"APPLES OF GOLD IN SETTINGS OF SILVER"

Dec. 27, 00
PR 25:11 A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
PS 33:6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.
PR 15:23 A man finds joy in giving an apt reply-- and how good is a timely word!
JOB 12:11 Does not the ear test words as the tongue tastes food?

"Out of the fullness of my Spirit I have blessed many of you with my words--words that have been formed in my Father's heart. "
"In this life, words can hurt or destroy. Consider how things are said to a young child. Words are like arrows or they are like the caresses of a young mother. How can these happen, you might say? Over time they can wound or they can build-up. Seek to build-up my body, those of you who speak my words. "
"There are things truly, that need to be "torn down." The pride and the arrogance of man needs to be brought low. Surely, I have no place for the traditions of man, but I would have you to speak things that are fresh and alive. This world, and all that is in it, were formed by Me speaking them into existence. The stars were formed, as well as the sun and moon. Man was formed out of the dust of this earth and I "breathed" into him the breath of life. That same Spirit now resides in you. Consider then the majesty and power in the words that you speak.
(The Lord showed me a scene where a gavel was ready to come down upon a bench, as in a court room. The words that would be pronounced would be important and long-lasting. The gavel sealed the pronouncement upon those who heard its decree. I then saw a king who was sitting upon a throne. It was red velvet and someone came with a child and its fate was to be decided. It seemed to be the situation where two women were deciding upon the fate of a child, and Solomon gave his decision for the child. Then the Lord showed me a chest which had jewels in it. Pearls were brought out as well as other gems. He then said, "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." Again, I was shown a basket of fruit; golden-green apples were laid in this basket upon a long table with a lace tablecloth. They were set there perfectly upon this table and were all in order. At the other end of the table was another plate of either fruit or meat. It was dark and seemed to be burnt and was colorless. I looked at it and it slowly dissolved and went out of view at the opposite end of the table.)
"Words that are fitly spoken, are like settings of silver, but words can also come from another Spirit as well. They can kill and destroy. Let the words of your mouth be like apples of gold in settings of silver. "

Stephen Hanson

"A NEW GROVE OF TREES"

Dec. 16, 00
13. And though a tenth remains in the land, it will again be laid waste. But as the terebinth and oak leave stumps when they are cut down, so the holy seed will be the stump in the land." Is. 6
5. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. James 3
8. The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts. Prov. 18 19. A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much. Prov. 20

(The Lord showed me a man who was chopping at a section of a tree. He kept chopping and chopping and finally, the tree came down. Then I watched as several trees were chopped down, one at a time. Afterwards I noticed that after the stump was left, it wasn't particularly a "clean cut," it was somewhat splintered or jagged at the bottom.)
(Again, I was shown a similar scene, only I was watching this from more of a distance. I watched as a huge redwood was felled. Several of these along with other deciduous and evergreen trees were being chopped down. The huge trees then fell to the ground. Then a small evergreen tree was found and it was placed into the ground. It was placed in a hole of where one of these redwoods was taken out of. It was carefully set into place with dirt being "packed" around it so that it would be in good soil and ready to grow.)
(Finally, this time I was shown a grove of very lush-looking trees. I was looking at this section of trees from overhead. They were thick and seemed to be healthy in this area. However, in the middle of this grove there was a fire that had started to break-out. It continued to grow and it had reached a huge blaze. All of the trees in this area or grove, were in danger of being burned and destroyed.)
"These trees represent my servants who have stood in a certain place for a long time. You have been set into the ground and have been there for a long time. But the axe is laid to the stump, for you have not proven to follow Me. I have younger ones who will be placed in the soil where you have been. The stumps will remain though as a reminder. For there is a new generation coming forth. "
"The forest has been caught unaware by a fire. It has broken out in the middle, and you have been caught unaware by it. The enemy is right there in the midst of you. The enemy is slander, and the enemy is gossip. An entire section of you can easily be destroyed. As an entire forest can be destroyed, so the tongue can spread its fire. "
"Let not the voices be heard around you. Don't listen to a gossiper. Do not feed on his morsels."
"The land will bring forth a new grove of trees in my name. A remnant will remain. They have not lifted up their voice to slander another. They have not listened to the lies of the enemy. "

Stephen Hanson

"STATE OF AFFAIRS"

Dec. 9, 00
4. No one calls for justice; no one pleads his case with integrity. They rely on empty arguments and speak lies; they conceive trouble and give birth to evil. 8. The way of peace they do not know; there is no justice in their paths. They have turned them into crooked roads; no one who walks in them will know peace. 9. So justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We look for light, but all is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows. Isaiah 59
15. Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the LORD God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph. 24. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream! Amos 5
1. Then I said, "Listen, you leaders of Jacob, you rulers of the house of Israel. Should you not know justice, Micah 3
7. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. Isaiah 9

VISION:
(I saw a woman that was dressed like a show girl. She had blue feathers and fans around her. She appeared to be ready to go on stage.)
The Lord then said:
"This woman is how my bride has appeared to Me lately. She is dressed in the things of this world. "
(Now I was shown a scene of a military soldier, but one who lived during the patriot times of the late 1700's. He had on a hat of the times with jacket and other garb that was worn then. He was beating on a drum at an even pace. From the sides then came others who were also beating on drums, and one was playing a flute. It was a scene that perhaps we remember that illustrated our nation's first characters, as they played out a melody of revolution and patriotism. Someone then behind a ditch, who was lying down held a rifle and was ready to shoot. I saw their faces as they were ready to shoot from side to side. Again I was shown the scene of the patriots. One was playing a flute, and all of them, perhaps four, were walking quickly down a road towards me. They hobbled as they walked, because they appeared to be very weary from their plight.)
(The scene shifted somewhat, and now I was looking at an angel that was a woman. She was dressed in white in a gown that was crepe-like. She appeared to be comforting others and watching over them. I looked at a map of the United States, and she was there over our nation watching and guarding it.)
(As this continued, I now watched as I saw buildings perhaps at our nation's capital. I was looking at a building that had several pillars in it. It appeared to be a court building of some sort. People were in the distance watching as others came and entered into the building. Then a very strange thing: A huge statue of a head from ancient times was ready to be brought into this building. It was perhaps Roman or Persian in appearance. Then it looked again like a huge ram's head that was carved and ready to be brought into this building.)
(Now the scene went back to the first one with the woman and the blue feathers. She was on stage with a microphone and was singing. I then saw a huge bug, a moth, that was released and was crawling and others that were still in their larvae stage. I watched as these insects all crawled out of their shell or home. As they continued, then I saw a King who came in a carriage, and a beautiful woman stepped out of it. But as she began to come out, the King motioned to her that it wasn't yet time. She stepped back into the carriage, and it sped away into the distance. (I was reminded of the story of Cinderella, where she came to the ball, but had to leave at a certain time.)
MESSAGE:
The Lord then said:
"I will tell you what all of this means: "
"This nation has been in turmoil for some time now. The figures you saw playing the drums and the flutes represent this nation's heritage and patriotism. They are still marching but they are in a state of "woundedness." The woman that you saw is the state that my church is in. A lot of it is for "show." She is entertaining the world with her music. The insects that you saw represent things of the enemy that he has released. They haven't "infected" my body yet but he is working on this behind the scenes."
"This statue of the ram's head represents how another religion has entered into the state of affairs in your capital. It is the religion of liberalism. It would give the pretense of justice but it isn't being achieved. For where has justice gone? I tell you that in my courts justice is done. From the rising of the sun until the sun goes down, I achieve justice. "
"My angel resides over your nation. For she is the angel of protection of your nation. They watch in wonder at what will transpire. For much that is done in your nation has gone astray. What was once the song of the patriot, has now become the song of a dirge. Come and let us reason together. You have come together, but not for the purpose of reason. For you have cast "lots" for either side. You have divided this nation, and not for the purpose of democracy. There is a "hush" in heaven until these things come to a decision. I will bring this madness to an end. For even though you have come to a stalemate, the game will be over soon."
"Remember that I AM the final judge and I will make the decree."

Stephen Hanson

"A HOUSE BUILT WITH MY SPIRIT"

Dec. 1 evening
14. In the temple courts he found men selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. 15. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16. To those who sold doves he said, "Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father's house into a market!" 17. His disciples remembered that it is written: "Zeal for your house will consume me." John 2
12. Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name. Rev. 3
5. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" 7. Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." John 13

