Enoch 2912

7 12 2009

On the first day of summer, June 22, 2009, I was given a dream. I was at an airport – I was going on a trip and boarding the airplane. As I stepped onto the airplane, I handed my boarding pass to the attendant at the door – I never saw the attendant, but was simply aware that he was there. As I handed him my boarding pass he said to me “Enoch twenty-nine twelve (2912)”. I knew that he was reading from my boarding pass, my seat assignment. I thought to myself that it was unusual – I had never heard of this type of seat assignment.

The attendant began to walk ahead of me escorting me to this unusual seat assignment of “Enoch 2912″. As we proceeded, the plane seemed to look more like a building with a center hallway. There were rooms to my left and to my right. As I walked by a few of these rooms the doors were open and I looked in. There were many people in these rooms, some of whom were sitting at what looked like a large dining table. I noticed that the doors to these rooms were labeled – each room was labeled with one of the Tribes of Israel.

The experience ended at this point. With the attendant still escorting me, I never arrived at my seat assignment. But I knew that my seat was located behind all of these 12 rooms designated for the tribes of Israel. My seat would be closer to the back portion of “the plane”.

————

The weight of this experience was heavy as I awoke and realized that the Lord had spoken profoundly to me. I immediately began asking Him for insight and understanding into what He was showing me. But He spoke nothing. For 3 1/2 months I inquired of Him the meaning to what He was intending to show me through that encounter. Suddenly one morning as I was with Him He did open it up to me.

As I share what He gave to me as the understanding, I urge you to take hold of this for yourself. Yes, I was given the encounter and there is personal application for me – however, i do feel the Lord has instructed me that this is not simply for me alone. It is for whoever would desire the same, therefore this is the reason why I am sharing this with you.

I believe that the Lord has given me an invitation (the seat assignment) into a reality. He desires and intends to take me somewhere – He has a destination in mind for me. In order to arrive at this intended destination, it will require that I be escorted by Holy Spirit (represented by the attendant). He knows where the “seat” is located and how to take me there. I do not know how to get there – i simply must follow His lead. It is an ancient path that must be encountered. A path that precedes even the Old Covenant that the Tribes of Israel lived under. It goes back to the days in which Enoch lived.  “This is what the Lord says:  Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Jeremiah 6.16)  Only Holy Spirit can take me there. Enoch walked this path. Scripture states the “Enoch walked with God.” (Genesis 5.24) It goes on to say that “then he (Enoch) was no more, because God took him away.” There was something so unique – so unusual about Enoch’s relationship with God that I believe He came into a place of complete unity with God – He was joined together with God (not that He became God). I feel this is an early reference to the relationship the Church (or the Bride of Christ) is invited to have with her husband – Jesus.

I believe the Lord also opened up the mystery of the number “2912″. This is the number of days equaling 8 years. So what I believe the Lord is indicating is that I could arrive at my intended seat assignment in eight years. That will be the summer of 2017. This timetable I believe indicates that I can arrive at “that path” by that date — not that I will have arrived at the end of that path (Enoch had 300 years walking on that path). Now, this has really caused a trembling in me — such that I immediately understand the only way for this to occur is that I hand myself over to allowing Holy Spirit to take me there – and even the dying to myself that will be required will only occur as His grace enables me. But nothing is impossible with God and I do desire this. I desire to come into a place of walking with God, a place of unity – of being one with Jesus.  A reality that Enoch knew.

God desires this for many – this is what we were created for – to encounter God at this level. The invitations are being given now — who will accept the invite and determine to follow Holy Spirit?  He alone is willing and able to take us to this intended destination.

Courage & Strength,

Christopher Paul

http://anear2hear.wordpress.com





a decade of “a-Ha!”

27 11 2009

Great change is occurring and will continue in both the Church of Jesus Christ and the world in general.   Change that will produce increasing light for the Church and increasing darkness for those not in pursuit of Jesus (Isaiah 60.1-3).   We are entering a season that could be described as the “Decade of A-ha! “ (this is how it was spoken to me).  The inference here is that it will be a time of mysteries being revealed.

