Lighthouse...Christian Dream and Vision Interpretation

[HumbleBee]

Limping And Leaning
Hollie L. Moody
Oct 12, 2005


The Lord impressed to me the words, "limping and leaning." I waited on Him for further revelation of this phrase, and the following portions of Scripture were laid upon my heart.

Genesis 32:24-31 ~~ {24} And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. {25} And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.

{26} And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.

{27} And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.

{28} And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

{29} And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.

{30} And Jacob called the name of the place Peni-el: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

{31} And as he passed over Penu-el the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh.

Hebrews 11:21 ~~ By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshiped, leaning upon the top of his staff.

I noticed after reading these portions of Scripture that there was a steady progression in the life of Jacob/Israel.

First, Jacob (whose name means, "supplanter") wrestled alone with a man in the darkness of the night (Gen.32:24). While wrestling with Jacob, the man touched Jacob and in touching him, injured him by throwing Jacob's thigh out of joint (Gen.32:25). After injuring Jacob, the man who was wrestling with him, changed Jacob's name to Israel (which means, "God strives"). The man also blessed Jacob (Gen.32:28-29). Then, the sun rose and Jacob crossed over Penu-el (which means, "face of God"), limping as he walked (Gen.32:31).

The Lord impressed on my heart that many of His children are in a place of wrestling such as Jacob found himself in in Genesis 32:24-31. Many of God's children are wrestling with situations and circumstances in their lives that seem to have no solution or end in sight. They are in a dark time of the soul. Yet, they are holding-on. They are enduring. They are maintaining. There has been no breakthrough, no ground gained, but neither have they ceased to wrestle and hold-on.

For many of God's children, they are also being wounded in their time of wrestling. In addition to the wrestling and the weariness the wrestling has brought upon them, they now must endure the wounding. Yet still, they are holding-on. Not only are they holding-on and enduring, they are begging for a blessing.

Through the Spirit of the Lord, I want to encourage those of you who are wrestling and wounded; that your blessing is not just coming ~~ it is here! The day is breaking, the night is about to vanish away for you. When you come through this time of wrestling alone in the night seasons, you will come forth with the name of Victory upon you and with your own personal blessing from the Lord.

However, you will come out of the time of your wrestling alone in the darkness with a limp. The memory of this time of wrestling will forever remain with you. You will not be the same as you were before the wrestling. You will be changed, and changed forever.

You will have learned a valuable lesson during this time of wrestling. You will have learned the lesson Jacob/Israel learned so well ~~ how to lean upon the Lord.

Towards the end of Jacob's life, we find him in Hebrews 11:21 doing four things: {1} He is dying. {2} He is blessing his two grandsons, Manasseh (whose name means, "forgetting") and Ephraim (whose name means, "doubly fruitful"). {3} He is worshipping. {4] He is leaning on his staff the Messiah is often referred to in Scripture as the "branch," or "staff"). Jacob, towards the end of his life, has learned to "forget" those things which are behind him. He has been "doubly fruitful" in spite of, and perhaps as a result of, the many tests and trials he endured throughout his lifetime. He has learned the valuable lesson of "worshipping" no matter what situation in life he may find himself in. Most importantly of all, Jacob has learned to "lean" upon the "Staff" (Messiah/Jesus).

Those of you who are struggling and wrestling with situations and
circumstances in your life that have wearied and wounded you, continue to hold-on. As you hold-on, don't stop asking the Lord to bless you.

Sometimes, the situation(s) in your life may not change, but have the faith in these times to ask the Lord to change you and bless you. During the times of wrestling and personal change, you will learn how to lean upon the Lord with greater faith and trust. You will learn how to bless and be a blessing to others. You will have learned the value of worshipping God no matter what situation or circumstance you may find yourself in. Most importantly of all, you will have learned to lean fully and completely upon the Lord.

Proverbs 3:5,6 ~~ {5} Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. {6} In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.

 

[KleinerApfel]

Wow!

Thank you Humblebee.

I am currently asking the Lord to explain something to me - He is simultaneously asking me to "Stand Firm!" and "Rest!"

It has been confusing me no end, but I think this insight of yours may have just thrown a little more light on it for me.

The resting is leaning on Him as I stand.

Oooh, that makes more sense now! I just need to learn how to do it...

Blessings to you, love Sue

 

[walkin2e]

Great Post of encouragement, Humblebee! Thanks for this good word...a couple of songs came to my mind:


I Would Not Be Denied: Like Jacob of days of old, I wrestled with the Lord, Til Jesus came I would not be denied.


Learning to Lean....Learning to lean, learning to lean, learning to lean on Jesus, finding more power than I've ever dreamed, I am learning to lean on Jesus.

irvin aka walkin2e

 

[walkin2e]

Last night, I had these two dreams:

I was invited to preach at my old home church. The congregation (smaller than I remembered) was gathered in the old sanctuary. They were eagerly waiting to hear what I had to preach. I approached the pulpit, opened my Bible, and prayed. I noticed that some of the regular members were not there, but all who were there were spirit filled.

