THE SEVEN LAST PLAGUES

And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels having THE SEVEN LAST PLAGUES; for in them has filled up the wrath of God” (Rev. 15:1).

The word “PLAGUES” is translated from the Greek word..... plege meaning “a wound caused by a stripe or blow.” Plege is translated in the King James Bible as “wound” or “wounded” four times; it is rendered “stripes” five times and is rendered “plagues” only in the book of Revelation twelve times.

Thus, the “seven last plagues” is a spiritual concept.... it may be characterized as the “seven last stripes” or the “seven last scourgings” or the “seven last chastenings” which are filled up the wrath of God... God's wrath is poured out upon ALL FLESH.... this dealing is designed completely to bring correction and discipline unto His children.

“Last” plagues in which the passion of God is “filled up” or “complete” signifies that these are the last or final dealings of God with a people.... thus this final dealing brings repentance, victory, and salvation... This is what the "seven last plagues" are designed to do... CRUSH THE LUST OF THE FLESH REALM IN MEN THUS SETTING MAN FREE FROM THE DESIRES OF THE FLESH. Not the last in the sense that God will never deal with them again about anything, but last in that these dealings of the Lord will have completed His work in a "FIRSTFRUIT COMPANY OF PEOPLE to make right what is wrong and transform them into all that He wants them to be. That is the mystery! God will not spare us the destruction of our flesh.... therefore we see here the messenger of God pouring out THE TRUTH... THE TRUTH IS "A PLAGUE" UNTO THE LIE... THE LIE IS THE REALM OF THE FLESH IN MEN.... every time we pour out of our hearts the waters of truth.... truth becomes the "seven last plagues" to the realm of the flesh in men..... These plagues are killing flesh.... and raise the new creation man to higher realms in the Kingdom of God...

There is something else that is last. There are seven of them the "seven last plagues". They are the last seven plagues mentioned in the book of Revelation. What a promising word! They are full of the wrath (the Greek word.... thumos — meaning passion) of God. If we will notice, these plagues are poured out on men, upon the lust of the flesh. Everything carnal will be subjected to and swallowed up by these plagues! It appears that seven plagues, seven days, seven colors of the light spectrum make up THE LAST DAY... THE LAST DAY THAT THE FLESH SHALL EVER INFLUENCE US AGAIN... GLORY, and it swallows up every dark thing in its path. It is like a tidal wave of fire sweeping over the earth. There is nothing but stubble left in its wake…” These "seven last plagues".... bring

God's victory... redemption... and power..... What a redemptive work the glorious plagues are doing ..... even now as we empty out truth upon this earth...

When these seven “last plagues” have gone.... completed their work, accomplished their mission, there will not be any more flesh, carnality, or selfhood dominating in any of the Lord’s people. This will ultimately be true for all men everywhere, as we see after the Revelation, but here it refers to the people of God who are still immature children and who are enslaved in the carnal religious systems of man. There is the same truth as it pertains to the individual — that is, each one of us in our journey into God. The unproductive human identity.... the realm of flesh with its sinful disposition, the soul with its religious inclination, the carnal mind with its humanistic reasoning, planning, and scheming — all must suffer THE SEVEN LAST PLAGUES! Make no mistake about it — God will touch everything in the lives of His people! That is the final outcome of redemption, for He has redeemed us unto Himself and for His pleasure and purpose! Consider the following order of symbols used in the pouring out of the vials. They are poured out upon:... ALL FLESH....... Bro Eby writes...

these are the things.... the seven last plagues must touch.... all these things must be .... spiritually interpreted.... with spiritual understanding and insight.... these are not carnal things...

1. The Earth realm. (soulical religious realm)

2. The Sea realm. (body, sensual realm, fleshly passions, wicked

works, ungodliness)

3. The Rivers and Fountains of Water. (sources of ideas, concepts, culture, teachings, philosophies, doctrines, traditions, customs, carnal knowledge, worldly wisdom, the sources from which carnal men draw their life, their natural joy and refreshment, all that gives vitality to the programs of men. “Rivers” suggest the flow of these ideas as they are taught, propagated, and promoted by human institutions and instrumentalities of all kinds)

4. The Sun. (the external light of the old heavens and earth — laws, rules, commandments, authorities, hierarchies, dominions of the old world of man — religion, science, business, finance, etc.)

