A MESSAGE TO THE REMNANT + My Dream + Christ's Coming

 

A MESSAGE TO THE REMNANT

"Even so then, at this present time, there is a remnant, according to 

 the election of grace (chosen by grace)."

(Rom. 11:5)

"THE KINGDOM" - The Millennial Kingdom

What are you going through?  What is it that gets under your skin, and brings out the worst in you?  Whatever feeds our flesh, will make it stronger.  But if we "starve" it; if we no longer give it what it wants, and refuse to yield to temptation when it comes, then it will get weak, and eventually, die.  We are to grow in the Spirit, and renew our minds with the Word of God - daily.  We struggle with sin, the devil, our flesh, and the world, but God is on our side - the Holy Spirit is the Father's gift to us to dwell in us, to help us, and to empower us to overcome.  Without God, the Holy Spirit; without Jesus, we can do nothing.  Each day, we are in spiritual warfare, and the battleground/battlefield (the devil's playground) is in the mind.  Before we even get out of bed, we must have the mindset that we're going to start the day on our knees, we're going to put on our spiritual armor, and we're going to walk in love; we must prepare ourselves for action/offense & defense, understanding that there is an enemy who wants nothing more than to steal, to kill, and to destroy us. (John 10:10)  The secret is this: the devil wants to steal our peace.  I had a dream years ago, of Satan, pridefully, declaring that to me.  So, I tell you, child of God, keep your peace, and don't let anyone or anything steal it.  Peace is so valuable to have.  And remember, the battle has already been won for those of us who are in Christ Jesus.  We're just passing through.  Yet, we are also being trained to reign.  Did you know that?  "No pain, No gain; No train, No reign."  Hardships are good for us...that's if we're walking close with the Lord.  A professional athlete, a runner, a boxer, and a wrestler, all have this in common - THEY MUST TRAIN.  No one wins a prize, a trophy, a belt, or wealth without going through pain, endurance, training, and perseverance.  The feeling of victory that a champion has when they win in the end while holding their prize, is the same feeling God wants us to feel when we enter Heaven's glory.  A sense of accomplishment, and a heart of thanksgiving to the One, who alone is God; the One who deserves all the honor and praise for His Amazing Grace in seeing us through to the end.  Who would not like to hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant," when all is said and done?  (Matt. 25:23)  If we, who are to win JESUS - the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords, as our prize, how much do you think He's worth to you?  Shall we meet Him without overcoming certain sins in our short life here on Earth?  Shall we meet him by holding onto one of the greatest lies from the enemy, "once saved, always saved" or say, "I can continue in my sin because I'm sealed?"  And then never try to give it our best in life because we're simply just taking His love and death for granted?  How much is Christ worth to you?  Is He worth you picking up your cross, turning from your sin, not looking back, and pressing through?  Is He worth your knees hurting from praying?  As for me, I use a pillow...I let nothing stand in my way of honoring the King!  Yet, I have a "fighter" spirit in me, as I have fought for my life since I was a small child.  I know that I am here on purpose for a purpose, living out a specific story that God has laid out for me to finish, woven perfectly into His much larger story for the world - "God's Love Story - Jesus Christ."  And you...you are here at this time, in the latter days, to play your part, too, in the same story, and He has set a prearranged/predetermined race for you to run - an assignment on Earth, that only you can fulfill and do.  We want to try our best in pleasing Him, don't we?  Not to use our freedom to satisfy our sinful nature, (Gal. 5:13) but rather, our conduct, and our walk, should be worthy of the gospel of Christ, and of our calling. (Eph. 4:1; Phil. 1:27)  Indeed, we must work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, (Phil. 2:12) in submission to the Spirit, as He is working in us, giving us the power and desire to do what pleases Him (v.13)  We are not saved by works, but by grace - Thank God!  But salvation is serious, with the understanding of the reality of Hell, for without holiness, no one will see the Lord (Heb. 12:14)  And Jesus is serious about how we live; here are a few verses where He is speaking to the Churches...

"Yet I hold this against you: You have left your first love.  Consider how far you have fallen!  Repent and do the first works.  If you do not repent, I will come to you quickly, and remove your lampstand from its place - unless you repent."  (Rev. 2:4-5)

 "I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.  Wake up!  (Be watchful)  Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.  Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold fast, and repent. Therefore, if you do not wake up (watch), I will come upon you like a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you."  (Rev. 3:1-3)

"Behold, I am coming quickly!  Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown."  (Rev. 3:11)

"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten (discipline).  Therefore, be zealous and repent."  (Rev. 3:19)