I then went outside to the new sanctuary and buildings. Other people were there, including the pastor. He came to me with tears in his eyes and said, "You ARE a God called preacher...Please forgive me for not recognizing that fact." I replied, I forgive you, and hugged his neck. All the fancy new buildings in the background were practically bare of people.

The next dream, I was by a big lake. Two turtles came swimming up to me. I had two jet skis, and I took off through the water. Two young boys (twins), were by the edge of the lake shore. One was lying facedown in the water. I went to him, saw he was not breathing, and began to revive him. Water gushed out of his mouth, he began to breath as the other twin was looking on. There were several other objects (by twos) laying around. What stood out in this dream was the number two.

Irvin aka walkin2e

 

[HumbleBee]

Sweet Shalom Sue!

Yes indeed! As you keep leaning on (depending on, looking to, fellowshipping with) Christ, He will empower you to stand firm in your faith anchored by His Word of Truth, as your rest in (wait for, trust) His Promises to be sovereignly fulfilled in your life all in due season!

May these Bible verses help to further enlighten you...

Psalm 16:8 I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Isaiah 26:3-4 You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. So trust in the Lord (commit yourself to Him, lean on Him, hope confidently in Him) forever; for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages].

Isaiah 33:5-6 The Lord is exalted, for He dwells on high; He will fill Zion with justice and righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation). And there shall be stability in your times, an abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the reverent fear and worship of the Lord is your treasure and His.

1 Corinthians 15:57-58 But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ.Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose].

Hebrews 10:35-39 Do not, therefore, fling away your fearless confidence, for it carries a great and glorious compensation of reward.For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and carry away [and enjoy to the full] what is promised. For still a little while (a very little while), and the Coming One will come and He will not delay. But the just shall live by faith [My righteous servant shall live by his conviction respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, and holy fervor born of faith and conjoined with it]...But our way is not that of those who draw back...but we are of those who believe [who cleave to and trust in and rely on God through Jesus Christ, the Messiah] and by faith preserve the soul.

Hebrews 11:1 NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].

The resting is leaning on Him as I stand.

 

[HumbleBee]

Well Sir Irvin,

This first dream certainly speaks of your Divine vindication! Those who previously refused to recognize God's Call upon your life, now won't be able to deny it anymore! Being that spirit filled people were there and some of the regular members weren't, seems to say that those particular regular members wouldn't submit to the moving of the Holy Spirit, so they left?

The fancy new buildings lacking people seem clear examples that show the emptyness of the prosperity gospel, a false gospel...offers flashy, thrilling entertainment, yet has no spiritual nourishment to feed peoples' hungry spirits, and is void of God's anointing to help them in their lives on any realm.

Will pm you interp for your dream of twos, as am stretching...

I was invited to preach at my old home church. The congregation (smaller than I remembered) was gathered in the old sanctuary. They were eagerly waiting to hear what I had to preach. I approached the pulpit, opened my Bible, and prayed. I noticed that some of the regular members were not there, but all who were there were spirit filled.


I then went outside to the new sanctuary and buildings. Other people were there, including the pastor. He came to me with tears in his eyes and said, "You ARE a God called preacher...Please forgive me for not recognizing that fact." I replied, I forgive you, and hugged his neck. All the fancy new buildings in the background were practically bare of people.

 

[HumbleBee]

This been around for awhile thought its message timeless...the blessings of living a disciplined life!


THE HARNESS OF THE LORD

By: Bill Britton

There is a terrific operation of the Spirit going on today to bring the Sons of God into an absolute confinement to the perfect will of God. This is the Day of His Preparation the day in which He is preparing the channel through which He shall pour forth His Glory for all the world to see. This channel is His Body in the earth that glorious company of people who are being conformed through much tribulation and fiery tests to the Image of the Son of God. This is His "battle axe and weapons of war" (Jer. 51:20;Hosea 5:6) with which He shall subdue kingdoms and overcome all His enemies. This is His "mighty and strong One" to whom He shall commit the work of judging this world. (Psalm 149:5-9).This is His Overcomer, His "great army" with which He shall bring the nations into submission. The weapons of their warfare are not carnal, natural weapons but they are mighty weapons, mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. These are those who shall "be strong and do exploits."

