Where Did You Go?

Over the last couple of years, I have been asking Papa God how Philip got “snatched” up by the Spirit of the Lord and carried away to the city of Ashdod. This is recounted in Acts 8:39:

 “When they came up out of the water, Philip was suddenly snatched up by the Spirit of the Lord and instantly carried away to the city of Ashdod where he reappeared, preaching the gospel in that city. The man never saw Philip again. He returned to Ethiopia full of great joy. Philip, however, traveled on to all of the towns of that region, bringing them the good news, until he arrived a Caesarea.”

Isn’t that interesting! Philip had just been explaining a portion of scripture from the Book of Isaiah to the Ethiopian. Holy Spirit had said to Philip, “Go and walk alongside the chariot.” So, Philip caught up and walked alongside. He then casually asked the Ethiopian man if he understood what he had been reading.  The man responded that he could not unless someone explained it to him. Philip was then invited up into the chariot to explain about the “lamb that was offered”, which of course was Jesus.

At that point, the Ethiopian man wanted to be baptized immediately. He suggested a pool of water that was present. He stopped the chariot. They went down and Philip baptized him. Here is where it gets interesting.

“When they came up out of the water, Philip was suddenly snatched up by the Spirit of the Lord and instantly carried away to the city of Ashdod, where he reappeared, preaching the gospel in that city.”

After that he continued telling people about Jesus.

Now, because I am such a curious person, I have wondered how that happened.  No pat answers for this girl. I do see a pattern. Someone had a need.  The Ethiopian man was probably wishing he had someone to explain that passage in Isaiah. Probably he was scratching his head because he was so flummoxed. I think I would have been as well!

I also, see that Philip was available. So the Holy Spirit gave him the go-ahead that led into the conversation.

I see the response of the Ethiopian man.  He saw the truth because he was digging for the answer. Thus, he was ripe for Holy Spirit’s revelation to his spirit.

I see the response for baptism. The desire the Ethiopian man had to be counted as a believer and follower of the Anointed One. And Philip’s obedience to baptize him.

Once all of that was finished. The immediate need was completed. Philip was released and then taken to a totally different city in the region via the spirit transporting him.

I have known that my spirit man travels all the time, especially when I am sleeping. I give my spirit man permission to learn from the Seven Spirits of God and to be available for whatever the need may be that Jesus would want me to do for the Kingdom.  I tell my soul to rest but be receptive to what my spirit man is doing. I tell my body to sleep and be restored.

I have done this for at least two full years fairly consistently.  In doing so, my spirit man has gone and done a lot of different things in many different places. I remember waking up, after about a week of doing this, thinking I had dreamt of being somewhere in a jungle. I was helping someone find their way back to a village because they were being hunted down for some reason. I just knew I had to help them get to the village.  Of course, I have no idea where this village is, nor did I speak their language, but we communicated.  I remember tripping on a branch or vine of some sort and falling. I hurt my knee, but we kept forging through the forest area.  Once I got her to the village, I left.

What a fantastical dream I thought.  Then I got out of bed. I went into the bathroom to brush my teeth then take a shower. My knee hurt. I didn’t think much of it until I was in the shower and the hot water got on it.  Ouch!  I looked down and I had a scraped knee!  I stood there in the shower for a good 5 minutes wondering how I got that scraped knee.  Then it occurred to me that in my dream I had tripped and fell and scraped my knee.  What the…? Oh My Gosh!  I went somewhere. I never noticed what I was wearing in my “dream”. I just knew I was there to help someone.  

So, whether you believe it or not, it doesn’t matter. I was available. There was a need. I helped out. When the task was completed, I left.  Just like Philip.

A most recent experience was about a week ago, only this time it was different.  I got up on Sunday morning and got ready for church service. Jim got ready and then he said the strangest thing: “Where were you last night? You weren’t in bed. Your side was like all made.” I looked at him and said, “I was sound asleep next to you until I woke up this morning.” “No, you weren’t”. I checked. You weren’t in the apartment.”