And only those who overcome, will He NOT blot out their name from the Book of Life. (Rev. 3:5)  We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. (Eph. 2:10)  God desires His people to show their faith and love for Christ by bearing fruit in their lives.  And the love He has for each one of us - if we only knew, our hearts would melt within us; just as I am feeling a small portion of that right now.  We cannot contain His love.  But, in His grace, He gives what we need for the day, according to His purpose and plan.  At the very beginning of this writing, the Lord said to me, "THE KINGDOM."  He desires us to continually, have our minds set on the Kingdom.  That is our future!  Don't look at what you see in the natural.  Don't look around you.  Don't even look at yourself.  You're not going to look like that much longer:)  You're not going to be living where you are much longer, and you're not going to be in that situation you're in, much longer.  We're going to rule and reign with Christ!   Our race may seem long, but compared to eternity, we have a very short time here on Earth - this place where we groan is called, "our training ground."  We will also be training to reign on Earth in Heaven before we return with Christ to rule with Him.  (After the 7 year Tribulation)  As we're here for this short time, be careful what you look at.  Try hard to work on your weaknesses, (asking the Holy Spirit to help you, always) because our enemy, Satan, and his demons, have studied us since we were very young, and they know us very well.  (In the spiritual realm, everything is known)  You better believe he knows your past; ready to even remind you of what you did 5 minutes ago.  He enjoys bringing up your imperfections (even though none of us are perfect), if he learns that it hurts you.  Once we move forward with God, here comes the devil, whispering in our ear any word to bring us down; attacking our minds/emotions, stealing our prayer life, our finances, sowing strife in the home, afflicting our bodies with sickness, enticing us into temptation, and scheming all sorts of evil to cause us to backslide, once again.  We must be like the bulldog that doesn't let go of the bite in the fight.  We must get to the point where we hate the sin that so easily entangles us (anger, lust, addiction, and the list goes on - Heb.12:1); and we'll always struggle, yet, if we yield to the Holy Spirit, and lean on Him, daily, for help, He will come along side of us, pick us up, and make a way where it seems to be no way.  He is our faithful friend.  A lot of times, we are our own worst enemy; our flesh is lazy, complains, and is complacent when it comes to making any positive changes in our lives.  It takes a strong will and determination - a mind that refuses to quit, to put that flesh into submission to the Spirit.  It is like a baby that cries when it doesn't get its way; it is like a boy/girl who never listens/never obeys, and so must be corrected and disciplined.  Discipline is painful at the time, but afterward, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. (Heb. 12:11)  We must cooperate with the Holy Spirit, and align our character with God's will and purpose.  The Bible is our Life Instruction Manual.  It is a mirror of what our spirit looks like.  But our soul (mind/will/emotions); our flesh, is where we struggle.  Take two hands; one, holding the Word, and the other, praying.  Now, a person can work towards becoming like Jesus.  If we only pray, without reading the Bible, life is hard.  If we read the Bible, without praying, life is hard.  How much worse it is for a child of God to not use both hands!  How can they do anything?  Yes, the Bible and prayer go hand in hand.  Let us begin to read more in the Bible, and to discipline ourselves to pray before we start our day; and let us work on ourselves, in the area that God is dealing with us about.  As we do these things, God will make His move, and we will see Him show up in our life - it excites Him to watch us do something new, as we break out of our comfort zone.  We want to be ready for Jesus, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. (1 John 2:28)  And He will give to every one according to his work."  (Rev. 22:12)  Remember, we must be careful that we do not lose the things which we have done, but that we may receive a full reward. (2 John 8)  Therefore, let us rise up, get back in the race, and finish strong; this life is almost over, our story is at the end, and our fight is nearing the last round...Here is my dream:  I saw myself on Earth, with a white light emanating/shining out from my whole body, reflecting Christ's glory.  I am in my early twenties.  My physical weaknesses, and all imperfections are no more.  I am brand new.  I am wearing clothes on Earth that I personally like to wear.  My eyes looked as if I was wearing mascara, although, this isn't earthly makeup, it is my new, natural appearance; and my hair is down; I am very pretty.  This is how the Lord wants me to look.  (I always wear my hair up, and I do not use mascara because of allergies, and my eyes are weak; have been my whole life, so this is the Lord's doing)  (All saints with glorified bodies are attractive...we will be made perfect!  He will have each of us, looking our best.)  My countenance and demeanor is calm, peaceful, joyful, confident, and exhibiting love.  My spirit is hovering over this scene in the dream, and I am watching myself speak Christ's teachings and laws to the people: love, unity, holiness, and righteousness, with wise instruction.  In the Millennial Kingdom, the people on Earth will not have glorified bodies like we will have.  And they will need to be supervised, guided, and taught; they will need our help.  Our hardships and experiences here now, will benefit these people, as we will have gone through much harder times than they, and so we will be a great example of faith to them, and will offer them advice from what we've learned here on Earth.  We will be guiding them through our example and influence.  Their life, in the Millennial Kingdom, will be much easier than what we've suffered here, as Christ will be their King.  Yet, they have much to learn, and will, too, struggle with the sin nature, (their bodies are mortal at this time; ours are immortal) and they will continually, need help with their minds (thoughts), as we need help in that same area right now.  In my dream, I am in the area on Earth where I grew up; a place where I am most familiar with.  We will dwell in the Holy City (The New Jerusalem), and will work in the Earth, per our specific assignment(s) given to us by the Lord.  Therefore, I believe our clothing will change, depending on where we are, and what we are doing.  So to each of us, our bodies, our character, and our service, will be exactly what the Lord wants...everything about us will be for His pleasure; we are His.

"But God gives it a body as He pleases." 

(1 Cor. 15:38)

For those who overcome, will be given authority and power; they will primarily function as priests and rulers (1 Pet. 2:9, Rev. 2:25-26, Rev.5:10), reigning with Christ in His Kingdom, and there will be no end.  (Luke 1:33)  After the 1,000 years, the Holy City (The New Jerusalem) will come to Earth, and there will be a New Heaven and a New Earth.  (Rev. 21)

Hallelujah!  