But before God can commit this great and tremendous ministry into their hands they must submit themselves to the discipline of the Lord letting Him truly be the Lord of their entire lives. We have long since dealt with the question of open sin but now God is dealing with the inward rebellion of our own wills. (The soul is the area of our will and tribulation is what brings the patience in all of us and the possessing of our Souls (The soul is the area of our will.emotions, intellect and desires). Some good Christians are not now being so dealt with for they are not in this Firstfruits Company but nevertheless there is a real dealing of God going on within those who are called into the High Calling of God. This is a very real thing and is the work of the Refiner's Fire. (The Final Baptism the baptism of FIRE) To those who are going through it some of its aspects are horrible but very necessary and the end result thereof is glorious as we are brought into absolute and complete submission to the will of our Lord.

It was in a minister's conference and convention in Tulsa, Oklahoma that God gave me a vision which I want to share with you concerning this harnessing of our own wills. There were more than 30 ministers present in this particular Thursday morning service and God, the Father of spirits, was present to deal with His sons, to correct them and discipline them to absolute obedience to His will. There was such a stern dealing in the Spirit that no one could go to the pulpit and minister, there was a reluctance among the ministers to say anything except that which was directly ordered by the Spirit. And as those men of God sat there in the awesome presence of Almighty God, some of them having many years of ministry, some missionaries, all of them capable of getting up and preaching a powerful sermon, I was impressed by the way they responded to the discipline of the Spirit. And in the midst of this terrific dealing of God with our spirits, the Holy Ghost gave me a vision ...

I SAW THE KING'S CARRIAGE

On a dirt road in the middle of a wide field stood a beautiful carriage, something on the order of a stagecoach but all edged in gold and with beautiful carvings. It was pulled by six large chestnut horses: two in the lead, two in the middle and two in the rear. But they were not moving, they were not pulling the carriage, and I wondered why. Then I saw the driver underneath the carriage on the ground on his back just behind the last two horses' heels working on something between the front wheels on the carriage. I thought, "My, he is in a dangerous place; for if one of those horses kicked or stepped back, they could kill him, or if they decided to go forward, or got frightened somehow, they would pull the carriage right over him." But he didn't seem afraid for he knew that those horses were disciplined and would not move till he told them to move. The horses were not stamping their feet nor acting restless, and though there were bells on their feet, the bells were not tinkling. There were pom-poms on their harness over their heads but the pom-poms were not moving. They were simply standing still and quiet waiting for the voice of the Master.

THERE WERE TWO YOUNG COLTS IN THE FIELD

As I watched the harnessed horses I noticed two young colts coming out of the open field and they approached the carriage and seemed to say to the horses: "Come and play with us, we have many fine games, we will race with you, come catch us." And with that the colts kicked up their heels flicked their tails and raced across the open field. But when they looked back and saw the horses were not following they were puzzled. They knew nothing of the harnesses and could not understand why the horses did not want to play. So they called to them: "Why do you not race with us? Are you tired? Are you too weak? Do you not have strength to run? You are much too solemn, you need more joy in life." But the horses answered not a word nor did they stamp their feet or toss their heads. But they stood, quiet and still, waiting for the voice of the Master.

Again the colts called to them: "Why do you stand so in the hot sun? Come over here in the shade of this nice tree. See how green the grass is? You must be hungry, come and feed with us, it is so green and so good. You look thirsty, come drink of one of our many streams of cool clear water." But the horses answered them not so much as a glance but stood still waiting for the command to go forward with the King.

COLTS IN THE MASTER'S CORRAL

And then the scene changed and I saw lariat nooses fall around the necks of the two colts and they were led off to the Master's corral for training and discipline. How sad they were as the lovely green fields disappeared and they were put into the confinement of the corral with its brown dirt and high fence. The colts ran from fence to fence seeking freedom but found that they were confined to this place of training. And then the Trainer began to work on them with His whip and His bridle. What a death for those who had been all their lives accustomed to such a freedom! They could not understand the reason for this torture, this terrible discipline. What crime had they done to deserve this? Little did they know of the responsibility that was to be theirs when they had submitted to the discipline, learned to perfectly obey the Master and finished their training. All they knew was that this processing was the most horrible thing they had ever known.

SUBMISSION AND REBELLION

One of the colts rebelled under the training and said, "This is not for me. I like my freedom, my green hills, my flowing streams of fresh water. I will not take any more of this confinement, this terrible training." So he found a way out jumped the fence and ran happily back to the meadows of grass. I was astonished that the Master let him go and went not after him. But He devoted His attention to the remaining colt. This colt though he had the same opportunity to escape decided to submit his own will and learn the ways of the Master. The training got harder than ever but he was rapidly learning more and more how to obey the slightest wish of the Master and to respond to even the quietness of His voice. And I saw that had there been no training, no testing, there would have been neither submission nor rebellion from either of the colts. For in the field they did not have the choice to rebel or submit, they were sinless in their innocence. But when brought to the place of testing and training and discipline, then was made manifest the obedience of one and the rebellion of the other. And though it seemed safer not to come to the place of discipline because of the risk of being found rebellious, yet I saw that without this there could be no sharing of His glory, no Sonship.