5. The Seat of the Beast. (human heart, deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, out of which all evil emanates — also the corrupt seat of spiritual wickedness)

6. The Great River Euphrates. (the power that keeps God’s people enslaved in religious Babylon. The Euphrates River stands symbolically for the separation between the kingdom of religious Babylon and our promised land of inheritance in Christ.

7. The Air. (the atmosphere created by man’s programs, promotions, and works — realms of understanding, feeling, sentiment, emotion, especially religion)

When the last seven plagues have finished their work there will be no more missing the mark, no more childish immaturity, no more deception, no more fleshly manipulation, and control, no more mistakes, no more spiritual bondage, no more falling short, no more sins of omission, and no more resistance to the will of God. There will be no more cause for correction, chastisement, purging, or purification, no more need for gaining more understanding, wisdom, or maturity of stature. Oh, my Father! As long as there remains something of this human nature, Your passion (wrath) is so kindled against it that You do not let it have any rest! For Zion’s sake, You will not hold Your peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake, You will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth! You will have no rest, till You establish, and till You make Jerusalem a praise in the earth! (Isa. 62:1,7). Great is the mystery!

Blessings All.....

THE BEAST COMING OUT OF THE EARTH...

Rev 13:1.... And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.

Rev 13:2... And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.

The Book of the Revelation was communicated to the Apostle John in and by spiritual language. He saw these heavenly visions in the realm of spirit as the Lord appeared to him in revelation after revelation, from glory to unfolding glory. If a natural, carnal--literal minded man would have been with the seer John on the Island of Patmos--- HE WOULD HAVE NOT SEEN WHAT JOHN SAW... why? Because JOHN WAS IN THE SPIRIT ON THE LORDS DAY.

The term "in the Spirit on the Lord's Day" is a spiritual sign spiritually meaning "John was caught up in the THE SPIRIT OF REVELATION IN THE LIBERTY OF THE LORD JESUS HIMSELF. John was living in the spiritual land of freedom as he heard the Spirit say... COME UP THITHER... from this high and lofty place John was experiencing the life of the Lord Jesus in the power and glory of "THE DAY OF THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY--WHICH IS THE DAY OF THE LORD". The day of the Lord is a state of being not a literal place in the natural. The grace of God empowered John with an divine ability to hear with understanding what the Spirit was saying unto the Church.

The first verse in Chapter one tells how God was communicating with John by the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation in divine sent signs and symbols. HERE IT IS... Rev 1:1... The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; AND HE SENT AND SIGNIFIED
it by his angel unto his servant John:... Notice the word SIGNIFIED in the phrase ....and he sent and signified.... The English word "signified" was translated from the Greek word... sēmainō... to give a sign, symbol, to signify, indicate... to make known...

So in understanding by the Spirit of truth in this book. We must understand thus it must be revealed to us by the SPIRIT OF TRUTH two key revelations in the first verse.... THIS IS THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST--JESUS MUST BE REVEALED BY THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH IN AND UNTO OUR INNER MAN... WE MUST KNOW HIM BY THE SPIRIT.... AND THIS REVELATION IS BEING "MAKED KNOWN" AND "INDICATED--COMMUNICATED" BY DIVINE SIGNS AND SYMBOLS.

For example... do we believe the LION THAT WAS SLAIN FROM BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD WAS A SYMBOL SPEAKING OF OUR SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST.... or do we believe this verse is speaking of a literal animal that got out of someone's barnyard. No the Lion is a symbol.... the Lamb of God is not literal thinking.... it is spiritual thinking.... AND SO IS THE REST OF THE BOOK....

Now lets look at some of the symbols in Rev 13:1.... And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns,
and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.