My head spun. I knew that I had gone to bed. I did my nighttime declarations. I fell asleep and awoke in the morning.  I  realized that my sleep seemed really deep and I was feeling pretty fresh.  But I didn’t have any recollection of going anywhere or doing anything. Apparently, my whole person went somewhere. (No, I don’t sleepwalk.)  I have been asking Papa what went on but I have not received any answer. I just trust He will tell me if I need to know.

Why am I sharing this?  Mostly because people need to know this is happening and not to be scared of it. The deeper I delve into my relationship with Jesus I believe the more “off the grid” stuff is going to happen. Am I ready for it?  I think I am. So where to next, Papa?

The Black Cloud – Part 2: The Set Up

This took place in 2016 during a Silent Prayer retreat. It was the most impactful experience in my life up to then. This is one year after my first encounter with the Black Cloud. 

Me:  Papa God, what’s on your heart today?

Papa: We haven’t talked like this for a long while. I’ve missed this with you.  I want you to know I am not mad or angry, just a little sad. I so enjoy when you and I sit and talk like this.  You give me joy. Did you know that I long for you?

Me: (I look deep into His eyes. I see only love for me.) Papa – forgive me for not allowing you to be number 1 all the time. (He smiles) Thank you for just loving me; just the way I am in all my foibles.

Papa: I love your foibles! (laughs) They are what make you who you are. You are discovering so much more about “you” in your journey, aren’t you?

Me: Yes, I am! So many things to learn and know that I think I just shut down sometimes. So, when that happens I focus more on my busyness. Sorry. This is where I need to be on my seat of rest. I know that. Even my mind needs it and knows it. You whisper, “seat of rest” sometimes, don’t you? (I shake my head) I hear it but don’t heed it.  Then, I suffer for not going there.

Papa: Yes, and there is no need to suffer. Might I encourage you to every morning – Come up and sit with Me. Listen to what I am saying to you. I sometimes sing to you. (smiles) You seem to enjoy that.

Me:  Oh my yes!  Waking up with a song in my head – humming. I haven’t really done that in a very long while. Having you sing a melody; then me trying to figure out what that melody is – to what song and then the words – is quite a fun puzzle! The journey and then the discovery! Sometimes, I am overwhelmed with how much you love me.

Papa: I want to overwhelm you with my presence. My whole being loves you. Allow me to envelop you. Allow me to be more than a part of you. Come into Me. Stand with me as a daughter. (He pauses just for a brief moment.) It will take courage. Probably more courage than you’ve ever had before. It may seem like darkness at first, but I am there, once you step through that veiled darkness. I am there in the light waiting. Come. Please come.

(I remain quiet for a few moments, taking in all that He has just spoken.)

Me: Papa – this sounds an awful like “The Black Cloud” experience that Ian Clayton had. Is this what you are asking of me?

Papa:  Yes, daughter. It is time. Are you ready?

Me: (silent for a time. I really have to dig deep down into myself for this.)

        Yes, Papa – I am ready. If I die right here and now, I will be with you. My whole being will be with you. I want to know how to live in your Presence – fully.

Papa: So, let’s do this.  Come, daughter.  Come.

I am immediately in darkness. Swirling darkness that is all around me. It is disconcerting to my whole being. I’m not sure I want to go any farther. My mind wants to turn back. Yet, my spirit says, “no, continue forward”.

The swirling around me becomes very dense. I feel like I can’t breathe. Then, I feel heat. Yes, heat; like when you are near a huge bonfire. Get too close and you may catch fire. Yet, I feel that I need to move closer to that fire. It is beckoning to me to come closer. Inch by inch and step by step I keep moving forward. Then, I come to, what appeared like a wall of fire.  I panic.

Me: God how do I get past this!?

Papa: Walk straight through it.

Me: But PAPA!  It’s fire! It will burn me up.