(I saw a jar of water that was before me. I watched as there were several of these jars that I was looking at. Then I began to look within the jug itself. The water was the most clear water that I have ever beheld. It was pure and very clean looking. Then a cup or ladle was dipping some of this water. Each cup would then be spread onto the feet of people. I looked at each foot that had sandals on them, and noticed how the water would then replenish it as it was poured. Then yet another cup was taken out of this jug or water and again it was poured onto the feet below. )
(Now I was shown a candelabra that held several candles on it. The room was dark and the candles that were lit on it shone out into the darkness around. I continued watching this and was attracted to the light that was there. It seemed to be the type that might be used in a cathedral because of its ornamental designs. Then all the candles went out suddenly. It was as if the "life had been snuffed out." There were many coins and money was being exchanged. It was being stuffed into brass and gold containers so that it would be kept in a safe place. There was a lot of money, both coins and currency, being shuffled around. )
Then the Lord said:
"I will now tell you what this all means...."
"I called my church to wait upon the needs of the people. I called them to wash each other's feet. I called you to be a servant. I was called to be a servant, and you are called to do the same thing as well. It is done through the "water of my Holy Spirit."
"I have many candlesticks and I have many churches. Each candlestick represents a certain body of believers. But the light has gone out in some. No longer are you washing each other's feet. Many have turned my church into a money-making project. You hoard and you keep these things for yourselves. My church is to be a house of prayer. I overturned the money changer's tables, and I drove them out of my Father's house. Many of my churches have become a place of business. Wash each other's feet. Remember how Samson put his arms out and tore the temple down? It is not a building that I AM looking for. I long for a body that would represent Me on this earth. "
(This time the Lord showed me several churches. I was looking at them from above and they appeared to look small, almost like "doll houses." The reason for this was because the Lord himself was standing among them. They weren't entirely "small," it was because He was so "large" in comparison to them. He was behind a particular one, and suddenly, He pushed it over, and it fell over on its side. I watched as yet another and another, toppled over on their sides. When this was finished, He stood there in the midst of this, His light radiating forth.)
(I then looked upon a burgundy-colored curtain. It was being pulled back to show what was behind it, but then the scene faded.)
He then said:
"The temple is not made with human hands." The temple was "rent" at the time of my crucifixion. My body was broken and it was raised unto new life. The old covenant was done away with and the new one had begun; and so my temple is "with Me."

Stephen Hanson

"A LIGHT TO THE WORLD"

Nov. 25, 00
GE 1:14 And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, [15] and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth." And it was so. [16] God made two great lights--the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. [17] God set them in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth, [18] to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. [19] And there was evening, and there was morning--the fourth day.
ISA 14:12 How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!
ISA 14:13 You said in your heart, "I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain.
ISA 14:14 I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High."

(The Lord showed me at first what I thought was a scroll, but upon looking at it more it unraveled into another shape. The person holding it unraveled it into a long carpet-like shape and then it seemed to become a huge leaf. Inside this leaf were many, many jewels sparkling like the sun. They were beautiful to look upon. Then the jewels slid off this huge leaf into a stream of water. From there the jewels were lifted-up into the air and they became the stars in the sky. They sparkled brightly and shone with a brilliance that was incredible.)
The Lord then said:
"These jewels represent my people. For I have gathered you up from the four corners of the earth. You shine with the brilliance of an uncommon jewel. I have said in that day that you would shine like the stars in the sky. The moon has a brilliance all of its own as does the sun. I created them to be "great lights" in the sky. They mark out the days for your lives upon this earth. "
"There was a light that shone very brightly at one time. He was brighter than any of the other angels that I created. He thought that he could become like Me. He was as a bright star in the sky at one time. But he fell because of his arrogance and pride. His name was Lucifer and now is Satan. For he fell and he took with him many of the other angels. His time of judgment will soon happen. He works his havoc upon my people though still. For he would cause some of you to think that your star shines brightly. I have indeed, called you to be "lights" unto the world. But your light shines only because of my brilliance. You are not a light only because of your own brilliance. Search your hearts and see where you have failed to see this. If a light was turned on in a room, and its light hit many of the objects there, would those objects talk about their own light?" "Be a light to a dark world. Shine with the brilliance of the "Son" in your hearts. But know that it is my light within you and not your own. This world has lost much of its light due to the enemy's schemes; recognize this. There is a "true light" and there is a "manufactured light." Compare the light of a fluorescent bulb and that with the light of the sun. There is no comparison. He is an imitator. The true light came into the world and he has never been able to understand it. My light shines in the darkness."
"Let Me be the "source" of your light. And then your light will shine to a dark and confused world around it. "

Stephen Hanson

"GIVE THANKS UNTO ME"

Nov. 23, 00 Thanksgiving Day

PS 100:4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
PS 105:1 Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.
PS 107:21 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.