 

[HumbleBee]

INTO THE HARNESS

Finally this period of training was over. Was he now rewarded with his freedom and sent back to the fields? Oh no. But a greater confinement than ever now took place as a harness dropped about his shoulders. Now he found there was not even the freedom to run about the small corral for in the harness he could only move where and when his Master spoke. And unless the Master spoke he stood still.

The scene changed and I saw the other colt standing on the side of a hill nibbling at some grass. Then across the fields, down the road came the King's carriage drawn by six horses. With amazement he saw that in the lead, on the right side, was his brother colt now made strong and mature on the good corn in the Master's stable. He saw the lovely pom-poms shaking in the wind, noticed the glittering gold bordered harness about his brother, heard the beautiful tinkling of the bells on his feet -- and envy came into his heart. Thus he complained to himself: "Why has my brother been so honored, and I am neglected? They have not put bells on MY feet nor pom-poms on MY head. The Master has not given ME the wonderful responsibility of pulling His carriage, has not put about ME the gold harness. Why have they chosen my brother instead of me?" And by the Spirit the answer came back to me as I watched: "Because one submitted to the will and discipline of the Master and one rebelled, thus has one been chosen and the other set aside."

A FAMINE IN THE LAND

Then I saw a great drought sweep across the countryside and the green grass became dead, dry, brown and brittle. The little streams of water dried up, stopped flowing, and there was only a small muddy puddle here and there. I saw the little colt (I was amazed that it never seemed to grow or mature) as he ran here and there across the fields looking for fresh streams and green pastures finding none. Still he ran, seemingly in circles, always looking for something to feed his famished spirit. But there was a famine in the land and the rich green pastures and flowing streams of yesterday were not to be had. And one day the colt stood on the hillside on weak and wobbly legs wondering where to go next to find food and how to get strength to go. It seemed like there was no use, for good food and flowing streams were a thing of the past and all the efforts to find more only taxed his waning strength. Suddenly he saw the King's carriage coming down the road pulled by six great horses. And he saw his brother, fat and strong, muscles rippling, sleek and beautiful with much grooming. His heart was amazed and perplexed, and he cried out: "My brother where do you find the food to keep you strong and fat in these days of famine? I have run everywhere in my freedom, searching for food, and I find none. Where do you in your awful confinement find food in this time of drought? Tell me, please, for I must know!" And then the answer came back from a voice filled with victory and praise: "In my Master's House there is a secret place in the confining limitations of His stables where He feeds me by His own hand and His granaries never run empty and His well never runs dry." And with this the Lord made me to know that in the day when people are weak and famished in their spirits in the time of spiritual famine that those who have lost their own wills and have come into the secret place of the most High into the utter confinement of His perfect will shall have plenty of the corn of Heaven and a never ending flow of fresh streams of revelation by His Spirit. Thus the vision ended.

INTERPRETATION OF THE VISION

"Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it," (Habakkuk 2:2). "Harness the horses; and get up, ye horseman," (Jeremiah 46:4). I am sure that many of you who can hear what the Spirit saith to the Church have already seen what God was showing in the vision. But let me make it plain. Being born into the Family of God feeding in the green pastures and drinking of the many streams of the unfolding revelation of His purposes is fine and wonderful. But it is not enough. While we were children, young and undisciplined, limited only by the outer fence of the Law that ran around the limits of the pastures (that kept us from getting into the dark pastures of poison weeds) He was content to watch us develop and grow into young manhood, spiritually speaking. But the time came to those who fed in His pastures and drank at His streams, when they were to be brought into discipline or "child-training" for the purpose of making them mature Sons. Many of the children today cannot understand why some of those who have put on the harness of God cannot get excited by the many religious games and the playful antics of the immature. They wonder why the disciplined ones run not after every new revelation or feed on every opportunity to engage in seemingly "good and profitable" religious activities. They wonder why some will not race with them in their frantic efforts to build great works and great and notable ministries. They cannot understand the simple fact that this Company of saints is waiting for the voice of the Master and they do not hear God in all this outward activity. They will move in their time when the Master speaks. But not before, though many temptations come from the playful colts. And the colts cannot understand why those who seemingly appear to have great abilities and strength are not putting it to good use. "Get the carriage on the road," they say, but the disciplined ones, those in God's harness, know better than to move before they hear the voice of the Master. They will move in their time with purpose and great responsibility.

And the Lord made me to know that there were many whom He had brought into training who had rebelled against the discipline, the chastising of the Father. They could not be trusted with the great responsibility of mature Sonship so He let them go back to their freedom, back to their religious activities and revelations and gifts. They are still His people, still feeding in His pastures, but He has set them aside from the great purposes for this end of the age. So they revel in their freedom feeling that they were the Chosen Ones with the many streams of living water not knowing that they have been set aside as unfit for His great work in this end of the age.

