens nestled on the fence.

The daughter recalled how she watched as her mother sung each word with tears streaming down her face.  She watched as the cattle bowed their heads and the chickens seemed to fall asleep under the power of the music.  It was as if you could hear the words for miles around.  Not one sound interrupted that song.  Not one word was uttered until it was finished.  Then, eyes were dried, the knife was brought out and with the loudest shouts they would all scream, “Happy Birthday Jesus!”

For years the young woman despised that tradition.  Then this year her heart would change as she was led to that very same pasture once again.  Mommie! Mommie! Moriah exclaimed! “What kind of cake would Jesus like this year?” The young woman was speechless. She and her daughter had only been back in the pasture for three years and it seemed that the Mother’s tradition was firmly planted into this little child’s spirit.  Once again the child squealed, “Mommie, what kind of cake?”  Finally the young woman spoke and said, “Let’s do something different this year”, her mother looked puzzled and raised her eyebrow in disapproval.  “What Mommie! What Mommie”, the child exclaimed.  “How bout you choose the flavor”, she said swooshing the little girl into her arms. The mother looked relieved and the young woman was met with squeals of joy!

Oh Grandee! Oh Grandee can I? The grandmother had to wipe tears before answering her granddaughter.  “Yes Moriah you surely can’, she said as she bent down and kissed the top of those beautiful golden curls.  “Well let’s get started child its close to midnight”, said the grandmother..  “Ok, Grandee, this is the one”, the little girl said with the box of mix in her hand.  “What a glorious choice you have made Moriah.”  She looked at the box of red velvet cake mix and asked her granddaughter why she had chosen this one.  The little girl replied, “Red for His blood, white because He’s pure and velvet because that’s what His kisses feel like.”  The grandmother was crying once again but to her amazement in the corner of that dimly lit old kitchen was her daughter sitting crying also.

The cake was in the oven, Moriah had her bath and the young woman was expecting her baby daughter to fall fast asleep.  But she remembered the song.  She told her momma, “Mommie what does Jesus want to hear on His birthday this year?”  The young woman once again looked puzzled.  The grandmother chimed in, “Let’s do something different this year.” This time the daughter looked at her mother with amazement and with a raised eyebrow,  “Let’s let you choose Moriah,” said the grandmother.  “Oh I know Grandee! Oh I know” the little girl squealed.  She ran to her ‘music box’ and pointed to the one song that had been in her grandmother’s spirit all day. “Ok said the grandmother, this one it shall be.”

Now Moriah could not tell time yet but she knew it was getting close to the hour.  The cake was done, the icing was on and the candle was in place.  Her grandmother grabbed the knife and the CD player and also coats because it was bitter cold out there.  The three of them bundled up warm and made their way out into the pasture.  Moriah was in her Mommie’s arms and Grandee had the cake and music.  They looked at the watch and just as it became Christmas Day the music was put on but something was different. This year the most glorious sound came from the sweet mouth of the tiniest little girl.

As she listened to the music she began to sing the words, then she got down and danced for the Lord the most beautiful dance you have ever seen. Twirling and whirling as if she was right there at His feet.  But, He was there! Right there watching this tiny child bring Him glory with the only gift she knew how to give. Her heart!  You could hear her, “Would I stand in Your presence or to my knees would I bow.”  As she bowed on her tiny knees you could see the animals kneeling also.  Right there, in the middle of that pasture for the first time in years the young woman made it to her knees and cried with her heart, “Thank You Lord for the greatest gift I will ever receive in my whole life, a child that knows You and feels Your heart and for my salvation.” The grandmother was sobbing as she watched the two generations finally come to the knowledge that, “No Moriah, and Dawwna there is no Santa Claus, but there is a Jesus!”

From: “His Heart Is My Pen”….

A  Christmas 2006 Original

Okay ... Alone!

Okay … Alone

The sound of the alarm clock seemed like it was magnified in her ears this morning. She had always dreamed about living in the mountains and now she was, and today the LORD blessed her with the most wonderful tip tapping rain fall that caused her to miss the wonderful life she lived in that little house with the old tin roof so many years ago.

The room was so warm and cozy she was almost regretting having to get up and start the fireplace … ‘almost’. This had become a part of her morning routine that after some time had passed she fell in love with. Besides, if she wanted heat she would have to light the fire. She got up thanking God that it was just raining and cold and not snowing!

Just then she heard the jingling of a tiny bell and she knew that Jonah had been aroused from his warm nest near her bed and was in a hurry to say good morning and do his best purring for his morning chow! He was a great, big, fuzzy, black and white stray that the LORD led to her many years ago. He has the biggest green eyes and the white on his chest and the black on his shoulders make it appear that he has a tuxedo on.

He casually jumps on the ledge near the fireplace; she can never resist those big green eyes, so into her arms she whisks him spinning around and giving him the biggest squeeze ‘good morning Jonah!’

She checks his bowl and of course it’s empty. Jonah has never been able to waste even one tiny morsel she has ever put in his bowl. Fresh water and a tiny bit of tuna and he is set for the day! Now onto the fire, which was the very reason she got up.

This chore had become a favorite of hers since the Holy Spirit taught her such a great lesson about what that fire represented so many months ago. We as God’s children are responsible for the ‘fire’ in our life. Both good and bad the flames burn because of our input.

Many times people complain that they have ‘just lost the fire of their flame for God!’ What I have learned from my times of dryness was that the more we ‘fuel’ our passion for Christ the hotter His flame burns within us. And, the more we ‘ignore or pull away’ from Him the more that precious flame withers and then if we are not careful it can and will go out!

A life without Christ I feel in my spirit would be worse than death. Because, if He is not reigning with us now, if we die where will we reign? Life without the very Spirit of Christ, the Holy Spirit is a fate that can occur in a Christian’s life no matter how long they have walked with the LORD.

His Word says that ‘My Spirit will not always strive with man.’ So yes we can lose His Spirit. Our main goal in life should always be to keep those fires burning in your hearts, minds and spirits for the LORD! Feed your spirit man and eat richly of His divine meals. Each book in His Bible has a full course meal and then extra for you to share later.

Drink deep of His ever flowing water. Drink and be full. Filled to the brim and running over. You can never have enough or too much! He will never turn you away. That water flows for you! Stay washed in His Spirit and cleansed by His blood! Partake of His divine meal daily! No calories to count, no portions to measure, and no moderation is ever needed!

As she stood there watching the fire burn she was caught up in His love and His Spirit. For so long she blamed this or that because her spiritual life was not burning ‘hot’ like it once was. After this revelation she never again placed blame on anyone but herself.

We have to work out our own soul’s salvation. No one can do this for us. It’s a personal journey between you and God. You have to choose what is most important in your walk with Him. Just having a relationship is no longer worthy of her time; she now devotes her most intimate time to Him. He is her breath, the very air that causes her to live. Nothing and no one is more important than Christ to her. His call upon her life now takes precedence over all that goes on in her life. That’s not relationship that’s a ‘divine union’… you know ‘you for me and me for you’. In Him she has found her very existence.

Put aside all that you may think needs your attention. Nothing can ever be more important than the time you spend at His feet, in His arms, wrapped in His love.

 

JESUS … what a Beautiful Place to be! I love You LORD!

In His Love,
By His Spirit,
I scribe His