God in my future

Because of my day job working in human rights in supply chains, the pandemic period between January 2020 to now has been intense and perhaps the hardest I’ve worked in my life. As the virus spread from continent to continent impacting the food, clothing and homewares coming into the United Kingdom from all four corners of the world and the abuse of workers in those supply chains escalated, the sheer volume of work has been overwhelming. 

The gift of hindsight

Moving out of this wretched pandemic with the workload easing has given me time to reflect on the last few years. I've been paging through my journals & blogs. With hindsight and a scan of the last four years, I can say quite confidently say, it’s been one almighty period of upheaval and transition BUT evidently clear that God was already in my future.

When I reflect on the various pictures and Devine happenings over the last ten years our Father in His mercy has mapped and prepared me for the change that lay ahead. In many respects, He was raising the bar on the horizon, warning me of pitfalls and encouraging me to keep going through His word. 

Strategic direction and counsel

In November 2016, I recorded a blog call Red carpet welcomes the new season. In this was a clear set of indicators of a step change, a break from an impoverished heart & mind-set and the promise of the best is yet to come. 

Going back further, November 2013 was all about Joshua’s Road map to taking the promised land. This in particular has been strategic guidance that helped me navigate the last four years of change. It’s been a total minefield and somehow, I’ve muddled through it, but these bullet points have been pertinent each step of the way.

• God sends the most unexpected help to get us on our way
• We have to dip our feet in the water first – as an act of faith – before the waters part
• Time to take stock – ensure the past is dealt with and cut away
• Expect things that you have been used to change – sow into the future for the future
• Expect to meet “The Commander of Heavens Armies”
• Worship brings walls down and gets the enemy on the run
• Defeat is revisited with success
• The past may at times seem better
• Be on the guard for deception which can lead to compromise
• The battle does intensify and appears to come at you from every angle
• Believe it or not, you get stronger with every skirmish

God in our futures

Significant though, a word way back in 2012 underlines the certainty that HE was already in my future and the words from Zachariah 3 have been repeated at different stage in this transitional period. In the last few months as I've entered a new phase of the ‘day-job’, this has started to unfold: 

• New tasks: will be revealed possibly with a change in direction and a paradigm shift in thinking about "ministry" and doing "formal church", 
• New personal understanding, gifting, knowledge, and skill set to meet the tasks,
• New covering and clothing which I believe is the resourcing for the new task,
• New authority to ensure His will is done here on earth as it is in heaven,
• New boldness and courage - not to be afraid .... but indeed, be happy! (Acts 18:9-10) says; "Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city."

Back to 2016 and happenings that led to Nehemiah 4 with a call for ‘all hands on deck’ to build the wall.  Again, the strategic nature of God’s word, the blueprint it provides and step-by-step instruction for application in our modern day lives has been massively encouraging. 

We're not there yet!

I see the time of upheaval and transition continuing for quite some time but knowing HE is with me, guiding me and showing me the way brings peace and comfort. Perhaps cliché’d to say but say it I will, I don’t know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future. The part that chokes me up though is knowing HE trusts and loves me and yes, knowing He’s already in my future.

With love

Joy

Childlike expectation

The well is open. The waters have broken. Waters that were once bitter are now sweet! Let the era of joy burst forth with dancing, praise, and worship.

The photographs here were taken on a prayer walk around Wells Park (SE London) in autumn 2012. What was so special about the prayer walk is that over three generations different people had had the same vision specific to this area and these wells laid on their hearts. 

This vision has been contested in many ways but there is a clear connection between the health of the physical wells and the spiritual health of our community.

The vision though has been consistent; to see the spiritual wells restored and the water sweet again to bring healing to our community.  All three generations were part of the prayer walk. 

A child's heart 

The prayer walk was gentle and uneventful. As we entered the play park area and tried to jump on the fountain triggers - nothing happened - we were praying again, and a child ran onto the pads and the fountains "burst forth".  

Almost simultaneously we collectively had an insight into the Father’s heart. We could hear the heavenly chuckle at our surprise that all our adult ‘super spiritual’ attempts were trumped by a child running with abandon to play in the spray. Somehow that childlike faith had triggered the water spray – the exuberant simple fun filled act of faith had opened the well.  

Ten years later the memory is still vivid and perhaps more so now than ever the word of Jesus as recorded in John 7 (37-38) are relevant. Jesus says, "If anyone is thirsty let him come to me and drink - whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from them."

