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Mid December, 2004
God gave me the Vision of the Skylark in late 2004. I was strongly impressed that the vision speaks of something coming involving both America and Israel. The vision seemed to involve a coming fiery trial. The fulfillment of visions the Lord gives me seem to be on an average of a year or two away, if not more. But not always. Habakkuk said: The vision is yet for an appointed time. In the end it will speak. This means we understand it better the closer it gets to the fulfillment of a Word from the Lord.
The Lord speaks to us in words or symbols which we understand. The skylark has long been the symbol of spiritual reform, and speaks of a collective group of people, who uphold God's unchanging word, even in the midst of the deepest spiritual darkness.
Since the Vision of the Skylark was given to me in late December 2004 or early January 2005.
THE FIRE OF GOD
Sodom Lev. 10:2 Aaron's sons (Gen. 19:24) Children of Israel (Nu 11:1) Korah and his band (Nu 16:35) Elija (2 Ki.1:10) Judgment at the return of Yeshua haMashiach (2Thes.1:7)
Ex 3:4 (Deut 4:36) Burning bush Ps 50:3 Fire of Presence Lev 9:24 Acts 2:3 Tongues of fire Presence of Holy Spirit
Nu 31:23 is REQUIRED also water of purification Zech 13:8-9 A sign of your calling-God's elect 1/3 1Cor 3:13-15 To test your works 1Pet 1:7 As proof of your quality - genuineness Deut 8:2-10 to prove you Dan 3:23 God will be with you in trouble. (Is 43:1-5)
DREAMS & VISIONS
Elisha said "Bring me a minstrel." (Harpist) "And while the harpist was playing the hand of the Lord came on Elisha." And he prophesied the word of the Lord. (2 Kings 3:15)
One of the earmarks of the endtime move of God is dreams, visions and prophecy, according to scripture. (Joel 2, Acts 2:18) Children can be particularly sensitive to the Lord, when their lives aren't filled with entertainment, which eclipses out the need for God's presence. When they don't have a lot of distractions in the home, such as television, etc. and parents promote an environment condusive to prayer, praise and the worship the Lord. From a very young age they will arise in the morning, and without prompting, hunger for the presence of God, praising and worshipping the Lord. Allow them to spend time with Yeshua haMashiach, while the parents intercede in prayer. They will readily receive prophetic songs, words of reveltion, and visions as the Prophet Joel prophesied. (Joel 2, Acts 2:18) Yeshua said: Except you become as little children you will not see the kingdom of God!
THINGS ARE HEATING UP
In the vision God gave me, I saw a skylark sitting on the edge of a round copper birdbath, shaped like a brazier or laver. The metal bowl was heated until it glowed with the burning heat. The skylark did not fly away. It sat very still where it was perched there. I could see that the feet of the bird were burned. As New Orleans was warned of a hurricane, every one does not choose to evacuate in a crisis situation. The news coverage described the city of New Orleans like a "bowl." With the hurricane it was filled with water. For one reason or another, many of the inhabitants stayed in spite of the predictions. Remember that all that stands between acting on a warning and fleeing a dangerous situation vs fearing that there are not sufficient resources, is often faith. However, there are times when the will of God is not to remove a person from a danger zone. Ezekiel said: "I sat where they sat." He was carried away with the captives, so that God's prophet was among the captives there at that time. In these cases, it is not a lack of faith that a believer is found among the victims, but great faith, to be obedient to the Lord in the face of calamity.
"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you." (1 Peter 4:12)
One thing which is significant is that we hold to God's unchanging word no matter what transpires, because through faith in Yeshua haMashiach and God's unchanging Word and precious promises, we will walk through fiery trials which confront us. Jesus prophesied a "baptism of fire" for the believers life. It will not be popular to believe God's word, in the face of these principality spirits that are being given place to. You will be scorned and mocked. Do not gauge God's word based on what you observe in the natural. Don't throw out or disregard prophecies previously received based on the natural appearance of things. Hold on to that word of the Lord.
12/22/04
As I have continued to pray regarding this prophetic Vision of the Skylark, I was given another vision of some mideastern men standing around a large copper colored metal dish in which a fire blazed. Osama Bin Laden was in their midst.
