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

No one is excluded from the message of Jesus

Four people gathered to pray on Friday 9th December 2016. Each in our own way fairly battle weary, dealing with bereavement, disappointment and house moves.

As we worshiped believing, in an unspoken way, that God the Father would honour the Matthew 18:20 promise of "where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." The Spirit of the Lord filled the room with a heavenly song - led by the Spirit the song our brother Andy sang was BEHOLD THE LAMB - each new verse felt a step closer to the very heart of God with the refrain, a command, to BEHOLD THE LAMB - the Son of the most high God.

As we spiritually gazed in wonder at the Lamb, Christ Jesus, a message from heaven poured out under the unction of the Holy Spirit.

"I am the ancient of days - the ancient of days.  It is I who created the ancient paths and the ancient wells, and I, the Ancient of days, call my people back to the pure water of my living water. From the depths of heaven you will hear the roll of thunder - I am releasing freedom.  Where walls have been built - keeping my church divided - they will come down.

Where doors have been closed - MY hand WILL move to open them. Where division and exclusivity in MY church have been established - I WILL TEAR THIS DOWN.

IF my people stood in awe of the walls of Jericho coming down - MY church will stand amazed at how I bring down everything that is not of me.

I, the ancient of days have said salvation is for ALL - the whosoever. No one is to be excluded! I am calling my people to OPEN to all - in MY name, tear down division - in MY name, establish the walls of salvation.

I AM before the beginning - I've established the way - walk in it"

Souls not just human bodies

There was a real sense of warning in this (something I've not had to deal with often) - while there is talk of a need for unity - we have to start with dealing with our own likes and dislikes such as music types, service formats or just the way people dress. Perhaps more challenging is allowing God to deal with our own conscious or unconscious prejudice - be this fear of someone presenting as a SE London gangster or a refugee.

My inner being has been deeply disturbed over the last few months at how the body of Christ in some instances has aligned itself to a language demonizing the poor, the destitute, the disabled, the asylum seeker and the Muslim.

May we have the heart to believe and eyes to see all of humankind as souls - folks that need living water and the love of Christ to be able to flourish and grow as God intended.

May the body of Christ lead the way - be that beacon on the hill.

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.

The aroma of Christ

I love perfumes, fragrances, bath bombs and aroma therapy oils. As a result of the dream below I've also spent time reading up on biblical oils.

My first experience of sensing the aroma of Christ was the evening of my earthly fathers' funeral (September 1991) - the perfume of his favourite shrub (yesterday, today and forever) filled the house - strong enough to wake us up. I have often felt the presence of the Holy Spirit through smelling perfume - this was also a manifestation a few Sundays back where a number of people caught a whiff of sweet perfume in the room we were in. Just last week - praying with my elderly Mum, the assurance of God's hand taking care of her was through a gentle breeze and smell of incense around her.

The word however relates to a dream from July 2008 and it is a call to ensure that our lamps are full of oil. We are to be proactive about filling our lamps so that they can be lit by the fire of Holy Spirit. It is time to seek the Lord and as we pray and seek Him, there is a store of oil that has been prepared for individual anointing and we now have access to it. Matthew 25: 1 to 13 (The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins) comes to mind.

The dream came at the tail end of nearly 8 weeks of a call to pray - the oil that will be poured out is a fresh revelation of Christ. The perfume of Christ will increase until the place of worship is filled with His presence and the vessels that are prepared will receive their own individual perfume - this will be the anointing that is to be carried onto the "streets" - i.e. out of the church. Perfume can only become oil once it’s been pressed and steamed - it also means the death of the source plant. “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain”. Php 1:21

My note book at the time says, "Yesterday I awoke with such an overwhelming sense of love and the presence of God as I'd had a dream about being in a perfume factory - in the dream I was taken around a factory where perfume was being made - at one point I moved into a cellar where all the base oils are kept - I could not see the person leading me around this area, but he asked me to smell each base oil and asked me what I thought about which oils should be mixed together to produce a new perfume.  I had such fun testing all the oils and chatting away with the person showing me around (I had this feeling of being extremely privileged to be see this place and to be part of what was being decided on - but the overriding feeling was sheer joy - almost like a child in a sweet factory) - every pore in the place was ladened with perfume (and not the choking kind).

After "playing" with the base oils I was led into an area that was all white marble and glass with long white chiffon drapes between columns - along the walls were glass shelves and on them were arrays of new bottles (all shapes and sizes) all ready, waiting for the new perfume to be poured into them.  The man who had been with me in the base oil area was still with me in this room and he seemed to get immense pleasure at seeing my happiness.  I sensed that he was the "boss" and that the perfume they were preparing was something very new and fresh.......I had an overwhelming sense of surprise".

Are we prepared and waiting?

The oil of anointing for the Bride of Christ is ready, the perfume of Christ will increase until the place of worship is filled with His presence and the vessels (you and I etc) that are prepared (thinking of the 10 wise & foolish virgins) will receive their own individual perfume - this will be the anointing that is to be carried onto the "streets" - i.e. out of the church.  

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.