I find it interesting that man has been created with a capacity to be fascinated by mysteries.  People speak of the “mysteries of the universe”, and there are plenty of television programs dedicated to probing “unsolved mysteries” and there is even a genre of literature known as “Mystery”.  God has created us with a longing to peer into a mystery and the desire for the discovery or the unveiling.  In a mystery novel the very moment that the mystery is revealed is called the “A-ha” moment; when in an instant what has been hidden is made known and everything suddenly becomes clear.  

As we arrive at 2010, the new decade will bring some inventions that will be important for humanity.   The most notable coming inventions will be the result of “crushing necessity”.  In other words the difficult days ahead will produce an environment ripe for invention and discovery.  Some of these having been worked on and pursued for years with no success will seem to be suddenly unveiled to the inventor.  The various fields within science and medicine will have great discoveries; innovative technologies and inventions will increase – I believe that there will be an emphasis on transportation.  A popular quote is “necessity is the mother of all invention.”  This will certainly prove true in the coming decade.

But most important are the mysteries that will be revealed to the portion of the Church desiring more of God.   The Lord will grant that the veil be lifted off of some mysteries (even a profound mystery) that have been hidden from the ages until this appointed time.  Fresh light and revelation will come on portions of scripture that will cause us to realize that we’ve never truly seen the fullness of truth hidden there (the A-ha! moment).  Specifically, I believe the Lord highlighted Ephesians 5.31,32 regarding Christ and His Church becoming one flesh, this mystery is said to be profound.  An understanding of this truth that the Church has never walked in will be granted in order to move Her into the place of manifesting that truth.  This will bring needed maturity to the Bride of Christ so that she will begin walking in the full measure of Christ (Ephesians 4.13).   As well, I believe there is a coming revealing of the mystery regarding that “we will not all sleep”  (1 Corinthians 15.51) ; so that greater understanding will be given regarding that truth, to give opportunity to begin engaging our faith in that regard.

Jesus would speak with the crowds only in parables, therefore speaking as in a mystery.  But only when He was alone with his disciples would He remove the veil and give them the understanding into the mystery (Mark 4.34).  In the same way today’s disciples of Jesus will have to “get alone with Him” in the place of intimacy, to receive these revelations into the mysteries that will remain hidden from “the crowds”.  He doesn’t reveal His mysteries to casual followers, only His “disciples”. 

By the end of this coming decade His disciples will have a more “normal vision” of Jesus as they have welcomed greater understanding into mysteries of God that have been opened to them.  This proper vision also will come as they fix their gaze on Jesus in response to the “crushing necessity” of the difficult times ahead.  The fuzzy vision that we now have entering this season will become clearer and clearer as we go through the decade.  Jesus is helping us as He perfects our faith – that time is getting nearer where our faith will have vision.

Courage & Strength,

Christopher Paul

http://anear2hear.wordpress.com

 





the creative spirit

15 09 2009

There is a high place of creativity that creatives can actually attain to in their respective artistic/creative forms.   Creativity produced from the spirit is the ideal – it is the pinnacle.  It is when the artisan is most efficient, productive and the resulting creative form produces the greatest impact.  This should be the goal of every artisan.

Nearly all creativity that is currently exhibited in the world is produced out of the soul.   By this I am referring to man being made up of body, soul and spirit.  The soul of man – made up of the mind, will and emotions – is the source of the vast majority of what the world has known as “creativity”.  This is the reason why all too often creativity ends up being banal and trite, slides into absurdity and often has vanity as its end result.  This type of creativity is not inherently bad, I just believe it is “settling for less” when such higher potential is available.

Our spirit is awakened by faith in Jesus as the Son of God and we are then able to connect with the Spirit of God.  Therefore it would be of great benefit to us if we then allow our creativity to function by this means.  I believe it is then that the creative release or act is at it’s greatest level of satisfaction (for the artisan) and also possesses the greatest level of impact on it’s observer.

