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Blessed Encounters
That point to a REVIVAL and THE DAY OF THE LORD א “Be still before the LORD, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.” Zech 2:13 |
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Eternal Life |
(Draft) Seeking the Word
“You will seek me
and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29: 13 This page began in consequence of three connected and significant blessed encounters[1] that occurred a year apart in 2017, 2018, and 2019 (2020 and 2021 there has been another 2). These events were a sequel to a succession of testing
circumstances over a two year period,[2] at the church I attended until
2016. By 2016, a trend of decline had become very apparent. In less
than a decade, its congregation that had once filled it, was now much
diminished and average age now much higher.
Many an exploratory visitor that had come to worship there had left
after one, two or three services. They
had been made welcome, but not long enough to be caught up in the
fellowship. They were looking for
something that they couldn’t find there.
As for myself, an awakening sinner - though I often found the sermon
interesting or entertaining, at its conclusion I would be wondering “What was
that about”? In January 2016, an event arose which reinforced my awareness of
the significant disparity between what was called for in scripture; and what
was being preached and experienced in the life of the church I was attending.[3]
In consequence, challenging situations in defence of the Word arose
which were associated with earnest prayer and unexpected blessings. “Dear friends, do not be surprised at
the fiery ordeal that has
come on you to
test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” 1 Pet 4: 12. The one especially notable blessing for me
from this challenging time; was appreciation of the importance of God’s word as expressed in scripture.[4]
This awareness led to my wife and I discovering a church where the
scripture is taken seriously, and preaching is in accord with that. So we began to attend there in November
2016[5]. …. We know that for those who love God all things work together
for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 Wall
of Fire - Sunday 2 April 2017 - 9.30 Service
“Is not my word like fire,” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock
in pieces”? Jer
23:29 By Sunday 2 April 2017 we had been happily
worshipping for some five months, in that church where the living God through
Christ is glorified and the Word is preached. In support of the preaching of the Word,
my wife and I made a point of attending our former church on that Sunday.
This was because we knew that lay preacher Ian R was to preach that day. The first blessed encounter
occurred during the ‘Prayers of the People’ given by a member of the
congregation: As I closed my eyes and bowed my head, I was made aware of a
vision in the top half of my mind’s eye.
A short thin lateral line of flame extended rapidly from a small
flicker of light in the dark of night.
It was burning from high on the left side of a black background of
Australian bushland countryside.[6] The horizon was far into the
distance. Raising my head and opening
my eyes, I found that this image was translucent. That is, it became an
overlay on what I could see when I made a point of looking to the front of
the church. A shorter thin line of fire appeared diagonally across the
lateral line of fire, near its left end. This formed a fiery cross (crucifix shaped)
that lay at a thirty degree perspective to my vision. The lateral line of fire then continued to extend, and a
succession of short lines of fire appeared across it so as to create a chain
of crosses. As it traversed the width of my scope of vision, just below it,
another lateral chain of fiery crosses commenced its rapid pace to the right
side of my vision. It accelerated as it did so. Then in quick succession,
other chains of
thin fiery crosses
followed suit. Each one, below the one
before it -The pace of movement continuously accelerating. About halfway to the bottom edge of this dark bushland vision,
chains of fire crosses then extended from each of the short crossing lines of
fire, both up and down. In turn, new
lines of fiery crosses shot out from them.
A multiple chain reaction followed throughout. The whole "vision" that had been
darkness was now completely overcome by this inundation of fiery crosses.[7] As the last of the dark gave way to the light, the vision
‘exploded’ into a wall of high vertical flame. Showing through this translucent wall of flame I could see (in the lower left corner of the
vision) printed words on a white background, as though in a book. I
didn’t read the words but understood that they were from the scripture, and
that ‘the Word’ was included in
that writing. Beyond the flame and the words I could see the pews and front
of church. I found that I
was also hearing the prayer in the background. When I heard the word ‘fire’ mentioned (at
least I thought I did) in the prayer, the vision had not long gone.
