Jul 5
The Dark Night of the Spirit: Part II
“Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land.” Matthew 27:45
Standing in the splendor of this light that is not only thick, but pulsing with life, it is hard to imagine that a time of darkness is coming. But darkness must come, even if it is for a little while. Jesus told His disciple that a time was coming when it would seem like He had deserted them, then His presence would return to them (John 16:16).
The disciples, like you, wondered why? Things are going so well. Whether you have entered the Spiritual Dark Night, just entering it, or have yet to enter, things will seem to be going pretty well right up to the time darkness begins to over shadow you. You must remember, the same people who waved palm branches, and shouted Hosanna as Jesus rode into town on the back of a donkey, three days later shouted “crucify Him.” Things change pretty quickly in the world and if you do not understand what this coming darkness is for, it can be an enormous set back. Yes, there is still a time and a purpose for all things under Heaven.
DARKNESS BEFORE GROSS DARKNESS
There is a deeper reason for the manner in which the crucifixion events happened. In the heavenly protocol of the Crucifixion, for three hours, before Jesus died, the Sun was darkened. This darkness was not caused by ash from some distant volcanic eruption, as some scholars have surmised, nor was it darkness brought about by a solar eclipse as other scholars have implied. Think about it, that would have been a three hour eclipse. What’s the longest eclipse you have witnessed, five minutes?
Truth be told, this darkness was not even caused by the Sun, it was caused by the Glory of God lifting from the Earth. Most of us see light and we think all light comes from the Sun. Yet, it is God’s Glory that keeps all matter from drifting apart - it is part of the creation in so much as all that exists comes from Him who is light. God’s Glory is light and when it lifts darkness is the result and yet many choose to believe something happened to the Sun. Much of the Light we see today is “Glory Light” and we do not have the eyes to see it …. yet.
NON-NATURAL DARKNESS
So for three hours Darkness came over all the Earth. It was only then that Jesus cried out. It was then He felt the Light of the Father depart, it was then He knew His mission and life on Earth was finished, it was then that knew He was about to face a greater darkness than this. This coming darkness was a darkness no man or woman had ever overcome. This approaching darkness was not found on the face of the Earth as was the three hours of darkness He had just gone through. The darkness found in the place Jesus was going to was the vilest, grossest, darkness that exists.
Where Jesus was going was the very seat of Satan, it was his home. Here, in Sheol, Satan had kept all mankind from Adam to John the Baptist imprisoned. All of that was about to change, but Jesus had to conquer the darkness Himself. He had to get the keys to death, Sheol, and the grave. He could only do this if there was found no darkness in Him. He could have nothing in common with Satan, nor could He have submitted Himself to the world in any way. If He did He would be captured in Sheol, along with the millions who had come there before Him.
THE TIME OF TRUTH
This was indeed a time of truth and a time when anything done in darkness or behind closed doors would be made known. This was the hour when all Jesus had gone through in His life would make sense. It was here in this gross darkness that Jesus would shine. He would proclaim the good news of who He was and invite all who would believe to come with Him to Paradise. However, before many of them would arrive in Paradise, many of those who went with Him would make a stop on the face of the Earth to publicly proclaim all they had heard Jesus tell them, how they had been witness to Jesus taking the Keys from Satan, and that Jesus was truly Lord. Indeed, for all who would believe, His Kingdom had come and defeated the power of the evil one. It is still true today - all it takes is faith. Sometimes that kind of faith comes by understanding the word - thus faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.
VICTORY IN THE DARKNESS
Going into darkness is not something that we look forward to, after all it is very hard. But like Jesus, in the midst of your darkest hour, you will shine and great victory will come - you will over come that which was designed by the evil one to take you out and you will have new power after God regenerates you.
If the Son of God had to trust in God the Father to lift Him out of this darkness, don’t you think you will too?
You might remember that before you entered this last Room of Mystery you were in the Holy Place, a room full of Light that came from a Lampstand that God lit with His spoken word. But, here, in the last room, you are in the midst of the greatest light possible - the Light of the Creator Himself.
THEN DARKNESS COMES
In this last room, the light is the brightest light that exists, but if the Light is not present, this Last Room of Mystery will also be the darkest room in the Tabernacle. So you are grateful for any light especially this particular light. However, you are noticing that the Light seems to be dimming and your heart starts to pound. Then, as quickly as it came, it is gone. It was so bright - it is now so dark, so very dark. All you are left with is the dim circles of light left in the cones and macula of your eye, but that is physiological and has nothing to do with spiritual things. You are alone. You cannot even see your hand in front of your face, let alone find your way out of this tent. Panic sets in and you must get out … now!