Background history of the wells in Sydenham 

The history to the wells and the subterranean water beneath Sydenham is fascinating and I’ve added some detail below for ease of reference.

Wells Park is named after medicinal springs were found in Sydenham in the seventeenth century and became a popular spa whose numerous visitors included King George III. Twelve wells were eventually opened – but all form part of an underground network of streams. This attracted crowds of people to the area. Some of the former wells in the area are within the park's grounds and the springs are still active.

• https://runner500.wordpress.com/2018/02/28/wells-park-stream-an-almost-lost-sydenham-stream/

The Old and New London: Volume 6. Originally published by Cassell, Petter & Galpin, London, 1878, states “The waters, according to one authority, were of a mild cathartic quality, nearly resembling those of Epsom; another writes, that they formed a purging spring, which has performed great cures in scrofulous, scorbutic, paralytic, and other stubborn diseases; whilst a third asserts that the waters are a certain cure for every ill to which humanity is heir." 

• https://www.british-history.ac.uk/old-new-london/vol6/pp303-319

First shared and published in the autumn of 2013 

http://deepuntodeep-joy.blogspot.com/2013/

Dipping your toe in the water

Joshua chapter three describes the arrangements for and instructions for the Hebrews to cross the Jordan River. Having left their captivity in Egypt and wandering through the wilderness for 40 years and under the new leadership of Joshua, we find them encamped and preparing to cross over into the land promised to them by God. 

The river was in flood and dangerous. Potentially it was swirling and muddy with unknown currents moving the mass of water. For them it was the demarcation or natural border of the new territory, a barrier - whereas for those on the other side, it was a revered symbol of Baals' might. They had reached a monumental moment; they could either trust in God's power and plan and step into the dangerous river, or they could disobey God's instruction and give into fear or even perhaps that sense of staying with what they knew. They made the decision to go, broke camp and prepared to cross. 

Acting on our decisions 

As we look to the post pandemic future and in our own lives, we can make the decision to change, do something differently, be better people etc – but that decision needs to be acted on – taking that first step and dipping your toe into the water of your decision makes Verses 15 to 17 significant.

From the NKJV, "and as those who bore the ark came to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests who bore the ark dipped in the edge of the water (for the Jordan overflows all its banks during the whole time of harvest), that the waters which came down from upstream stood still and rose in a heap very far away [e]at Adam, the city that is beside Zaretan. So the waters that went down into the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, failed, and were cut off; and the people crossed over opposite Jericho. Then the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan; and all Israel crossed over on dry ground, until all the people had crossed completely over the Jordan."

Post pandemic future

As we look to the future, I know it’s time to get our feet wet.  We are at a significant time – so much has changed; but ahead I believe is the reshaping of society and we as believers in Jesus have a role to play – to bring healing where needed, to build bridges where this is division, to sow peace where there is strife, to feed the hungry, defend the poor and vulnerable and be a refuge to those who’s worlds have been turned up-side-down.

Wherever we are placed – be that at home, in commerce, in hospitals, prisons, the school run, the high street store, the local park, I believe that through dreams, visions and personal revelation through His word, there is a renewing of vision, a release of heavenly ideas to bring Jesus to our neighbourhood in new and innovative ways.

As we dip our toe in the water and take that first step to act on the idea or desire the Father has laid on your heart, I believe like the Joshua story, HE will open and make clear the path He is calling us to walk on.

Yes, these verses are Old Testament and the Levi priests, carrying the Arc of the Covenant (God’s word written in stone) had authority and a mandate to do what they did. We however have the finished work of the cross – we have Christ Jesus making us a royal priesthood. We have Him as the living word and His Holy Spirit to guide, strengthen and encourage us every step of the way. 

We maybe standing on the riverbank – perhaps the water is swirling, in flood and muddy, but God is asking us to trust HIM, take that first step, get your feet wet and HE will do the rest.

Shared at FHCC on 8 August 2021/Joy

The gift of SIGHT (body, mind and soul)

A phrase my Dad would use to remind me that sometimes people battle to see and understand circumstances they’re in has been mulling around my head. “There are none so blind as those who will not see” is what he’d say. It’s an age old saying and can be traced back in English to 1546. Still pertinent today as back then.

With this running through my thoughts there was that inner stirring about SIGHT. In a rather
impromptu way during a morning church gathering - the following was impressed on my heart and then shared with our fellowship. It resonated with more people than expected, so capturing by way of encouragement for others. 