"Be thankful for what I have given to you as a people. "
"Be thankful for what I have given to you as a nation. For I have given you, America, many things. Your borders are protected by many and you are held in honor as a country that has been blessed by my name. But remember how you were formed; remember your forefathers who came here, who traveled the ocean in search of a new land. "
"Remember that they gave thanks for what they had found. They formed together a nation under the principles of brotherhood and equality. They joined hands with others on that day many years ago, and they gave thanks in my name. "
"Many broke bread together and joined each other in prayer. There are many things that you can be thankful for. You can be thankful that you have a home to live in. You can be thankful that you can worship Me. You can be thankful that you are not at war with others on your borders. You can be thankful for food and clothing. You can be thankful for families that you love and care for. You can be thankful for schools to be educated in. You can be thankful for businesses that offer a myriad of different things to buy. You can be thankful for the old and the aged. For in them you can find the wisdom that is given to them. You can be thankful for the joy that is upon a young child's heart at play. You can be thankful for a sunset. You can be thankful for the beginning of a new day. "
"Truly, find what you can be thankful for. Offer "thanksgiving" unto Me. Give thanks unto Me. I Am the Lord and I hear the prayers of many. I do not sit in a faraway place and not hear your cries. Offer thanks unto Me at all times and I will bless you exceedingly. "
"Thanksgiving is in the heart of the people, and in the heart of my Son as well. "

Stephen Hanson

"SOME THOUGHTS FROM THE FATHER"

Nov. 19, 00
HEB 7:26 Such a high priest meets our need--one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. [27] Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. [28] For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.

"My servants go out in a procession in the sands of time--speaking and praying in my name, I would say. There is a place hidden in the heart of every believer. It is the place of sacrifice. It is the hollowed-out chamber of the heart. Here reverence would be made unto Me. Come to the altar of that heart. My word is the music of the spheres. From it every pilgrim would find life and sustenance for the journey. "
"Come to Me and pour forth your hearts unto Me. "
(The Lord showed me a scene where the shepherds had come to behold the young baby in a manger. They were knelling in a distance looking at the child in reverence and awe. It was a scene as seen in retrospect. In other words, I was looking back at a scene that had already happened.)
(The Lord showed me a white lamb that was being held as an offering and was being given for whoever would receive Him.)
"He was the sacrificial lamb given on behalf of whoever would receive Him."
(I was shown a priest from the Old Covenant who was holding a scroll and was reading from it. He was in a temple and was reading from this scroll to the people.)
(I was then shown a scene of Christ on the cross. It was just before He was raised up on the cross and a huge mallet or hammer was striking the nails into His wrists. I watched as with every blow, His face was in agony and in pain.)
"Now, many of these scenes you have heard about and have known about them. You know that I was a baby that was born in a manger. You know that I was condemned on a cross to die for your sins. You heard about the Old Covenant and how priests came to sacrifice for the sins of the people. Many of you know Me as the supreme sacrifice that was given. You know about these things and have read about them. But do you know Me as the sacrificial Lamb? Do you know that it was done out of great love and that my Father gave up His only begotten Son on behalf of you? Have you entered into an understanding of this? You see, until you truly understand that I was given on behalf of you, you will not know the true meaning of the remission of sins. I died on behalf of those sins. There is nothing that you need to do further about it. It was paid for and IT is done! Many of you still are coming to the altar like the priest did in the Old Testament. What would you sacrifice and what would you give to Me? I Am not looking for bulls or fatted calves. Receive what I have given to you and go out unto new life in Me. Then when you enter into your place of prayer, the altar will not be stained with your own blood or your own sacrifices. I Am the only mediator between God and man. Approach my throne in humility, for I know your hearts."
"I survey the land, and I see a land of people who have been left bloodied by the battle. Behold, the land has been made bloody by your sin. Come, and I will heal your land, says the Lord. Your leaders have cried out to Me. I have heard your cries and I will come with healing in my wings. I will not utterly destroy a land that is still given unto Me. I hear the cries....I hear the cries from around the world. Do you think that I AM a God that would turn His ear to this? "
"As the time approaches for the culmination of your president, I AM still in control. The prayers of many of you has been heard."