Between gasps that come in rhythm with the pounding of your heart, you try to calm yourself by remembering the room is small, it is only three steps to anything, but those three steps seem to take a life time - and they will. It is far too soon for you to be able to see the light that was deposited in you by Jesus, so much fear still clouds your spiritual eyes - however, in time, at precisely the right time, you will shine and others will not only know it they will see and feel your presence before you even speak to them or touch them. There is a spiritual touch that can happen without touching.
Remember, I wrote on this over a year ago? It is here that you learn to touch someone without physically touching them. Up to this point, you thought you were ready, you are much, much, closer though it will still take some time and there are some significant spiritual matters you still must learn.
Next post I’ll write more on the three phases I mentioned in my last post. You’ll need to know these …. and more.
Blessings,
John Paul
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John Paul:
I have a question about the fascination with darkness. I agree with everyone here that this blog has been a wonderful series of spirit filled teachings. Most of it coming from the church that I am very familiar with. I am having a hard time embracing the darkness that you speak of when I have come to know that Jesus Christ is the light of the world and He came to deliver us from darkness. Why bring more darkness into the word when Jesus has already paid the price. This world needs no more darkness only the light of Christ. Didn’t you say in the Art Of Hearing God course, that what you focus on you make room for. I have been listening to “Art Of Hearing God CD and DVD for about a year now on and off because it is so rich with teaching. But if we continue to take a downward plunge back into the Dark Night I am afraid that it will be spiritually dangerous and cann take people back to the point of no return. I do not desire darkness because I have lived most of the first part of my life feeling abandoned separated and apart from God. In that respect I believe that the spirit of the Lord wants me and others to move forward. I believe that we are in danger of playing Russian Roullette with God. Bringing people to the point of unbelief and despair is not of God. In the past I have listened to too many so called prophets speak darkness, trouble and despair into my life and it felt more like a curse to me instead of revelation that brings life. After awhile I have watched them from a distance live out the darkness that they once meted out. I don’t want the same thing to happen to you. Please for the LOVE of Jesus lets start speaking life into people’s life instead of darkness that leads to death.
I didn’t have such a great 4th of July for once. I visited my son who is dealing with severe autistic challenges and most of the visit was wonderful until he physically attacked me but I forgave him after he calmed down and all was well after I spoke peace to his storm. He was very angry at the cross that I was wearing and ripped it off of my neck and proceeded to try to bite me when I was trying to read to him. There are definitely two sides to my Joshua. The peaceful side and the not so peaceful side. I asked the Lord what happened and He, the Lord had informed me that Joshua is angry and traumatized from the time when his biological father, not to be confused with his step dad physically abused him while I was in the hospital having corrective surgery from the time when I was physically hit in my abdominal wall at the site where I had the c-section. Joshua’s father was wearing a similar cross when his father physically abused him. So, he has a hard time with the cross and believing that Jesus loves him, you see Joshua’s dad looked like Jesus but didn’t act like Him. He acted more like Charles Manson and so he was triggered when I visited him yesterday on July 4th. I guess this is my dark night being part of another family members dark night. I know in all of this the hand of god remains on Joshua, he did nothing wrong. He was just an infant who was innocent and scared because of the event. I believe that this trauma has attributed to the severity of the autism. I believe he can be healed, so John Paul I know that you claim to be prophet of God with an apostolic call upon your life, and I give you permission ti visit my son’s bed side and lay your Holy Hands upon him for healing and deliverance in the spirit for this healing can only happen through a Holy Spirit transportation of spirit. This will be a true test for me to see if this is the real deal and if coming to this blog all these years was in vain. I know that I have sad alt here but I am sick and tired of watching my son suffer when I am basking in the delights of the Kingdom. I spoke to the
Lord about this request and He released to ask you. Something about this posting as triggered me. I hope that everyone else had an awesome 4th of July. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHERE GOD IS IN ALL OF THIS PLEASE:( - Enough is enough
Shirley C.
John Paul:
Please forgive me for being so harsh, I just don’t like being forced to go back into the darkness because its so painful. And I don’t think that this is prideful. Its a heart issue. I don’t like watching anyone suffer its like a bad movie. I am only asking the Father for His justice for Joshua. When I look at Joshua I look at goodness and I know that the Father smiles at Joshua,like I do.
Sign Me
Going into darkness is not something that we look forward to, after all it is very hard. But like Jesus, in the midst of your darkest hour, you will shine and great victory will come - you will over come that which was designed by the evil one to take you out and you will have new power after God regenerates you.
I just went through this last month, I had to take a stand that scared me very badly literally,and put a dent in my health, and I can tell you the words I heard when I took the stand were ” Go you got the power”
I went forth and when I stepped out it cut the head off a black snake.( I understood the dream I had months back about a black snake after I did this. it was in my family not my nuclear family.