Body, mind, and soul sight 

Asking the Father for a scripture to validate this impression, I was prompted to look at Colossians 3. Taken from The Message - it shows the intent & heart of the Father, through His word, that He desires for us to have sight - and wants to remove the things which cloud our vision & experience of Him. He wants us to SEE clearly.

1. BODY: physical sight, healing for physical eye related conditions,
2. MIND: brain fog that clouds the way we perceive & see life, and
3. SOUL: spiritual sight in that scales fall of eyes so that we can see Jesus & the glory of God. To be able to see as Jesus sees. There are several biblical references to eyes being opened to ‘see’. Acts 9, Scales fell off Paul’s eyes & he saw; Luke 24, the disciples on the Emmaus road, ‘then their eyes were opened & they recognised Him (Jesus); 2 Kings 6, Elisha prays for a servants’ eyes to be open to see the spiritual realm; Joel 3, ...... pour out My Spirit ..... young men will ‘see’ visions.

See things from Jesus' perspective

From the The Message though was the reason why seeing as Jesus’ saw is so important. Verses 1-2 of Colossians 3 spells it clearly & unequivocally, “So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective”

With love and blessings and with the prayer that whoever reads this will take hold of the sight we have in Christ.

Shared at FHCC 6 June 2021/Joy

Your whispered prayer matters

My little notebook and me are a common sight at our fellowship prayer meetings and Sunday services. I jot things down that come to mind and stir my spirit. I also TRY and sketch (rather badly I may add) pictures that come into my minds eye.

Some of these little pencil drawings have been used by God to encourage people in their faith - and on occasion HE's used them to show total strangers how much He loves them. Due to the highly personal nature of these sketches HE demonstrates that He knows them and has HIS eyes on them - in good way.


Coming across two of them today has encouraged me.  One is a candle burning with one stick of incense wafting up to the heavenlies and the second, a small hand held bell. Both are from an evening of prayer in late September 2016.

The small things count

We can often get carried away and yearn for the BIG experiences and events and yet, the single flame of a solitary candle in a darkened room sheds light and is as a sweet smelling incense in heaven that we read about in Psalm 141 (Let my prayer be set before you as incense, the lifting of my hands as the evening sacrifice).

The tinkling of a hand held bell can be heard - perhaps guiding you home on a foggy night. I'm also reminded of the bells on the priestly garments (Exodus 28: 33 & 35) as they ministered to God in the Holy of Holies or the bells on the horses in Zechariah 14:20 inscribed with HOLY TO THE LORD. With Christ Jesus now as our High Priest making continual intercession on our behalf before the throne of God - somehow, that tiny tinkling of the bell - perhaps a sound that we'd ignore - is the robe of Christ beckoning us into the presence of God and the safety of His arms.

It's easy to ignore or even miss the small things - we may even feel that our offering of prayer is weak and doesn't get heard in the clamour of life and world events - the Father assures us that they do - whispered prayers are heard, the silent cry of the heart is as incense before the very throne of God.

We read of  Elijah in 1 Kings 19:12 hearing the whisper of God's voice calling him - if our Father communicates like this then surely HE listens out for your whispered prayers.

With love

Joy

Roses and chocolates

February 2004 was a dark and depressing month for me. Following a fourteen month honeymoon period of arriving, settling and exploring London, the enormity of my decision to come to the United Kingdom overwhelmed me.  This was real and permanent.

Having arrived in the United Kingdom in July 2002, alone with two young sons, three suitcases and three trunks of goods arriving six weeks later by sea, I’d experienced mountain top encounters of God’s extreme provision and faithfulness. 

Practical intervention on work, housing, schooling, money and indeed church fellowship entrenched my understanding of “God goes ahead and prepares the way”. Knowing divine and providential guidance in every aspect of our lives in those first 18 months could fill an epic worthy of War and Peace.

I accepted the invitation to my private pity party 

Loneliness and fear encases the soul like a vice; if entertained it creates a toxic and destructive pity party. Missing South Africa, friends, family, support structures and day to day common nuances of life led to me imploding on myself. 

Wailing like a baby with gripe and with no-one else to talk to other than Father God, late at night and on my knees, I whimpered my distress and despair. At the end of my ‘bleeding out’, in a rather pathetic and shallow way I told the Father all I really wanted was someone to love me, someone who’d cherish me and shower me with roses and chocolates.