The vision I received signifies a coming trial or ordeal of some sort. How often have God's people seen demonic principality spirits conquered, or at times supplanted or displaced by other more wicked principality spirits, even more wicked than themselves which come in their place, as strong delusion is outpoured as promised by God in His word, on those whose who receive not a love of the truth but chose to believe lies and the devisings of their own imaginations.
The recent assault on the Bin Laden compound was an incredible example that enemies can be dealt with in ways we have never dreamed possible. As with impregnable Babylon, a fatal mistake was made that jeopardized the safety of the adversaries own nest, though like the eagle he'd lodged himself in what he considered to be an inaccessible place. The place was shut up like Jericho. The women and children there were captives amid a savage element that had evaded all efforts by the authorities to deal with them. No "skylarks" ever stood in a brazier that was heated any hotter. Never was there a more perilous place in which to dwell for a family. Yet those women and children were delivered. While deliverance of this sort is not the total solution, and individuals still must believe God to make their lives all that is promised in His word, it is nevertheless a new beginning with promise. Don't ever think that your situation is too hard for God. That He doesn't know exactly where you dwell. Or that God doesn't save to the uttermost them that come to Him by Yeshua ha Mashiach/Christ Jesus.
I was lead of the Lord one day to paint a picture of a woman. Forensic artists sketch suspects based on descriptions. God's people see in visions more clearly than a mere physical description could depict. I wanted to paint her face, as serene and peaceful as I saw her in my own spirit. She was to be a symbol of the captive woman whose chains are broken, whose bonds are losed, and her very soul saved. In pondering a title, named it "The Song of Jericho." There are parents with kidnapped children, absent parents that abandon familes, family members or friends that disappear without a trace, broken marriages...Jesus Christ is the hope with which we can hope against hope in the midst of all odds. Behold I am the Lord: the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me? (Jeremiah 32:27-Luke 18:27) And Yeshua/Jesus replied: "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God."
With regard to the skylark in the vision sitting still, as the bowl heated up, I will add that in every situation, obedience to God's word is the critical issue. His word is our full armor. There are situations in life which are so incredibly critical or even circumstances we must face which may even prove dangerous. God's people must be discerning. Yeshua/Jesus name is "Wonderful Counsellor." (Isaiah 9:6) He is alive! He can advise us of what is the best thing to do. Even if your situation forces you to abandon your current situation, you must overcome through faith in God and His eternal unfailing word. You must seek the Lord for His direction that you can act in the most wise andprudent way. But you say: Why must my life besuch a difficult place to be. Messiah said in God's Holy Word: Didn't I say that if you'd believe, you'd see the glory of God? (John 11:40)
God's word states: Think it not strange...The fiery trial which is to try you. The trying of your faith is more precious than gold tried in a fire. In Isaiah 30:16, God exhorts Hispeople that "In rest shall ye be saved. In quietness and confidence shall be your strength. But they said: No! We will flee..." We must learn to stand, with God's full armour, and having done all to stand! (Ephesians 6:10-18)
People have a natural flight-fight syndrone that kicks in. Whether a desperate situation causes you to go or stay can be God's laver, if you obey the will of the Lord. You walk in Mashiach's steps. Not presumptuously but in His power and authority, if you keep yourself in haShem/the name. "Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name--the name you gave Me--so that they maybe one as we are one. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the Evil One." (John 17:11, 15) The point is, that we want the cleansing of God's holy laver, and not to waste or strength or jeapardize our lives outside the will of God.
Israel were a people who knew their God when they obeyed His word. When the adversaries had 900 chariots of iron, Israel had infantry, but God was on their side. God wanted this degree of dedication from them. In Is. 30:16, we read the rebuke of God through the Prophet: "This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel says: "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength. But you would have none of it. You said: No! We will flee on horses." How do you repent? In Acts 2:38 when the crowd of 3000 enquired: Men and brethren what shall we do? Peter exhorted: "Repent, be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." The gift of the Holy Spirit is called in the book of Acts the "like gift" which the apostles themselves received with the evidence of speaking supernaturally in "other tongues." (Acts chapter 2) This is the beginning of an incredibly supernatural life. We see it in Acts 9, with a terrorist turning to Christ, as God deals with him in a most unusual way.