Building the wall – all hands on deck!

As I meditated and worshiped - with the events (below) and building the wall story in mind - the word laid on my heart, added to when given at our fellowship gathering, is three-fold:

1.   God's hand is moving to remove hindrances to growth and moving forward in areas of resistance, doldrums and aridness. Seeds planted will be protected, with supernatural watering for growth. The foxes messing with both spiritual and physical plans, growth and fruitfulness will be removed.

2.   It's time to pick up all that God has given you to build - in one hand His Word and His Spirit in the other natural talents, passions, learning, skills, spiritual gifts etc. The cement that brings this together is the LOVE Christ Jesus gives to us freely. The opposition to building the church (no matter what that may look like I'm your area) is on the run - kingdom workers must take up their positions - arise knowing you are fully equipped and your back is protected while you work. 

3.   Set a watch and establish an alarm mechanism - mockers and attackers may come, but God is our strength and the work will continue and prosper. Even if your “wall” (something you are doing for God) looks fragile, insignificant or incomplete – what God has sanctioned and started will be completed.

Foxes in the garden

Two fox cubs came tearing through my little garden last week – fleeing as if their lives depended on it. After seeing me they bounded with additional speed and leapt onto my back fence.  One cub didn’t quite make it and hovered and crawled along the fence before jumping down and running off down the road.

The picture of the fox on the fence stuck in my mind and stirred in my spirit that this happening had meaning. 

Motivated by this looked for biblical references. Nehemiah 4 says, “Now Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and he said, “Whatever they build, if even a fox goes up on it, he will break down their stone wall.” This verse however introduces how the builders overcame opposition and discouragement. The story tells how:

• Workers on the wall were motivated to work hard and get the job done;
• Gaps in the wall were being closed;
• Strategy and plans were laid to defend both builders and wall;
• The mockers and attackers were sent packing when they heard that the builders were prepared and ready for an attack;
•  An alarm or communication was established to warn of trouble and to call people together;
• Work continued around the clock with builders having bricks and mortar in one hand and a weapon in the other.

Evacuation: stay awake, be prepared, be alert

Subsequent to this post on Monday 4th I have unexpectedly been caught up in one evacuation exercise at London Bridge station, a power failure in our road that had alarm bells ringing and an actual evacuation at Victoria station on Friday morning 5th of February.

Whilst I do believe we should be contending in prayer for the safety of London - what I sense from all of this is an acceleration of heavenly activity on our behalf. A 'word' published, practiced and materialized in one week. In my book this signals significant change that will no doubt astound us. #Remarkable!

The initial post on Monday 4th of February 2016 

If it weren’t for a, “please come and get me” emergency phone call from my 18 year old son at 1 am on January the 3^rd I may have missed a key 2016 message from the Lord. The message being, STAY AWAKE, BE ALERT AND PREPARE FOR EVACUATION.

No matter your denomination or theology - we have a closing window of opportunity to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of the Groom. Time to allow the Holy Spirit to illuminate the Word to inspire and encourage us. 

There is an urgency in all of this to:

• cut-away all non-essentials from our day to day lives. To remove the barriers or clutter that keeps us from growing in the knowledge of Christ.
• embed the Word of God in our hearts and minds – to let the Word dwell richly in us to propel us into all the goodness of God, and
• seek and grow in the knowledge and fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus Himself says in John 14: 15 to 21 (NKJV)

“If you love Me, keep My commandments. I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever. The Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”  

Be prepared to evacuate

In response to my 1am emergency phone call and sleepily walking to my car I was confronted with one almighty scene of organised chaos. My road had been set up as the control centre for a mass evacuation of the area - half a block from my front door. Fire, police, military and ambulance trucks lined the street – officials were clad in safety suites, gas masks and breathing apparatus. Nearly 500 residents, in an array of nightwear, were being ushered from their homes to reception areas as a result of a major gas pipe burst and leak. 

On returning home from the central London pick-up – we were told to stay awake and be alert. Even though we could smell & hear the hissing gas our road was not in immediate danger but the authorities advised we should stay alert and be prepared to evacuate if the situation changed.  

Evacuation dream (2004)

This entire situation reminded me of a dream I’d had in 2004 – one of two dreams. In the dream it was evening and I was standing with my two sons on top of a hill. At the bottom of the hill was a highway filled with coaches and emergency services preparing for a mass evacuation. 

An official looking woman, clad in white coat and clipboard in hand approached me. She told me our names were on the list and we were only allowed to carry a backpack of essentials. Importantly though she stressed we had to have in our hands a container of water and a bible. We had to wait where we were and move when we heard the “evacuate” call.

I’ve puzzled over this dream for some years, understanding that the water and bible in hand is the Word and the Holy Spirit. Over the last 18 months, due to circumstance, has been a period of cutting away material excess and learning to live with the essentials.

The dream setting and instruction corresponds so closely with the events of 3^rd January. Stay awake – be prepared – be alert. 

Other similar links 

1. Stay awake, be prepared (2015)
2. Sleeper arise (2011)  
3. Ensure your lamps are full of oil (2011)

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.”