God's heart for the detail 

The following day, taking a walk during lunchtime (and still muttering to myself) a homeless man approached me. I lowered my eyes so as not to make contact and tried to step out of his way. To my horror he headed straight towards me with purpose and intent. He pushed into my hands the most beautiful perfect long stemmed red roses wrapped in cellophane and tied with ribbon. Claiming he’d found them thrown away in a dustbin he stated he knew he had to give them to me. Speechless, chocked and welling up with tears I stood there like a statue as he walked away.

The story continues. Checking out and paying for a small grocery shop at a local store the attendant on the till reached over and handed me a box of valentine type chocolates. He said someone had left them and felt he should give them to me. #Speechless 

I’ve not looked back 

Oh there have been times of stress, dark days and ups and downs of life but that day I fully understood what Ephesians 3 (14 to 21) means; “For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Need I say more? 

Life in dead places: the gate is open

This insight happened today last year. The word on my heart as we participated in this event resonates now and is a word of hope and encouragement. 

There is life in dead places. Where we’ve worked to reclaim spiritual land; dredged the silt from the depths of pain, disillusionment and sorrow and repaired links to and from the Fathers heart - there will be life. 

The highway of holiness is before you; flowing with purpose, yet contained to take you where it ought, bringing life to you and all those you meet.  The season of restraint has been about discipline to establish structure to contain the river of life but equally, to withstand the powerful tidal surges which could cause damage and loss of life.

Bridges are there to cross from one side to another - the transition phase in life is also representative of new beginnings and doors, gates even, opening. There is a change of perspective coming - the bridge we're on may well be the place of opportunity and blessing.

As the gates swing open there will be things in your life leaving, don’t fret, look up to the heavens to catch the Fathers gaze; then around you to see the living waters flowing beneath your feet.  As the gates swing open remember Psalm 24:7-10: “Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.” (KJV) 

A day out on the river Thames

Today a year ago I was out and about in London doing some touristy things with a visiting family member. We boarded a Thames River boat at Greenwich pier - sailing towards Westminster.

Reclaimed and functional

I’ve done this trip many times over the last 10 years. The boats' captain and funny commentator shared information I’d never heard before. In this section of the Thames (Greenwich to Westminster) the river was three times as wide as it is today. Many of the marshland areas have been drained and are now functional – my day job is based on such reclaimed land. Once the embankment or containment walls were built advertising along the riverside was banned. The Thames is known as the King’s (Queen’s) highway.

The gates were open

Nearing Tower Bridge the atmosphere took on a festive air with both banks lined with people. The captain announced we had to pull to the side as the bridge was opening for a flotilla of yachts on their way down the Thames, leaving the city to continue their voyage around the world.

This was the first time I’ve ever seen the bridge opening.  Seeing this from below and on the water is quite spectacular as one recognises the enormity and magnificence of the bridge.

The entire scene seemed to go into slow motion as Holy Spirit enveloped what was happening – looking beyond the natural to the supernatural – but also triggering memory of a dream I’d had years ago about ships and their various country flags. 

New life as the river flows

Sixty years ago the river was filthy, dead and stinking. Bomb damage from WW2, sewage dumping from a growing population, waste and industrial growth had destroyed all life – literally no oxygen in the water to sustain life.

By 2015, with structural changes, targeted action and redevelopment there are now 125 species of fish, dolphins, seal and porpoises found in the river. The river is also the main supply of water to the capital. There is much yet to be done but one has the sense that the city is well on the way to seeing the Thames flow and sustain life as it’s intended to.

Ancient yet new

The ancient history of the river is well documented. It reflects the economic, cultural and political struggles over centuries. Above all though I was struck by this sonnet, composed by William Wordsworth in 1803 - it gives us a lifelike picture of London as seen from the river at Westminster at sunrise on a summer morning;

"Earth has not anything to show more fair; Dull would he be of soul who could pass by A sight so touching in its majesty; This city now doth like a garment wear The beauty of the morning; silent, bare, Ships, towers, domes, theatres, and temples lie, Open unto the fields and to the sky, All bright and glittering in the smokeless air.

Never did sun more beautifully steep In his first splendour valley, rock, or hill; Ne'er saw I—never felt—a calm so deep. The river glideth at its own sweet will. Dear God! the very houses seem asleep, And all that mighty heart is lying still."

I love this city.

