Please read Marriage Trouble- I Do Not Know You Part 1 before starting to read Part 2 God and Our Marriage View: God’s questions regarding the Israelites (the bride) may be a lot like my own questions to my husband. Why can’t you follow through (keep your commitment)? Why have you dropped the ball (turned your heart away)? Why do you not engage (seeking my face, desiring emotional, spiritual intimacy)? Only Jesus can answer the why! Take it to Jesus. Do you have an intimate emotional relationship with the Lord? Do a heart check. Have you truly surrendered your heart to Him, or are you just playing church on the surface, where life is comfortable for you? Have you asked Him to reveal your heart to you? Possible Strongholds: fear, apathy, hypocrisy, trauma? Our Marriage View: We, as a couple, determined that a marital separation would be best to allow us to truly recognize the core issues of our lack of emotional intimacy and communication. But God… One day Lewis set off to town to run some errands, which gave him the time he needed to reflect. Interestingly, both he and I realized that he needed to make this trip alone, which we would discuss later when we came together post-trip. This next part is Lewis writing in first person. “I left to drive to Hudson, Colorado, to look at a travel trailer we were interested in. Upon leaving, I attempted to listen to scripture in my Bible app, which I normally do while driving. I developed this habit because we live in the country, and all our drive-time activities are long and make for a great time to absorb God’s word. What was different this time is that I could not get the app to work. It would play for a few seconds and then cut off. This happened repeatedly until I gave up on the app and decided to drive in silence. That quiet, I came to understand, was necessary so that I could hear God clearly without distraction. As I traveled, I had multiple conversations with the Lord, principally about the struggles in our marriage. I did that all the way to Hudson. It was on the return trip (the Bible app still would not work) that God truly began to work something in me. I experienced an agitation that I can only describe as unique and profound in its intensity. It was so visceral that I got hot (like a woman having a hot flash hot) and began to talk to God out loud, asking him what this was I was feeling. What I felt then was something being purged in me (stronghold, unclean spirit?). I didn’t know what it was or even understand, but that was because I wasn’t capable. When I started to question the Lord, I heard an emphatic “BE QUIET!” in my spirit. What that means in my personal faith walk is for me to be still and let whatever God is seeking to teach me sit with me until He gives me understanding. Obediently, I tried to kick Lewis out of the way, be patient, and wait. It wasn’t long before He impressed upon me what was happening. God revealed that ‘hidden fear’ existed in me and that my upbringing and past experiences were the reasons I had built such ramparts around my emotions. In my own reasoning, I immediately questioned the idea that I was fearful. I tried to justify that it was a lack of fear in me that allowed me to function in this harsh world. I reasoned with God that I worked, persevered, plotted, and accomplished because I refused to allow doubt/fear to restrict me. This dialogue in my spirit continued until I got home and discussed my experience with my wife, who, to her emotive, spiritually sensitive credit, understood that something was being awakened in me. However, because I am someone with little understanding of my deeper emotions at times (which God swiftly pointed out with the same abrupt action) I was given a glaring example that my childlike emotive self would understand. God brought to my remembrance the previous evening when I went to our basement to stretch. I had been negligent about this for several days, and, of course, I felt it all. I was stiff and sore in places I didn’t even know about until I got in the floor. The Lord used that analogy with me because I have always been an athlete and He knew I would get it instantly. What was present in my body was hidden away, unseen, and silent until I acknowledged it and was intentional about working through it. Our Marriage View: Fear, hidden or otherwise, creates a barrier that prevents us from being whole or from giving ourselves fully in a relationship. In essence, we believe the lie(s) that keep us bound or separated from God and one another. Precisely what was happening with me (Lewis) in our marriage. I functioned a certain way without being cognizant of my emotional stagnation. My lack of emotional competency prevented me from connecting with and nurturing my wife’s emotional needs. Starving her and my children of true emotional connection with me. God's View: Jesus gave everything to set us free from these lies and strongholds we build altars to. He laid his life down to redeem and restore us to the Father. We protect the lies we believe about ourselves and others by justification. We justify by creating a narrative we tell ourselves to fit the lie. The narrative is the wall we build to guard the lie we believe about ourselves and others. We are not set free until we know the truth. (The Lie, Justify, Narrative (Wall), Repeat… The Lie, Justify, Narrative (Wall), Repeat) Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:31-32 KJV Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, ' Ephesians 5:25-26 KJV Ephesians 5:25-26 Instructs husbands to love their wives as Christ also loved the church and gave himself up for it. If I, the wife, am a type and shadow of the church, then my husband, my man, should give himself up for me, not part, not some, not only what he thinks, but ALL, which means die to self. Self-preservation, self-protection, protecting his heart and emotions. Jesus gave to all of us (the bride), all of Himself, unto death. Why? … 'to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. “For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.' Ephesians 5:26-33 NIV A Wife’s View: My husband is to present me to himself as a radiant bride, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless…loving me as his own body, feeding, and caring for me as his own body. If this is so, protecting me and guarding me as he would his own heart. And there's one thing I must do: respect my husband. Respect: honor, reverence, hold someone in high esteem. active admiration (Ep 5:33) Submit: to voluntarily place oneself under the loving leadership and order of another (1Peter 3:1) A Heart Posture: Take everything to God. Seek His face regarding all things. Allow Him to reveal in you the visible and hidden sins and lies of the heart so that you may have victory over His enemy, and the lies that we believe about ourselves and others. 'Create in me a clean heart, O God; And renew a right spirit within me. ' Psalm 51:10 .KJV 'The LORD is my strength and song, And he is become my salvation: He is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; My father's God, and I will exalt him. ' Exodus 15:2 KJV 'I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me. ' Philippians 4:13 KJV Song by Acappella Create in me a clean heart, oh God Let me be like you in all my ways Give me your strength, teach me your song Shelter me in the shadow of your wings For we are your righteousness If we die to ourselves and live through your death Then we shall be born again to be blessed in your love! Also see more of what the Lord taught us: "Aspire to the Knowledge of God for a Victorious Life", and "The Writing on the Wall" Take everything to the Lord for confirmation and more insight. Prayers and Blessings

The Vision: This morning, out of nowhere, I (Lewis) received a clear vision from the Lord (not a dream) of a stone wall being very slowly etched, as if someone were writing on it with an ancient stone tool. The wall was a vivid, tarnished beige and gray color. The etching began slowly, and the first letter that began to form appeared to be an S. I asked the Lord what this vision meant and what was being written. As I contemplated what the word would ultimately be, other letters began to be carved vertically, from the top down. I was unable to make them out because each time the letters began to take form, they would be wiped away, and the letter S would be the only one remaining. This happened several times. During the vision, I was running possible words through my mind, but I never got a complete word and was left marveling at what the meaning of what I was seeing might be. The Scripture: Upon awakening, I (Anita) had a strong impression of a scripture come to my mind, which has rarely happened the scripture was, Proverbs 3: 3 ‘Let not mercy and truth forsake thee; bind them about thy neck; write them upon the tablet of thine heart: So shalt thou find grace and good favour in the sight of God and man. ‘Proverbs 3:3-4 JUB The Discussion: When Lewis and I began discussing what the Lord had given each of us this morning, I started writing it all down. This document is the outcome. In reference to Proverbs 3:3-4 Let mercy and truth hang on your neck like a necklace and write them on the tablet of thine heart. What is the meaning of the tablet of thine heart? ~ Google searched The "Tablet": An allusion to ancient, etched stone or clay tablets (like the Ten Commandments) used for permanent records. The "Heart": In ancient Hebrew, it was believed that the heart is not just the seat of emotion, but the control center of the mind, will, and intellect. The Concept: To "write" on the tablet means to be deliberate, memorize, and deeply etch values—such as love, mercy, and truth—into your very core. Also, to internalize and permanently memorize teachings or values so they shape your character and actions. The Lord’s Message or Teaching: The word in the vision was not important. This is why a word was not written or completed. The Lord wants us to allow Him to etch His character upon our hearts. We are not the ones that do the etching; He does. God etches the truth on our innermost being. Meaning our spirits, our hearts, and our souls. He teaches us truth and mercy, and we must be willing to put it on daily- hang it on our necks We must choose to put it on; intentionally! The opposite of that is to choose to take it off as well. When we are devoted to God, we put on the things of God When we aspire to become what God wants us to be, we aspire to be like Yeshua (Jesus). We choose to put on His character through the power of the Holy Spirit by surrendering our hearts to the God of the Universe. We don’t have to create the answer for ourselves. We must trust God… Be still and know that He is God. Don’t grasp at things that are not of me (God). Surrender = Victory Marriage Insights: When the Lord gave Lewis the vision and me the scripture to go with it, he was teaching us that without each other, we are not complete. We are two whole individuals, but together we are complete with God. (3 are better than one) We, husband and wife, are two parts of a whole For the last two days, the Lord has