Stephen Hanson
"LET ME CLEAN YOUR ROOMS"

Nov. 18, 00
He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. I CO. 4:5
PS 139:11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,"
PS 139:12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

(The Lord showed me someone who was sweeping a room. I watched as the broom went back and forth. There was a round or oval-shaped rug in the room, and there were hardwood floors in this room. A huge pile of paper and scrap was being piled up as this broom continued to pick up all the debris that was being swept. I watched this person and noticed that it was the Lord himself, who was dressed in the garb of a servant with a crown of thorns upon his head. However, when I looked again at Him, I noticed that the crown of thorns had changed into a crown of a King.)
(As I continued to watch this scene, another person was sweeping. However, they were using a rake, because there was more to sweep, and the rake seemed to collect more of the stuff in the room. This stuff though, was being raked under a rug, so as to hide it and keep it there so that no one would know of it's whereabouts. Another strange thing was that I was now in the kitchen of this house. I looked at the sink and it seemed clean but upon looking at it closer again, there was a huge pile of debris on the counter. A person there was taking this stuff and had made a hole in the floor. Here on the floor, one of the tiles was taken up and this stuff was being dropped below into the basement of this house. The Lord had me walk down into the basement of this house. I came down some old wooden steps and came into an opening of the room downstairs. It seemed to be overgrown with all kinds of things. It seemed to be rotten and mold and types of plants had become part of the room itself. I noticed people there throughout this room. Some were laying down lounging on a bed or chairs reading and somehow oblivious to their surroundings. They had become part of this scene and were somehow "comfortable" with the filth and debris that was all around them. Then I saw the Lord himself come down the stairs, gently sweeping each step as He came. He approached the bottom of the stairs and said, "Do you want Me to clean this room?" All the people stood up and said in unison, "No this room is our home." I watched then as the Lord looked very sad and walked slowly back up the stairs, His head down as He went. )
"My people, there are many areas in your lives that you think are hidden from Me. They are not.....I AM aware of all of your rooms. Will you let Me clean them for you? I AM coming back for a bride without spot or blemish. Let Me clean your rooms. "

Stephen Hanson

"THE BROOK WILL NOT DRY UP"

Nov. 15, 00
1KI 17:2 Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah: [3] "Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. [4] You will drink from the brook, and I have ordered the ravens to feed you there."
1KI 17:5 So he did what the LORD had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there. [6] The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.
JN 4:34 "My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.

"This is a word to my people....my people who have been waiting....Waiting for an answer from my throne room in heaven."
(I saw people approaching who were holding crystal-clear vessels. These vessels or containers, held water and they were pouring water into other vessels. The water was freely given and it flowed from vessel to vessel without reservation. There was an angel who was standing in the background who watched and was part of this scenario.)
"The Spirit of the Lord would say that 'I AM giving of my Spirit freely in this hour.' Just as you have received of my hand and my Spirit, I say, in turn to give it to others. Freely you have received; freely give. Out of the goodness of the heart the mouth speaks. There is food at my table for all to partake of. Many there are who hoard onto my words and those things that I give unto them. While it is true that you must not throw your pearls before swine, there are things that are not to be kept alone to yourselves. "
"What are those things?"

1. Love is freely to be given out unto the brethren.
2. Prayers are to be offered up to those around you.
3. You are to lay your lives down for the brethren.
4. You are to meet the needs of those around you if you are able to.
5. You are to live at peace with all men
6. You are to give forth my word to a world that needs it.
7. You are to deliver those who are caught-up in the snares of the enemy.
"I came into this world and was received not by my own, and yet I did not go about begging for food or shelter. I was given food and shelter by the hand of my Father. My food was to do the will of my Father. I have spread forth a banquet in the midst of your enemies. My servants will be led forth in peace. The mountains and the hills will open up before them. Streams will flow in abundance. Even as my servant Elijah was fed by the brook, so will I feed and clothe my servants as well. I can give my angels a charge. I own the cattle on a thousand hills. "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, and out of that fullness will pour forth my Spirit unto my servants." The brook will not dry-up, and the oil and the wine will not go as well. "

Stephen Hanson

"I AM THE KING OF THIS LAND"

Nov. 11, 00
1SA 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
1SA 8:19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel. "No!" they said. "We want a king over us. [20] Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles."
1SA 8:21 When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the LORD. [22] The LORD answered, "Listen to them and give them a king."