Joy

Some interesting websites on the history of the Thames

• http://www.british-history.ac.uk/old-new-london/vol3/pp287-299
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Thames

Battle ready: higher and higher

A picture of fairground swings came into my mind’s eye a few nights ago. Looking carefully at the picture I could hear the safety bars clicking into place and fair ground music starting to play. The whir of the motor caused a slight vibration - slowly the swings started to move and rise, gathering speed, higher and higher, gushing wind and shouts of delight.

Creative Commons Attribution (http://anysnapshot.com)

I heard the whisper in my spirit, "Everyone is in position and locked into place. The music is starting to play and it's time to rise and fly with Me. Do not be afraid, you are in My hands – this is what you’ve been waiting for”

With this was led to Joel 3:9-11 and 14-16 (NKJV); Proclaim this among the nations: “Prepare for war! Wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near, let them come up. Beat your ploughshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears; Let the weak say, ‘I am strong.’” Assemble and come, all you nations, and gather together all around. Cause your mighty ones to go down there, O Lord .............. Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. The sun and moon will grow dark, and the stars will diminish their brightness. The Lord also will roar from Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; The heavens and earth will shake; But the Lord will be a shelter for His people, and the strength of the children of Israel.

Up and down with purpose

The fairground swings move up and down and it’s essential to be locked into God’s plan, to rise to the heights to commune with Him, see the broad picture, receive the battle plan and contend in prayer for those in the valley of decision. Then swing down to find those God has told you about who are in the valley of decision.

I wondered about the fun, childlike and colourful setting of this picture versus the call to battle of the scripture– and was reminded of Matthew 11 verses 29 and 30; “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Joy

After the rain

Sometimes heavy rain and noisy thunderstorms may seem overwhelming. When we are in His hands, abiding in His garden, no matter how fragile (broken, unworthy, ill equipped) we may feel – the rain will settle onto and into us and we will contain it.

I took these photos after a massive storm. As I was snapping away I felt the Holy Spirit nudge me to look carefully at what I was seeing.

The flowers containing the droplets were the smallest and most delicate but their petals – being open – were able to contain the rain.

Secondly, the flowers that were damaged by the storm were exposed to the elements and not shielded by the walls and growth of the sheltered garden.

In the great scheme of things – within the Christian world – our attention is often drawn to the big headline things or happenings and we lose focus on what’s happening in the garden we’re planted in.

Looking at these photo’s again I see that we are to be open to receiving heavenly rain; keep listening for the gentle rain of Father God’s instruction and enjoy His presence like the morning dew.

There is always hope

Over the last two months these scripture verses from Job keep coming to mind - so have made a graphic from a photo I took in May. 

My attention was caught by these roots in a car park next to a busy railway station. Regardless of being trapped, concreted and fenced in - the tree found a way of growing, expanding and finding the way up. As the summer rains came it came into leaf. 





Sometimes the place of restriction and hardship in life - as uncomfortable as it may seem - yields growth and personal flourishing when we allow the gentle rain of Holy Spirit to soak our roots.

With much love, Joy.

Red carpet welcomes the new season

There is normally very little that lifts the blue mood after a disrupted, cold and over packed train journey from the suburbs into central London on a Monday morning. Shoved through ticket barriers and thrust onto the concourse of Victoria station with the mass of human sardines expelled from the rolling stock of London transport a vision from the Lord appeared before me.

Ahead of me and stepping onto it was a roll of grass turf lawn rolling out before me – I immediately thought of Psalm 23 v2 “He makes me to lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside the still waters”; smiling to myself with gratitude that this was a sign from the Father that the week ahead was going to be a good one and would radically improve compared to the start.

Funny thing though - as the second turf roll started to unfold it was a red carpet and it stretched ahead of me for a good distance. Almost tripping with surprise I felt that inner nudge to KEEP WALKING! Again scripture came to mind, Isaiah 45:2 ‘I will go before you and make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron.” (NKJV)

There was a deep sense in my heart that speaks of the highway of holiness and walking confidently in the finished work of the cross – walking in the sacrifice, name, strength and righteousness’ of Christ Jesus. He has walked the walk for us and all we need do is follow.    

Step change
Keeping a lawn is typically hard work! Whereas the red carpet is laid out and prepared to receive those who will walk on it. The change in the vision indicates a roll rover from the last season into the new. All that was required was to keep walking - but as my foot landed on the red carpet I could feel the difference in my walk.