Papa: I am with you.  Come.

The gentleness, yet firmness of His voice is calling to me. My spirit is jumping. My mind is racing. Do I go ahead? What if I get burned up? Well, then I will be with God forever. But, I already am. What will this do to me?

My spirit whispers, “Forward”.

God says, “Come”.

I hesitate for just a moment; just a heart check. I confess all that I can think of and repent. I stand under the Blood and mercy of Jesus.

Then…I step back. “I can’t do this!”, I argue.

But, my spirit firmly says, “Enter. Now.”

Again, I hear God’s familiar voice, “Come”.

I close my eyes. I take a very long deep breath. I take one step forward I really feel the heat from the fire now. He’s calling me into the fire!

Papa: Come. 

Me: Papa, it will burn me!

Papa: Come.

So, I take another step. At this point, I am now resolved to just go. No matter what happens. I take another step forward. Now, I feel the flames licking me. The thing is, I’m at peace. I take another step forward. I am now engulfed by the flames that surround me. I literally stand there in that fire. It is not consuming my body but consuming all the lies, all the misconceptions, all the religious teaching and burning them up. Layers upon layers all being consumed.  It is a refining fire. As I now continue to walk through this refining fire, I feel lighter. I feel freedom.

Then, all at once I am past the fire. I am standing stark naked in this place I am in and I am not ashamed. This place appears to be so brilliantly white. I can’t see well. I'm not sure if I am in a room or what.

I hear, “Welcome daughter!”

At the sound of His voice, I am overcome. I fall to my knees. I cannot bear to lift my head. I sense an angel stands next to me.  I cannot look up. I am on the "floor" prostrate.

I hear Papa's voice, “Daughter, you are always welcome here. I love you so much. Few have come, but I am happy you stayed the course and came.”

My tongue is tied because I am not able to speak. I just sigh. It is contentment, joy, love, awestruck, wonderment – so many emotions flooding through me all at once. Finally, my voice returns to me.

Me: Papa – why can’t I look at you? What can’t I stand?

Papa: Daughter, you have come farther up and farther in. This is the place where I dwell in Holiness. Few have ventured here. I call them, but either they don’t listen or aren’t interested. You, however, have always been a curious one. Your wonder and ponderings about me are good. I told my creation: If you seek Me you will find Me; IF you seek me with all your being. This is why you are here. All your life you have sought me. Now, my dearest daughter, here I Am. So, rise, my daughter – Come to Me.

I lift my head. I see His robe's hem. I feel the angel help me up. He steadies me. Then, in my full nakedness, I go to Papa. He is light. He shines beyond what I have imagined. He is also golden and light. Color surrounds Him, yet I can only perceive white until my eyes become more accustom to my surroundings.

His arms are open wide as he draws me into Himself. He hugs me. He has hugged me before, but this time, it was so much deeper. It was like wrapping the wholeness of the universe around me.  All of who He is I feel. Then we talk. Just like we have always talked. Yet, there is a newness in this. Our relationship had changed. I am closer now to Papa than I have ever been before. The intimacy is overwhelmingly wonderful.

I don’t feel naked any longer, I am clothed, clothed in His Glory. I am translucent, yet light and fire are on me, like a garment. I am breathing in His fragrance and resonating His frequency. To be honest, I have no grid for any of this, but I am here.

Papa’s shalom is always. This is Joy all around. His Love (AGAPE) enveloped everything.

Me: Papa, you are good, loving, merciful, kind. You are goodness and love wrapped into the best package. You are a good, good Papa!

Papa:  So, Sue, you asked me what was on my heart today, and I didn’t answer you… Do you know now?

Me: (Tears are streaming down my face) Yes, Papa – oh yes, I do. I love you, too! I love you!  Thank you for wooing me in. Thank you.

Wisdom's Heights

Me:    Afternoon Papa. I know I haven’t spent any time with you lately like this. Forgive me. I do want and need to spend time with you. So, what is on Your heart?