He showed me that though the chastising seemeth grievous for the time and the discipline hard to endure yet the result with all the glory of Sonship is worth it all and the glory to follow far exceeds the suffering we endure. And though some lose even their lives in this training yet they will share alike in the glory of His eternal purposes. So faint not saints of God for it is the Lord that doth bring thee into confinement and not thine enemy. It is for thy good and for His glory so endure all things with praises and thanksgiving that He hath counted thee worthy to share His glory! Fear thou not the whip in His hand for it is not to punish thee but to correct and train thee that thou mightest come into submission to His will and be found in His likeness in that hour. Rejoice thou in thy trials in all thy tribulations and glory thou in His cross and in the confining limitations of His harness for He hath chosen thee and He hath taken upon Himself the responsibility of keeping thee strong and well fed. So lean thou upon Him and trust not in thine own ability and thine own understanding. So shalt thou be fed and His hand shall be upon thee and His glory shall overshadow thee and shall flow through thee as it goes forth to cover the earth. Glory to God! Bless the Lord! He's wonderful! Let Him be Lord of your life, friends, and complain not at that which He bringeth to pass in your life.

PLENTY IN THE TIME OF FAMINE

For in the hour when famine sweeps the land He shall feed by His own hand those who are submitted to His perfect will and who dwell in the secret place of the Most High. When terror stalks the land those in His harness shall not be afraid for they shall feel His bit and bridle and know the guidance of His Spirit. When others are weak and frail and fearful there shall be those who shall be strong in the power of His might and shall lack for no good thing. In the hour when the traditions of the religious systems have proven false and their streams have dried up, then His Chosen Ones shall speak forth with the true Word of the Lord. So rejoice, Sons of God, that you have been chosen by His grace for this great work in this last hour.

The fence which kept the colts in their own meadows and their own pastures mean nothing to the team in the harness for the gates open to them and they go forth pulling the King's carriage into many strange and wonderful places. They do not stop to eat the poison weeds of sin for they feed only in the Master's stable. These fields they trample under their feet as they go forth on the King's business. And so to those who are brought into absolute subjection to His will there is no Law. For they move in the Grace of God led only by His Spirit where all things are lawful but not all things are expedient. This is a dangerous realm for the undisciplined and many have perished in sin as they leaped over the fence without His harness and His bridle. Some have thought of themselves as being completely harnessed and submissive to Him only to find that in some avenue of their life there dwelled rebellion and self-will. Let us wait before Him until He puts His noose around us and draws us to His place of training. And let us learn of the dealings of God and the movings of His Spirit until at last we feel His harness drop about us and hear His voice guiding us. Then there is safety from the traps and pitfalls of sin and then shall we abide in His House forever!

 

[HumbleBee]

From Jane Larsen...

I had a vision of thick, long chains. Attached to the chains were black spikes. As I watched the chains, I saw a thick padlock. The chains started to uncoil, then fall loose. The large padlock fell open and the black spikes dropped off. When the chain and the lock and the spikes lay in a mess on the floor, they lost their power. Then the Lord told me this:

You are not a prisoner. You are not shackled. Be still and listen. You are free. Free. Free indeed. I have promised you that when you are in Me, you are free indeed. There is nothing that will tie you down, lock you in nor make you a prisoner, for I have set you free!

You walk with Me and I am in you. Everything that comes your way and tries to distract you, is temporal. I have given you all you need to walk straight and tall through all that life on earth will try to throw at you. I have given you strength, I have given you peace, I have given you power in the name of Jesus, I have given you wisdom, I have given you a steadfast and compassionate heart and I have set you free!

Let the shackles fall. They are not to be there for you are Mine, I have called you by name, I have singled you out. Walk. Walk tall and straight with all I have given you and know that I am Lord in your life.

If you do not have, ask, ask, ASK! For I freely give. I will send soft winds your way and make grass a cushion under your feet. I will wipe the sweat from your brow, for things happen, and they pass with the passing of a season. One day you will face this, another day you will face that. Remember that you can face all things through Me, who has set you free and marked you with My seal.

I have blessed the words of your mouth and the work of your hands. I have set you free from the world and all that is in it. I will ensure you pass through the valleys and over the mountains that appear in your life. I hold your hand and I am always, always there for you!

John 8:31-36 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?” Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

 

[HumbleBee]

[font=arial,helvetica]
by Phillip Keller


"The shepherd's staff, more than any other item of his personal equipment, identifies the shepherd as a shepherd. No one in any other profession carries a shepherd's staff. It is uniquely an instrument used for the care and management of sheep—and only sheep. It will not do for cattle, horses, or hogs. It is designed, shaped, and adapted especially to the needs of sheep. And it is used only for their benefit.