My inner being was immediately lightened and buoyant. I noticed a step-change in my walk brought about by the assurance of walking with the God of all creation by my side. It felt that stepping onto the path - the red carpet that God has prepared - there is a step change, a walking tall with a new inner knowledge and confidence of Gods providential care.

Walk away from impoverished hearts & mind-sets 
The red carpet concept also brings to mind a royal or elaborate occasion. It reminds me that we, as believers of Christ, are a royal priesthood and no longer need to walk in impoverished mind-sets, blue moods or indeed be caught up in the austerity trap so vehemently defended in our political arena.

Often we expect and settle for second best but I sense in the context of this vision that Father God wants only the very best for us and that we need to believe that the best is yet to come and abundantly.

Further reading of Isaiah 45 opened my eyes to more of what God was revealing:

• Doors that have been closed to us will open – double doors to boot!
• Barriers that hinder our journey with God and block the way to us fulfilling the work of God will be removed,
• Hidden treasure and resources will be released to complete the building of God’s kingdom or to further the work or indeed to scale up on things here on earth, and
• The Father will strengthen us in the work that is at hand and that His righteousness – that is Christ Jesus, will rain down on us.

Rain down - let it pour

What an amazingly wondrous God we serve – Monday blues and the weight of back to back deadlines swept away with the promise of  God’s red carpet treatment with verse 8 from the chapter ringing in my heart; “Rain down, you heavens, from above, And let the skies pour down righteousness; Let the earth open, let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together. I, the Lord, have created it.”

Bubbles bringing life

I had the most beautiful and gentle picture whilst praying last night – followed immediately by one of my favourite scriptures coming to mind.

Looking up I saw above me hundreds of bubbles floating around, wafting on a gentle breeze, light and colourful. Slowly one by one they started to pop.

As they popped - words, wisdom, encouragement, hope, dreams and insight were released.

There was a sense that those who have been bowed over should start to look up – look to heaven from where our help and strength comes. 

Look up and turn your ears to the wind - Holy Spirit is moving as a gentle breeze to blow life into the dying embers of hope, lost callings, vision, dreams and impossible situations.

There was a real sense of  Zephaniah 3 v 17 (NKJV) in the atmosphere; 

The Lord your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing 

Prophetic calling

Those who have felt the burden, weight and isolation of a prophetic calling – the words Jesus spoke show by keeping our eyes on Him and Him at the center of everything the cloak of heaviness will be lifted. 

Matthew 25 (26 to 30) says; “At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Zacchaeus step forward

It's time for all those who've felt small and inadequate to come to the front - no longer needing to peer on from a distance or trying to see past the "tall people". 


The place is now ready for those who've been in the background to step forward ..... right to the feet of Jesus - He who has come to find and restore the lost.  

Luke 19:1-10The Message (MSG)

Then Jesus entered and walked through Jericho. There was a man there, his name Zacchaeus, the head tax man and quite rich. He wanted desperately to see Jesus, but the crowd was in his way—he was a short man and couldn’t see over the crowd. So he ran on ahead and climbed up in a sycamore tree so he could see Jesus when he came by.

When Jesus got to the tree, he looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry down. Today is my day to be a guest in your home.” Zacchaeus scrambled out of the tree, hardly believing his good luck, delighted to take Jesus home with him. Everyone who saw the incident was indignant and grumped, “What business does he have getting cozy with this crook?”

Zacchaeus just stood there, a little stunned. He stammered apologetically, “Master, I give away half my income to the poor—and if I’m caught cheating, I pay four times the damages.”

Jesus said, “Today is salvation day in this home! Here he is: Zacchaeus, son of Abraham! For the Son of Man came to find and restore the lost.”

It's time to turn

Based on a  sermon @ FHCC in July 2015

The season of upheaval and change is drawing to a close. Many are exhausted from a range of personal loss, skirmishes and battles. Change, loss and uncertainty has caused our ground to shift – some have experienced the “suddenness” of divine intervention and moved into (and onto) new adventures with God.  

It's time to turn

Through scripture we heard the of the power in simply turning our heads. Looking away from the circumstance we're faced with - turning to look at God's dealing with others in dead-end places, desperation and isolation.

Dead-end places

Moses, reduced from being Prince of Egypt to tending someone else’s flock at the back of the dessert chose to turn aside to investigate the burning bush. God revealed Himself to Moses; said He’d heard the cries of the people; gave Moses the commission to lead the people out of captivity. (Exodus 3: 1 to 10, Then Moses said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn …… So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!”  And he said, “Here I am.”)