been providing healing in our marriage. Helping us understand that two parts are two whole separate parts that come together to make another whole, We are one with the other. Three strands make a braid: strength and completeness, Father, Son, Holy Spirit. In a marriage, God, Husband, and Bride. What does the number 3 represent or mean in the Bible? For further understanding, research Biblical Numerology for the number 3 Three (3) Biblically: symbolizes divine completeness, perfection, and harmony. It signifies a spiritual stamp of fulfillment denoting that something is entirely whole. (heart, mind and soul; Father, Son, Holy Spirit) The number 3 is recorded 485 times in the Bible ~~~~~~~ 'And the man said, This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother and shall cleave unto his wife; and they shall be one flesh. ' Genesis 2:23-24 JUB 'For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother and shall be joined unto his wife, and they shall be two in one flesh. Ephesians 5:31 JUB 'And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and they shall be two in one flesh. Therefore they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate. They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a bill of divorce and to put her away? He said unto them, Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, suffered you to put away your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. ' Matthew 19:5-8 JUB 'And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorce and to put her away. And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this commandment. But at the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother and shall join to his wife; and they that were two shall be made one flesh, so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate. ' Mark 10:4-9 JUB 'Lie

' “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. ' Matthew 25:12-13 Marriage: On the Precipice of Divorce (posted by permission from my spouse) This spiritual insight from the Lord is very personal. Similarly, the Lord has communicated with me in the past through much of my writings, dreams, and poetry such as the Maturity Dream and Raggedy Rag Doll. Sometimes we need things to be personal for us to understand what God is trying to tell us or the body of Christ. Keep in mind, as you read this, that God uses marriage throughout the scriptures, in both the Old and New Testaments, to describe His relationship with us. Jesus is the husband, and we, His people, are the bride. Understand that God uses words like adultery, harlotry, unfaithfulness, and idolatry to describe how the people’s hearts are turned away from Him. The Trouble: My husband Lewis and I have had some marital problems for some time now. I would say they probably were apparent from the beginning of our marriage. We met in 1982, and we were married in August 1983. However, over the years, with raising children, careers, and life in general, we have only recently addressed some of the glaring issues we have ignored or were unaware of until now. Recently, my husband and I had been discussing issues around our communication. To avoid getting into the weeds, I will just say my husband’s communication is much like that of many men in a marriage: he communicates with very few words, yes-or-no answers, and head shakes of agreement. On the other hand, I am more vocal, expressive, emoting, and emotionally present than He is. When talking, explaining, or expressing myself, I use about 4 times as many words as he does. I am quick to respond and can easily out-verbalize him. We have tried to address these issues by taking the traditional route: Christian Couples Counseling, books on marriage, devotionals for couples, etc. I am pleased to say when we allowed Jesus to really reveal to us the issues in our marriage, real change and personal growth took place. I will share with you here one revelation God taught us in His Holy Scripture about our relationship as husband and wife, as a type and shadow of His relationship with us personally and as His relates to His children (His Church, His Bride) The Situation: My husband said he would work on specific issues covered during our marriage counseling. He said he would take the lead but never did. When reminded, he responded, “I dropped the ball.” Another response was, “I see the light (understand) now; I get why it is important”. But he never followed through. If I did not say anything, or remind him, I heard nothing, just the sound of crickets. This process was repeated many times, over a period of years. This interaction and process was probably a part of our marriage from the beginning. Finally, it was enough for me to stop believing his justifications and do something different for a change. I became weary of hearing the same excuses, the same reasons. Repentance, turn away, a reminder, repeat, repentance, turn away, reminder, repeat, God’s View: Just like Gods people failed to follow what they had committed to do, and God gave them chance upon chance, and they repented, turned away from God, and then repeated the same rebellion and sin…eventually God turned away from them and issued them a bill of divorce. And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery, I had put her away and given her a bill of divorce; …. Jeremiah 3:8 KJV Our Marriage View: So it is in a marriage; eventually the wife or (husband) will turn away, their heart grows weary, grieved and impatient, and they issue a bill of divorce to her/his spouse. I am the pursuer in the relationship. I initiated all