Almost Home,

Jennifer Lynn O'Connor

What Will the New Jerusalem Look Like? - Dr. Jack Van Impe (Q&A)

Question:  How close is His coming, Jennifer?  He's not telling - it's His surprise!   But, we do know that His return is right at the door  (Matt. 24:33)  The Essenes say that 2075 is the start of the Millennial Kingdom.  Everything must be finished, and in place by this year; such as, the tribulation, the judgments, rewards, clean up, the temple, the New City, the world being accustomed to the new rules/laws/feasts, etc.  All of this, and Dr. Jack Van Impe in his book, "Millenium," has even said, will take about 40 or 50 years.  I agree.  Let's subtract 2075-40=2035  Now, let's subtract 2035-7 (7year tribulation)=2028!!!  Therefore, and according to this explanation and theory, the rapture will happen in either 2025, 2026, 2027, or 2028 at the latest.  If the Lord tarries thereafter, know that His heart has always been in saving souls, and that He is patient, not wanting any to perish (2 Pet. 3:9)  We do know that He is coming; is it within these next few years?   I think so...I hope so, but at the same time, souls getting saved is much more important to God - and me, than me getting out of here.  Until then, the Lord has given me this assignment - to encourage the Church to get moving, to get running, and to get ready, because those of us who are alive, and remain, will fly!  (1 Thess. 4:17)  I love you, my readers; thank you so much for your time.  I believe God orchestrated, and led every one of you here, as we're closing our life stories here on Earth.  From all of the people in my life that have come across my path, God had us meet for a reason, for a divine purpose, all for the glory of God!  I hope you have been blessed by your visits here.

♥Love in Chris†,

Jennifer Lynn O'Connor

P.S.  Here is a secret:  For those who are walking closely with the Lord in these last days, they will know around the time of their departure.  As we see in the Scriptures of 3 men who were "caught up" or "caught away," they were: Enoch, Elijah, and Philip, the Evangelist - in the book of Acts. It doesn't say that Enoch "knew" of his departure, but that he walked with God, and pleased Him; knowing this, it is safe to say, that He, most likely, knew of his leaving.  Elijah, did know, as written in the Scriptures, as did others, and he asked his helper, Elisha, what he wanted before he left.  Philip, the Evangelist, walked closely with the Holy Spirit, preaching, and being used by God.  He was continually, being led by the Spirit, obeying His voice.  Knowing this, those who are led by the Spirit of God, obeying His voice, will, undoubtedly, know of Christ's coming, at least within a 24 hour notice.  This is my belief, based on Scripture.  Additionally, in (2 Pet. 1:19), we read, "which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts."  Therefore, this is showing us, that those who are alive and remain - the remnant, will be aware of His coming, right before He arrives, such that, in our hearts, we will feel a heightened sense of excitement and expectancy.  We will know on the day, but not before.  And as time is now drawing nearer to the rapture, those remaining in fellowship with the Lord, will recognize something unusual in their spirit - a subtle transformation taking place - that is, a spiritual discernment of our lives on Earth in our mortal bodies, are now coming to a close.

"Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God." 

(Heb. 12:15)

Thank you for reading to the end.  May God bless you, and recompense you for your time.

I woke up this morning, and thought... "Oh, no! Not another day in this body to maintain. Not another day, to again, endure this pain. Oh, not another day to train... Because I know the King - I know His Name. And with Him, I'll reign. I live and breathe this saying, "No pain, No gain."

*Below is taken from Dr. Jack Van Impe's book, "Millenium." I have selectively, carefully, compiled, and arranged only the statements that describe the New Jerusalem, and our glorified bodies in relation to this MESSAGE.

The New Jerusalem is our (the Bride of Christ) final, eternal home, after the judgment seat of Christ and the marriage of the Lamb have been accomplished. We will live in a spatial city, hovering above the earthly city of Jerusalem, watching and interacting with the world below. When the Church has been joined in marriage to the Bridegroom, and is installed in her prepared place, she will never be move out of it again. The Church enters her eternal state at the rapture. When the Lord returns with His bride to reign, her dwelling place is not to be left unoccupied for a thousand years. Rather, the place of occupancy is transferred from heaven to a position over the Earth. Thus, John sees the "great city, the Holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God." This dwelling place remains in the air, to cast its light, which is the shining of the effulgence of the Son, onto the Earth, so that "the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it." (Rev. 21:24) At the second advent, the time of the descent of the city into the air over the Earth, the church saints are joined by the Old Testament and Tribulation Saints, who are resurrected and who take up residence at that time. The LIVING Israel and LIVING gentiles on the Earth at the second advent, do not enter this city, but they enter the millennial reign of Christ. They cannot enter the Holy City until AFTER their resurrection.

There is two Jerusalems: the heavenly Jerusalem for those with new, translated bodies that are unable to sin, and the earthly Jerusalem where the inhabitants still have fleshly weaknesses.

The New Jerusalem is a city so bright that its glow will light the world both by day and by night. It is where we will live in new spiritual bodies that allow us to walk through walls, disappear and reappear at will, and travel at the speed of our own desires, just as Jesus did in His resurrection body (Luke 24:36-41). We will move freely and swiftly, defying present-day physics. In our magnificent spirit bodies, we will be seen, we will be able to touch others and be touched, and we will be able to vanish at will, and reappear, just as readily. We will be able to penetrate walls, and move instantaneously through many dimensions. We will be able to travel, and move across the universe at the speed of thought. We will be able to move trillions of miles in a split second-as fast as thought-because we shall have bodies like our Lord's. We will be able to see, touch, partake of food, and co-mingle with the humans on Earth. (Luke 24:39-42). We will live in that new Holy City, the New Jerusalem that hovers over the globe in the Millennial era. Meanwhile, there will be people down below-on Earth- living in their human bodies under the personal rule of Jesus. We, who have been raptured, will be hovering in heavens one and two over the earthly city of Jerusalem, interacting with the people of Earth. The people of this era will still be partakers of an old sinful nature. As we co-mingle and coexist with the people on Earth, as well as the saints in glorious Holy City, our comings and goings will be traversed like a bolt of lightning. Just as Jesus in His new body (Luke 24:39). The heavenly Jerusalem is a real city, people with real glorified bodies who interact with earth's inhabitants during the Millennial period. The heavenly Jerusalem is a real place, hovering above the Earth during the thousand-year reign of our Lord Jesus Christ. The heavenly Jerusalem is the eternal habitation of all resurrected saints. The resurrection saints will have some participation in the government of the millennium. Christ's rule will produce righteousness, godliness, justice, joy, peace, and holy living. (Rev. 21:10-11, Rev. 22:5, Rev. 21: 24-24)

