His Mercies are New Every Morning
Hi Everyone,
I have three visions to share with you that I received all within minutes of each other. They are meant to be viewed together, for one follows the other. It is about overcoming sin and knowing that the Lord will help us to do just that.
The Visions
Vision 1 The Hair
In this vision I saw a short single hair as might be found on the face of an older woman. The hair is rogue. It doesn’t belong on the face, it needs to be removed. The hair represents a sinful behavior or attitude. It needs to be up-rooted and cast away. A hair like this grows back and needs to be taken out again. This, I believe, represents what may be called a “besetting sin.” It can become a life long problem interfering with one’s relationship with God. It can also represent a life-style sin, which one knows is wrong, but for some reason he cannot bring himself to make the correction.
The Fear of God
What may be needed is a healthy fear of God. Knowing that the sin grieves the Holy Spirit, may be all that is necessary for a person to repent. However without having a genuine relationship with God, and having only made assumptions about Him, there may be little to no desire to change. This is why sin continues, for there is no fear of God.
Those who have a genuine relationship with the Lord, want to be right with him. Sometimes there is heart-felt repentance, but the temptation to sin is great, and the opportunity is constant. We are told to flee temptation. We are not to hang around people and circumstances that make us vulnerable to sin.
For instance, a person who gives up drinking needs to stay away from his drinking buddies, and bars. He should make every attempt to create new habits, to go to new places and to participate in wholesome activities. He needs a support group rather than friends that will cause him to relapse into the old habits.
I knew a couple in church that were living together out of wedlock. When the pastor spoke to them about their situation, and what was right, they chose to do the right thing. They set a date for their marriage, and the man moved downstairs into the basement and stayed separate until their wedding day. This is the right thing to do. Hallelujah!
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9
The pastor was a peacemaker for he facilitated the couple making their peace with God.
The Flesh and the Spirit
Repentance means a change of mine. Sometimes there is opposition to change, and what may be holding back true repentance is a matter of the will, that of the flesh, and that of the spirit. Whichever is stronger will be the one that prevails. It is an internal conflict.
I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. Romans 7:15-20
The conflict between the flesh and the spirit is real.
For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. Galatians 5:17
I had a pastor once say that the flesh and the spirit are like two dogs. Whichever you feed will be the stronger. So, how do we feed one and starve the other?
Our flesh thrives on food, especially those foods that are rich and sweet. Our mind, will and emotions are also part of the flesh. Some denominations refer to this as “the soul.” It is a philosophical notion coming from Plato, however, as the Bible teaches, it is the flesh which feeds on lusts, passions, pleasures, and what makes one feel appreciated, loved or admired. It can show up as being a lust for power, sex, money and material possessions. The flesh when indulged, brings, self deceit, self exaltation or the opposite: self loathing. When we Indulge the flesh we give place to the devil and reap trouble. The lusts of the flesh come from our sinful nature and cause great harm to our relationships and spiritual separation from God.
And what does the flesh crave? What does it produce?
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21
These cravings of the flesh lead to spiritual death, which is separation from God. Therefore, it is imperative that they be put down. It is the spirit that must rise up to overcome the flesh.
Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. Ephesians 5:11
Fasting and Spiritual Food
That is why fasting is so important as a spiritual discipline. When we fast from food, we starve the flesh. We are able to say “No” to ourselves, and choose what is best. As we fast food, we should devote time to studying of the Word of God so as to build up our spirit. By denying the flesh and building the spirit, we become more sensitive to hearing the voice of God. Our spirit aligns with His will and our desire is to please him. The more we give ourselves to prayer and fasting, the closer we become to God and the more we desire his presence.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8
Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:12-13
Call to Me, and I will answer and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3
As our spirits are strengthened, it becomes easier to put down the flesh and its cravings. We find ourselves seeking his presence more and more. And we discover that God is the one who sustains us!.
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. 1 Peter 2:2-3
Jesus came in the flesh to demonstrate to us how we are to live for God. He spoke of the spiritual food that sustained him.
Jesus said “Life is more than food.” (Luke 12:23)
“My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. John 4:34
But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4
Jesus is our bread, our spiritual sustenance. He is the Bread of Life.
