Hi, Pastor John,
Hope all is well.
Last week and before I started work, I went downstairs to pray. My spirit was heavy for all of the illnesses and so many other things going on with us. Before I started praying, I knew that I could not approach God this time in prayer by starting out in English and my own way to start (as often before); I knew I had to use the holy Ghost to start praying. As I started praying in tongues, the tongues that I am accustomed to hearing changed to a tongue that was definitely some kind of language–if for no other reason but to talk directly in Spirit to our Lord. I was speaking in a normal talking voice as if I were talking with someone on a phone. As I was praying in this language, the Spirit took me to our gatherings where I was in the middle of the floor spinning slowly around in the room and speaking to each individual, but yet to all there in this language. The Spirit (in my heart) knew every one of our needs, hurts, disappointments, illnesses, joys, happiness, etc., on and on. It knew what one would need to pray for in the will of God, not just praying for things to happen for our ways. It reminded me of Sister Betty and Sandy, when the Spirit moved on them in our meetings and spoke to each individual.
This morning it happened again while I was praying. While speaking this language, the Spirit instantly took me to different places in the world. Ukraine, Uvalde, TX where the shooting just occurred, and Washington, DC, from what I can remember. In an instant as well, the Spirit spoke to me in English, “I am responsible for causing all of this (shootings, wars, bickering among politicians) so that my called-out ones will call on my name.” It’s like what the Lord spoke to you about your father’s sorrow and the hurt you were feeling for him: “I did it”.
I can’t explain everything that I was feeling, nor do I want to try, but I do know that (as the message has been, lately) “our times are in His hands”. Everything God is doing is for the good for those who are called and for those who love God. I sat in awe after praying this morning before work, rehearsing the scenes in my mind. All I can say is that, God’s mercy endures forever for those who call upon his name. He is able to get us out of the grave no matter what may put us there. God is not bound to anything of this world that affects humans because as you have taught us, “God is not human.”
I have been really praying lately, “Lord, let me have a heart to call upon you while you can be found.” I believe there is still much more that God wants to reveal to His people, us included. I do not want the conveniences of this world to overtake me and make me passive and complacent about calling on His name; I’m not home yet. But Jesus has led me to a place that can help take me home.
Just wanted to share this while it was fresh on my mind.
Billy