counseling, all books, all discussion on how to help our marriage. My husband followed along but never really sought a true intimate relationship with me. He chose to be around me, claim me as his, sought my body, my presence, but not a relationship. Making a comfortable life together but not giving up his emotional self. Not permitting access to who He was emotionally. God’s View: God through Jesus Christ pursues us like he did the Israelites and chose them out of all other people. He seeks an intimate personal relationship with us. But many of us seek what God can give us and what he can do for us. We don’t really seek to know Him; we are just seeking a ticket to “get out of hell.” Or better yet to be “raptured” so we won’t face persecution or tribulation. We want to live life as it pleases us and never really seek a true, authentic relationship with our Savior. Our Marriage View: I could share myself emotionally, but he could not. The conversations were superficial, never truly revealing his heart. My husband is a great provider, gentle, kind, polite, respectful, but his heart always seems to be at a distance, just beyond reach. When I would press for more emotionally, and knock down a few bricks, getting a glimpse, he would quickly rebuild the wall via justification. “ God’s View: In the same way we can respond to God, praying, giving, all the niceties of religion, the Israelites’ hearts were distracted by the things of the world; their hearts committed adultery. The apostate bride’s heart is far from her God, Jesus (her husband), and becomes like the rebellious Israelites, turning their hearts away from Him. Erecting altars upon the high places of their hearts. Thinking they are protecting themselves, not trusting in the sufficiency of Christ. This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; But their heart is far from me. 'Matthew 15:8 KJV Our Marriage View: My husband was incapable of recognizing or acknowledging me emotionally, being fully present, or responding to my efforts to draw us closer. Rarely, if ever, was he fully present when needed, resulting in my taking on the emotional responsibility in the family, leaving me feeling abandoned and alone. God's View: As the Israelites took God for granted and became complacent, their attention and affection for God shifted to the high places in their hearts. They began to build idols for themselves. Committing adultery with the images and idols of the world and within their own hearts, leaving no place for God, nor letting the Lord in, nor getting to know Him. Their ears became deaf and their eyes blind. (We never really take intentional time to get to know God, His thoughts, His ways, and receive His love) 'The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot. And I said after she had done all these things, Turn thou unto me. But she returned not. … And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery, I had put her away and given her a bill of divorce; … 'Jeremiah 3:6-8 KJV 'How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness And grieve him in the desert! 'Psalm 78:40 KJV Our Marriage View: Many times, I asked my husband who he was and if he even knew himself. He had set such a guard around his heart that he did not know or understand his own emotions. Resulting in his inability to respond emotionally to his wife and family. He built walls so high and strong that whenever anyone tried to push past them, he quickly rebuilt them, a kind of altar or shrine to his own heart. He believed the lies that told him to protect this part of himself from his loved ones and others. God’s View: A type and shadow of the church that professes Jesus but never really knows Jesus. Saying I am a follower of Jesus Christ and belong to Him, but never really surrendering my heart to Him. Going through all the right motions, saying all the right things, etc. And never really having victory in their life. Holding on to lies, strongholds, and ways of thinking that are contrary to the word of God. Hindering their intimacy and relationship with Father God. Building walls, altars, and shrines that protect their hearts based on the lies we believe about ourselves and others. And then your wife (or husband) tells you, "Depart from me…” I don’t know you. And Jesus says, Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.” Matt 25:12 'And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 'Matthew 7:23 KJV 'Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: ' Matthew 25:41 KJV 'Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, everyone according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD . Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. ' Ezekiel 18:30 KJV Continued, See: Marriage Trouble~ I Do Not Know You Part 2