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. John 6:35
I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” John 6:51
The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. John 6:63
Jesus provides our spiritual drink. He spoke of living water to the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well:
Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14
The Holy Spirit is the living water, and the Word of God is our spiritual food. Yes, Jesus is both the Bread of Life, and in John’s gospel and in his revelation he is also called the Word of God. He is our spiritual food, the giver of life. And as Jesus said, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me,” we should likewise consider our food to be that which pleases the Father.
The Word of God
His words are life and peace. His words give wisdom and direction. When we seek the Lord’s help, the Holy Spirit brings to our mind his words and causes us to see what is important.
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to divide soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
Let’s return to the vision. In the vision, the rogue hair needs to be plucked out and removed. We need to do the same with thoughts, and vain imaginations that enter our minds, but should not be given place. We are to take them captive and send them to hell from whence they came. We are to cancel every assignment against us, and bind every wicked entity, in the powerful name of Jesus. And after binding the demon(s) we command these powers of darkness to loose us from all wrong thinking, bad habits and behaviors, and unholy alliances. We command every demonic spirit to go in the name of Jesus and to not return.
The Word of God tells us to resist the devil, to not give him place.
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
For greater understanding about spiritual warfare we look to the Word of God and to the Holy Spirit who gives us insight.
Vision 2 The Line of Correction
In this next vision I saw a short perpendicular line drawn as a correction to a curved line, at the seam allowance of a sewing pattern. When a seam line on a pattern approaches the end point of the line, it needs to end as a perpendicular line so that when the seam is opened and lying flat, the cut edge becomes a straight line. Without a correction, the curved line will not lay flat, nor will it join to another garment piece properly.
Two lines or objects that are perpendicular will always intersect or align to form 90 degree angles or “right angles.” The vision of this correction represents making something “right.” It represents doing the right thing, or to correct a wrong, or to make restitution when a wrong has been committed.
This vision of the right angle or perpendicular line correction goes with the previous vision, showing that following repentance for sin, comes restitution and making things right, with God and with others.
Zacchaeus - Tax Collector
In the Bible there is a story of a tax collector who had a desire to get right with God. His name was Zacchaeus, which means “pure” or “innocent.” But he knew that he was not pure or innocent. He regarded himself as a sinner and was hated by all. Tax collectors wielded much power and could exact more than what was required. Mercy was not a common trait for them, for they could confiscate personal property and force sons and daughters to be sold when people could not pay the tax.
But Jesus knew Zacchaeus’ desire was to get right with God, so Jesus made himself available to him. This is the story:
Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.
When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.
All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”
But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”
Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:1-10
Zacchaeus showed his deep sorrow for his sins and his great willingness to make restitution for his wrongs. This was certainly a show of a changed heart!
The Lord expects us to do the same. When we sin against another person, we need to make it right. Whether it is paying for something lost or stolen, or to retract a statement, apologize and restore honor, there must be restitution, for God is a God of justice.
When we have sinned against someone, or through negligence have caused loss, harm or pain, we need to apologize, seek forgiveness, and ask what he or she would consider as restitution for what was done. We should always seek to be reconciled to God and to our fellow man. Never, should we simply walk away and do nothing.
If we know that someone has harmed another, we need to help them to work things out. For unforgiveness leads to open doors to the enemy. Unforgiveness causes resentment, and bitterness. For the guilty party, his guilt leads to shame, and self deprecation. Both parties are harmed by leaving things undone. The enemy takes room in both parties minds, because unforgiveness and guilt give the devil access and “the right” to play havoc in their lives.
In order to understand this, let’s look at the story of Job.
Job’s Testing
“Satan,” which means “adversary” or “accuser,” was present with the divine counsel in heaven as the story opens:
Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. The Lord said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.” So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord. Job 1:6-12
So Satan does all that he can to destroy Job, by destroying all his possessions, cattle, sheep and even his sons and daughters. But Job did not sin or blame God for this terrible calamity.
Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong. Job 1:20-22
Later God was again with his divine counsel, and Satan showed up.