"Look and watch around you, and tell Me, what do you see?"
"You see a nation and a country that is in confusion, because of these things in the political process. But be patient, for I AM working behind all of this. There is the government of God, and there is a process that has a process much higher than the one in this land. I AM Commander-in-Chief. Do not forget that. I AM in control of everything that is happening. Why do the nations rage and why is there tumult upon the earth? I say, do not fear, nor be ye dismayed. "
"What is in a leader, you might say. Remember how I chose my servant David. Remember that the people wanted someone who would take them to a higher place. Saul was a man who was good in battle but poor in the things of the Spirit, and the people were without a shepherd when he was in office. He hated David for no cause. He went to the witch at Endor to seek help there as well. Do not look to the political process. Come up to the mountain and present your prayers there. I will hear them, if you humble yourselves and pray. Come to Me, and hear Me. You have come to a mountain that you need not fear. Offer sacrifices of true and repentant hearts. "
(The Lord showed me someone who was reading a newspaper. I watched as the pages were leafed through and various articles and captions were looked at. Then I noticed that directly behind me was a King. It was the King of Kings and He held a scepter and seemed to be pointing to various things in this newspaper. He had on a beautiful crown and there were as stars upon His head and His robe. He sat upon a throne and was seated in the office as King of the land. He watched carefully as it were, but remained calm and awaited what would happen; although He knew what would happen.)
"Do not worry about the captions and the things you read in the newspapers. I AM the KIng of Kings, and I will execute judgment upon the land. "

Stephen Hanson

"I WILL COME"

Nov. 5, 00
JN 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

"The end of things is at hand very soon. A time is coming when all the problems that my saints experience will soon come to an end. EVERYTHING is racing towards that final day---that day when I will come for my church. For the eastern sky will open up and I will appear there. "
"I don't want there to be date-setting.
"I don't want there to be quarrels or disagreements about this.
"I don't want there to be divisions.
"But I do want there to be encouragement and comfort about these things. Will you have tribulation and will you have difficulty? Most certainly, for "in the world" you will have tribulation; but have I not said in my word that I have overcome the world? "
"EVERYTHING looks forward to that day. EVERYTHING looks forward in anticipation to that day. A new day will dawn and it will be the end of all things as you know them. The final enemy is death. For death was swallowed-up when I died and rose again. "
"I AM coming for my own. I long to come and take you with Me. It has long been in my heart and mind to do these things. Dear people, look beyond the sorrows of this world. Look beyond the troubles of this world. Over the hills and the meadows and the trees, I AM there with outstretched arms. I stand beside the still waters. I AM there next to the brook. I will always be there. "
"Look beyond what you see in this world. Hope for these things. It is said that "hope deferred makes the heart sick." Let not the hope spoken of here be deferred. Put on the helmet of salvation. Dear people, you have need of that. Battles will come and battles will go, but this "hope" will remain. I have said that FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE will remain. So, set your hearts and minds on things above."
"I will come, surely as I have said."

Stephen Hanson

"MY BRIDE"

Nov. 4, 00
HOS 3:1 The LORD said to me, "Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is an adulteress. Love her as the LORD loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes."
ISA 1:21 See how the faithful city has become a harlot! She once was full of justice; righteousness used to dwell in her--but now murderers!

"A King will reign in righteousness and princes will reign with Him."
"I AM the King who is coming. I AM He who will reign with an iron scepter. I will reign over the land of my people, Israel. You looked for a land filled full of milk and honey. You went in search for that land. You came to the river of the land, but you never crossed over. In all your years of toil and wearisome endeavors, you have never come to that place of rest. See,,,,,I AM there in the midst of the river with upraised hands, beckoning to come to Me."
"If, you would rule with Me, then you must give up rule over your own kingdoms."
(The Lord showed me a crown of some sort that had many jewels laid in it. It had been fashioned and was now ready to be given. It appeared to be given to His bride. He then showed me a woman who had on a gown of fushia or reddish purple. She had wrap-around feathers like would be used on stage. She was on stage as a show girl, and was dancing or twirling around on stage. It saddened me very much to think who this woman was.)
"This woman represents my bride. She has danced with other men and other religions. She has gone whoreing after other men in her pursuit of them. When will my bride give-up her pursuits like this? I want her to be pure and undefiled. She is not without stain or wrinkle in her. Dear people of mine, "When will you stop?" When will you cease from your worldly pursuits? You cannot "cross over" into that land until you have given these things up. "
"I long for my bride to be ready for Me. I look forward to that day. I AM saddened though about her appearance that it is now. I AM sending a purifying wave of my Spirit to her. I ask that you would receive it. Come to Me my love, and I will welcome you back in. You are mine. This is my church and my love. I will care for her. "

Stephen Hanson