I have often puzzled over this, but Zechariah 2:4-5 is never far from my thoughts in regard to this vision: ‘ Also, I have wondered if the ‘Wall of Fire’ vision pointed to a great revival - That there would be an outbreak of God’s Holy Spirit; leading many people to repent of their sins, and accept God’s crucified and resurrected son, Jesus, into their hearts. So that in accepting Jesus, they will receive the promise of eternal life. In this regard Jesus said: “I am the way and the
truth and the life. No one comes to the
Father except through me.” (John 14:6) The Spider - Tuesday 27 March 2018 - 7pm Easter Service
…. if you stop your sinning and begin to obey the
LORD your God, he will change his mind about this disaster that he has
announced against you…. Jeremiah 26:13 Nearly a
year later the second blessed
encounter happened. My wife and I attended an evening Easter service (in
support of the Word) in the chapel of the church where we had previously been
members. Again, the service was
conducted by lay preacher Ian R: [8] During a prayer given by Ian,
as my head was bent in
prayer I realised that there was a vision in front of me. It was a translucent view 'from above' of
ground covered in twigs, stones, and dried gum leaves, such as would be seen
accumulating in the bush or forest. It
was a dry pale brown vista. Between me and the ground,
quite some distance away from me, and well above the ground, was a small black spider. It was slowly traversing across the view on a single dark strand of
cobweb. The spider seemed
especially tiny against the background. I tried closing and opening my eyes,
but the vision remained. The vision seemed to last
for length of the prayer. The spider
had not got past a quarter of the way before the vision finished. This “Spider” vision I found more puzzling than the ‘Wall of Fire’
event. Several times
during October 2019 a recollection of the ‘Spider’ vision came to mind.
Each time the view to the ground below the spider became increasingly
distant, and insignificant; as though gaining height in an aircraft. In the direction the spider was proceeding
on his single dark strand of web, the vista towards the horizon was wide, brown and barren. Nevertheless, this vision continued to be a source of puzzlement until 15 January 2020, when thanks to Peter M, my attention was directed to Isaiah 59 and Job 8 of the Bible.[9] In those chapters, spiders and their webs are associated with sin, and the consequences of sin. They relate to a people whose transgressions and iniquities are significant. In respect of the consequences these quotes seem particularly relevant: “your iniquities have been barriers between you and your God,” Isaiah 59:2 “Such are the paths of all
who forget God; the hope of the godless shall perish.” Job 8:13-14 As the Spider steadily nears its final destination, the question arises: “Will events (e.g. fire, smoke,
flood, hail, pestilence / plague, wind, drought, earthquake, famine, ash
cloud etc.) over which
the wisdom of man will not prevail, become progressively more unfortunate,
frequent, and bleak?” The
Lord’s Favour - Saturday 9 March 2019 Whoever
believes in the Son has eternal life, ... whoever rejects the Son will not
see life, for
God’s wrath remains on them. John 3: 36 Again, almost another year later, on Saturday 9 March 2019, the
third blessing eventuated, but in a very different
form. It involved a ‘chance encounter’ (?) with someone who (indicative of
many people) did not understand or want to know, that no one can earn their
way to heaven by their good deeds or works outweighing their bad deeds (sins). In consequence of the conversation that
ensued, it became ultimately apparent that he did not understand : It is God’s love for his creation (us)
that caused Him to send his Son to be crucified as the perfect sacrifice in
atonement for our sins (i.e. anything
that we do, say or think, that separates us from God); It is only by God’s grace, made
available to those who believe in his Son, that we are acceptable to Him;
Jesus resurrection represents the
defeat of death and the promise of eternal life for those who believe in Him;
The only way to knowing and being one
with God, is by knowing and having faith in his Son, Jesus; and that there
is no other way; To reject the Son, is to reject the
Father. From a position of ignorance or rejection of these truths, my