Fear takes root with a seed of deception Spinning lies upon its inception Unbeknownst to you, the lie becomes true You create a false narrative so that you do what you do You live your false-truth surrounded by walls Based on lies which you believe all and all Your false-towers are built to justify the lie Keeping you in a bandage, so, in no victory you die The truth of who you are and all you should be Found only in Jesus, in Him, you are freed Jesus, the way, truth, and life. No one gains victory unless He wins the fight The weapons of warfare are a surrendered heart, you see Without that, you will never have victory Understand your struggle is not with flesh and blood But with rulers, authorities, powers of darkness, against an evil thug Your Christ died to give you life But you hold on to lies, with all your might Die to yourself, crucify the flesh-lie on the cross You have much more to gain than what you think a loss. Have faith in your creator, the one who knows you best Let go and let God; He is waiting for you to put Him to the test FEAR If you have something in your life that you think is keeping you from living the way God would have you to live. Ask yourself why you do what you do. And then ask the Lord. And then wait for His answer. Keep asking until you get to the deep root. It is probably based on a lie you believe about yourself, or someone else. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27 JUB “For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of strength and of love and of temperance.” 2 Timothy 1:7 JUB “Do not fear for I am with thee; do not be dismayed, for I am thy God, who strengthens thee; I will help thee always; I will always uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10 JUB “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff shall comfort me.” Psalms 23:4 JUB “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. It shall be medicine to thy navel and marrow to thy bones.” Proverbs 3:5-8 JUB “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: For the Lord chastens whom he loves and delights in, even as a father to his son.” Proverbs 3:11-12 JUB “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” Romans 8:15-17 KJV “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:16-18 KJV “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 KJV “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear What man shall do unto me.” Hebrews 13:5-6 KJV “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Luke 12:32-34 KJV “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27 KJV FLESH appears 140-145 times in New Testament “But the fruit of the Spirit is this: Charity, joy, peace, tolerance, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. For those that are of the Christ have crucified the flesh with its affections and lusts. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:22-26 JUB “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. ¶ Therefore, my beloved brothers, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:56-58 JUB “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God for the destruction of strong holds), casting down reasonings and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and leading captive every thought into the obedience of the Christ and having a readiness to avenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 JUB 'Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the traditions of men, according to the elements of the world, and not after Christ. ' Colossians 2:8 JUB FAITH “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 KJV “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.” Hebrews 11:3, 6, 39-40 KJV “since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.” Hebrews 11:40 NIV “Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done.” Matthew 21:21 NIV “know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.” Galatians 2:16 NIV “Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”” Matthew 21:21-22 NIV “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 NIV “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 JUB “knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” Galatians 2:16 JUB “Then the disciples came to Jesus apart and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unfaithfulness; for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove from here to yonder place, and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Matthew 17:19-20 JUB

LAK Morning Bible Teachings June 2, 2026 This teaching or study was formed from conversations that my husband, Lewis, and I have had over the past few days. We have recently discovered that the Lord shows up in the midst of our morning conversations. Today we decided to write down and share what the Lord has been teaching and revealing to us through these conversations. The following is the result. Spiritual Insight We build strongholds around a lie or lies that we believe about ourselves or others, making them our truth. When we defend the lie (our wound) with our words, actions, or behavior, we create lie-based strongholds which become our false identity, and narratives we tell ourselves and others about who we are. We protect the lies which keep us in bondage. Consequently, we justify and protect our wounds; the result is never healing or being set free in that area of our lives. The very thing (the lie) that is destroying us, making, and keeping us sick, is what we continually justify by repeating the narrative in our conversations and in our minds holding onto our wounds and never healing or walking in victory. (Example: I am the only one who…, I need …., I can’t…., I am afraid…, I will never…., They will never…., They can not…., They need me to…, They are…., I can’t live with…I can’t live without…, No one loves me, no one sees me…., I am….They don’t care…, He…, She… etc etc. ). Ask yourself what lie or lies am I believing about myself? The following two words are what the Lord gave to Lewis the last two days. We used google search to look up the meaning of the words. Aspire: to direct one's hopes, ambitions, or efforts towards achieving a specific goal. Earnestly desire or strive for something. (God) (aim, strive, pursue, yearn) Gasping or panting with strong desire. Devotion: the state of profound love, loyalty, or ardent dedication to a person, cause, or belief. It implies unwavering faithfulness, often demonstrated through consistent action, service, or time. (commitment, loyalty, faithfulness, dedication, allegiance, fidelity) 'But ye are the chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, an acquired people, (redeemed) that ye should show forth the virtues of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. '1 Peter 2:9 JUB 'For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God for the destruction of strongholds), casting down reasonings and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and leading captive every thought into the obedience of the Christ' 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 JUB. 