We need to act and not just react to things in life. The apostles did as God instructed. Paul was let down in a basket over a wall. (Acts 9:25) At other times they were arrested and went to jail--And on one occasion as they sat in jail singing praise to God, God sent an angel to deliver them. The scriptures record an angel instructing Philip to take a certain highway. (Acts 8:28) In Acts 12:11, The angel appeared in Peter's cell as he slept between two guards. As he struck Peter on the side, the chains fell off. The angel instructed him to put on his clothes, sandals, and cloak. Then to follow him out of the prison. Paul found himself on the street outside. The angel walked him to the end of the street and disappeared. This fiery trial and act of obedience were a "laver" to Peter." But this testing and his godly response turned to his deliverance. (Acts 12:6-10) On another occasion an angel warned of an impending disaster, but lives would be spared in spite of it. (Acts 27:23)
The Lord brought to my mind a couple passages from scripture. Are you familiar with the phrase chalcolabaius? Some take this as a hybrid word, meaning it's half Hebrew and half Greek. Chalcos is brass. Labaino, from laban,means "to make white." He endured the judgment "to make us righteous, for He did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth." The Rev. 1:15 picture of Messiah is that of having feet bared, like the ministering priests of the Old Testament.
Word Studies of the New Testament states this concerning "burnished brass." The meaning of the word is uncertain. Some explain electrum as an alloy of gold and silver. Others "the brass of Lebanon." Others, brass the color of frankincense."
There were numerous workers in metal in New Testament cities, such as Ephesus. Alexander the Coppersmith is specifically mentioned in Acts 19:34 and 2 Tim. 4:14.
The scriptures speak of the Yeshua ha Mashiach/Jesus Christ's feet "burned" in the fires of judgment, which He passed through when he endured the agony of the cross, suffering in our stead the penalty for our sins. "His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace and his voice like the sound of many waters." (Rev. 1:15) We named our website Skylark of the Morning, because the skylark has long been a symbol of reformers and spiritual reformation. This coming year there is coming a purging of the people of God. There will be some very trying circumstances, like Shadrach, Meshach and Abedneggo in the fiery furnace. The Lord will use this "heating up process" to sift our works, and bring forth what should be our true priorities, where ever we need a fuller revelation of this. We will "stand" in the fire, and know that we have hands of power and feet of fire. The other scripture is found in Malachi 4:3. "They (the wicked) shall be ashes under the souls of your feet."
An additional verse is Habakkuk 3:4, and the "hiding of God's power." The workings of God are not always apparent. Sometimes you must look for them! There will be times in the coming year when people will suffer deep discouragment, if they do not remember this. Remind one another to seek the Lord to show you the awesome miracles He's doing in your midst. What do I mean, by "the hiding of God's power?" Yeshua/Jesus hung on the cross, in what outwardly appeared to be his enemies victory. Had the rulers of the age understood it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. (I Cor. 2:8) It was not hidden from everyone. For now are these things marvellous in our eyes." (Psalm 118:23, Zech. 8:6, Matt. 21:42) God was in the process of a marvellous work and a wonder. The earth quaked, the veil in the temple was torn from top to bottom, (Matt. 27:51) and the stone that held him in the tomb was rolled away, (Matt. 28:2) and He arose, and walked around, speaking to his disciples before he ascended into heaven. (Acts 1:8) Not only he, but 500 others. (Matt. 27:53) We must judge nothing before it's time. We must not judge after the "outward appearance," but must judge with "righteous judgment." I know America figures into this vision of the Skylark, Israel also figures into this too, because this word came, as I enquired of the Lord concerning the gates of Jerusalem. It was not till April 2005 that I discovered the confirming and accompanying link from Alfred Lilienthal's webpage.
Jesus knows what it's likeKeep pressing on
Jesus knows what it's like
Jesus know what it's like.