acquaintance sought to prove that I was wrong in my faith. In response to
prayer for guidance in dealing with this situation, I was blessed with the LORD’s presence around me and welling up within me. With a great
sense of joy, excitement, and enthusiasm I found myself saying repeatedly
“the LORD is with me” While I could
say “the LORD is with me”, my acquaintance could not. This outcome underscored as to: on whom it is that the LORD’s favour rests, and whom
it does not. John 3.36 and 14:6 quoted above refer. Like
the two visions, this encounter was the subject of email very soon after
happening.[10] Reflection
“The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will
of God lives forever.” 1 John 2:17 In November 2019, particularly mindful of
the possibility that the first two blessings were not just for my benefit, I
felt compelled to write an account of them in the hope of making it available
to others. In doing so, perhaps gain a
better understanding myself of the significance of these events. It
was not until the first few days of January 2020[11] that I realised that the
‘chance encounter’ was connected
to the two visions. Nor had I considered its wider significance. Thus, here is my
understanding so far, in brief: ‘Wall
of Fire’ as a visual
spectacle was unforgettably impressive. The control and unstoppable power and
authority of the living Lord God Almighty were overwhelmingly apparent. There is a close connection with the verses
in Zechariah, Chapt 2 with this vision - Zech 2:13 (top of page) and Zech 2: 4-5 are particularly relevant[12]. The ‘wall of fire’ at the culmination of
the vision recalls the Lord’s declaration in Zech 2:4-5 that He ‘will be a
wall of fire around’ Perhaps also of
significance in regard to this, is Matthew 3: 11-12 in respect of John the
Baptist’s declaration about Jesus -
Aside from baptism with the Holy Spirit and fire, there is judgement: His winnowing
fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” Matt 3: 12
NIV ? ‘The Spider’ is about the steady inevitable progress
to a bleak, desolate, barren, and unhappy destination that awaits unrepentant
sinners.[15] 7 …. when the
Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. 8 He will punish those who do not know
God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord
Jesus. 9 They
will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his
might. 2 Thess 1:7-9 NIV ‘The LORD’s
Favour’ was a reminder
of the exclusiveness of being in Christ, and the reality of the exclusion of
those who choose to reject Him. (Everyone
and anyone are welcome to follow Jesus, if they choose.) Also conveyed, was a brief but exciting hint of what awaits those
who put their faith in Jesus. Summary:
There were three blessed
occasions over three years that involved the ‘Three in One’. Each occasion speaks loudly of the closeness of God and that He
is in control. Combined, they point to two possible
destinations available to us at the end of life's journey on earth – the new
Jerusalem, or the bleak and unhappy one.
And so we have a choice – One that is determined by our acceptance or
rejection of Jesus.[16] It is better to take refuge in
the Lord There may well be several messages conveyed by the 'Wall of Fire'
and 'The Spider' encounters. For me, these two visions have evoked connections with God’s
word expressed in
Isaiah 24; in particular: “ 4 The earth dries up and withers, the world languishes
and withers, 5 The earth is defiled by its people; they have disobeyed the laws, violated the statutes and broken the everlasting covenant. 6 Therefore a curse consumes the earth; its people must bear
their guilt. 14 …from the west they acclaim the Lord’s majesty. “Glory to the Righteous
One.”[17] For some understanding as to the prospects the above associations
of vision and scripture being realised, it is worthwhile reflecting on
The scriptures view idolatry as our: wanting,
relying on, or looking to, anything for greater fulfilment than God. Aside
from ‘greed’[19], today this can apply to such things or activities as: a car, house,
physical fitness, sport, job, social club, a yacht, good works, book
collection, mobile phone, fellowship, computer, a building, Twitter,
Facebook, etc. - The list is long
and diverse! Idolatry causes us to turn
away from God’s love for us[20], as the people of “.. the Lord
your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.” Deut.