Notice John was standing in the Spirit in the realm of the .... SAND OF THE SEA... this spiritual realm is between the earthy realm and the sea realm... The "earthy" speaks spiritually of the soulish realm of man... the realm of human reasoning and carnal, literal understanding. This is a realm that has not yet been saved by the Spirit of wisdom and understanding... This is a soul that has not yet been transformed into the mind of Christ.

We see John is looking toward the "sea realm" which is the realm of the "lust of the flesh" of the fallen adamic nature. Notice that the beast was in the sea before John saw him RISE UP OUT OF THE SEA. This reveals that the "beast nature" that lives within the realm of the flesh in man sometimes is not being manifest. But John saw here the manifestation of the beast nature in the flesh realm of man, arising out of the sea realm meaning he is seeing a manifestation of the works of the flesh. You'll find these works in Gal... chapter 5.

As we keep studying in the 13th Chapter we will see this "same beast nature" in fallen man began showing and revealing himself in another spiritual realm. HERE IT IS... Rev 13:11... And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. The concept here of "another beast" is not revealing that there are two beast natures revealed in this chapter... it is revealing the "SAME BEAST NATURE" that is being exposed and made known coming out of two different realms.... the beast coming up out of the "sea realm" which is the realm of the flesh... also the beast nature coming up out of the earth realm. The sea realm is "THE REALM OF THE FLESH"... in this realm the beast nature is manifesting it's most deep and ugly
realm of works.... this realm reveals the lowest man can live... the most evil of works comes out of the "sea realm" of the flesh in men. You think of the most evil you have ever seen rise up and come out of man's heart.... THIS IS THE SPIRITUAL PICTURE OF WHAT JOHN SAW--- AND I SAW A BEAST RISE UP OUT OF THE SEA...

The same beast nature coming up out of the "earth realm" is revealing the beast nature in man ruling his soulish realm, his intelligence, his mind and thoughts, this reveals the carnal, literal, and natural mind in man, this reveals a state of being that seems right to man. this reveals, a natural social mind, a religious mind and state of being... this state reveals the loved of this world's ways and systems....

Blessings All...

THE LEOPARD, BEAR, AND LION.....

Rev 13:1
And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
Rev 13:2
And the beast which I saw was like unto a LEOPARD, and his feet were as the feet of a BEAR, and his mouth as the mouth of a LION: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.

Notice verse 2 is revealing that the beast nature, the carnal Adamic nature dwelling in the midst of the flesh realm is like unto a leopard, his feet was as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: .... then notice THE DRAGON SPIRIT--SATAN gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.

The leopard, bear, and lion are spiritual symbolic aspects of the nature of the beast that John saw in his spiritual vision. These reveal diverse characteristics manifesting out of the nature of the beast as he arises up out of the raging sea realm. The beast leaves his mark, the number of his name... HIS NATURE upon all that he rages war with...

Our dear brother Mr. Eby writes... Now let us consider a little further this beast that comes out of the sea. We have said that this beast when he manifests on earth, is the world system of man.
Yet is he not a beast in the sea before he ascends out of the sea? May God grant that we may truly see that this beast in the sea is the bestial nature of the natural man out from which the world system emerges!

The wise man once said, “I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts” (Eccles. 3:18). The apostle Peter also mentions the natural man, likening him to a
brute beast. “But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of things that they understand not: and shall utterly perish in their own corruption” (II Pet. 2:2). As Peter suggests, the natural man possesses animal-like qualities.

“He was like a leopard.” The leopard is one of the most beautiful of animals. His coat is sleek and exotic of color. His spots are a delicate cream color set against a background of exquisite brown. He is one of the most graceful in his movements, agile, swift, and dexterous. But he is also one of the most cold-blooded, cruel species ever known! Is that not an apt portrait of the world system of man in all its glittering allure and its ultimate spiritual
destructiveness!