The heavenly Jerusalem is the eternal habitation of our Lord God. It will also be the capital of the New Creation. Within its boundaries, will be housed the great throne of the Almighty. For 1,000 years, the Holy City hovers over the Earth - (Rev. 21:9-22:15). Then eternally, as this heavenly place descends to Earth, and becomes situation on terra firma (solid ground), as recorded in (Rev. 21:1-8). Also, after the thousand-year reign of Christ, our Lord will be recommissioned to continue His reign on Earth (Rev. 11:15), and we will also be allowed to continue with Him in ruling the world for all eternity. Heaven will finally be situated on Earth forever and ever.

LIFE IN THE NEW JERUSALEM: (Rev. 22:3) We will be God's servants (a life of ETERNAL SERVICE); a life of righteousness (NO SIN); a time of rest from our labors (Rev.14:13) (PEACE); a life of bounty and abundance (Rev. 22:2) We will (ENJOY THE DELICACIES OF LIFE); We will live (A LIFE FULL OF GLORY AND WORSHIP) "And the Lord shall be King over all the earth. In that day shall there be one LORD, and His name one (His name alone will be worshiped.)" (Zechariah 14:9) "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things." (‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?) shall be added (ministered) to you. (Matt.6:33) “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (Luke 12:32)

*It was planted in my heart, 7 years ago, to write this to the remnant (the body of Christ in these last days), but it wasn't time yet, but now, it's time...which means, I believe, the rapture is rapidly approaching, and He will come quickly, and unexpectedly; therefore, be ready!

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” (Rev. 22:20)

"You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected (in the hour that ye think not),” (Matt. 24:44; Luke 12:40 NLT & 1599 Geneva Bible )

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The Vision & Dream Given to Me * Behind the MESSAGE:

Over 10 years ago, I had a vision of Jesus speaking to me, the words in Luke 12:32, relaying the message to me about the Kingdom. He also told me that Satan hath no power over Him. Then, I had a dream of God, speaking in a voice of mighty rushing waters, so loud and powerful..."THY KINGDOM COME!" Again, relaying to me of the subject of His Kingdom. Afterwards, He planted in my heart to write a letter to the body of Christ, teaching and encouraging them of our wonderful future in the Kingdom of God, as we are eagerly waiting for His return. It wasn't time yet to write the letter 10 years ago, but it is now in 2025 - God's perfect timing; this message is now finished. After compiling and creating the MESSAGE TO THE TRIBULATION SAINTS last year, and now A MESSAGE TO THE REMNANT, it is certain, to me, that Jesus is coming very soon. Furthermore, I saw a great cloud of King Jesus, wearing a great crown, appearing in the sky on 2 different occasions. The first appearance was during the song, "He Shall Reign Forevermore," as I praised the King.

HE SHALL REIGN FOREVERMORE (Chris Tomlin) *Audio*

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A WARNING TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN JESUS, BUT ARE NOT LIVING THE CHRISTIAN LIFE:  

According to Scripture, and I have only quoted a few verses - not all, in the MESSAGE; remember, Paul was talking to, and warning CHRISTIANS, that anyone that continues living in sin, will not inherit the Kingdom of God. i.e. (1 Cor. 6:9-10; Gal.5:19-21; Eph. 5:5; Heb.10:26; Rev. 21:6-8; Rom.13:13, etc.) Remember, the battlefield is in the mind.  First, the sinful thought comes to mind - we meditate on it (imagination/image/words), then we must cast it down (2 Cor. 10:5).  If we don't, we'll let it get down in our hearts.  Once it gets into our hearts, then we will, eventually, act on it.  Therefore, we give birth to sin, after its planted in our hearts.  But sin, always, starts in the MIND. THEN THE HEART. THEN IT BIRTHS OUT IN OUR LIVES.

I personally, know of a woman of God, who is like Nicodemus in Jesus' day, who done everything well.  She would not be one to think would be on her way to Hell!  Yet, God allowed her to experience where she was, indeed, going, if she didn't stop a certain sin in her life.  Her testimony is on You Tube.  Let us take our Christian walk seriously; Christ died for a people to love Him, and to live for Him; not to use Him, and think they'll get into Heaven without giving Him their whole heart.

If you've been bound in sin or an addiction, and can't seem to break free, continue taking it to the Lord, renewing your mind with the Word of God - daily, asking the Holy Spirit to help you overcome, and command that devil to leave, in Jesus name!  Yes, there's always a demon behind every weakness we struggle in.  Remember, God's grace is with those who love Him.  The most important thing is to remain in relationship with the Lord.  The woman of God, stated above, rushed in the morning, neglecting time with the Lord.  We need to pray before we start our day, and prepare ourselves to be spiritually strong - there's an enemy out there, who wants nothing more than our very souls.  I've learned that the more we love Jesus, the less the sin has a stronghold; and the more we love Jesus, the more fruit in our lives - that is, good works; simply because the love we have for Him moves us to do those things that are pleasing to Him.  Recently, I found prayer journal notes in my closet, and one of my papers said, "Jesus, what do you want me to do?"  And He said, "Just love Me."  That was so touching to me; I didn't even remember that.  What was spoken to me 20+ years ago, still speaks to all of us today...Just love Jesus.  That's all He wants; and everything else will fall into place.