Papa: (smiles) I have missed you, daughter. You light up my life. (Hugs me)  I forgive you and don’t fret. But, remember –Come to Me. You still need refreshment and R.E.S.T. (Remember: Relax, Energize, Stillness, Transformation)

Me:    (Looking up at Him)  I know. I really get distracted. I know I need to draw from Your strength and love.

Papa: Come to Me—you who are weary and heavy burdened. I will give you My Shalom.

Me:    Oh, Papa! (Pulling out of the hug) Boy do I know that! I can tell when I haven’t spent time with you. I do understand that in order to “give” I need to “receive” from you.

Papa: (laughs) Yes, I will pour into you so much each day, so that you may go and serve, teach, heal or whatever is needed. However, you must come to Me.

Me:    (sheepishly) Yes, Papa. Thank you.

Papa:  In fact, come now to the River of Life and eat from the Tree of Life. Draw refreshment there. Swim in the cool waters. Let them wash over you. Drink from the deep water. It will fill you with strength and life. Let my fruit from the Tree of Life give you refreshment. Let it nourish your soul. Come ---

          (He takes me to the river.  I jump in. Diving and splashing, floating.  Oh, and I found a pretty gem, large like Topaz-blue. I put it in my pocket. Then, I am given a cup, so I draw water and drink. My whole being is refreshed. Then, after I get out I’m taken to the Tree of Life. I get to choose my fruit. It’s bright yellow and when I bite into it, --WOW—sweet, savory all at once. The flavors can’t be described really. Beyond the flavors, there is a filling inside I’ve not really experienced before. I feel more alive than I have been in a long time. No aches and pains in my body. I feel fully aligned. Then, Papa takes me to this road. We’ve walked along this path before.)

Me:    Papa, where are we going?  I recognize this path.

Papa: (He smiles) You’ll see. I want to you to meet someone.

(So we walk on this ancient path. It’s really beautiful as I remembered with its

 rolling hills and the path is worn, but very easy to walk on.)

Papa:  (Stops)  Sue, this is a special place. There is someone I wish you to meet.

(Then this person "a woman" appears.)

          This is Wisdom. Wisdom, this is Sue. It is time Wisdom, for you to teach her.

Me:    (totally dumbfounded in silence)

Wisdom: Hello, my dear. I’ve been waiting to meet you. (Smiles)

(There’s a “wholeness” about her. She really shines,)

Me:    (I look at Papa and He gives an encouraging nod.)  I’m honored to meet you, Wisdom. (I curtsy. You see, I’m dressed in my clothes of heaven and it’s a formal dress!)

Wisdom: Come, let’s go up to the Heights. I wish to show you some things.

Me:    Alright. (I turn and look at Papa. He’s grinning from ear to ear.)

Papa:  Enjoy your time.  (He waves and I wave back.)

(So, Wisdom and I go up to the Heights. You can see EVERYTHING. It’s a different perspective.)

Wisdom: Come. Let us sit here a while. 

Me:    Alright.

(So, we sit quite comfortably where we can see below.  It’s quite high up, but you can’t feel that. Wisdom's voice was so calming and sweet.)

Wisdom: (She waves her hand) Look Sue, what do you see?

Me:    (I look to where her hand points.)  Well, I see beauty. I see wholeness. Wisdom, I do see my mountains. They are still covered with demons. (Looking closer) Well, not as many as there were when I first came.

Wisdom: True. You are doing well. One thing that needs attention is your learning the proper ways to engage heaven. Actually, you have learned well thus far, so please just know you are to learn even more. (Smiles)

Me:    (puzzled) Wisdom, are you speaking of my going and engaging the Mobile Court?

Wisdom: Yes, However, you have engaged the Court of Nations and that is a high level court. Not all who wish to enter may. You and your group are highly favored. We have waited a long time for the activation for you and your group.