“His feet were as the feet of a bear.” In comparison to the size of an animal, the bear has the largest and the strongest foot of any animal extant. No other animal has such strength of grip in its paws. He rises above all that opposes his reign and tramples upon all who stand before. The spirit of the world is the spirit of Self-interest, Self-exaltation, and greed which steps on and crushes anyone or anything that is in ones’ way to hinder his mad scramble to dominance — to position, fame, gain, prestige, or power. Ah, the world looks as beautiful as a leopard, but its feet are very ugly and ruthless, opposite to its outward appearance. It's systems, whether business, politics, finance, religion, or otherwise, will “use” you, usurp your time and strength, consume your wealth, burn out your health and soul, and then cast you aside as dispensable refuse. It will crush you to death! It has
the feet of a bear.

“His mouth was as the mouth of a lion.” The lion startles the forest with his deep-toned solemn roars. And there is mighty power behind that awesome roar! The lion is the largest and most majestic of the feline family. The voice bespeaks the word, the propaganda, the edicts, the pronouncements, the rules,
regulations, laws, and creeds of the world system of man. The pronouncements of the leaders of the world’s systems, of kings, presidents, prime ministers, generals, terrorists, scientists, educators, doctors, popes, archbishops, bishops, preachers, self-appointed apostles, and self-styled prophets have often
shaken mighty empires and filled nations and peoples with consternation. Where this beast opens its mouth and begins to talk, be it in politics or commercial life, in the market or in the science class, in the media or in the pulpit, in the courts or in government bureaucracies, there everything must be silent and
bow. And everything is silent and does bow before this beast! When, for instance, the state declares a law to be valid, no one asks, “What does God say about this?” When the courts ban God and His word from the halls of every government institution, when the courts remove prayer and the Bible and discipline from our schools, when the school boards decree condoms to be made available to ten, eleven, and twelve year old students without parental consent, when the states legislate gay-marriage when religious leaders hand down edicts to be obeyed upon pain of excommunication or death, to mention only a few milder examples of the lion’s roar — the ruthless power of government — the adoration of man’s order rules supreme. The mouth of the lion has roared, and everyone
is frightened into obedience!

The world system is made up of those earthly things which seduce men from God.

Blessings All...

Rev 6:2... And I saw, and behold a WHITE HORSE: and he that sat on him had a BOW, and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

Notice John was in the Spirit and was shown a WHITE HORSE. The White Horse speaks of the Lord Jesus Himself being revealed in the power of HIS RIGHTEOUS HOLY POWER--- Here HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS is being made known by the using of the spiritual color..... WHITE. His righteous power, his almighty holiness, and purity--his setting apart for the use of his Father brought the manifestation of great Kingdom power. What set him apart and places him higher in anointing and power is this..... he hates sin because of the death and destruction that it brings to his people... And he loves righteousness because of His love and devotion unto His Father.

The spiritual symbol of the HORSE here goes perfect with the righteous holiness of the Lord Jesus. Therefore HORSE here in the spirit bespeaks of the power that is appropriated unto him as a result of his holy, his righteous uprightness before His Father. So John is seeing into the realm of the heavens of the Spirit of Truth... And he sees a "WHITE HORSE" which is communicating a spiritual revelation of the Lord Jesus Himself in the POWER OF HIS HOLINESS AND PURITY.

Notice John is seeing in heavenly vision..... him that rides--sets upon the WHITE HORSE---reveals Jesus is living in, moving in, having his being in the HOLINESS AND POWER OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD... Also, he has in the midst of his life--his being A BOW... This BOW bespeaks the spiritual reality of A LIFE COMPLETELY BOUND AND MADE WITH "IN DIVINE COVENANT-AGREEMENT AND ONENESS with His Heavenly Father..... Jesus declares if you have SEEN ME..... you have SEEN MY FATHER..... because there is a divine agreement... A BOW OF DIVINE COVENANT ..... BETWEEN US.... we are bound together.... we are one.... in plan, purpose, in will in thought, in action..... because I am living in the midst of "A DIVINE BOW".... Jesus is riding and moving in the realms of the heavens.... riding on a WHITE HORSE OF HOLINESS AND POWER.... as he is revealing and showing forth the power of A BOW.... a oneness covenant with His Father.....