Graveyard brought to life

Mary, forever faithful to her Christ, heartbroken and weeping at the empty tomb turned at the voice of her risen Saviour and entrusted with the message, “He’s alive” (John 20: 11 to 18, “Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus.  Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?”  She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!”) 

Heaven revealed in isolation

John on Patmos – turned to “see” the voice that rumbled across the heavens – all of heaven opened up to him to see the risen Christ in all His splendour and power. (Revelation 1: 9 to 18, Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore.")

Our circumstance cannot hold nor defeat us

Our circumstance cannot hold nor defeat us – respond to the invitation to commune with Christ Jesus. This August - turn aside from oppressive circumstances and busy-ness. Turn off the noise of the world. Now is the time to camp, refresh, regroup and replenish. Ahead of us is a fresh touch from Jesus, a renewed hope and a renewed revelation of Christ. This is the preparation for September - get ready!

Be encouraged fellow believer with this scripture - 2 Corinthians 4 (7 - 18)

Cast Down but Unconquered: But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, which the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed — always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body

Seeing the Invisible: Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are.

Joshua's road map

Over the last few days God, through His Holy Spirit, has reminded me of His many promises and His intense love for humankind. Within this mix of divine affirmation and confirmation the Father has revealed an insidious fog of spiritual isolation, slumber which lulls saints into a false sense of powerlessness.

Some are just battle weary – not so much from grand spiritual battles but more like the little foxes nibbling away at and undermining our JOY and PEACE.

The little foxes are everyday stresses, pressures and discouragement brought about constant change, uncertainty, a barrage of constant negative headlines and an overwhelming social need. There appears to be an unnatural sense of busyness – like we’re rushing to get there and yet never arriving!

A word given to our prophetic healing street work brought these strongholds (isolation and powerlessness) into sharp focus two weeks ago. However within a church context I sense that believers in Christ need a gentle nudge of encouragement that they are not powerless and to guard against giving the enemy “head” space on isolation. I've fallen into this trap and it's very unpleasant!

As we look in expectation to personal and corporate revival with the command from Joshua 1, “arise , go over the Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them – the children of Israel” ringing in our spiritual ears I am reminded that God’s promises are “yes and amen”. The journey into that place of rest and safety - where we are firmly rooted and planted in His love – can be a minefield of seemingly endless pressure that is there to steal the belief and motivation to push on and through.

I’ve been delivered into and out of many skirmishes and battles over a 20 year period and can only but testify (shout & dance) to Gods amazing faithfulness through it all.  The greatest resources we have are Holy Spirit and scripture.

In this season (if you are intent on moving forward, taking the land and seeing the new day) the book of Joshua is your manual, course, seminar and road-map all wrapped into one.

The promises (Joshua 1 promises) are the foundation to stand on and wrap yourself into:

1. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon …. HE has given to you
2. No man shall be able to stand before you
3. I will not leave you nor forsake you and I am with you wherever you go
4. You will have success and prosper (on this journey)
5. The Father reinforces, by repeating, “Be strong and of good courage, do not be afraid nor be dismayed”

The road-map (route through the minefield): 

Whilst we muddle through and push forward along this road:

1. God sends the most unexpected help to get us on our way
2. We have to dip our feet in the water first – as an act of faith – before the waters part
3. Time to take stock – circumcise our hearts before God -  ensure the past is dealt with and cut away
4. Expect things that you have been used to change – sow into the future for the future
5. Expect to meet “The Commander of Heavens Armies”
6. Worship brings walls down and gets the enemy on the run
7. Defeat is revisited with success
8. The past may at times seem better
9. Be on the guard for deception which can lead to compromise
10. The battle does intensify and appears to come at you from every angle
11. Believe it or not, you get stronger with every skirmish

Be encouraged & KNOW this!

Looking at all the skirmishes and battles that Joshua encountered it is good to be reminded that EVERY ENEMY Joshua & Co came up against:

• Had heard about what God had done
• Were afraid
• Their hearts melted
• Their spirits left them
• They cowered

Take time out – camp and take stock. 

Grab time to sit at the feet of Jesus, chat to Him in prayer, let your tears flow at His feet, let Him touch your bruised spirit, wash your feet, feed your soul and shine His light to warm the chilled atmosphere.