4: 24 Of course, any conduct that is in breach of His authority such as ‘disobedience’ and ‘unwillingness
to change our ways’ is in effect a rejection of God’s love.[21] ·
For a nation, a State, or a territory; a breach of
the LORD’s authority can be the implementation
of legislation that is at odds with clearly expressed intentions and
commands given in scripture. (e.g.
Genesis 2:24, Leviticus 18:22)[22] ·
Any person, organisation, or government is in breech of God’s authority, if they
intentionally deny (or seek to deny) anyone an appropriate
opportunity to hear or read what the scriptures has to say about Jesus – In particular, the
significance for them of His crucifixion
and resurrection. ·
Someone
professing to be a Minister of the Word will be in
breach if they actively misrepresent God’s word or
otherwise ‘preach another Gospel’ (Gal
1:8 refers).[23]
To not want to know about Jesus is to reject God’s
love. As evident in the ‘The LORD’s
Favour’ above, the
consequences of accepting or rejecting Jesus are real.[24] “Enter
through the narrow gate, for wide is the
gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through
it. But small is the gate and narrow
the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matt 7: 3-14
When? 11 .……I have spoken, and I will
bring it to pass; The association of blessed encounters and
scripture since 2017 point to ‘The Day of the LORD’.[25] ‘Fire and Faces’
and ‘Lost and Regained’ (linked above) expand the understanding of the first three blessings, and are a
reminder of the reality and the inevitability of the outcomes they
convey. As for an
indication of when the association of encounters and scripture will be
fulfilled; the fact of these encounters happening give reason for thinking
that the time is now very much
closer than it used to be.
Current increasingly problematic worldwide events give cause to
reflect on that perception.[26] However, Matthew
24:36 states: "…about that day or
hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only
the Father.” In any case, we should live our lives so as to “Produce fruit in
keeping with repentance.” (Matt
3:8). Burning Bush
………. “Not by might nor by power,
but by my Spirit,” says the Lord.
Zechariah 4:6 [27] Mindful of the ultimate significance of
the encounters deliberated above, and the fact of their occurrence, I
have continued to hope, with a considerable degree of optimism, that the ‘Wall
of Fire’ vision contained an additional message: That the ‘chains of thin fiery crosses’ is intended to be suggestive of
Matthew 3: 11 and Acts 2:2-4 referring to the ‘Holy Spirit’ and ‘fire’[28]; and point to a revival of Christian
faith in Australia (perhaps like the
one that broke out in The
Hebrides Revival of 1949)[29] - and that it will spread to other parts
of the world. I note that Isaiah 24:14-16 foretells of a world wide revival:[30] 14 …from the west they acclaim the Lord’s majesty. “Glory to
the Righteous One.” In any case, I cannot help but pray in
support for such a revival, and
what can flow from it:[31]
- That a great many people not already ‘in
Christ’ will choose to accept the
risen Jesus as their Saviour and Lord; [32] - That they will receive God’s grace, the promise of eternal life; and - That having received the Holy Spirit, they will want to change their ways and seek,
know, and live by God’s word. A Matter of Choice
Who is the man who fears the Lord? The Gospel of John 1:1-5 testifies this
about Jesus: In the beginning was the
Word, and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has
been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Each and every person who hears the good
news about God’s grace (the promise of eternal
life) made available to them through the sacrifice of his Son; is
confronted with a choice. It is a choice between the light and the
darkness - A choice between life and death. To do nothing, is the same as
choosing the darkness, and death. They can accept or reject Jesus as their
Saviour - Their choice.[33] However: Salvation is found in no one
else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which
we must be saved.[34]
Acts 4:12 “… Blessed is the one who
trusts in the LORD, whose
confidence is in him.[35] |
Eternal Li |
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Lion of
Lion of |
They will be like a
tree planted by the water John
Griffiths (a
penitent sinner) Originated November 2019 Revised 21 June 2021 To A Prayer of Worship, Praise, Thanks and Honour ת |
Lion of
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