Blessings All...

TWO MEN IN THE FIELD...

TWO MEN IN ONE BED..... ONE SHALL BE TAKEN... THE OTHER SHALL REIGN AND RULE... WITH CHRIST JESUS...

TWO WOMEN SHALL BE GRINDING TOGETHER... ONE SHALL BE TAKEN AWAY... THE OTHER SHALL BE LEFT..... SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING THESE ARE TWO SOULS..... ONE CARNAL... ONE SPIRITUAL... ONE THE MIND OF THE FLESH..... THE OTHER IS THE MIND OF CHRIST...

TWO MEN IN THE FIELD... ONE SHALL BE TAKEN OUT OF THE WAY..... THE OTHER SHALL REIGN AND RULE ..... IN CHRIST JESUS... THESE ARE TWO SPIRITUAL MEN... ONE THE FIRST MAN ADAM... THE OTHER IS THE LORD FROM HEAVEN...

Luk 17:34... I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.

Luk 17:35... Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

Luk 17:36... Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

In the eyes of the carnal religious world, there are six or seven billion men on this earth. But in the eyes and wisdom of the Lord God almighty..... THERE ARE BUT TWO MEN......

And here they are....1Co 15:45... And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Out of the first man, Adam came the man of sin.... the Adamic fallen beast nature.... the carnal literal mind of man.... the mind of the reasoning of men. Therefore Adam was the beginning of the NATURAL MAN. But by the LAST ADAM came the new generation.... the new man.... the mind of Christ... THE SPIRITUAL MAN.

1Co 15:46... Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. But notice all mankind began their journey here in this life on earth wrapped up in the bondage and darkness of the first man Adamic nature..... HERE IT IS... howbeit that was not first which is spiritual..... WE WERE NOT SPIRITUAL FIRST IN THIS LIFE..... BUT WE WERE FIRST NATURAL, CARNAL, LITERAL MEN.... and AFTERWARD, we have changed.... afterward, that which is spiritual---we become.

1Co 15:47... The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. Therefore when God looks into the earth..... he knows all men by the spirit... why.... because all men are either living in THE FIRST MAN ADAM... OR ..... LIVING IN THE LAST ADAM..... ONE MAN IS CARNAL..... EARTHY .... THE OTHER MAN IS THE LORD FROM HEAVEN... Beloved at all times.... 24/7 we're all showing forth either Adam.... or Jesus...... there are only two men to manifest in this life..... we're either manifesting the life of the Lord Jesus Himself to the world.... or we're showing forth the beast man--the wild man Adam... BUT GOD ONLY SEES TWO MEN IN THIS WORLD... AND WE'RE IN ONE OR THE OTHER.....

1Co 15:48... As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. GOD JUST SAID... YOU'RE EITHER ..... CARNAL OR YOU ARE SPIRITUAL..... THERE IS NO IN-BETWEEN..... EARTHY OR HEAVENLY..... RELIGIOUS OR SPIRITUAL YOU ARE.....

1Co 15:49..... And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. Here is the promise of God to all creation..... AS CREATION HAS BORNE THE IMAGE OF THE EARTHY MAN..... ALL CREATION SHALL BEAR THE IMAGE OF THE LAST ADAM... THE SPIRITUAL MAN... THE HEAVENLY MAN... HIS NAME IS JESUS OUR LORD...

Now there are but TWO MEN in our world..... our daily lives.... in the inner bed of our most intimate thoughts, passions, desires, dreams... ONE IS BEING TAKEN AWAY..... ONE IS GROWING AND INCREASING BY THE POWER OF HIS MIGHTY..... UNTIL THERE IS BUT ONE LEFT..... UNTIL THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST REIGNS AND RULES OUR LIVES... FOR OUR DESTINY IS..... we are being transformed into the image and likeness of the Lord Jesus Himself..... WHY?.... because... Luk 17:36... Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

Blessings All...