It was dark very dark, and I would never want to go through it again as long as I live. All the Glory goes to God it was dark very dark, and as I write this with tears in my eyes my Redeemer lives!
I’m willing to learn them.
What happens if you quit here?
Dear All:
For some reason, I feel like I am the only one feeling a little disheartened with this post. So, I did some soul searching and found a video that explains where I feel that God wants us to live and how He wants us to live. It comes from a song done by Nickelback, “If Today Was Your last Day”, the words are written out in the video:
You Tube (I favorited this video):
If Today Was Last Day -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qejVzYDXc2A
Shirley C.
Ms Shirley,
No you are not the only one feeling bad about it. I posted on the Holy Spirit bringing sanctification. (dont see value in a lifting of the Spirit as he is the one who makes us who we are to start with)
2 Thessalonians 2:13 (NIV)
“13But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you[b] to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.”
Now I don’t beleive in a “point of no return” other than perhaps “sins against the Holy spirit” as Jesus mentioned; Those are the only unpardonable sin such as what Annanias and Saphira did when they lied to the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts.
Many people who have delt with the occult mention a point of no return but that would be something determined by God himself and may not be the same “point” for everyone. Only God decides what he forgives or does not forgive.
Nevertheless Jesus was without sin and yet he was put to death. He reaped what he did not sew. If the same is done to us we have fellowship with Christ (In Suffering).
Romans 8:17 (NIV) “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”
What was Jesus’s greatest suffering?
“Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”—which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Sincerely,
Shaun Brehm
i TOTALLY AGREE WITH SHIRLY. oUR KING TOLD US ABOUT SUCH A TIME COMING ON THIS PLANET THAT HAS NEVER BEEN BEFORE OR EVER WILL AGAIN. wORDS ARE PICTURES AND I WILL NOT BUY THAT PICTURE! DARKNESS IS HERE AND IT IS GETTING DARKER, BUT THE PICTURE OUR LORD WANTS US TO LOOK AT IS, lOOKING UNTO JESUS!BECAUSE WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU WILL GET. REMEMBER OUR LORD TOLD US TO TAKE HEED HOW YOU HEAR. MANY FALSE PROPHETS ARE GOT OUT INTO THE WORLD. THEY WILL EVEN SAY THAT JESUS IS CHRIST, AND SHALL DECEIVE MANY. TAKE HEED HOW YOU HEAR.
Dear Shaun Brehm,
Thank you so much for your comment.
This is really what I needed to hear.
Many blessings to all of you!
Hi Shirley,
I think John Paul said something very important concerning this dark night where the light seemingly leaves:
“It is far too soon for you to be able to SEE THE LIGHT DEPOSITED IN YOU BY JESUS, so much fear still clouds your spiritual eyes - however, in time, at precisely the right time, YOU WILL SHINE and others will not only know it they will see and feel your presence before you even speak to them or touch them.”
The kingdom is within you(luke 17:21)! Jesus said He would never leave us nor forsake us and He meant it. You now hold the glory of God. Unlike, Moses the glory will not part from you (2 corinthians 3:13).
You are a mighty virtuous woman of God. Do not give up. Trust Him to work through you for the healing of Joshua.
By the way, I absolutely loved the pic of God’s Hand on Joshua, and I think that’s a rainbow promise that God will heal your son. I have special place in my heart for Joshuas since my son also has the same name. I will continue to pray for him.
I have included a link from Sid Roth’s “It’s Supernatural” of a young boy named Desmond who was delivered from autism below if you want to check it out. I think it might help to see the steps this mother took for deliverance. Her name is Karen Mayer Cunningham:
http://www.sidroth.org/site/News2?abbr=tv_&page=NewsArticle&id=8479&security=1041&news_iv_ctrl=1195
This link also includes information about a young boy named Desmond who was healed of autism and is now in Med School:
http://www.sidroth.org/site/News2?abbr=tv_&page=NewsArticle&id=8421&security=1041&news_iv_ctrl=1195
Be blessed and encouraged and do not lose faith!
P.S.
Also if you just and to enjoy the goodness of the Lord, dance in His presence, and think about all the good things we will have once we are reunited with Jesus, here is a song called “Imagine” (not I Can Only Imagine, although equally good) that I absolutely love:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLFyh3UL788
Shirley, One Of Those, Shaun, y’all, et al, you guys,
Hang in there!!! Keep on keeping on!!! Don’t let fear of the unknown rob you at this point…
My husband used to coach high school athletics. I think over the years “osmosis” took over me–one who doesn’t claim to be athletic…
He’s coached on teams that had loosing seasons–little talent–but amazing heart and he’s coached on teams that have won state championship trophies–with major talent and cockiness.