The staff is essentially a symbol of the concern, the compassion that a shepherd has for his charges. No other single word can better describe its function on behalf of the flock than that it is for their comfort.

Whereas the rod conveys the concept of authority, of power, of discipline, of defense against danger, the word "staff" speaks of all that is long-suffering and kind.

The shepherd's staff is normally a long, slender stick, often with a crook on one end. It is selected with care by the owner; it is shaped, smoothed, and cut to best suit his own personal use.

Some of the most moving memories I carry with me from Africa and the Middle East are of seeing elderly shepherds in the twilight of life, standing silently at sunset, leaning on their staves, watching their flocks with contented spirits. Somehow the staff is of special comfort to the shepherd himself. In the tough tramps and during the long weary watches with his sheep he leans on it for support and strength. It becomes to him a most precious comfort and help in his duties.

The staff of God is symbolic of the Spirit of God. In Christ's dealing with us as individuals there is the essence of the sweetness, the comfort and consolation, the gentle correction brought about by the work of His gracious Spirit.

There are three areas of sheep management in which the staff plays a most significant role. The first of these lies in drawing sheep together into a group relationship. The shepherd will use his staff to gently lift a newborn lamb and bring it to its mother if they become separated. He does this because he does not wish to have the ewe reject her offspring if it bears the odor of his hands upon it. I have watched skilled shepherds moving swiftly with their staffs amongst thousands of ewes that were lambing simultaneously. With deft, but gentle strokes the newborn lambs are lifted with the staff and placed side by side with their mothers. It is a touching sight that can capture one's attention for hours.

But in precisely the same way, the staff is used by the shepherd to reach out and catch individual sheep, young or old, and draw them close to himself for examination. The staff is very useful this way for the shy and timid sheep that normally tend to keep at a distance from the shepherd.

Similarly in the Christian life, we find the gracious Holy Spirit, "The Comforter," drawing folks together into a warm, personal fellowship with one another. It is also He who draws us to Christ, for we are told in Revelation, "The Spirit and the bride say, Come."

The staff is also used for guiding sheep. Again and again I have seen a shepherd use his staff to guide his sheep gently into a new path, or through some gate, or along dangerous, difficult routes. He does not use it to beat the sheep. Rather, the tip of the long slender stick is laid gently against the animal's side and the pressure applied guides the sheep in the way the shepherd wants it to go. Thus the sheep is reassured of its proper path.

Sometimes I have been fascinated to see how a shepherd will actually hold his staff against the side of some sheep that is a special pet or favorite, simply so that they "are in touch." They will walk along this way almost as though it were "hand-in-hand." The sheep obviously enjoys this special attention from the shepherd and revels in the close, personal, loving contact between them. To be treated in this special way by the shepherd is to know comfort in a deep dimension. It is a delightful and moving picture.

In our walk with God we are told explicitly by Christ Himself, that it would be His Spirit Who would be sent to guide us and to lead us into all truth (John 16:13) This same gracious Spirit takes the truth of God, the Word of God, and makes it plain to our hearts and minds and spiritual understanding. It is He who gently, tenderly, but persistently says, to us, "This is the way—walk in it." And as we comply and cooperate with His gentle promptings, a sense of safety, comfort and well-being envelopes us.

It is He, (the Holy Spirit), too, Who comes quietly but emphatically to make the life of Christ, our Shepherd, real and personal and intimate to me. Through Him, I am "in touch" with Christ. There steals over me the keen awareness that I am His and He is mine. The gracious Spirit continually brings home to me the acute consciousness that I am God's child and He is my Father. In all of this there is enormous comfort and a sublime sense of "oneness," of "belonging," of "being in His care," and hence the object of His special affection."


This is an excerpt from "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, " a classic written by Phillip Keller, who was, himself, a shepherd, and who made his own livelihood, for about eight years as a sheep owner and sheep rancher. He speaks from firsthand experience of every phase of shepherding, the truths of which are applicable to our relationship with the Lord, our Great Shepherd.


Jesus is the Good Shepherd and He loves His sheep.

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[HumbleBee]

LadyPatty permits this post. My interpretation follows. TY JESUS!