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with the God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth. 'John 1:1,14 JUB Don't Be a Fool A Fool: is a person who lacks common sense, good judgment, or wisdom. A person who acts unwisely, imprudently, or behaves in a silly or irrational manner. A deceived person, a victim of a trick or a practical joke. (Deceived by the enemy of all men, Satan) Strawberry Fool: a pureed fruit folded into whipped cream or custard. (Satan wraps his deceit into something sweet and appealing to the flesh. And if you overindulge in this false sweetness, it will kill you.) Biblical Context of a fool: in Proverbs, a fool is not just a lack of intellect, but it is someone who morally disregards wisdom, flaunts their wrongdoing, or denies God. Read All of Proverbs 26 'As he that binds the stone in the sling, so is he that gives honor to a fool. As a dog returns to his vomit, so the fool returns to his folly. Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than of him. The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can give him counsel. Proverbs 26:8,11-12,16 JUB 'As a dog returns to his vomit, so the fool returns to his folly. 'Proverbs 26:11 JUB 'But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. ' Corinthians 15:57 JUB Do not be the fool that continues to protect a lie meant to destroy you. Seek Jesus for the truth of who he created you to be. Seek Jesus to know the truth about who you really are. Aspire and Devote yourself to know who God is and what purpose he has for your life. Amen! 'For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcomes the world, but he that believes that Jesus is the Son of God? ¶ This is Jesus, the Christ, who came by water and blood; not by water only, but by water and blood. And the Spirit is he that bears witness, because the Spirit is the truth. '1 John 5:4-6 JUB Jesus died to set us free! 'For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ, Jesus, has made me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:2 JUB Stand fast therefore in the liberty with which Christ has made us free and do not be entangled again with the yoke of slavery. 'Galatians 5:1 JUB 'neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the sanctuary designed for eternal redemption. Hebrews 9:12 .JUB 1 Pe 3:18; John 8:36; 2 Co 5:17; Titus 2:14; Is 61:1; Luke 4:18 God is Fantastical: Not based on real world criteria. You cannot reason in the flesh; you must reason in the Spirit: 'God is a Spirit, and those that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in truth. ' John 4:24 JUB 'For we are the circumcision, who serve God in Spirit and glory in Christ Jesus, having no confidence in the flesh. 'Philippians 3:3 JUB 'This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh Galatians 5:16 JUB 'But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in truth, for the Father seeks such to worship him. God is a Spirit, and those that worship him must worship him in Spirit and in truth. 'John 4:23-24 JUB Jesus as Our Living Water Source Secondhand Christian sources should only point you to our firsthand Christian source, Abba Father, through Jesus Christ. Strongholds are broken through repentance and a heart posture of surrender towards God. We must then aspire and devote ourselves to the knowledge of God. Destroying strongholds and obtaining victory in our lives over sin and death through Christ Jesus. 'Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?" They came out of the town and made their way toward him.' John 4:28-30 NIV 'Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me everything I ever did." So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers. They said to the woman, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world." ' John 4:39-42 NIV These were the despised Samaritans, the Gentiles, who Jesus has also redeemed. She went to tell everyone about this man who told her everything about her life. This is the entire gospel in a nutshell. The people went at once to see this man. They went in search of this man…directly to the source. They then believed not just because of the women's testimony. They did not seek the information secondhand from her; they desired it directly from the source. False, pastors, teachers, lay people, evangelists etc., who do not send the people from the towns back to the source at the well, are teaching people to rely on them for their water; keeping them from a personal relationship with the Savior. They build their own broken cisterns saying they are the source of water for the people, not showing them the way to the living water outside of town, they deceitfully keep others from going to the well to hear the Word for themselves. False pastors, teachers, etc., prostitute the Word of God for their own personal gain, reputation, and benefit. '"My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water. Jeremiah 2:13 NIV 'The woman said unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep; from where then hast thou that living water? Art thou greater than our Father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank thereof himself, and his sons and his cattle? Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinks of this water shall thirst again, but whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst, but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a fountain of water springing up into eternal life. The woman said unto him, Lord, give me this water, that I not thirst, neither come here to draw. 'John 4:11-15 JUB