LAY DOWN YOUR EXPECTATIONS

When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people gathered themselves together to Aaron and said to him, “Up, make us gods who shall go before us.” - Exodus 32:1

400 years. That’s how long the Israelites waited for God to deliver them from slavery. But after they left Egypt, God didn’t take them directly to Canaan. Instead, they camped at the base of a mountain while God instructed Moses.

But after 40 days, the Israelites grew frustrated. Their delayed expectations led to poor decisions: they rejected God and pursued whatever pleased them.

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by an uncertain season that lasts longer than you anticipated, you’re not alone. We can become so focused on our disappointments that we forget God is still in control. That’s why it’s important to remember that your waiting is never wasted.

Even though the Israelites couldn’t see it at the time, God wasn’t withholding His promises from them—He was preparing them for it.

So, if you find yourself weary from waiting, do what the Israelites forgot to do: look for evidence of God’s presence, and look back on what He’s already done. God’s timeline may be different than yours, but His faithfulness doesn’t waver. Your waiting might be preparing you for the plans and purposes God has for you.

Reflection Questions:

What have you held onto that you know you need to surrender?

In what ways has God been faithful in your life?

What might God be trying to show you in your current season?

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THE SEA MUST GIVE UP THE DEAD

THE EVIL SPIRITUAL "SEA REALM" MUST LET THE SPIRITUALLY DEAD CAPTIVE SOULS GO FREE.....

REV 20:13..... And the sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.....

THE SPIRITUAL SEA REALM WHICH IS THE DEEPEST REALMS OF EVIL LIVING WITHIN THE HEARTS OF MEN..... MUST BE TOUCHED BY JESUS' RESURRECTION LIFE AND POWER.....

THE GLORY OF THE LORD AMONG THE MANY SONS OF GOD SHALL NOT SLEEP NOR SLUMBER..... UNTIL EVERY SOUL LIVING IN THE DEATH AND CAPTIVITY OF THESE EVIL CONDITIONS ARE DELIVERED AND SET FREE...

Here it is..... Mat 16:18... And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock, I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. These gates of the hellish realms of darkness and evil have caged men's hearts in bondage and decay long enough. The spiritual condition of THE SEA REALM--THE DEATH REALM-- and spiritual realms of hell must GIVE UP THE SPIRITUALLY DEAD..... THUS SETTING THE CAPTIVES FREE FROM THE INFLUENCE OF ALL THIS EVIL AND CORRUPTION.

The captive gates of the realms of death and hell shall not stop or prevent the glory of the Lord from invading every inch of its evil land..... until every lost soul hears His almighty voice. Glory to God.... here is his wonderful promise..... John 5:28... Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which "ALL"---" ALL"--"ALL" that are in the graves shall hear his voice, The promise is that ALL THAT ARE SPIRITUALLY DEAD IN THE REALMS OF THE DEEPEST SEA...... ALL THAT ARE SPIRITUALLY DEAD IN THE GRAVE... ALL THAT ARE IN THE CONDITION OF SPIRITUAL DEATH... ALL THAT ARE IN THE REALMS OF HELL..... SHALL HEAR HIS VOICE AND COME FORTH IN RESURRECTION LIFE AND POWER.

THE SEA REALM MUST GIVE UP THE SPIRITUALLY DEAD AS THESE CAPTIVE SOULS HEAR THE VOICE OF THE KING OF GLORY THUS FIND THEMSELVES "COMING FORTH IN RESURRECTION LIFE-POWER AND GREAT GLORY..... THE SEA MUST GIVE UP THE SPIRITUALLY DEAD---- THE DEATH AND HELL CONDITION AND REALMS MUST LET THE CAPTIVES GO FREE INTO THE LOVING ARMS OF OUR KING AND SAVIOR.....

And the sea "SEA REALM" gave up the dead "SPIRITUALLY DEAD" that were in it, and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works” (Rev. 20:13). Here it is..... 2Co 5:19..... To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. It is very clear to all that have an ear to hear what the Spirit of Life is saying...... not ONE SOUL shall be left captive in these evil conditions... Glory to God...