When a creative allows Holy Spirit to initiate a creative act, our spirit can receive this and respond by allowing our body and soul to comply with our spirit.  Then the gifts we possess (our talent, techniques, skills, knowledge, training) can then be implemented to bring into the tangible, natural realm what our spirit has received from God.  This is the example established with Bezalel, an artisan, in the scripture. (Exodus 31).  It is said that he is the first person mentioned in scritpure that was filled with the Spirit of God.  God initiated a creative act by sharing His desire with Moses and the artisan was then commissioned for the creative release to occur to fulfill God’s desire.  Bezalel’s creative release produced an environment, articles and objects that were implemented to encounter the presence of God, and to facilitate the people to engage in relationship with God.

Imagine our world full of such creativity – where the product of an artisan released the potential for true encounters with God; and His manifest presence would be seen through vehicles of creativity.  God’s eternal intent for creativity then would come full circle – God initiating, our spirit responding and our body and soul falling in line to produce stunning acts of creativity that produce responses of love back to God.  That is what I would call ART – creativity at it highest order!

History has seen few that have demonstrated this high order.  But, I believe, we are coming into an ever-increasing level of this type of creativity.  These will be the artisans who follow Jesus with their spirit and not just their soul.  This high order of creativity will play a necessary part in transforming our cities, our cultures and our planet – and ultimately manifesting Jesus and experiencing worldwide demonstrations of love for Him and our Father God.

Courage and Strength,

Christopher Paul





where is wisdom ?

6 08 2009

  

I have been considering lately the clear and obvious absence of wisdom in our society.   Why is wisdom no longer regarded as a valued commodity in our land?  It is nearly unheard in our collective conversation.  Why is it not spoken of?  Why is not desired? Why is not sought?  Why is it not considered necessary for our welfare and progress?  Why is it not insisted upon when electing officials?  Why is not discussed in our education system?  Why does the media not report incidents when it is exhibited? Why have we not requested it from our God?  Has wisdom become a useless virtue in our day?  I submit that it has for the vast majority, otherwise it would be spoken of – it would be regarded – it would be treasured – it would be sought after.  There is a famine of wisdom in our nation.  Where has wisdom gone?

 

There was an age, a time in human history when a leader was esteemed for the wisdom that he carried.  It was truly viewed as a needed commodity and a priceless treasure; especially for one leading a nation.  In scripture, “King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth.  All the kings of the earth sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart.” (2 Chronicles 9.22)  This is nearly unimaginable and incomprehensible for this type of statement to be made concerning national leaders in our day and time.  Leaders of nations are not regarded for their wisdom and I would further say seldom do these individuals desire to know wisdom.  If they were desirous of it there would apparent and sincere behavior that would speak to it.  On the other hand these individuals across the globe may be noted for their charisma, their eloquent public speaking, their economic prowess, their powers of persuasion, their political expediency, and on and on – but where are the “kings” who are sought after and noted for the wisdom they possess?

 

Wisdom is beautiful and rare.  “For wisdom is better than jewels and all desirable things cannot compare to her.” (Proverbs 8:11)  In our beauty obsessed culture why do we not demand beauty exhibited as wisdom?  Why has virtue, such as wisdom, lost its beauty in our eyes?  Beauty must become more than a pleasing aesthetic.  The song, America the Beautiful, nearly became our national anthem.  But maybe its best that it did not, seeing how we do not have a sincere regard for the beautiful.  For the beauty of wisdom is no longer desirable in our land.  This is tragic!

 

“Wisdom shouts in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares” saying “Fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1.20 & 1.7) Instead, we as a nation have undoubtedly chosen to “be satiated with ‘our’ own devices” therefore our complacency as fools will destroy us. (Prov.1.31,32)  This is our sure end if we do not change our mind and value, desire, seek, and exhibit wisdom. (the horrific conclusion to ignoring wisdom is found in the latter part of the chapter)

 

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom – so lets start there.  The first step is to acknowledge and regard the desire of God.  What would He intend for the course of our nation.  The founders of this great nation had this as a desire and a priority – the counsel of the Lord was deemed necessary for the survival and progression of the young nation.  Our foolish arrogance would have us believe that we as a nation have evolved and progressed past this mindset of dependence exhibited by the architects of our government — after all have we not survived and established ourselves on the world stage in great measure?  Such arrogance cannot and will not go unnoticed nor unaddressed.  Any true advancements we have made as a nation are due to our engaging with wisdom as issued to us by God.

