The Gloves are Off ...

Here we are again ... Joined by words, by a common heartbeat and by love. I hope this touches you and brings to you peace and hope in your situation.

I received this word a while ago and feel that I am to post it now. I had asked the question to Papa, "Why does it seem that it is so hard for so many people right now (in their lives)?"

His answer:

"Because the gloves are off! I am no longer waiting around for the enemy to slaughter anymore of My children. I am hitting him back with all I have. I am going after the gusto. Not pulling any punches. I want freedom and I want it now!

A new day is dawning. A new army is rising up. Many will feel as if I am dragging them through it - I am! No longer am I willing to wait - I want freedom.

And so, I am bringing it! Yes, it is still a choice, but many of you made that choice many years ago and I am holding you to it now. My army needs to get out of the barracks and into the fight!

(I instantly saw the scene in Navy Seals when all the training soldiers line up each day to wait on anyone who wants to ring the bell and get out of training.)

"You will not ring that bell! None of you are going to fall or fail! I am here! I am calling out your destinies. I am in charge of everything and I want your hearts, your very souls. No one is going to take you from Me - not even you, yourself. I have you and I am keeping you.

Be encouraged, for My love is all you need.I am cleaning up the cob webs. I am making you perfect. No more fear will remain. Out of the darkness, light will appear. Glory, freedom, a reigning Kingdom of Hope, goodness and truth. Spread the word - Life is here! We are on the threshold and I am going to carry My Bride across it. Come into more intimacy with Me. Come, drink the new wine. You are all My beauties! You are all Mine! Hallelujah! I am here - it has come."

I was directed to some scriptures after receiving this word. Deuteronomy 32: 10 - 12, Psalm 9: 9, 10 and Joshua 1: 2 - 4. In the land of promise, there can still be wilderness. I believe it is essential! In the wilderness, our faith is born and strenthened. Brought to a place that cannot be shaken anymore.

Take it slow .... and love.

It seems that there is a resounding echo from many voices to slow down this season. Take your time. Do not get overstressed. I wonder what source these warnings come from? I would like to think that they are from The King ... "Slow down My Children. Remember who you are and who I have made you. Remember that this time of year, is to remind you of My Promise of Love! Be at Peace. Have My Joy. Do not be swept up into a chaotic frenzy for fleshly fulfillment. Love one another, as I love you."

Love .... it is that simple.

I was reminded of a love letter, written many years ago. It was written on paper, not emailed. It was written with a pencil, not palm pilot tool. It was written from the heart in a moment of dire need to relate to a lover that was not close by.

Remember the ones you love. I hope you enjoy the letter and this season.

"Good morning on July 7th -

Even when I am in bed my thoughts rush to you, my eternally beloved, now and then joyfully, then again sadly, waiting to know whether fate will hear our prayer.

To face life I must live altogether with you or never see you. Yes, I am resolved to be a wanderer abroad until I can fly to your arms and say that I have found my true home with you and enfolded in your arms can let my soul be wafted to the realm on blessed spirits. Aalas, unfortunately it must be so. You will become composed, the more so as you know that I am faithful to you; no other woman can ever possess my heart. Never - never. Oh God, why must one be separated from her who is so dear?

Yet my life in Vienna at present is a miserable life. Your love has made me both the happiest and the unhappiest of mortals. At my age, I now need stability and regularity in my life. Can this coexist with our relationship? Angel, I have just heard that the post goes every day andtherefore I must close, so that you may receive the letter immediately. Be calm; for only be calmly considering our lives can we achieve our purpose to live together. Be calm. Love me. Today. Yesterday. What tearful longing for you. For you. You. My life. My all. All good wishes to you. Oh, do continue to love me. Never misjudge your lover's most faithful heart.

Ever yours.

Ever mine.

Ever ours.

L

- Beethoven

Never Failing!

So the other day I was overcome with emotion. Great sobs came over me. I felt like I was a failure. I was failing my children, because once again, I was cooking them Kraft Dinner for dinner.

I was crying in my mind, "I should be making vegetables, stew, potatoes. This isn't right! This isn't what a mother does!" Honestly believing I was harming my children.

Immediately, Holy Spirit spoke and whispered sweetness that I needed to hear.

It wasn't enough. I cried out, "I'm failing them!"

Again, instantly Papa spoke in a firm but compassionate voice ... a voice only Papa can use ... and said, "I WILL NOT!"

I know we all have areas in our lives where we feel like a failure. The great thing is ... HE IS NOT!

I WILL NOT FAIL YOU!

I pray that this will resonate through you to your very core.

He is Risen ... He is Risen indeed!

“Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb … (it was empty).” Matt 28:1 NLT

When there is a death, there is a resurrection. Someone shared that today. A most beautiful promise from Papa, indeed. Think about what He is saying …

The same person as the above shared a story to illustrate her point.

She was called to her Mother’s death bed in a nursing home. She left after staying for a time. On her way out, a woman stopped her. The woman, very sick as well, commented on how much the Mother would be missed. The response was, “Thank you. I know she is with Jesus now, in a better place.” The conversation continued.

“Jesus??”
“Yes, Jesus. Do you know Him?”
“No.”
“Would you like to?”
“Yes. Very much.”

So, the woman accepted Jesus into her heart right there and then. Our Author ran down to the (Nurses) office filled with joy. On the way down, she heard the LORD speak to her clearly, “When there is a death, there is always a resurrection!”

This true experience stuck with me and had me thinking …

“Then He turned to the host. "The next time you put on a dinner, don't just invite your friends and family and rich neighbors, the kind of people who will return the favor. Invite some people who never get invited out, the misfits from the wrong side of the tracks. You'll be—and experience—a blessing. They won't be able to return the favor, but the favor will be returned—oh, how it will be returned!—at the resurrection of God's people." Luke 14:12 The Message

I found the above scripture to mean more to me, seeing it in the context of the story. That every opportunity to bless others, can be Papa bringing life, in a response to death, through us. The ageless victory of life over death, can be seen in our every day lives. While we’re waiting to receive our blessing from Papa, at the ‘great’ resurrection … let’s see how many ‘miny’ illustrations of Jesus’ resurrection we can bless others with day to day!

Happy Easter!

Story by Bridget Elwood
Painting by Lydia van Knijff