***I had a dream that I was in a big building but in the building there was a room that was set aside. I was lead in this room by two innocent looking women. When I walked in the room it was a room where they worshipped satan. Everything in the room dealt with nothing but satan. After all three of us were in the room the two girls sat down and I was still standing. The two girls started to chant something and it was a seducing and enticing spirit that began to pull me in. I began to go along with it but something hit me and for a split second I began to pull back. Now I am pregnant but not quite showing. In my dream I was showing. I began to say no you can't have my baby. They pulled me back in and again I was falling into what they had going on. Again something hit me and I pulled out and again I said no you can't have my baby. I was pulled back in to what they was doing. The third time I pulled out I said no this isn't right and I kept saying it. I began to worship God and cry out to Him. As hard as they tried they could not pull me back into their satanic worship. When I said this isn't right the girls eyes rolled around in their head and they turned red. I started to feel suffocated and I had to get out the room. When I ran out the room it was a set of steps and cross was by the steps. When I got to the steps they were steep and long. Standing at the top of the steps you couldn't see the bottom and they were dark. I begin to kneel down at the cross and worship Him. One of the girls came out the room where I was and begin to say you always worshipping that God. She just kept saying that God. The more I kept praising and worshipping God the madder she became. She then kicked me down the steps, but while I was falling I saw a crowd of people gather by the steps and they were worshipping God. The girl disappeared when they came. I don't know whether she ran through the crowd or what but she just disappeared.***

Many lessons in your dream...certainly the crucial need for a keen discernment of spirit. Even though the women looked innocent, their intention was to lead you astray, so your spirit should have been alerted from the very start by the Holy Spirit to not follow them, even to flee fast from them as they were of belial! When you got to the room and realized what was unfolding, bolting right out of there would have been wise spiritual warfare! Your presumption about their piety opened a door for the enemy's deception and for him to gain control to entice you, hence your being pulled in...your staying in the room gave the devil too many opportunities to try and deceive you. The enemy will persist given an easy target! Your remaining standing was good defensive strategy, as had you sat down, they probably would have overcome you. Worshipping Jesus from the beginning and not waiting til after the third temptation would have prevented you from being attacked. This demonstrates the power of the devil, once he has a foothold, to bind you up and hinder communicating with your Lord. The girls rolling their eyes and turning red confirms their being demon-possessed, yet they masqueraded as angels of light, as supposedly kind people!

Your feeling suffocated would confirm that satan does not lead to life. They could not pull you back into their evil worship because your true worship brought you back into the safety of your Lord Most High, sovereignly shielded by Him! God's grace was spurring you the whole time, even though it would seem you were walking in presumption/pride? The steep steps could symbolize pride, thinking more highly of oneself than one ought...too spiritual to be deceived. Your kneeling at the Cross and worshipping Jesus certainly shows true humility that secures Divine protection and why the woman got madder, as you escaped the devil clutches! Her kicking you down the steps and you seeing the crowd could well signify that there is spiritual safety in numbers. There were 2 women against only you and you allowed them to isolate you even further by following them into a room. The woman (the enemy) was set to flight because of the power of corporate worship! (I recently read an article that strongly exhorted that each believer needs a worship partner!)

The part about you being pregnant could symbolize that people are not always as they appear. You are pregnant even though you not yet showing. Similarly, just because someone looks innocent or says the 'right' things, doesn't mean that they will lead you aright.

Applicable Bible verses to aid in your spiritual warfare:

Psalm 19:13 Keep back Thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

Proverbs 11:14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

Proverbs 24:6 For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!...Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Matthew 7:15-20 "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

John 10:27-29 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand. My Father, which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father's hand.

Romans 8:37-39 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ...

2 Corinthians 11:14-15 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Ephesians 6:10-13 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

1 John 4:1-6 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

 

[HumbleBee]

Given to Meredith Greco, Valrico, FL (grecofamily4him@msn.com)


I had the following dream on August 22, 2005. Although I don't understand all of it, I felt it is very timely as to what is happening now.

I'm in a town (almost like cities in Old Testament times that were walled in). There was a sudden urgency/panic and the people began to run to find hiding places. It seemed there were soldiers outside the city, (ready to attack?). I began to climb a rope to get onto a rooftop. I thought that might be a good place to see from, and I would probably be safe there. As I was about 2/3 up the rope, I dropped one of the cards that were in my hand. The cards were "Words" the Lord had given to me. I knew the Word that had just fallen was VERY important. I didn't want to have to climb back down. I reached out my hand and the card flew off the ground and back into my hand. Several people saw this and Knew this had to be of the Lord. I read the card....it said "you have to have a worship partner to make it through the coming time."

This was so important that I knew I had to tell the people. I told one lady to tell the people this, she only told them "to worship". I said, "No! You have to tell them exactly what I told you! They must get a worship partner to make it through the coming time!" Then I saw more of what was written on that card. It talked about many breakthroughs were coming for many people and then there was a very hard time coming. But even through the very difficult time, there would be some who would be blessed. At the end of the card......(it was like a closing in a letter)....and Jesus says something about having to go now...the time is almost here that He will fast again. (I had many cards in my hand. I knew they were all words from the Lord. But it was like this was the only one that mattered right now.)

John 4:23-24 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.