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We're At War in Our Minds (Rom. 7:22-25)

THE MIND IS THE BATTLEFIELD/BATTLEGROUND/

THE DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND

*  "When the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and all the imaginations of the thoughts of his heart were only evil, continually. (Gen. 6:5 GNV)

 Footnotes: (Hebrew) every day.

*  "Casting down the imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." 

(2 Cor. 10:5 GNV)

* "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false testimonies, slanders."

(Matt.15:19 GNV)

* "For from within, even out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, uncleanness, a wicked eye, backbiting, pride, foolishness.  All these evil things come from within, and defile a man."

(Mark 7:21-23 GNV)

Footnotes: All kind of craftiness whereby men profit themselves by other men’s losses.

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Let us keep serving the Lord, using our gifts, and working on those tasks He has given each of us to do, with a willing heart, as we wait for Him. Each one of us will give an account of our lives to God. (Rom.14:12) For the Lord will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His Kingdom (2 Tim. 4:1), and we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, where our works will be evaluated. (1 Cor. 3:12-15; 2 Cor 5:10-11) Also, take heed of the seriousness and importance of the Parable of the Talents (Matt. 25:14-30). May it be our highest goal to please our King, as we love one another.

† "Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler (put you in charge) over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord (thy master's joy)." (Matt. 25:21,23)

† “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work." (Rev.22:12)

Jennifer Lynn O'Connor

god's love in poetry

HOW TO HEAR FROM GOD

As I am preparing to write "How to Hear from God," 

I feel led today to add some things about myself, first,

before I begin.  As I wonder why I should pour out my 

soul - which I had not planned, I see the Lord's purpose

behind it - He wants people to not think that someone 

who hears from Him must only be called, must only be

special, must only be important, must only be 

well-known, must only be "perfect," or have a high 

position in Church that would qualify him/her.  No; 

this is far from being true.  We are all equal in God's 

eyes; all having this in common - we're all made in the

image of God, we all have His Spirit (as Christians), 

we're all flesh and blood, and we all have a "disease"

we struggle with, called sin.  No matter what color skin 

we have, no matter what we've done, what we haven't

done, or what we do in life, we are all "one."  God can

use anyone if He used someone like me; it's just up to us 

to surrender, obey, and to make ourselves available.  (see

the QUOTES page, "Stepping Into Muddy Water," for

Inspiring True Stories) as I shared some ways the Lord

used/uses me.  When we become Christians, the Lord goes

to work in our hearts, heals our wounds, nurtures us,

teaches us, and helps us to grow; and over time, if we're faithful 

in His Word, He will use us, and give us opportunities to help 

others, as we have been helped.  He's looking for bodies

"vessels" here on earth, that He can work through to bring 

the backslidden back to Him, and to those who are lost, into

the Kingdom. Furthermore, He wants us to help those who are

weak, give to the poor, pray for others, and to encourage our 

brothers and sisters in Christ.  Whenever we are given the

opportunity, we should be able to show people what Jesus

looks like - what love looks like - it's more than just words

- it's action.  We are His voice here.  We are His hands here.

He'll use anyone; all that's required is a heart "sold out" to Him.

We are skillfully-crafted and purposed to 

be here by our Designer, Maker, and Creator. 

Each one of us are here for His good pleasure, and

if one desires to know his/her purpose in life, one 

must first know Who made them.  And that person will soon 

discover, that Christ is their purpose.  No matter who you 

are, no matter what you've done, no matter the sins you're

entangled with today, God wants you.   You are reading

this for a reason, orchestrated by God, to invite you to come

closer to Him, to learn how to hear His voice, and to embark

on a journey with Him, living with a purpose and passion for 

life that you've never dreamed.  Yes, if you're here reading

this...God wants you to give Him your whole heart, and to 

lift up your arms, and say, "I surrender."  Time is short; 

and what we do with the little time we have left, depends

on our position, authority, and assignment given to us into 

eternity.  I, as I have noted here before on this website, was 

brought into this world, without love or being told I was loved,

ever held, or to have an adult in my life to guide me, spend

time with me or teach me anything.  I know what it's like to 

have an "orphan" heart.  I know what it's like to battle one

health problem after another - close to death.  I know what 

it's like to be yelled at constantly.  I know what it's like to be 

whipped on my back.  I know what it's like for someone

to try to drown me.  I know what it's like to not 

have a home, and to not have a loving parent- 

or any parent around at all.  I know what it's like to 

be hungry that even dog food sounded good. 

I know what it's like to be treated even less than an 

animal.  I know what it's like to know much about 

sin, especially by the time I was 5 years old.  It's no 

wonder, that when I became a Christian later on, 

that God wasted no time in "cleaning" me up.  I am 

still a work in progress today, and that will continue 

until I go home - as goes for all of us.  It's also, no

wonder, He pursued me to pursue Him, and led me on

a path to learn how to hear His voice - I had now been 

adopted into God's family!  I finally had a Father!  A

heavenly, perfect Father, in fact!  Praise God!  Thank

you, Jesus!  For Jesus made a way for us all to be 

reconciled to the Father, by His precious blood.  So, 

the Father - now my Father, began to heal my hurts,

helped me to get to know Him, and taught me His ways.

He welcomed me with loving arms, as I was now 

a part of His family.  He desires to have a relationship 

with each one of us, even before we were born!

Thus, this is the foundation I want to lay first, that the 

Lord would like me to start with before I explain - to the 

best of my ability - how we can hear from Him...which 

is the same as walking with Him, having a relationship 

with Him, and being led by His Spirit - it is a constant, 

continual life with Him, as He is actively involved and

interested in every aspect of our lives.  Many times, He

communicates to us, and we are unaware.  My hope is 

to help people experience God in their lives in a real way,

for He is very much real!  And I have prayed for everyone

who reads this page, and who visit this website, asking

God to touch them right where they are, and to draw 

them in closer to Him.