What a beautiful spiritual picture of the "reconciliation of all things" as God is calling all men unto himself. And the sea gave up the dead that were in it…” In its symbolical and spiritual meaning, the sea speaks of the manifestation of those who dwell and are held captive in that lowest realm of life. Throughout the scriptures, the sea is a type of the inner storms and turbulent nature of the Adamic man. The prophet Isaiah declared these inspired words: “The wicked are like the troubled sea, which cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith, my God, to the wicked” (Isa. 57:20-21).

Jude saw into the spirit realm and also described wicked men when he said, “These are raging waves of the sea, foaming out their shame” (Jude 13). The beloved John on the isle of Patmos had a vision of a great whore sitting on many waters. The angel revealed the meaning of the many waters, saying, “the waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues” (Rev. 17:15). The human race is like the raging waves of the sea realm--- even in carnality sometimes is calm and peaceful, then rough and boisterous, and then dangerous and treacherous......

Blessings All.

Fasting.

Maybe that word takes your mind straight to the foods you’d have to give up or that “hangry” feeling you sometimes get when you’re so hungry, you’re irritable.

Yet, many churches nationwide have asked their members to start the year with prayer and fasting. Though fasting can be one of the toughest spiritual disciplines, the idea is repeatedly shown throughout the Bible, signifying its importance in the Christian walk.

So, what good can come out of not eating for some time? 

You might think of weight loss, but that’s not the goal. Instead, fasting can be a wonderful spiritual experience because it enables you to focus on the Creator of the universe in an entirely different way.

Maybe you’ve never fasted or haven’t known how to do so—or why. Here are 3 things to consider:

1. Fasting follows the actions of Jesus and is a way of drawing near to God.

In the book of Matthew, Jesus instructs His disciples about fasting as if it’s a normal activity. Notice that He doesn’t say “if you fast,” but “when.”

But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. —Matthew 6:17-18

Let that sink in a bit. Fasting isn’t a suggestion; it’s meant to be a lifestyle. And Jesus Himself modeled that for us.

2. Fasting is a method of sacrifice, showing complete reliance on God.

Following the Holy Spirit, Jesus Himself went into the wilderness and went without food for 40 days and nights (Luke 4:2) immediately after He was baptized. There, Satan relentlessly tempted Him, but Jesus did not give in.

Although you may not be fasting for that length of time, it’s important to realize that even when our bodies are at their weakest, we can resist the devil’s temptations by depending on God. As Jesus said:

It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” —Matthew 4:4

If the One who was fully God and fully man took time to fast, how much more should we?

Fasting is a way of training your body to deny itself for the sake of something greater—knowing God and putting everything in His hands.

Yes, you may crave that fancy latte or your favorite fast food. Fasting means breaking your habits for a shift in your routine to make room for something better.

So in the tough moments when you’re hungry, pray. Ask God to help you.

The action of fasting helps you be more mindful that at the end of the day, no matter how advanced technology is or what amenities you have, you’re still a human in need of God.

“Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” —Joel 2:12

3. Fasting can help you gain clarity and direction.

Have a big decision coming up and not sure what to do?

Take time to fast and pray about it. While a fast isn’t an exchange to get something from God, you by all means can use the time to pour your heart out to Him. He wants to take your care and worries.

… Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. —1 Peter 5:7

Lay everything down before His feet. He won’t leave you empty.

That’s what Queen Esther did before putting her life on the line to make a request to the king (Esther 4:16). And that’s what Paul and Barnabas did ahead of choosing leaders in the early church (Acts 14:23).

While the world may tell you that you need this or that, fasting helps you know what’s truly important. It gives you the opportunity not just to seek God, but to hear from Him, too.

What Next?

Whether you choose to fully fast or partially fast, fasting takes intentionality. Think about the timeline of when exactly you’ll be fasting and what foods you’ll be abstaining from if doing a partial fast. Consult your doctor before doing a full fast for any significant amount of time.

Either way, fasting is a choice to seek God over-filling yourself with food.

Get honest with yourself—what are you craving more?

Copyright Billygraham.org