Your attitude and determination to “stay” the course–keep playing despite the obstacles and pressures is what develops character and makes you a winner no matter what the scoreboard declares.
As we know JESUS has already gotten the victory–HE’S allowing these various tests and trials to come our way so the truth will seep into our being. HE wants us to wear that overcoming mantle and be empowered to operate in the supernatural as some point……..
For some reason all of us were led by the HOLY SPIRIT to participate in this Coffee Talk Blog. We have gotten into it so much that we don’t know if some point we stepped into eternity while participating–but we are in some realm that is being played out in our lives.
True–John Paul is a prophet–but we must realize that he is the one who will be accountable to GOD if he has mislead us for evil purposes…He has to give an answer to GOD.
Let’s give him a little margin–to lead us further into this dark tunnel…something tells me GOD is going to surprise us with HIS awesome glorious light.
Let’s encourage each other–I may be down next week and need you to hold me up…
* * * * Read Hebrews chapters 3 and 4 * * * *
We’re encouraged to be diligent to enter into HIS rest and not fall away. I don’t want to miss entering any realm that HE has chosen for me to go through.
Everyone take a deep breath, put a smile on your face and give the devil a little “heaven” when he hits us with his ammo and darkness…
We’re a team–let’s stick together and encourage each other to reach our full potential and destiny!!!
Fourth quarter–the ninth inning–buzzer is sounding.
Let’s play ball!!!
Love,
Linda “Coachette”
I think someone told me that Job’s major trials and testing period only lasted 9 months…Do you think GOD “birthed” something in Job at the end of his tests?
To all could it be that there are different phases of this spiritual darkness in our life. I remember a point in my life that I thought God had put me out to dry. But it was only a short time and remember God deals with each one on a personal bases JP on his calling and you on yours. HUGS
Hello to all who have a issue with the last blog of John Paul Jackson of July 5th,2010, I personal am very bless by the article, because if that is what The Spirit of God is saying, then thats what I personal want to hear! The bible says after the Word cut then it will bring healing. God understands our pain, fears, frastration,etc., but He also wants us to trust Him, and to know that after the dark night that light will come. Jesus, and the disciples, and the prophets, suffered alot of things while they were here on earth, but they trusted the God of all comfort to sustain them, and He DID! He will do the same for us. Jesus could have prayed and God would have delivered Him from all the sufferrings that He went through before going to cross,and even to going to the cross, but had that happen, man would have been still lost. Jesus was Kingdom minded, and so must we be; God is more concerned about the state of our spiritualy being than just our life here on earth. He is preparing us for eternity where we will never die, we will know no more sicknes, heartache.. Jesus didn’t die such a awful death, just for us to live comfortable down here, but for to live for all time. In Isaiah chapter 50: 10-11 The lORD had this to say(10)”Who is among you who [reverently]fears the lord, who obeys the voice of His Servant,yet who walks in darkness and deep trouble and has no shining splendor [in his heart]?Let him rely on, trust in, and be confident in the name of the Lord, and let him lean upon and be supported by his God.(11) Behold, all you [enemies of your own selves] who attempt to kindle your own fires [and work out your own plans of savation], who surround and gird yourselves with momentary sparks, darts, and firebrands that you set afl!– walk by the light of your self-made fire and of the sparks that you have kindled [for yourself, if you will]! But this shall you have from My hand: you shall lie down in grief and in torment” (Amplified Version) God also promise that He will give us”… And I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that it is I,the Lord, the God of Isreal, Who calls you by your name. I form the light and create darkness, I make peace[national well-being] and I create [physical] evil (calamity);I am the Lord, Who does all these things” ISAIAH 45: 2,7,. i think it wold be a blessing for us to read the entire chapter ISA.45 God cares about our pains and heartaches, He caes for Joshua and undertsand Joshua’s mom pains just like He dor Isreal then and all of us today even those who are not yet serving Him. I pray that God will help all of us through all of our struggles, but we must be careful not to strive with His word to us when he has spoken. When the word of God cuts, as it often will! We must still receive it and pray for the grace to allow The Holy Spirit to make it clear to our undertsanding that we will be able to grasp,it in it’s entirety. God also has promise that if He would us that he will heals us also. Sonia M.
I think my cells ALL shifted as I read this article, and I personally feel legitimized! I’ve tried so hard to fight off panic and fear as the walls continue to get smaller…I didn’t think they could GET any smaller but they have, and not because the journey stopped, but because we’re going deeper, and higher, and further! I started to think, “It’s official, I’m disappearing-there’s nothing to do anymore but breathe”! But then I began this long journey to the edge to reeeeeally locate the center! I love that you used the word regenerate! My body will be regenerated with power and energy…and there will be a transfer of Light! Steve and I had to leave the “good things” we were doing to truly lay hold of the greater things Jesus offered! I want to be one that comes dripping with myrrh leaning on my Beloved!…I want to go to the mountains of our culture and cause them to say…”Who is this one coming…I crave what you have!”