Jennifer

*And after the earthquake, came fire: but the Lord was not in

the fire: and after the fire, there came a still soft voice. 

(quiet, gentle voice/gentle whisper/calm/soft, gentle voice)

(1 Kings 19:12)  

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*"Reverence/Respect/Fear Him ~ God will speak to whom He chooses, when He chooses, and how He chooses."

*"Stay connected to Heaven (God the Father and Jesus Christ), by keeping our "end" clear to receive from God, through the Direct Line ~ the Holy Spirit."

*"If there's a problem with the line - it's always on our "end."  His end is always working.

*"Communicating with the LORD can be like unto a telephone, and the Holy Spirit is the power/the electricity/the line that God has given us to receive."

*"Whenever we receive from God/hear from Him/are given revelation/inspiration from the Word of God, it is always coming by/through the Holy Spirit."

*God the Father's way of communicating to us is through faith in Christ, and through His Holy Spirit."

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.  (John 14:6)

*"Clear the noise in our minds for a clear connection and a clear reception."

God does not always speak verbally.  God's ways to speak to us are many - limitless!  And He is always available...Are we?  As Christians, we're always connected to Him through the Holy Spirit; it's our line/end (our racing minds or quiet minds and hearts, that determine if we receive or not.)  Remember, God is not far from any one of us; as Christians, we are united with Him in our spirit - the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead, dwells in us!  

Acknowledge/be aware of His presence throughout the day, and listen continually, making sure our line/end (heart/mind is clear/clean), expecting to receive.  The more we're "filled" with God's Word in us, the more diligent we are in seeking Him, and our constant awareness of His presence with us, the more we'll receive.  And as with any relationship takes time to grow,  so He reveals more to each one of us as we walk with Him in life.

Journaling/Writing:

Quiet your mind, open your heart, and be still before the Lord.  Ask the Lord a question by writing it down, and imagine the Lord with you in a place/setting of your desire, in your mind.  (worship instrumental music, playing in the background, may be helpful)  Patience and childlike faith is needed here, along with being grounded in God's Word.

*"Blessed is the man who listens to me,

Watching daily at my gates,

Waiting at the posts of my doors."

(Proverbs 8:34)

His words will always be spoken in love and on love as it will always agree with His Word, and will speak directly to our heart.  If we hear a word(s), then we take a step of faith, and write it down.  We must make sure it lines up with Scripture.

How do we know if the words that we receive are not just our own thoughts or demons?

God is Spirit, and He is speaking to us from His Spirit to our spirit; if we hear a word/words that comes to our mind spontaneously, and if it's a word(s) that benefits/blesses us or someone else in our life, and it is confirmed in our heart, it may well, indeed, be from God.  We receive with childlike faith, testing it with Scripture, as it touches our heart (spirit).

Writing is Biblical:

Then the Lord answered me and said:

“Write the vision (write My answer NLT)

And make it plain on tablets,

That he may run who reads it."

(Habakkuk 2:2)

The book of Psalms is also a communion

(journaling/writing) with the Lord, and when

David writes, "Selah,"  he is pausing

so that he might hear from the Lord.

The Lord must wait for you to come to Him

so He can show you His love and compassion.

For the Lord is a faithful God.

Blessed are those who wait for His help.

(Isaiah 30:18 NLT)

He will be gracious if you ask for help.

He will surely respond to the sound of your cries.

(Isaiah 30:19 NLT)

He will still be with you to teach you.

You will see your Teacher with your own eyes.

(Isaiah 30:20 NLT)

Your own ears will hear Him.

 Right behind you a voice will say,

“This is the way you should go,”

 whether to the right or to the left.

(Isaiah 30:21 NLT)

Now go and write down these words.

(Isaiah 30:8 NLT)