 

Where is wisdom?  I want her unleashed in our land to speak instruction and to give direction resulting in life lived in beauty for every person.  I desire to see her worn as a crown in the White House. I dream that she will swirl around the podium impacting every member on Capitol Hill.  And at the Supreme Court,  I yearn that she become the true “benchmark” as she is considered and consulted on every judgment.  I will not be satisfied with her relegated to having to scream out in the streets, banished from the palaces of prominence so as to adversely affect us individually and nationally.  If we continue on this path of refusing wisdom our nation will see it’s ultimate and rapid demise – but there is hope!  Let’s change!  Let’s open the door and invite in Wisdom.

 

Courage & Strength,

 

Christopher Paul

 

anear2hear.wordpress.com





beauty to behold

1 08 2009

 

Beauty is a concept that is universally recognized but not necessarily understood.  It is both desired and preferred by all cultures.  If asked, “what is beauty” many would automatically respond with references to beautiful aesthetics.  Beauty does often include a beautiful aesthetic, but we cannot allow it to be limited to that confining definition.   Even an intangible thing may be referred to as having beauty. 

 

I love beauty!  In my own life I have come to realize the alluring power of beauty –  I simply love to “take in” the beautiful – to behold it.   And furthermore, I even suggest that it seems beauty actually has an addictive quality about it.  When an individual encounters beauty on a high level, the object beheld has then become for that person the new standard of beauty.  Anything less than that standard is no longer suitable or satisfying.  Not that the lesser loses its unique beauty, one has simply beheld a greater beauty.  Like some narcotic we seek and grope for greater and greater measures of beauty to accessorize our existence.  Consider the desperate attempts of many in society to gain a firm hold of a thing of beauty, or a thing they consider to possess beauty.  In the end, the vast majority is left wanting – disappointed by the object they have chosen to behold.  The sincere desire and attempt to behold beauty is not the issue to consider; rather it is the object chosen to behold that should be in question.

 

Beauty has been given to us as a gift.  The gift of beauty is given for beholding.     We have all heard someone quoting “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”.   In the context that it is most often quoted, the reference is towards the level of physical beauty of an individual or an aesthetic of a physical object and is directed toward that person or object with a negative connotation.  I, on the other hand, would prefer to place on it a different perspective – one that is positive.  Beauty is intended for beholding. 

 

Why does humanity have this proclivity towards beauty?  Our Creator, Father God conceived of and brought into existence this concept of beauty and furthermore placed within humanity a strong appetite to behold it.  The starting line for journeying through life as a “beauty beholder” is the natural creation.  All that has been created is meant for us to behold.  But then why is that?  Unto what purpose do we behold beauty?  It is only in the beholding of beauty, true beauty, that we are led through the doorway of discovery and encounter the very nature, attributes and character of the Creator.  “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made…”  (Romans 1.20)

 

I like to think of the word “behold” as “holding a thing” (whether tangible or intangible) – taking it in, gazing upon it and mulling over it, thinking on it, admiring it, considering it, receiving delight from it, being mentally engaged by it, releasing emotional expression as a result of encountering it, on & on.  Too often our response to beauty has not been to behold it but rather to dumb it down and dilute it, causing it to become impotent.  Many times the first impulse towards beauty is to consume it, degrade it, demand it, plunder it, control it, or engage it only it for self-preservation – leaving it diminished, dulled, desolated, debilitated, devoid, or destroyed.  Why do we settle for this low existence?  Where are those who will contend for a higher way?  Why do so few break out of the societal norms even to our own demise?

 

You will know beauty when you encounter it, it will just fit that craving we all have for it.   Allow yourself to behold it – in doing so, be taken into wonder, fascination and ideally, ultimately worship of our Creator.  All beauty has the capacity to lead us into an awe encounter with our God.   Beauty properly beheld will find lavish expressions of affection for Him; as beauty will always speak of facets of who He is and what He possesses.  It is dependent on us whether or not we allow beauty to achieve its aim in us.  To behold beauty is the first step.

