Dream: Prepare for Battle, The Enemy Defeated

Had a dream the other day: I turned toward the back of the church as I felt a dark presence enter. He proceeded down the center aisle of the church to take life. I started praying in the Spirit with eyes locked on the enemy, made my way to the aisle and out of the wind of the Spirit fire erupted and this creature in a trench coat burst into flame and withered to a pile of ashes. I felt a grumble in my belly, leaned over, heaved, and out came a parasite. A pesky oversized maggot. (about time that one was taken care of I say) Fireballed that too. Then I wondered... is this the time for "thus sayeth the Lord!" But no words came from the Spirit as I was exhausted and collapsed to my knees. Then I woke up. 

 See Acts 2:16-21. 

 Scripture says we are more than conquerors in Christ! There is power to break chains of oppression with the name of Jesus. 

Johovah Nissi = the Lord is my banner 

Circa Jan 2014, an old facebook share: 

💤 I just had a dream that I battled the fairy godmother of the forest creatures. in order to start the video game battle I had to suck a baby possum thru a straw. I lost only because I traded away all my turnips.

What does this teach me? 

🤔 So I will take up my strength from the Lord and keep my vegetables... so I may be fortified for the next battle against the enemy. Time to fly under Christs white flag of surrender - for victory over death and the enemy!

📜 Psalm 18:2

"The Lord is my protector; he is my strong fortress. My God is my protection, and with him I am safe" 

📜 Daniel 1:12-17 NASB2020

 “Please put your servants to the test for ten days, and let us be given some vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then let our appearance be examined in your presence and the appearance of the youths who are eating the king’s choice food; and deal with your servants according to what you see.” So he listened to them in this matter, and put them to the test for ten days. And at the end of ten days their appearance seemed better, and they were fatter than all the youths who had been eating the king’s choice food. So the overseer continued to withhold their choice food and the wine they were to drink, and kept giving them vegetables. And as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and intelligence in every kind of literature and expertise; Daniel even understood all kinds of visions and dreams.

Are these not the last days? Acts 2:17-22

Last night I was more restless than usual. What does Papa have in store? There is too much I could focus on. What books to read first? What direction to move towards? Oikos to invest in? 

Many opportunities are available in my time on earth...well with the time that is left anyways. Tomorrow we are not even guaranteed a breath! 

Each day is a blessing from above.

Each day an opportunity to praise Him.

Each breath a gift from the Father.

📜 Psalm 118:24 ESV

 This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

📜 Lamentations 3:22-23

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

📜 Job 12:10 

In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.

📜 James 4:13-17 ESV

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

🤔 How to hear? How to listen?

📜 Joel 2:28

"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions."

👉 Each night too is an opportunity given to me thought I am just a stick figure drawn in the sands of time.

📜 Job 33:14-15

"For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, while they slumber on their beds."

🧠 I seek His will. It is the still and quiet voice. For me it seems often in the night. My mind is so active and distracted in the day.

📜 1 Kings 19:11-12:

“And he said, ‘Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.’ And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.”

🙏 I had prayed that the Lord provide direction. Or affirmation. Or encouragement. What to focus on, to read or reflect upon.

So I awoke like I have before in the night to strong words and with words of conviction reverberating: "It all points to Jesus! Read the book of Craig."  (The Book of Craig: A Man Who Has Spent Two Years Continually with the Lord Jesus Christ, and His Visible Presence, from 2002 to 2004)

🤔 His writings seem to point to Jesus? Certainly not the typical library book. Something I purchased impulsively at the nudging of the Holy Spirit. How did I stumble across it? The tingling blanket enveloped me as it read me? Like when you caught a sideways glance as you walk away from a mirror. Something there but not all clear. Several months ago now; October 6th 2024. The excerpt I read mirrored my own experiences... Will more of what this man experienced will resonate? I have hesitanted because I do not know it the writings are biblical or heretic... I need discernment in the truth. 

But to discern anything at all - I must read it. 

The dream that followed my awakening in the night:

I was up in the boundary waters or a similar landscape. Lakes connecting one another. I traveled between them. Crystal clear and still water - I could see the fish in the moonlight and the green aquatic landscape filled with life all around under the waters surface. Each night, I would spend underwater: in a marvelous watercraft with all the bells and whistles. Black interior. A big clear bubble sub with a recliner and 360 degree view all around; seeing above and below. "camping underwater" in the safety of this craft; a safer alternative to camping on land. An aquatic version of a tent and a place to spend the night. 

In the day I referenced maps of the lakes spread on a table and studied them but not for long. No particular destination? Hard to tell. It was a family trip. This I could tell - I had some sort of company during the day but solitude at night.

Time and place jump. I dound myself to be filling up a glass of milk. Meandered past the coming and going of people while in the camps building. Moved past the hallway where the Park Ranger sat at the desk before night fell again.

💤 

As newborn babes:

📜 1 Peter 2:1-3 NASB2020

Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, and like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord. 

🤔 So I will drink that cold glass of milk. Tastes best before bed. It is a stand alone kind of snack.

"Important to support the dairy farmers!" as Dad always says. Love you Dad. I feel so blessed to be your son... one of the best things that's happened to ME. 

zēloō the gifts and a horse

A highway is to be prepared for our Lord! The armor to be polished and equipped. 

Ephesians 6:10-20 NASB20

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual [forces] of wickedness in the heavenly [places.] Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil [one.] And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be alert with all perseverance and [every] request for all the saints, and [pray] in my behalf, that speech may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in [proclaiming] it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. 

This is so I may join in with the heavenly armies in the great battle as a little king with Mike and Gabe beside and the KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS on his white horse in front. Maybe we are just joining for a victory lap? 