When God speaks, it doesn't always have to be in words; He loves to communicate to us in other ways...heart to heart; Spirit to spirit.  Seeing with the "eyes of our heart" (inspired thoughts/images/spontaneous inner pictures, guided by the Holy Spirit; for example, seeing an image of someone to pray for) during prayer/worship, visions, dreams, and mysterious/spiritual/unexplainable moments of heavenly encounters.  He also speaks in the gifts of the Spirit, such as interpretation of tongues, word of knowledge, and prophecy.  As Christians, we should be walking with Him throughout our day, being led by His Spirit/directing our steps - walking in the Holy Spirit is walking with Him - moment by moment; listening to Him - moment by moment.  He guides us, enables us, and equips us in life, making us more like Jesus, and helping us to let our Lord live His life in and through us; therefore, we must be sensitive to what He's saying...the initial, inner promptings of the Spirit/He prompts us by strong inclinations/feelings, and we are to surrender/yield/obey).  The more we surrender and obey, the more He'll speak to us, and reveal to us.  Additionally, God will fill us, and anoint us, to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill His purpose and calling in our life; and that anointing also brings benefits of blessings, such as favor and protection.  We rely on and depend on Him in everything, and so we must have the mind-set on the things of God; then we'll be willing to surrender to Him.  ("Letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death.  But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace." (Romans 8:6).  He'll speak to our spirit; our conscience, and we'll have a feeling of peace (a "yes" to move forward in that direction, a "yes" in going to that movie, speaking to that person, doing this or that, etc.; or on an opposite end, we'll feel no peace in our spirit - a sense of uneasiness, a bad feeling, or a hesitancy, when the Lord does not want us to do this or that; this is God's way of saying, "no" regarding that situation.)  Another way we hear from God is by receiving His word(s) in our minds, spontaneously (a still, small voice - 1 Kings 19:12).  Also, by "coincidences/signs"...for example, we may have been thinking about something in particular, and we "just so happened" to come across an article, a video, a book, a song, etc. that related in some way to that same topic.  A lot of times, "coincidences" are what I call, "God winks."  Sometimes, He may orchestrate events in your life, bring a person across your path, or a video might catch your attention, and it really blesses your heart...any time something or someone draws you in closer to Jesus, you can know for sure that was God.  Other ways He speaks, and primarily, is through His Word; we open the Bible to receive from Him with childlike faith and with an open heart through revelation/inspiration from the Holy Spirit.  God also speaks when we have an idea (this happens when we are spiritually minded...we will receive a sudden thought that causes us to get excited/have joy/peace).  We must continue to acknowledge the Lord's presence with us - as He is omnipresent, Immanuel - God with us, and has promised He would never leave us.  Indeed, the Lord is so close to us, that, remember, He also lives in us; this is how much He's very interested in us, and being a part of our lives.  Let's keep an alert mind, always expecting to hear from Him, and keeping our hearts and life clean the best we can - by His grace and strength, for apart from Him, we can do nothing.  (John 15:5)  When we fall into sin/temptation/in the flesh, then let's run to Him, retreat, talk to Him about it, and ask Him for His forgiveness and help.  God knows we're not perfect; a relationship is what He desires...He knows we can't make it on our own;  there is no sin His blood cannot wash away.  Other ways that God speaks is through nature, a word/text/email/letter, etc. from someone, a hug, a gift/money from someone that you had been desiring or needing, a phone call, a visit, an audible voice, and even through our pets/animals!  Sometimes, a song will come to mind that blesses us or a Bible verse, that is just what we need at the time.  There are no limitations to God in how He chooses to communicate to us, to assure us of His love and/or comfort.  As His children, we all have different personalities, and are uniquely made from His hand, and our Father will bond with each one of us, in our own personal way.  And when we receive any communication from the Lord, "we will know that we know," in our hearts, that it was from God.  Remember, He also knows our thoughts, and speaks to us in response to our thoughts - if He chooses.  There are Christians who have disciplined their thoughts to some measure in trying to please Him with meditations of the heart. (Psalm 19:14)  Some more ways that God speaks to us is...we may feel the Holy Spirit's presence...we may feel His love, we may feel grieved if we've broken his heart from sin or we are "tapping" into How the Lord feels from something else in the world -  yes, at times, we can feel what He feels, for He is one/connected with us;  we may be overwhelmed with joy, and cry tears - a human response when His presence is strong, we may feel heat on a certain area of our body, we may feel air blowing on us, we may feel an "electric" power, we may see flashes and/or flickering of light (many times, this is from Angels or spiritual warfare in the atmosphere)...Again, God's ways are limitless in communicating to us.  Being led by His Spirit, daily, and letting Him speak to us through His Word are two primary ways for Christians.  All other ways are according to the person believing, receiving, their daily obedience with Him, their personality, and how they "hear" best.  We are all brothers and sisters in Christ, with one Father, and He knows each of us very well, and knows exactly how to get our attention and how we learn and receive from Him best.  In prayer, and worship is another way He'll speak...When we pray (talk to Him), we pause, and listen for a response; if we're patient, and our hearts are tender...we might hear Him.  Then, we continue praying (talking to Him), and pause again.  (Prayer is a two-way dialogue)  If we have not received a word/response from God, no worries...when we ask God to help us to hear Him, and to open our "ears" to hear, He will make sure that we hear the right word(s) that we need to hear, at the right time.  It's important that we're continually, listening, expecting, and receiving.  And when we're reading God's Word, we must remember that Jesus is the Word and the Word is Jesus, therefore, it's the same as spending time with Him (God), and hearing from Him (God).

Jesus was the Word made flesh. 

"And the Word was made flesh."

(John 1:14)

WHAT IS IMPORTANT:

1.  REPENTANCE  (This breaks down that barrier of condemnation, (see below #4) and helps us to receive from God; knowing that our sins are under the blood, frees us from a guilty conscience.

2.  WORD OF GOD  (READING IT, DAILY)  This helps us to grow in the Spirit as we feed on His Word, and renews our minds; thus, we become spiritually-minded.  (If our minds are carnal, we cannot hear/receive from God)  But continuing in the Word of God (being faithful), helps us to stay familiar with His voice, helps us to hear/receive from Him, and strips off the carnal mind (flesh).

3.  PRACTICING GOD'S WORD (WALKING IN LOVE AND OBEDIENCE TO HIM/HIS WORD)

We must put God's Word into practice.  Many times, we read God's Word, and forget (James 1:25), neglect to do what He says, or we only read our Bibles every now and then, and the fruit of the Spirit is not produced in our life (love).  Please also remember, that God is a Holy God.  We must worship Him in Spirit and in Truth.  Someone who has the Fear of the Lord, receives many benefits in life, according to Scripture; and enjoys a close fellowship with Him.

4.  Be aware of BARRIERS:  Be free from condemnation and feelings of unworthiness, distractions, racing thoughts of a    "To Do List," doubt, impatience, a carnal mind, putting filthy language/anger/slander/self-curses/lust, and the like, far from us, as well as worldly/ungodly interests/personalities that/whom consume our time and feed our "flesh."  Receiving God's Amazing Grace by faith, tears down barriers (strongholds) that hinder us from hearing; And even just one Word from the Lord can carry a person throughout the whole day, knowing it came from the Almighty.