 

The greater the beauty beheld – the greater the revelation of the Father God.  So then, only one possesses the highest level of beauty that is possible to behold – that one is Jesus the Christ.  Jesus spoke of himself saying, “if you’ve seen me you’ve seen the Father.” (John 14.9)  Jesus reveals to us our Father, God.  Jesus is the supreme standard of beauty.  He is extreme beauty – he is transcendent beauty – he is perfected beauty.  His eyes, face, voice, laughter, love, joy, peace, kindness, mercy, justice, power, leadership, humility, wisdom, knowledge, on & on & on – it is all the absolute fullness of beauty in every facet, every trait, in everything.  Every grand, superlative adjective known to language may be applied in attempting to describe the beauty of this man; and having done so only the surface of the fullness of his beauty has been mentioned.   There is no measure to his beauty – it is endless – it is infinite – it is every-increasing – it is indescribable.  We could go on and on attempting to adequately describe his beauty.  All of eternity will be the unfolding and revealing of the infinite facets of his beauty for us to behold, forever.  And we will forever be saying “Jesus, I want to see more of your beauty”, “I want to know more of you”, “show me your beauty! I must see your beauty”.

 

So then, it behooves us to behold beauty.  In doing so we have the opportunity to be led into the truest beauty encounter possible, that is encountering Jesus in his infinite facets and on endless levels.  This is no end to the beholding of beauty revealed in this man Jesus.  This is what beauty is all about – beholding this beauty will satisfy every human craving.  There are no substitutes.  A quick observation easily reveals the endless clamoring of humanity to secure an encounter with transcendent beauty – their search continually reveals only counterfeits that, in the end, always disappoint.  Jesus cannot disappoint – because true beauty does not.

 

Courage & Strength,

Christopher Paul 





faith vs. fear

10 06 2009

 

Faith takes initiative   —   fear stands idle.
Faith is productive   —   fear is impotent.
Faith and hope are married   —   fear’s ball and chain is despair.
Faith accomplishes   —   fear relinquishes.
Faith is confident   —   fear is defensive
Faith launches out   —   fear withdraws.
Faith creates peace   —   fear releases panic.
Faith knows rest   —   fear remains agitated.
Faith has vision   —   fear is only introspective.
Faith is not self-reliant   —   fear is self-preserving.
Faith is loved   —   fear is abandoned.
Faith walks in the light   —   fear stumbles in the dark.
Faith dances in freedom   —   fear is an enslaved paralytic.
Faith always wins   —   fear always loses.

 

Courage & strength,

Christopher Paul





where ya headed?

30 05 2009

 

Have you ever noticed that most of the world seems to be flailing around without purpose or aim?  They are totally clueless to where it is they are going.  It is, I believe, a really good idea to keep focused on where we are heading – what I mean is, what are we trying to do with this thing called life?  It is true that if we are not heading in the direction we intend to go we will never reach our destination.  Of course, first of all, we must be aware that we are headed anywhere in particular, that there is an intended destination.  To aimlessly wonder through life would be, at best, extreme ignorance and at worst a utter waste of a life.

 

Our Creator, and Father God, has always intended we not wonder through life.  He has an intended destination for us.  And it is to a really good end! The destination he has had in mind, even from before you came into this world, is that you would be conformed to the image, or the likeness, of His son, Jesus.  All that Jesus was while on the earth is the pattern for us to copy.  All he did, his dealings with people, his relationship with his Father in Heaven, etc – all these were demonstrated for us so we that we can live as Jesus lived.  We are not trying to reinvent the wheel here, we just need to keep it simple – and keep focused on our destination.  To be like Jesus.

 

It is not, ultimately, about your career path – your acquisition of wealth – your popularity or position in society – your expertise in a certain arena – etc.  All of these are lesser issues and concerns.  On whatever path we do travel in life God desires to make all those lesser issues work together for the purpose that he always had for you – to become like Jesus, and in so doing demonstrate the life of a son of God.  He wants to take all areas of our life and “form” them into a beautiful masterpiece that will look like His son Jesus. 