Every problem He knows
And more love He bestows
Jesus knows what it's like.You walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
Keep pressing on in Yeshua/Jesus
Trials come
Hallelujah they go
Keep pressing on in Yeshua/Jesus
The day has come
And you'll shine forth as gold
Keep pressing on in the Lord
"Think it not strange, the fiery trial which is to try you as if some strange thing happened to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Mashiach, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed." (I Pet. 4:12)
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying:
Thou shalt also make a laver of brass, and his foot also of brass, to wash withal: and thou shalt put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein. (Exodus 30:18)
For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat: (Exodus 30:19)
The priests had to be both spiritually and physically clean before they could enter into the presence of a holy God in service, communion or fellowship. God instructed: "Be ye holy; for I AM holy." (Lev. 11:44)
When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn offering made by fire unto the LORD: (Exodus 30:20)
So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not: and it shall be a statute for ever to them, even to him and to his seed throughout their generations. (Exodus 30:21)
"Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. (John 15: 3-4) The feet washing spoken of by Yeshua in John 13:10, is an emplem of the same thing.
The Hebrew word for "laver" means "a bowl" or signifies "to wash." It symbolizes the cleansing by the Word of God. The brass of the brazen laver shows that sin has been judged in the person of Messiah.
The laver stood between the altar and the tabernacle. (Exod. 40:30) Every priest in attendance of the altar of God, was to wash his hands and feet prior to service. This was the purpose for which the laver was made. (30:17-21; 38:8)
Wisdom given to Bezaleel to make the laver. (Exodus 31:2) "See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. (Exodus 31:9) And the altar of burnt offering with all his furniture, and the laver and his foot.
The appearance of the laver consisted of two main parts: The bowl and the pedestal or foot. (38:18) It was made of brass, an alloy of two metals, copper and tin which together make one metal. "And he made the laver of brass, and the foot of it of brass, of the looking glasses of the women assembling, which assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation."
SEEING OURSELVES IN THE WORD
God commands all people everywhere to pray. There's a reminder here in the laver made from the looking glasses of the women, to watch and pray! One of the greatest causes of the misinterpretation of doctrine, or prophetic manifestations, is spiritual defilement. Of not being washed by the word, in those places in ones life where deception has occurred. Of repenting, as God brings these to light. (Eph. 5, Exodus 38:8) Ephesians 4:14) That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.
The laver was anointed with holy oil. (Exod. 40:11; Lev. 8:11)
The brass laver filled with water represents water baptism in the life of the believer. (Acts 2:38, Acts 8:16, Acts 10:46-48, Acts 19:5) John the Baptist proclaimed: "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit, and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." (Matt. 3:11, 12). The altar in front of the vail is where incense was offered. This is a type of praise and worship. After we have repented of our sins, and have been baptized in Yeshua/Jesus name, we offer praise to God because He has forgiven us. God fills us with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking supernaturally in other tongues!
THE CORRECTING NATURE OF GOD'S (LAVER)WORD
But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. (Matt. 15:9)
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. (2 Tim. 3:16)
This is the Greek word for correction in 2 Timothy 3:16 is epanorthosis
1) restoration to an upright or right state 2) correction, improvement of life or character The word occurs only here in the New Testament. It means to restore back to right doctrine. To bring back to the right state of fellowship with God.
THE RESTORING ASPECT OF THE (LAVER) WATER
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. (Gal. 6:1)
Gal. 6:1 describes the process of applying doctrine, reproof and correction to our lives. If a fellow believer is overtaken in a fault (the word "sin"), we should restore them in the spirit of meekness, taking heed lest we fall. This involves reproof, or exposing the sin through the light of God's Word, and bringing correction so as to restore them back to fellowship with God and man.
The Greek term "restore" in this verse is the word: katartizo meaning:
To render, that is, to fit, sound, complete a) to mend (what has been broken or rent), to repair, to complete b) to fit out, to equip, to put in order, to arrange, to adjust to fit or frame for oneself, to prepare c) ethically, to strengthen, to perfect, to complete, to make one what he ought to be.GOD'S KINGDOM OF PRIESTS
Messiah came as our Great High Priest, fully human and fully divine. His people are a kingdom of priests. The laver as a basin for the water used to cleanse the priests, is a symbolic picture of Christ as the One who is the embodiment of the written Word. In Eph. 5;26, we read that haMashiach/Christ gave Himself for the church that he might sanctify and cleanse it by the washing of the word." The Greek term for "washing" here is "laver." (Tit 3:5)
"Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel; (Ex 19:3) Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. (Ex 19:5,6)
" But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light." (1 Peter 2:9). " How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your Word." (Psalm 119:9)
The priests washed:
- Before consecration.
And thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and wash them with water. (Exodus 40:12)
- Before entering the tabernacle.
For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat: When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn offering made by fire unto the LORD. (Exodus 30:19-20)
- Before approaching the altar.
Four doctrines illustrated by the laver are:
- Regeneration: John 3:5; I Cor. 4:15; Titus 3:5; James 1:18; I Pet. 1:23
- Illumination: Ps. 119:105,130; John 1:1,9
But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. (Eph. 5:13)
- Self-examination: I Cor. 11:28; James 1:22-25
"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates."(2 Corinthians 13:5)
Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. 1 Timothy 4:13-16
- Sanctification: Eph. 5:25-27, II Cor. 3:18; 1 Timothy 4:5 tells us that all things are sanctified by the Word of God and prayer.
- "Even though I am not physically present, I am with you in Spirit. I have passed judgment already." The Apostle Paul speaks here of revelation from God and discernment concerning another's sin. But this knowledge wasn't the only disclosure given him by Yeshua. Paul did not need to be physically present to judge. He had the Spirit of the Yeshua to disclose any and all issues that God needed for him to know. When the Spirit of truth is come, He will show you thngs to come. (I Cor. 5:3-5, John 16:13) What's needed is for believers to walk before the Lord in purity, so they will have an open heaven.
- "That He might sanctify and cleanse it (the Church) with the washing of water by the Word." (Eph 5:26)
- "We must all appear before the judgment seat of haMashiach/christ."
In Dec. 2005, the Intercessors for America issued their monthly newsletter stating that President Bush in visiting with American troops on October 28, 2005, made a statement concerning the fact that Israel is a major target of Al-Quaeda, and outlining ramifications of a perceived loss in the "war."
"With the greater economic, military and political power they seek to advance their stated adgenda: To develope weapons of mass destructions, destroy Israel, intimidate Europe, assault the American people and blackmail our government into isolation.
2005 Nov. 9, Amman, Jordan: Hit were 3 American hotels, Radisson, Grand Hyatt and Days Inn, in Amman Jordan, 57. Al-Qaeda claimed responsibility.
JAN. 2006 AL QUAEDA VIDEO
DUBAI (Reuters) - Al Qaeda's deputy leader Ayman al-Zawahri said in a video aired on Friday that U.S. President George W. Bush's plans to withdraw troops from Iraq meant Washington had been defeated by the Muslims.
He also criticised Islamist groups, including Egypt's banned Muslim Brotherhood, for believing in Western-style democracy and taking part in elections.
"Bush, you must confess that you have been defeated in Iraq and in Afghanistan and you will be in Palestine soon," he said in the video broadcast by Al Jazeera television.
Jazeera said the video by Osama bin Laden's second-in-command, which had English subtitles, carried the date of the Muslim lunar month which ended in December.
"I congratulate the Muslims on Islam's victory in Iraq. I said more than a year ago that the Americans' departure from Iraq is only a matter of time," said the bespectacled Zawahri, who wore a white turban and sat next to an assault rifle.
"But they are justifying their withdrawal by saying that the Iraqi forces have reached a satisfactory level."
Critics of Bush have demanded a quick withdrawal from Iraq, where around 2,200 American military personnel have been killed since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, and say the president needs a clear exit strategy.
Bush, who has refused to set a timetable for any withdrawal, said on Wednesday reducing troops in Iraq was possible in 2006.
But he said any cuts would be based on the situation on the ground and decisions by military commanders, not on a political timetable imposed by Washington.
In Washington, a U.S. counter-terrorism official said: "U.S. intelligence is assessing the video tape. It appears to be a recitation of well-worn jihadist themes. There's nothing particularly new."
The satellite television station aired portions of the tape.
In January 2006, Al-Quaeda issued yet another video stating their intent concerning the USA and Iraq, Pakistan and Palestine.
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