 

[Missyjojo88]

Hello,

Two weeks ago after talking to God and falling asleep I remember this dream. I saw myself standing in a highway and saw two paths in front of me. The highway to the left goes straight, while there is also a right highway that is off the left highway (the exit on my right is the right highway). I knew that I wanted to go to the southeast, but didn't know wich way to go. I saw myself walking rather than driving a car. I was about to walk to the left highway that went straight, but I found out that this highway was going to California and I did not want to go there. I'm standing in between the the two highways trying to figure out what to do because there were no signs anywhere to give me an idea on where to go.

Also on the highway there is a black police man who is standing between the left and right highway. I would also see a few cars go to the right highway, I don't know if any cars went left. I was about to also go to the right highway and realize that this highway was like the rodes that circle a mountain going downwards. I also realize it was going to the Midwest of the United States.

Then I started to take walk on the right highway when the black cop tells me that I shouldn't go there. I ask him where can I go to get to places like Maryland? He didn't really say anything. I don't know why I said Maryland because I live in Connecticut. I would have understood if I said Virginia or Atlanta, GA because I have relative there, but I don't know why Maryland. So there I am with the cop between the two highways with no other options available. Both paths did not lead to where I wanted to go so I'm just stuck there and the dream ends.

I would like to know what this dream means. Thanks in advance and God Bless.

 

[SharonL]

I had this posted in the main forum and was informed about this thread, so I will post it here.

A dream that I know has prophetic meaning


I want to share my dream and see if the Lord will give any of you any enlightment on its meaning.

Sometimes we have dreams that are just dreams and sometimes we know it has a meaning - this one I know has some kind of meaning.

We lived on a canal in Texas and my dream was as follows:

I woke one morning and looked in the canal - there was a deer all submurged all but one hip and leg upside down and the eyes were looking straight at me - my thought was oh no - the deer is drowning.

Then I started looking beyond the deer and saw 13 other deer all underwater upside down - but there was really something about the eyes - all 13 deer's eyes were straight at me.

At the end of the 13 deer was a white deer struggling to stay up - it was alive but again the eyes were directly on me. first one which had a hip and leg out of the water and the last one struggling - all the rest were upside down not moving.

That is all of the dream and I know it has a meaning, but do not have a clue what it is. Maybe the Spirit will open up someone's inner Spirit to tell what it is.

 

[SharonL]

I have a recurring dream that has occurred for many, many years and always is the same dream.

I am awaked from sound sleep and have lost a baby - I break out in a cold sweat, my heart is beating very fast and I am in another room looking for the baby before I wake up - when I wake up - I have to really concentrate to see if it is a dream or if I have really lost a baby because it is so real.

That is all there is to it - I am 70 years old and this dream has haunted me for many years.

I had a miscarriage when I was in my 20's between my 2 children - I was only 3 months along - I never had this dream before - but it has been the same dream for many years. I do not know if the miscarriage has anything to do with it.

 

[HumbleBee]

Sharon,

I answered you via private message. Did you read it? Any feedback?

 

[Angel*Eyes]

I had a dream where I was standing in front of a screen door and I was looking outside at a backyard. Outside I could see a wood fence with a hole in it. Through the hole. I could see a river. As I stood there, a beaver from the area of the hole approached the screen door and made a comment. I can't remember exactly what it said but it was something about how I wasn't going to make a move or leave or something about me being too afraid to do so. Then it walked off and went about it's business. I started to open the door but then I shut it. As I did this, the beaver and another animal approached the door again. Well, that's all that I remember. I'm not sure if there is any significance to this dream but I thought that I would ask anyway. Thanks.

 

[HumbleBee]

Angel*Eyes

Your dream could be saying that spiritually you'd prefer to be on the other side of the fence IN the refreshing river of God, yet uncertainty seems to keep you at a protected distance, like looking through a telescope. This could also refer to some major decision that may have to be made, such as leaving your comfort zone, or an opportunity to try somtin new has arisen...yet fear of the unknown and or of not succeeding may keep you hidden behind closed doors. The beaver brought recruits to the door the second time to confirm your fearing...as you had started to open the door, yet closed it.

A beaver is also defined as a piece of armor attached to a helmet or breastplate to protect the mouth and chin. So maybe do you have a fear of public speaking?

As you are Divinely led, take a leap of faith and trust that God will provide for, protect you, and thoroughly equip you. He will surely lead you in triumph!

Joshua 1:9 ...Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

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 will make your paths straight.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

 

[HumbleBee]

Missy,

Your dream is somewhat confusing, so maybe you are unsure as to where God is leading you? The best way to know God's Will more clearly is to read and do His Word and pray...this will help you to better discern His purposeful leading. The more of His Word you hide in your heart, the brighter your path be!

 

[SharonL]

Hi HumbleBee:

It did not come through - said due to a popup - could you send it or post it here. Thank you.
Sharon

Sharon,

I answered you via private message. Did you read it? Any feedback?