 

But why should we desire this as our destination?  Do we enter this journey of conforming to the likeness of Jesus so that – we may gain approval from God – so that people will be attracted to us – to dispense the Kingdom of God – to demonstrate healing and miracles – to be persecuted – to suffer – to obtain an inheritance in the age to come – and so on?  No, these are not the end goal – however, these things will occur as a result of being like Jesus.  The point really is to be able to fully engage with the Father – this is what Jesus did.  Quoting Jesus, speaking of himself, “the Son can do nothing by himself;  he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.  For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does.”  Jesus also said this of himself “no one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)  His purpose was to bring into the earth the capacity for the “sons” of God to be restored to a relationship with their Father, God.  

 

God wants this for us so that we will have a relationship with Him, our Father – like the relationship Jesus had with Him.  Jesus said he was one with the Father and then he prayed for us that we would enter into that unity that he has with the Father (John 17:21)  In becoming like Jesus we will experience a like relationship with God the Father – as Jesus had and has even now.

 

So, lest we think we can arrive at this destination by our own clever devices, schemes or plans – this being conformed to the image of Jesus will only occur as the Holy Spirit within us is given control of “the wheel”.  We do not know how to go there – we will get ourselves lost for sure if we are doing the driving.  Truly the only thing we can “do” to arrive at this destination is just to DIE !  And I don’t mean to stop breathing – I mean to die to all that is us.  Jesus himself said that he did nothing own his own initiative (John 8:42, John 12:49, – He only did what he saw his Father doing (John 5:19). Jesus had one agenda – to please the Father.  So there we have it – that must be our agenda as well.  We will die to our own everything, allow the Holy Spirit to be the director of our lives and we will for sure arrive at our destination – the likeness of Jesus.

 

To the extent that I have allowed the Holy Spirit to form me into the likeness of Jesus is the extent to which I walk in relationship with the Father.

 

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  For those God foreknew he also predestined to to be conformed to the likeness of his Son…”  Romans 8:28-29 NIV





dream a dream

16 04 2009

 

 

This week the world has experienced, in my view, some very noteworthy events.  I wish to focus here on one (more on the others later).  A token has been given – a sign shown to give us understanding – for those who have an ear, to hear what God is saying.  On April 11, 2009, an unknown, unassuming, ordinary woman from Scotland captured the attention of the entire planet – literally overnight.  If you have not been privileged to view what I’m referring to – here is the link – it is a must see!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY  (even the very song she sung is in itself quite telling!)

 

“…judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes.  He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts.  At that time each will receive his praise from God.”  1 Corinthians 4:5

 

The time has now begun for the hidden treasure of the earth to come out of its hiding place and be seen in its brilliant splendor.  It will be like gold that has been kept out of view as it is refined by the fire.  If you can hear me – this is precisely a picture of Susan Boyle – a treasure hidden away for many years (47 to be exact), being prepared and then suddenly is brought out into the light for all the world to see and experience the brilliance she carries.

 

“When the Lord brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed.  Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.  Then it was said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’  The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” Psalm 126:1-3

 

In a similar fashion, what God has exhibited through Ms. Boyle, will begin to occur with those on the earth who have placed themselves under the leadership of Jesus Christ and have gone through fire unto preparation for being a demonstration to the nations of what God has fashioned of them. 

 

This is the hope that the world is currently seeking.  Government can never offer this kind of hope to its people – the world ignorantly sets its sights so very low. As the audience experienced this display from Ms. Boyle they ecstatically received her because in an instant they latched onto “hope” for themselves. (as I write this over 20 million people have viewed the video of her on the internet – all within less than 5 days) We see in her the possibilities for ourselves.  We know this is the real deal – it is what we all long for – the ordinary being used extraordinarily.  Not to be in the limelight for the sake of being “famous” (that is so tired!) but rather to put on display the gifts and callings we each individually carry, being a part of the Body of Christ.  In Psalm 126, everyone experiencing that occurrence accredited the whole thing to God (the Lord has done great things for them; and, the Lord has done great things for us !)