And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil? He still holds fast his integrity, although you incited me against him to destroy him without reason.” Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Skin for skin! All that a man has he will give for his life. But stretch out your hand and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse you to your face.” And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand; only spare his life.”
So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and struck Job with loathsome sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. And he took a piece of broken pottery with which to scrape himself while he sat in the ashes.
Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.” But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips. Job 2:3-10
In all Job’s suffering, he did not sin. But when things go awry with us, do we succumb to sin by shaking our fists at God, blaming him for our circumstances? Our adversary knows how to push our buttons and to get us to do something or say something to cause us to sin. He is looking for an open door.
When we are offended, or slighted by a cutting remark, do we retaliate? Or do we make room for God’s wrath?
Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Romans 12:17-19
Our adversary believes that he has a right to accuse us before God when we sin, therefore it is sin that opens the door. He will tempt us to sin, by whatever means he has been successful in the past. He knows our weaknesses. But rather than indulging the flesh and doing as we please, we must put down the flesh and forgive.
Jesus spoke of this in his Sermon on the Mount.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:38-45
Certainly God’s ways are higher than our ways, and his thoughts than our thoughts! When we offend someone, or cause loss or harm, we must make restitution. But when we are offended and someone has caused us harm or loss, then we must act in love and forgive them – even when they do not ask to be forgiven. Even if they justify their actions and are ready to do it all over again, we must still walk in love and forgive them.
If we become obstinate and refuse to forgive, then we welcome the devil to come and sit down in our living room and make himself at home. This may not seem right to some, but it is God’s way. And if we love him we will do as he commands.
“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. John 14:15
Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him.” John 14:21
Vision 3 The Bed Roll
In this last vision, I saw a bed roll being rolled up. It was made of white fabric quilted and narrow about 2 feet wide and 6 feet long. It was just like mine which I lay out upon two thin accordion folded camping mats making the bed 1.5” thick. Every morning I roll up the quilted cover and duvet, and fold up the two mats.
I believe that this vision is meant to be viewed with the previous two visions in mind. The first vision of the hair that needed to be plucked out was about removing whatever causes one to sin, to not gratify the sinful nature. The second vision about the correction to a line to make it right, was about making restitution for a wrong or a sinful act committed. It was about forgiving the one who caused the offense and walking in love rather than resentment. So this third vision represents starting afresh, beginning again. It is about God’s mercies that they are new every morning. Just as the mats and bed roll are rolled up every morning making room for the activities of a new day, we are given new mercies and the grace from God to begin each new day, with his favor upon us.
The Lord is faithful. He forgives and forgets.
Forgiveness
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 8:12
As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
It is wonderful that the Lord removes our sin. He restores and refreshes us. We are given more than just another chance. He takes away our sin, our shame, our guilt, and comforts us with his love and the promise that he will never leave us nor forsake us. Because the Lord is perfect, holy and just, we will reap what we sow, but because his mercies are new every morning, we know that he will carry us through and help us to overcome our flesh. He will give us the victory over sin and lead us in his paths of righteousness.
Knowing that He is faithful, let us pray that God will forgive us, restore us, heal us and deliver us from the things that trip us up and cause us to sin.
Our Prayer
Dear Jesus,
You are God most holy. You came as the Lamb of God to be the perfect sacrifice for my sins, and to pay a debt that I cannot pay. Thank you Jesus. I ask you to forgive me for_____, and for not loving others as I should, and not obeying your commands. Please forgive me for falling short of what your will is for me. Please help me by sending your Holy Spirit to indwell me and lead me in your ways. Help me to renounce what trips me up. I give_____ to you, now. I don’t want it any longer. I renounce this sin of ______ and ask you to give me the courage to face each day, never looking back but living my life devoted to you. I ask that you write my name in the book of life and that when I leave this earth, that I will be joined to you in heaven for all eternity. Thank you Jesus for you have made a way for me to be now born again, filled with the Spirit of God, and living as a member of your kingdom, of your family of believers. Thank you Jesus, I am yours and you are mine. Amen!
God bless you! I hope you will continue in prayer, reading the Word of God and in fellowship with other believers. May God watch over you and keep you under the shelter of his wing.