In response to previous comments…God IS the Light of the world, but look at how the world HE made STILL functions…autumn and winter still comes with spring and summer, night still comes before dawn, there’s still pain in childbirth, a butterfly still struggles in a dark cocoon before soaring! Being hemmed in is not for going back, it’s for moving forward!…it is not for cruelty, it’s for love…He says in Hosea, I lure you to the wilderness for love…to speak kindly to you! It IS very painful, and it’s where I usually give up!! I’m thankful for truth that will help me lay hold of the roar that has been churning in the deepest place in me for years.
~For HIM as we are HIS beloved and for such a time as this~
“Only the bare essence of who you once were remains, and that lies formless in the vat below. God will then pour you into a barrel and store you in darkness until the perfect time for your release.
At that most perfect of all moments, God will then pour you out on the people He takes you to. And those He brings across your path, will drink from you and be filled with God’s goodness, the rich goodness that God took so much effort to produce in you.” Preparing for the Dark Night of the Spirit Exodus 19, John 15:5, John 17, John 20, Hebrews 12
“Without this experience, it would be extremely difficult for you to consistently do this, especially to do it by grasping why the Lord allowed your deepest pain to come to you. By then end of the Final Dark Night, you will grasp this and like thousands of others before you, weep with gratitude as you marvel at God’s patience with you.” The Dark Night of the Spirit Part I 1Thessalonians 5:18, Ezekiel 28:15, Daniel 5:14, Genesis 37,39-41,45,47-50
“Remember, I wrote on this over a year ago? It is here that you learn to touch someone without physically touching them. Up to this point, you thought you were ready, you are much, much, closer though it will still take some time and there are some significant spiritual matters you still must learn.” The Dark Night of the Spirit Part II Ex. 29:29-30. Leviticus 10, Matthew 27:45, Hebrews 9,10
For Light has come, be not afraid~dear sis, love u much
Dear John, Linda, Sonia, Et.Al, ya’all & all Ya’all and those destined to be All, Ya’ll - lol :
Thank You all for your prayers of encouragement and the gifts that you are in Christ Jesus for, “He who has begun a good work in you will bring it to completion upon His return” - Phillipians 1:6 NAB. Know that the Lord has not overlooked you and He will not forsake you because he is faithful. I want to encourage all of us here on this blog including myself to continue to honor the work and the man of God who was courageous enough to go out on the limb and stick his neck out for us to share these grace filled nuggets for the last 3 years. This is a special month for John Paul for he has a birthday coming up at the end of July. Can anybody guess what day it is,um. Let’s honor the man of God.
In His Love & Name,
Shirley C.
I think the issue of darkness is best seen in the context of what God is doing in us. Darkness is another way for God to expose the issues of our heart ie. pride. Being so full and radiant of Light that people are touched with an eternal-changing touch a shadow-length way, that would be the “goal.” Darkness is merely a “means to an end” if you will.
Darkness is also not a punishment. It is a blessing that God would see fit to take us through these things so that we can successfully fulfill the call of God on our lives.
That is not to imply that going through darkness is fun, because it isn’t. But joy does come in the morning.
Psssss! Shirley,
I discovered on Facebook that John Paul’s birthday is July 30. If my calculation is right—he will be entering his 6th decade this month.
I am 13 months and a few days younger so that is why I give my “brother” not my “father” a hard time sometimes here on Coffee Talk…
We “oldie goldies” have to stick together… 
This “young” man–according to eternity–has many more active day for the Kingdom!!!
I pray that as John Paul continues to love and obey the Lord and to cling to Him–God’s word says He will continue to give him life and length of days as he dwells in the land that God has given him. (Deuteronomy 30:20)
Glad you are “chipper” Shirley!!! Those waves may crash over us–but thankfully we get our eyes back on
Him and He gets us to where we need to be.
Everyone enjoy the blessings of God today!!!
Linda
To Linda:
I am behind both of you by one decade. When I showed up on the earth, you all were already 10 years on the planet laying down the foundation through your private and public victories so you can be an example for all of us, years later. Yes, this has been ingrained into my spirit by your teachings John Paul, lol. Linda,I consider you to be my big sister, I actually have a little sister by 11 months also named Lynda with a “y”, lol. So now what does that make John Paul, my big brother? Um, I always wanted a big brother that looks like a combination of Moses and the veil of Glory that surrounded his face after the burning bush experience and Kenny Rogers at the same time. Oh and a voice that sounds like the voice of many waters echoing in the distance all the way from Texas, whoa,lol. Well, I guess I have t go to my room now for some more learning or relearning. Here we go around the mountain one more time. Happy Birthday month on Coffee Talk John Paul. We will get you again on the 30th.