          There is much work to be done. Your region has many nations that need reconciliation. This must be done. Where you live in particular, those dragons must be defeated. However, now is not the time. There is prep work that needs to be done.

Me:    Prep work?  Like what?

Wisdom: You need to have your bench of three secure. Then, your council must begin identifying what needs to be brought before the court. What has caused the divisions? Are there curses? Where and when did they originate? Each member must have input. Then, you need to write up your petition that will be presented to the court. This will take some time, but we cannot tarry any longer. It is time to take the Region back for the High King’s domain.

Me:    Alright. Are the others being told this as well?

Wisdom: Yes. You will bring it up at your council meeting.

Me:    Okay. Is there anything else?

Wisdom:  No.  Not at this time.  I sense your apprehension. Do not fret. I will guide you and the council members. (Again, her voice is so calming and reassuring.)

Me:    Thank you Wisdom. You know, this is so far off my known grid—but I’m recognizing that most all Kingdom work is off the grid!  (Wisdom smiles very knowingly.)  So, may I come to you when I have a question?

Wisdom:  Of course.  I can give you direction. This is what I do. (smiles)

Me:    Thank you, Wisdom. So, until next time.

(I get up from where we had been sitting.  I curtsy once more to Wisdom and begin walking back to where Papa was. I see He is waiting for me.)

Papa:  (I can see he is waiting in anticipation.) So, how did it go?

Me:    I was a bit overwhelmed.  Wisdom shines so bright and she was so kind to explain things. Oh, and I am to go to her if I have questions.

Papa: (BIG smile and a hug)  Good!  So—through this you will be learning much. Remember, we are here to help, guide and provide for you.

Me:    (I smile and hug him back,) Thanks.

Faith, Growth and Miracles

I have been reading the book, "When Heaven Invades Earth, a Practical Guide to a Life of Miracles" by Bill Johnson. 

I have to say this, I WANT TO LIVE A LIFE WHERE THE MIRACLES HAPPEN....EVERYDAY!  I have pondered on this for some time....actually since I began following Jesus back in 1973.  However, I was never taught how. 

I am discovering, through going back into scripture, reading some books and talking with some of my prophetic friends, that what I was longing to do, I can do, through the Holy Spirit.  Well...duh!   But, my question has always been "how"?  I wanted to learn...I'm a see-er/do-er person.  I've NEVER had an example shown me, except Jesus. 

I have discovered as well, that most things can be obtained/accomplished without God/Holy Spirit leading.  I have the resources to do and accomplish LOTS of things for the Kingdom.....BUT....

Yes, BUT - is a HUGE three letter word.  But - where is God in all this?  Where is God in our meetings, our programs, our goals?  WHERE?   Well...apparently for a very long time, God has been placed on a shelf and just called upon - "when needed", like a prescription drug.  I'm sorry, but I just don't go for that. 

Indulge me.  Here is the excerpt from Bill Johnson's book, "When Heaven Invades Earth, a Practical Guide to a Life of Miracles".  Faith from a Relationship page 47.

    “The Holy Spirit lives in my spirit. That is the place of communion with God.  As we learn to receive from our spirits we learn how to be Spirit lead.

     "By faith, we understand."  Faith is the foundation for all true intellectualism.  When we learn to learn that way, we open ourselves up to grow in true faith because faith does not require understanding to function.

    

 I'm sure that most of you have had this experience--you've been reading the Bible, and a verse jumps out at you.  There is a great excitement over this verse that seems to give so much life and encouragement to you. Yet initially you couldn't teach or explain that verse if your life depended on it.  What happened is this:  Your spirit received the life-giving power of the word from the Holy Spirit.  When we learn to receive from our spirit, our mind becomes the student and is therefore subject to the Holy Spirit. Through the process of revelation and experience our mind eventually obtains understanding.  That is biblical learning--the spirit giving influence to the mind.”