*"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down the imaginations (arguments) and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ."

(2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

*"Keep oneself unstained (unspotted) from the world."

(James 1:27)

5.  Keep our (end/line) open and clear for connection with God.  We hear from God through the Holy Spirit.  His end is always open and clear; if we quiet our minds, our line will be clear to hear.  Therefore, any disturbance, or of not receiving, is always on our end/line; we'll have a bad connection. The best way to tune into God is to still our souls before Him, waiting patiently, with no noise or distractions.  Respect the King.

6.  Remember, everything takes time and practice to be well-trained in a certain area.  And over time, we will become very familiar with His voice, as we have disciplined ourselves to listening.  If a person has a desire to hear, then know that God planted that seed in them to pursue Him.  God wants us to seek Him!

7.  Be aware of our enemy, the devil - Two things Satan steals 

in the life of a believer: 

1.  Our prayer life.

2.  Time in His Word.

*Many Believers either do one, and not the other, or rarely or none of the two, at all.  We need to:

1.  Come back to praying (talking with God) 

DO NOT LET CONDEMNATION STOP YOU FROM PRAYING!

The devil - our enemy - comes to steal, to kill, and to destroy (John 10:10), and he's the accuser of the brethren (Rev.12:10) - the source of condemnation we have towards ourselves when Scripture says there is now no condemnation who are in Christ Jesus (Rom.8:1)

The devil is working hard by attacking our mind/emotions, pulling us away with lies (condemnation, shame, unworthiness, telling us that we can't hear God or that He doesn't hear us, causing us to get angry at God, and blaming Him, etc.)

2.  Come back to God's Word.

"And when you draw near to Him, God will draw near to you."

(James 4:8)

One Final Word:  I know of a Christian who once told me, "The Lord used to speak to me all the time, but doesn't anymore."  As years went by, somewhere along the way, they stopped reading God's Word, and stumbled from sin.  I felt sorrow in my heart to see their brokenness, discouragement, and self-condemnation.  God didn't require them to be "perfect" first before He would speak; it was their own sense of unworthiness, and awareness of sins that kept their line from receiving.  What pleases God is faith (Heb. 11:6), and He desires that we get into His Word, and stay in His Word, because He is always speaking; His line/end/Holy Spirit is always connected to our spirits, and is always connected to His Word.  As stated before, when there's a bad connection, it's always on our "end."

A person should not focus too hard on trying to hear from God if they're tempted to give up or get discouraged.  He will reward us as we diligently seek Him.  (Heb.11:6)  Obedience, and staying in His Word is most important; I remember a time in my personal life, many years ago, when I kept calling on God to speak to me, over and over again.  He responded to me in my dream that night...there was lovely music playing in the background, and He said to me, "It doesn't matter if I speak to you; what matters is that I AM Master and Lord."

In other words, during that time in my life, I needed to get back in reading God's Word again (the devil had stolen that), and I needed to practice living it (obedience).  He is saying to us today, "My Word is My words."   

This was what He said to me today, as I prayed for His help in writing this.  His words to you and I are..."Read My Word."

Jennifer

On this page, I have shared from my personal experience, how you, too, can hear from God - we hear primarily through His Word.

"For the Word of God is living (alive)..."  (Heb. 4:12)

"My child, pay attention to My words (My Word).

 Listen closely (carefully) to what I say.

Don’t ever forget (don't lose sight of) My words (My Word).

 Let them penetrate deep into your heart,

for they bring life to those who find them,

and healing to their whole body."

(Proverbs 4:20-22)

When I became a Christian 25 years ago, the Lord led me to take a course in Christian Counseling at the University on how to hear from God.  It is my pleasure to share a part of my heart with you, and some things I have learned and experienced with my walk with the Lord.  Today, so many people (Christians) are frustrated and depressed - even suicidal, because they can't hear from God.  Having a relationship with the Lord (continuing in His Word) will help relieve so many struggles and challenges we face in life.

...have a rich relationship with God.

(Luke 12:21)

You were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

(1 Cor. 1:9)

The fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

(2 Cor. 13:14)

Our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.

(1 John 1:3; 1 John 2:24)

Remain in fellowship with Christ.

(1 John 2:28)

Remember, we may sense a nudge in a certain direction, or we may feel a quick sense of what we should do, or a thought or idea may come to us.  The still, small voice is from God, so it will be consistent with His Word.  It will reflect His values.  It will create peace inside us.  Sometimes, we'll get a "knowing on the inside," and it just keeps coming and coming.  That's God witnessing to our inner spirit.  That voice will speak something good to us, and as we practice hearing and obeying that voice, it will become easier for us to recognize it.

And as God is telling me now, before I close, "READ THE BIBLE."

Jennifer Lynn O'Connor  †

https://godsloveinpoetry.blogspot.com

https://thecostofsouls.writeas.com

https://www.tribulationsaintsmessage.com

Email:  godsloveinpoetry@gmail.com

Pinterest:  (godsloveinpoetry)

 

*Newly Added

♥Keep your heart clean, be spiritually minded, continue to acknowledge His presence while you go about your day, and always be ready, expecting Him to speak in your thoughts at any moment; as you practice and train your spiritual muscle to listen, you will, over time, hear Him very often - daily, as you'll notice He speaks in response to even a thought you think!  As you obey His Word, He'll speak more.  Stay close to the Master; remain in fellowship with the Father & Jesus, through the Holy Spirit.

*The words on this page are only for the believer in Christ (the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of them); those who hear from God, must be born again, as the Holy Spirit is the connection; and those who are unsaved, are disconnected from God until they have connected themselves to Him through faith in Jesus Christ; believing in Him, and making Him Lord and Savior of their life.