Blessings!
Shirley C.
Hello to everyone here,
I liked what Sonia, JRobe, and others had to say. It encourages me as the darkness around me is just that, dark. I am seeing my own lack of faith that God really loves me and will bring regeneration to my body, mind, and spirit. Its true where else would I see this lack if it was not so dark. Where else do we grow except in the valley. If we stayed on the mountaintop then we stay shallow. I’m the one whose been bragging about the cost of following Christ - EVERYTHING! And now that I’m asked to pay the price I am finding that I don’t want to hear it. I don’t even want to open my Bible. The Lord taught me a long time ago not to say “too Hard”. But the words are on the tip of my tongue. I’m at the breaking point. My greatest fear was that God was going to take “too long”. I am angry. My life feels destitude. Having lost all my possessions really keeps it real for me. Nothing to trust in but the Lord Himself. You may all say well thats the best thing to trust in. But I’d like to switch places with you for a day and then let you tell me just to trust the Lord. I’ve really had enough! Maybe venting here will get me through this. I cannot deny that JP is confirming my experience. So if this is what the Spirit of God is speaking right now then I will listen. I don’t have to like it. Thanks girls for holding each other up right now. I really ask for your prayers for a breakthrough. Blessings, Holly
Thank you to “LAYDOWNYOURCROWN”. Every time you write a comment and I see your name, I envision a crown full of jewels that you are offering up to the Lord. Its not a shabby crown either. Its a crown of wisdom that brings the victory, so don’t lay it down too long. Just enough time to put on the coat of humility and then on goes the crown.
OK, Joshua and the hand of God and God’s rainbow, wow, wow. Ok, I see it. Earlier when I was snacking on my curried cucumber/yogurt salad and my garden veggie burger, yum, yum,,and pondering/meditating on God’s promise for Joshua, I had a quick image and an increased desire to lay may hands on those children and adults afflicted with autism, aspergers, bipolar and adhd. The Lord told me when I lay my hands on them and they behold the hand of God on Joshua through the LCD screen of wherever I go (note *: just like the time of when the people of Egypt afflicted with snake bites; something beyond their control looked at the snake on the pole and were healed - I think thats the purpose of the picture of the hand of God and Joshua - I need to be sent), at the point of visual contact, something will shift on the inside of them and their destinies will be revealed and they will be healed and the more I step out in faith in this realm, the more God will move on behalf of Joshua. The Lord has been saying to me that Joshua’s affliction is for the greater Glory of God. Lord please open up this venue and bring those who are afflicted so they can be healed. Folks,I think that we have something that I need to step out in my maternal heart is groaning for these future worshipers. Some people have already emailed me to let me know of some healings over the internet I prayed over them. I am beginning to understand the purpose of the dark night. I was also hit with the reality of ” I must do this now or many will die” whatever that means. Well I can’t emphasize it anymore than the Lord has to me, in the scripture from the new testament, is there any sick among you pray the prayer of faith and that will make them well, what more when someone see’s the hand of God on someone with a similar affliction and hands are layed on them to recover. Wow! Well have a wowwy weekend and Holly I will continue to keep you in my prayers for your breakthru for the Father is calling you His baby girl. He loves you to pieces, selah!
“Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land.” Matthew 27:45
So, what happened to His Glory?
John 1:3-5 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
Isaiah 9:2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.
John stood at the Cross and later said this: “We have seen His Glory” [cf. John 1:14]
And a Voice cried out,”Let there be Light!” and from the Cross, there was Light! So much LIGHT!
to one of those, God will bring to completion the work he began in us. Lord we pray that we would trust in you. To everyone, i have read every post but not commented much. Thank you to you all for your faith and hope. Please remember that darkness may last for the night but joy comes in the morning. One of those you must change your name to one of His. He is your Lord and His heart is for you. Thank you everyone. blessings JDC
“Truth be told, this darkness was not even caused by the Sun, it was caused by the Glory of God lifting from the Earth” - John Paul Jackson
What if that Darkness at Noon at the Cross at Calvary was not the Glory lifting, but the [fallen] Spiritual Reality of Sin becoming Visible [becoming a visible material reality to the the rod cells [responsible for night vision] of the human eye] and if this is the fallen human condition, then it is not surprising that we all shine as brilliantly as stars [cf. Philippians 2:15] - if only we could see each other, if only we really understood how to see each other….
The Glory at the Cross is a different category to the Glory leaving the Temple in Ezekiel 10.
Holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”
- Hebrews 12:14
I want to say that I have been experiencing for nearly 8 months what J. Paul has been talking about. (I hope it is almost over. But I do want everything God has for me.) A pastor of a huge church recently went through this for like 8 months too. He called it the dark night of the soul. A well known evangelist has gone through this stuff several times, also referring to it as the dark night of the soul. As I have read this I too have felt “empowered” to keep going through. At first I labeled it all as warfare, but as time has gone on, I believe that God is forging me through this process.
I have been following JP Coffee Talk for the last 2 plus years. the timeliness always amazes me, and it has fed me in the last dark nights. This particular dark night has been especially difficult and i have felt every emotion and place these the dark night of the spirit postings. i read them over and over and it continues to feed me. it gives great encouragement and these postings have help me to see from God’s perspective in times where i cannot see my hand in front of my face. thank you Pastor Jackson for your teaching; I look for your new postings everyday. it has been spiritual food for me. thank you Blessings.
JB
Hi everyone,
I just wanted to let you all know that I watched Karen Mayer Cunningham’s interview again on “It’s Supernatural” and something she said stirred by spirit. I think it is very prophetic for Shirley. She said: “The HAND OF GOD IS NOT TOO SHORT to touch your disabled child.” Being that God has spoken this through Karen and showed this to Shirley in a picture when her son was younger, I think this is confirmation for her
I also think this is confirmation for One of Those and anyone else with a disabled child. Do not faint or grow weary. Rest in the shadow of His Wings until the promise manifests. I agree with JDC, your are indeed One of His. I hope you do decide to pen that name.
JDC and all,
That is a very good suggestion about changing my name. I truly thought in the last few weeks I was going to become “One of Those” again. I had originally named myself this when the blog began because I had walked away from God unable to bear the darkness of my night or Job experience or whatever it might be called. I was “one of those” who had given up. I thought I was going to go that way again very recently.
I’m in systematic theology I class right now I am about 400 pages into a book on Inerrancy. I’ve had to read other books on the subject and listen to many lectures. I even have to prepare a teaching on it. I was ready to pull my hair out over this subject. I’ve ‘felt’ or ‘experienced’ no reason to believe in such a long time I thought I had only ‘reason’ left in tact as a means of faith. Reading all the high criticism views and liberalist positions (and all the other reasons not to believe the Bible as God’s word) destroyed the last chunck of reason I thought I was standing on. Then, I was left with nothing….no faith…no ‘reason’ (or intellectual reasons to believe).
After sleepless nights and plenty of thoughts of chuncking all the books out the window, or better yet, using them as target practice, I googled “quit god.” These struggles with doubt have been life long and the battle only gets worse. I wanted it to be over. I found a great article “The day I quit believing in God” and found it to be like aloe on a bad sunburn. http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/blog/2010/06/the-day-i-quit-believing-in-god/ Someone else like me has experience something like me! Although his problems with doubt were profoundly shorter than mine something hit me. Maybe this struggle with doubt was because I had always prayed for “unprecedented faith” and I must learn not even the faith to come to salvation is something of mine to posses? Even the faith to believe in Him is given by Him.
Romans 9:16 says “It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.” Ephesians 2:8 says “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” I’ve asked for a gift of faith and a gift of healing. I thought God responded by giving me doubt and gave me about the most disabled child possible. I thought God gave me a scorpion instead of an egg. I thought he had given me a stone instead of bread. Maybe it is just a dark night of the spirit to learn none of the faith and none of the healing is of me, by me, because of me…..maybe? Waiting on God’s answer….case not closed….yet.
Maybe there will come a day when I can boldly change my name to “One of His.” I’m not there yet.
One of His–
HIS nail scars are real and the hole in HIS side is real. HE doesn’t mind any of your questions that you have.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you (One of HIS) says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you (One of HIS) a future and a hope. Then you (One of HIS) will call upon ME, and go and pray to ME, and I will listen to you (One of HIS). And you (One of HIS) will seek ME and find ME, when you (One of HIS) search for ME with all your heart. I will be found of you (One of HIS) says the LORD, and I will bring you (One of HIS)back from your captivity…”
You may think you are only one of those–or one of HIS–but HE knows and calls you by your name, Heather…You are very special and priceless to HIM.
Love you sister!!!
Linda
John Paul
One line caught my eye and I had to stay for the rest. I’m being taken through the Dark Side of the Spirit and couldn’t discribe it to anyone. When the light left, I cried out because I knew that without Christ I would die. He is my source of life. Nothing could take His place and I KNEW it was only Him I needed. Husband, family, ministry, friends were nothing without Him and I would give all for His restored presence. I thank God He lifted the darkness and let me see it was what the unsaved would feel when they face Him in judgement and that it was what He experienced on the cross. I knew He didn’t leave me but that didn’t help. My soul felt His absence. Pride does lift its head at brokenness but how can this be left at the cross. Pride even at being called by His name finds a niche in me.