By 'faith'....  I think this is what has happened, at least here in America with the CHURCH (the Body of Christ).  We give intellectual knowledge the go ahead, rather than being vulnerable to the leading of the Holy Spirit. We know we can accomplish much with our resources....but come on; can't God do better, if we allow Him to?  DUH!!!  Of course He can!

The Holy Spirit LIVES in my spirit.  I asked him to, way back in 1973.  Every so often, He will stir my spirit awake, like from a long sleep, to get me off my comfortable chair and follow Him.  Okay!!!!  It wasn't until last year, in 2011 that I really started searching deep within myself.  I wanted more of God.  I really wanted MORE.  I knew I was missing out, but darn it, didn't know how to attain that - more.

Faith.  Simple and true.  Believing I have a Heavenly Papa who loves me so much, that He wants to show me the things of Heaven.  He has. In just a little over a year, I had learned to not just have a "quiet time", but to have some Papa God time, where I can go and sit on His lap, tell him things and as I sit quietly, He tells me things as well.

I have learned just from that time together I have the Holy Spirit to counsel and guide me, and help me speak words that need to be spoken.  I have been used of the Holy Spirit to heal.  Yes, my conservative Baptist friends....heal. Allowing Holy Spirit to work through this broken vessel to help another, and show His love is AMAZING!  It didn't just happen once, either.  I have been (as some call it) "slain in the spirit" with my head plastered on a table at 5 Guys Burgers, while just sharing and talking with my husband and a friend.(That was a first, by the way.)  A little worship & prayer time we were having, just the three of us, yes, in the middle of 5 Guys Burgers on one of the busiest nights they had.  God seemed to put us in a bubble, because no one really noticed us.  

As a daughter of the King, I want to live for Him.  I strive to love as He loved and to help others as He did, but not through my strength.  I fail quite often.  I'm still human and I have to repent...every day.  But, Papa God still uses me.  I get disgusted with work at times.  I am impatient.  I can get grumpy sometimes.  Yet, God still loves me and still uses me for the Kingdom, in spite of - ME!  Thank goodness.

I have stepped out in Faith on many occasions this past year.  Yes, I have.  It has been a scary journey at times, yet wondrous.  I have found that when I act in faith on what I have been told by Holy Spirit to do, WOW!  Just WOW!

This is just who I am - at this time of my life.  Good grief!  You would think at 58, I would want to slow down, right?  WRONG!  There is so much more I want to learn and to grow in.  Who wants to slow down?  NOT ME!

Dear Papa God

Dear Papa God,

I need to feel your peace in my life today. You have promised peace, and I have experienced your perfect peace beyond all understanding in times of life that are just plan hard. There is so much going on in this world, in my country, my community; so many prayer requests and needs in my church family; and special needs in my own family.

There are days I can feel so overwhelmed by outside influences. I can’t explain it. It’s like I can feel others hurts and joys. Sometimes, Papa, I’m not sure if it is me or someone else.

You know, I love to prayer walk around my neighborhood to just get out and be in the sunshine and fresh air so that Your Presence may touch each home in some way. Every household has needs. One of their biggest needs: they don’t know You. So, on their behalf, I declare blessing upon each household. I declare Your favor to be lavished upon them, whether in business, finances or relationships. I declare that angels be set upon each property to protect them from evil that surrounds them. I declare Your Truth would be revealed to them. I declare that they would begin to walk in their identity and destiny that you gave them even before they were born. I ask for the Holy Spirit to hover over each one in each household, keeping their minds clear and sensitive to Your Spirit. Lift the veil of unbelief from their hearts. Let the Holy Spirit touch them in such a way that they see Your Truth, Light and can hear that quiet roar in their spirits. Awaken them, Papa, awaken them!

Please continue to touch our lives. Have mercy upon us as we journey through this world. Give us guidance and protection from the evil around us. Allow us to sense Your manifest presence and experience Your Shalom in the midst of it all.

Thank you, loving and merciful God.

In the Savior's name I pray, Amen.