A Glimpse into Heaven's Throne Room

And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days. Joel 2:28-29 NKJV

OK, some people will think I'm nuts--but then, a lot of people already do. However, no one can deny what another person experiences & I recently had a deeply spiritual experience...

This past Thursday night, after a particularly unusual day--I got myself ready for bed and as I lay in bed saying my evening prayers, something extraordinary happened. I was going through my list of requests with GOD, naming off those I wished to come to salvation and those who needed healing and/or comfort in their lives. Suddenly, it was as if the roof of my house was lifted away & I was looking into the night sky. The clouds parted and in the distance I could see a massive throne. On that throne a figure was seated but I was unable to make out any features or determine any colors in the room because it was completely awash in brilliant, white light. As I squinted to look, I could see the source of the light was to my left--the righthand side of the throne. It was like the sun, only pure, white and it emmitted no heat. There were other figures moving about as if flying--I assumed to be angels. Their movement was slow & graceful and everything was calm and peaceful there.

Then just as suddenly as it began, the clouds closed up and in the diminishing light, I realized I was not alone. Standing beside me, to my left, was a female figure--a brunette with hair & facial features similar to Princess Diana. Was that to tell me an angel is watching over me? Was it telling me there is a woman out there GOD intends to be part of my life at some point in the future? I really don't know. All I know is what I saw and I believe that in response to my prayers that GOD would make Himself real to me, He opened up the Heavens just long enough to give me a brief glimpse and see Him on the throne--with Jesus, the light of the world, standing at His right hand.

The Bible says dreams & visions are real. I can't say I'd ever given much thought to them until now, but if it happened with the prophets of old and with those in Jesus' time, it can and does still happen today. God, nor His Word, are subject to change...

Blessings,
Tony

Our "Unchangeable" GOD...

For I am the Lord, I do not change; Micah 3:6a NKJV

Life is full of changes. No one knows that better than I do. Granted, many of the changes in my life--whether good or bad--have been the result of my own actions/decisions/choices. Some have been forced on me by the actions & choices of others. Others still were simply part of the life process involving the living & dying, working & toiling, teaching & learning of those I share this life with. Regardless as to how they came about, GOD has seen fit to use them to make me who I am.

Assuming my life on this earth continues (for none of us are guaranteed tomorrow) and Jesus doesn't return right away, I'm certain to see more changes come my way and to witness changes in the lives of my family & friends as well. Some will be pleasant and good, some will be painful & difficult. That is simply how life is. We can't stop the world from turning day by day or hit the pause button to keep things just as they are when we are comfortable & happy. If only we could, I'd surely rewind to happier times and pause there and I'm certain many others would as well...

Fortunately, we serve a GOD who does not change. He is Who He is, Who He was, and Who He always will be as referenced in the initial Scripture. His mercies and grace are new and fresh each day. That is the reason He allows us to continue on our often wayward paths in life, those times we are disobedient and defiant. Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. (Lamentations 3:22) He is ever faithful to us--even though we are often unfaithful ourselves--because of his great love for us. Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. (Psalm 103:4-5)

As for me, I am thankful for GOD's "unchangeability"--for were I Him, I'd have grown tired of me a long time ago and probably have taken me out of this old world. I know He has to become exasperated with me at times, yet His love is constant and unchanging. When I fail (or fall) He gently and lovingly picks my up and puts me on the right road again. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. (Psalm 40:2) A fella just can't ask for much more than that...

Blessings!
Tony

"Waiting" in the New Year

Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord! Psalm 27:14 NKJV


Well, it's here--it's 2012, a new year is upon us. Whatever might it hold in store? I, for one, am happy to say farewell to 2011--it was not good to me. My life changed drastically last May when my sweet bride, the love of my life, passed away. Many of my hopes and dreams died along with her.

I'm not bitter, but my life seems to lack direction these days. I drift along like a ship blown about by the winds, seemingly with no particular destination. I read my Bible, I pray, I seek GOD daily. Still, He seems to say "Wait"--something I personally don't do well. Wait? Wait for what? God, You know--I'm not getting any younger here. If I am to do anything with my life, if I am to make a difference for You in this world--I need a goal, a destination, a mission of some sort. GOD, are You there? Can You hear me? Do I matter? Do You care?

Silly me! Of course You're there. You care. I matter...and You hear me fine. But, wait...? I'm trying, Lord--I really am. Although I often procrastinate, I'm accustomed to having some goal, some deadline. Waiting is difficult for me. Can't we speed up the process a bit? Can't You slam doors shut or swing some open wide so I know what the next step is? I know, I know--still You tell me to wait...

So, I wait, and I trust, and I hope. My hope truly is in You, Lord. Your Word tells me in Isaiah (40:31) "But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint." Renew me and strengthen me, Lord. Show me Your way.

I am not overcome with worry. I am not fearful of what the future holds. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4) I simply desire purpose in my life. Show me Your Will and Way, oh Lord. I trust You to meet my needs, but I desire to serve You. My prayer is simply that You will use me as a willing vessel to show others the way to You.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Search me and try me, Master, today!
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
As in Thy presence humbly I bow.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me, I pray!
Power, all power, surely is Thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Hold o’er my being absolute sway!
Fill with Thy Spirit ’till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me.

This is where I am for now--yielded and waiting for GOD to reveal His plan for my life to me. I would appreciate the prayers of my friends & family while I wait...

Blessings!
Tony