I disagree to the statement that God our Father turned and forsook his son Jesus. When our Lord quoted psalms 22, MyGod why have you forsaken me! he was feeling that way only. Being touch with the feelings of our infirmities. He spoke only the words of his Father ,and some of those words were,I WILL NEVER LEAVE THEE NOR FORSAKE THEE. OUR KING WAS EXPERIENCING THE FEELINGS OF OUR INFIRMITIES, ALL THE WAY TO DEATH SO HE COULD BE A FAITHFUL HIGH PRIEST IN THINGS PERTAINING TO GOD! GOD FORBID THAT HE WERE TO FORSAKE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN. aSCRIBE RIGHTEOUSNESS, LOVINGKINDNESS,AND RIGHTEOUS JUDGEMENT TO OUR GOD
To Nameless,
If you read the rest of Ps. 22 you find it was the human part of Jesus who cried out “My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?” Read on to verse 24. He is true God and true man. The devil is a smooth liar. If he can get you to believe the Father turned from His Son then how can we believe He wouldn’t turn from us. I believe it was with baited breath all in creation attended the sacrifice that covered it all.
Eileen
Nameless, I don’t have time or space to go into it but God’s glory and presence lifted from the temple in Ezekiel’s vision so that the Babylonians could come and destroy it. Jesus mentioned the temple being destroyed and in three days rising again. That was himself. I think the glory and presence of God lifted from Jesus in the same way so that it also might be destroyed. But, that’s a lot of theology to get into. I just think there is Biblical evidence for the removal of his presence before the destruction of the ‘temple.’ It’s something to think about at least.
I have been reading this blog through from the start, although not consistently. It seems I forget to read it for a while then go back to it and find exactly what I need to know about where I am has just been written about. Personally, I still feel very much in the dark about what is going on with me. While what is written about the dark night of the spirit speaks a lot to me in the place I am in, I also feel like what I am going through must not be painful enough to count as a true dark night. I am very familiar with what it is to be abandoned and to live in darkness in the natural. I feel that if I looked at what I am feeling in the spirit right now I could say I am being abandoned by God. But somehow I cannot accept that is what has taken place. God is too faithful to be a liar and He has promised He will never leave me nor forsake me.
I normally don’t comment on blogs but I guess I felt to say that I miss feeling God the way I used to and at times I wish I had just stayed in that easy place of experiencing His Presence. But I believe that if God has taken me on this journey it is because, no matter how dark it feels right now, there is something better on the other side. I lived a long time in darkness with no purpose. If there is any comfort from these writings, it is knowing that this is darkness with a purpose.
Praise God!
[...] John Paul Jackson пишет: “Only the bare essence of who you once were remains, and that lies formless in the vat below. God will then pour you into a barrel and store you in darkness until the perfect time for your release. ….. When the light left, I cried out because I knew that without Christ I would die. He is my source of life. Nothing could take His place and I KNEW it was only Him I needed. Husband, family, ministry, friends were nothing without Him and I would give all for His restored … [...]
MG-NZ,
As I was reading what you wrote above, this scripture came to me. I hope it edifies you:
“I will go before you and make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron.
I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, That you may know that I, the LORD,
Who call you by your name,
am the GOD of Israel.” Isaiah 45:2-3
Discover what HE has for you!
Linda
Just be careful not to get to complicated. Would you forsake your only begotten in their our of need? where if you being evil know how to give good things to your children, How much more will your heavenly Father. Understand that the Word was in the Beginning, and was in the beginning with God. So Jesus knew all things because he was there when it was written. Remember he was crucified before the world began. Before he sacrificed himself, he told us that he would rise again the third day. He knew it all, and he knew that the script must be fulfilled. Thats why he came so, he must say MY GOD, MY GOD WHY HAST THOU FORSAKEN ME? He said it to fulfill the script. Oh, MAGNIFY THE LORD WITH ME. GIVE HIM MORE GLORY!
I was looking at a bible computer written in the King James Version. I looked up the word sorrow. The first 3 times it is used it is to describe sorrow of mind, sorrow of heart, and sorrow of spirit. We were sent to this planet in order to feel sorrow for our pride and rebellion and also to experience redemption. But I would contend that sorrow of spirit is this dark night. The Lord wants us to feel really sorry for the sin in our life and not to dismiss or look lightly upon it. Who teacheth like him? Blessings, Holly
It’s true about the cocoon, its like taking off your sunglassess in a dark room and finally being able to make your way to the door and find your way out of the dark room or out of a box and stepping into the light. It kinda makes your eyelids shutter.And then once your eyes become adjusted, you can see clearer.
Thanks for the cocoon story.