 

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.  See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you.  Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.”  Isaiah 60:1-3

 

So then, many voices have declared important and necessary warnings of the coming “dark” and difficult times ahead; and these will come.  BUT – now the sound will change and hope will begin to be spoken of the “light” and “glory” to rise on the people of God.  We will begin to dare to imagine & even believe the things “God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9-10)  Don’t forget Susan Boyle — she is a sign – a token of what the future will be like for all of those who are willing to be hidden until the time when God himself will bring us out into the light for the world to experience.  WOW!  It will truly be – like we are living a dream!

 

Courage & Strength,

 

Christopher Paul





foiled again

28 03 2009

 

The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts/frustrates the purposes of the peoples.  But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.               Psalm 33:10-11

 

 

The USA is now tottering from lack of vision.  This land is without leaders and there is a famine of wisdom.  In desperation, those holding seats of power dole out quillions hoping to appease the clamoring masses.  This will soon be shown for what it is – smoke and mirrors.  Attempting to solve the world’s ills, the nations of the earth continue to devise grand schemes devoid of prudence.  All of this conceived and executed without regard for the direction and perfect leadership offered to humanity by the only wise God (Romans 16:27).  Would be peacemakers negotiate treaties and play the mediator never fulfilling their desired goal; all the time ignorant of the fact that they have failed to consult the Prince of Peace to secure adequate guidance for solution (Isaiah 9:6).  He is Jesus Christ and He has secured the supreme jurisdiction over such matters – it would behoove the nations of the earth to consult Him and agree with His decrees.

 

Throughout history a truthful review reveals the consistent folly of humanity.  Century after century man has remained convinced that we can and will solve our own dilemma.  And time after time God has frustrated every man-conceived notion for solution.  Throughout history when man has engaged with his God they have been met with wisdom and revelation that gives answer to the question, “what to do?” 

 

There is quite an amazing hope offered to us in Psalm 33:11.  The Lord does have “the master plan” which will never be altered, be diminished, be destroyed, be circumvented, be overcome, or be undermined. It is a plan that will not be frustrated.  It is sure!  This plan contains everything that has been in the mind of God from the beginning of time – actually even before that, he has held this vision from all of eternity.  And furthermore this plan is for the good of his creation – he is not against us, if we would only come under His plan and abandon our own.  But be sure if we continue in the way we have known, every device to fix ourselves that we conceive will be frustrated – it simply cannot and will not be successful nor tolerated.

 

“Hope” and “change” are the buzz words of the day.  So let me chime in as well,  I hope that we change our minds and quit looking to ourselves for answers.  If we do change the way we think there is such great hope for our future.  It will be a future of joy, peace and justice for the earth – everything will be right.  After all, this is the master plan of God.





holy hush!

26 02 2009

 

“Be silent, all flesh, before the Lord, for He is aroused from His holy habitation.”

Zechariah 2:13 NASB

 

“But the Lord is in His holy temple, let all the earth be silent before Him.”    Habakkuk 2:20  NIV

 

“Be silent before the Lord God!  For the day of the Lord is near.”

Zephaniah 1:7 NASB 

 

God is about to move in such a way that a “hush” will be caused in the earth.  The Church of Jesus Christ will begin to be encountered with the presence of God in such a way that those present in gatherings & assemblies will be awestruck and be left dumbfounded in this atmosphere;  at times for lengthy periods (more than just a few minutes, perhaps hours and possibly days).  This will be an increasing “phenomenon” in these holy gatherings – extended times of silence as the awesome, terrible, wonderful presence descends into the meetings. 

 

There will be a sign in the natural of this as well.   The earth will be “silenced” as most means of technological communications will be incapacitated for 72 hours.  Devices such as television/cable, phone, satellites, etc. will be taken “offline”  thereby resulting in a global silence.   This will cause an increased level of fear around the world, as it will be quite chaotic when this occurs. 

 

This will be by the Lord’s doing as a sign indicating the soon coming “day of the Lord”.

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I received this on February 4, 2009

 

 

Courage & Strength,

 

Christopher Paul