Anyways, I was hoping we could pick our horses on the ride back down. I was thinking some unique like Heliodoros vom Niehaus: a black based Snowcap and Few Spot pure-bred Knabstrupper, also known as a Baroque Knabstrupper. Source Link

But maybe a bit more blue and with leopard spots - if I had the option. ...but after some further reading it looks like we already have a color picked out:

Revelation 19:14 ESV 

And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses.

📜 Romans 12:6-8 NASB20 — However, since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them properly: if prophecy, in proportion to one’s faith; if service, in the act of serving; or the one who teaches, in the act of teaching; or the one who exhorts, in the work of exhortation; the one who gives, with generosity; the one who is in leadership, with diligence; the one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

📜 1 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NASB20 — Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.

📜 1 Corinthians 12:29 NASB20 — All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they?

Fear, Obedience, Reward: Glutamate, Serotonin, Dopamine

Fear of the Lord

Proverbs 1:7

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."

Proverbs 9:10

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight."

Ecclesiastes 12:13

"The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man."

Psalm 111:10

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!"

Isaiah 33:6

"He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure."

Obedience

John 14:15

"If you love me, you will keep my commandments."

Deuteronomy 28:1-2

"And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God."

1 Samuel 15:22

"And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'"

James 1:22

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."

2 John 1:6

"And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love."

Heavenly Rewards

Matthew 6:19-21

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Hebrews 11:6

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."

Colossians 3:23-24

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."

2 Corinthians 5:10

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad."

Revelation 22:12

"Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done."

1 Corinthians 3:8

"The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor."

Matthew 25:21

"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!'"

The Chemistry of All Three

Proverbs 22:4

"The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life."

Deuteronomy 6:24

"And the Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as we are this day."

Psalm 19:9-11

"The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward."

Philippians 2:12-13

"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."

Isaiah 1:19

"If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land."

Football as an Idol

I believe much in this world and culture is shaped in a way to capture the heart of man, so it can be held up as an idol to distract our hearts. The enemy has had thousands of years to observe the weakness of the flesh, and so has designed a world that appeals to that appetite. 

We learn of the distractions with The Parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14:15-24)

Key point: Excusing oneself from God's invitation due to worldly priorities leads to missing out on His kingdom

Matthew 22:35-40 NASB2020

 And one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him: “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And He said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ Upon these two commandments hang the whole Law and the Prophets.”

So the question is: Does Jesus have your whole heart, soul, and mind?

The answer is found in seeking the Lord. In prayer. In worship. In reading of scripture. Many get more excited, spend more time in thought, spend more energy being distracted by the entertainment of sports.

I am reminded of the letter to the 7th church, when I see American football:

Revelation 3:15-17 NASB2020

 ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have no need of anything,” and you do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked,

So is one a lukewarm Christian but zealous sports fan? 

A dangerous combo; what a bitter taste in the Lord's mouth! We are so comfy and rich in luxury here. Contentment in being lukewarm for the Lord: is that not a great success for the enemy? 

The unseen spiritual war being fought; this is a battleground for souls until Christ's return. The enemy sets snares with thousands of years of practice. 

When great trials come: how is your spiritual armor? Do you spend time polishing that, and practice swinging the sword of truth? Or just content to lay the shield down while we recline on the sofa. 

There is no convincing I can do, regarding what YOUR idols are. For it is the holy Spirit that indwells in you, when you seek obedience to the King, that will convict you. Anything that you love more than God is an idol. We can have hobbies and passions, but once these usurp the #1 spot for our time attention and affection: we risk our eternity.

How much risk are you willing to take?

 I have found in the audit of my condition that I made an idol of my marriage, my wife, the travel adventures of this first earth, my addictions, my possessions, my phone scrolling, Netflix, climbing the career ladder. If we are to live, as Jesus did, we must make the choice: death to the flesh. Eyes on eternity! Build up the heavenly treasure. 

We are commanded to avoid Israels mistakes of idol worship: (e.g. read up on them, so you may know and be able to discern with the Helper)

1 Corinthians 10:7 NASB2020

Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.” 

I pray for many others that the zeal for football would be replaced with a zeal for the Lord. 

I am thankful for a gracious Lord, so when I repent of the chasing of the things of this world I am welcomed home, like the prodigal son.

Dreams: No More Kicking Against the Goads

"This is an example of one of the amazing dreams I have sometimes." - my old Facebook status, March 27 2013

I must take better care of this temple for better rest. So I am more available for the Lord to speak. Maybe he will have me travel in my sleep to visit my two new friends. Both are oppressed? One a believer afar, the other unbeliever so very close. I pray for deliverance.

Sleep stats, it's been a tough year for good sleep:

6h 35m average for 2024

1h 8m REM

1h 16m deep

4h 7m light 

54m awake

These two audio listens affirmed my experiences. As has been much of my journey.

Dream Seminars - Audio

Jeannine Rodriguez-Everard: The River of God's Presence. Author. Speaker. Dream Interpreter. Singer. Storyteller. Helping people know God & how they were uniquely created to reflect Light & Love to others.

📜 Proverbs 25:2. ESV

 It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out

seek and you shall find light in the dark

Genesis 1:4 NASB2020

[4] God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. 

A reflection from 04-28-24:

Acts 2:32-36 NASB2020

[32] It is this Jesus whom God raised up, a fact to which we are all witnesses. [33] Therefore, since He has been exalted at the right hand of God, and has received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father, He has poured out this which you both see and hear. [34] For it was not David who ascended into heaven, but he himself says: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, [35] Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.” ’ [36] Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified.”