~~~~~~~ I love you my child; my watch-care over you is perfect There is no place you can go, or any place which you can hide, that I am unable to be I am everywhere, and always with you. I have cared for you before the moment of your inception. I care for you always. You have been mine for a very long time; you belong to me you are my child I have walked with you through every joy, every pain. I carried you through the darkest alley, and the lowest valley Guiding you, preparing you, teaching you. I have ordered your footsteps Your path has not been a mistake; your life I have directed. You live in a fallen world my child. My trophies of Grace are my fallen and broken children whom I have redeemed. I have the power to make beauty from ashes I can make crooked things straight and heal the wounded heart and soul. The battlefield is a spiritual one, the mind of mankind. You wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of this dark world. Trust me when I say, "I Got This!" Know that I am an all-seeing God. Rest and pray without ceasing. Be still and know that I am God. I cradle you in my arms, I shield you with my wings. Believe in me, Trust me, Know me, I AM all you need. ~~~~~~~ Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:13 NIV For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 NLT From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth— he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. Psalm 33:13-15 NIV To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. Isaiah 61:3 KJ

You forgave me, Lord with shed blood on the cross All shame cast away every sin concealed every blemish blotted You forgive me You know me, Lord every hair on my head every thought in my mind Every blow to my heart every joy divine You know me You see me, Lord nothing is hidden every move that I make every place that I go every path that I take You see me You live in me, Lord as I breathe in Your spirit every nook in my heart every place in my being filling up my soul You live in me You love me, Lord sitting still in your presences wrapped in Your peace touched by your mercy Your comforting hands You love me You forgive me, You know me, You see me, You live in me, You love me. ~~~~~~~ …and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another even as God has forgiven you in Christ. Ephesians 4:32 JUB For now, we see as through a mirror, in darkness, but then we shall see face to face; now I know in part, but then I shall know even as I also am known. 1 Corinthians 13:12 JUB Does he not see my ways and count all my steps? Job 31:4 JUB Jesus answered and said unto him, He who loves me will keep my words, and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him and dwell with him. John 14:23 JUB 'Nevertheless, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Romans 8:37 JUB 'You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Psalms 139:1-5 NIV

Listen For the Father's Voice

Father, help those in need. Open the flood gates of Your Grace for the fatherless. Give peace to the broken-hearted. Help those who suffer under the enemy’s hands. Set the captives free. Strengthen the weak. Give guidance to the lost. Open the eyes of the blind, resurrect the spiritually dead. Comfort the hurting, heal the sick. Provide for the needy. Give hope to the hopeless. Embrace the fearful. Be there for the lonely. Hear my cries, Lord, hear our cries. The world is in need. There is no sin that has not been committed. There is no unrighteous deed you have not seen. Woe to those who cause others to suffer. Is there no justice in the land? Woe to you who have no heart, no compassion, no care for your brother. Woe to you who have taken up with the enemy. Your punishment is everlasting. And our cries are heard in Heaven's door Where are you, saints? Where is your mercy? Show yourselves, children of God. Give us your wounded; you say, give us your broken-hearted. Where are you who turn away. And their cries are heard at Heaven's door ~~~~~~~ A father of the fatherless and a defender of the widows is God in his holy habitation. Psalms 68:5 JUB 'he executes the rights of the fatherless and the widow and also loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing. ' Deuteronomy 10:18 JUB 'Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore that desires to be a friend of the world, makes himself the enemy of God. ' James 4:4JUB 'because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. ' James 2:13 NIV

I need help with forgiveness, Lord, my heart turns within It is difficult for me to understand others hurt, due to the pain I am in Help me with forgiveness, Lord, as I bring my hurt to you Forgiveness is so difficult for me to do Rejection, judgment, criticism, finger-pointing, calling me out of my name. Help me move past my hurt to forgive, relieving me of this pain. No human is perfect; we pass judgment every day. Help us find forgiveness, Lord, this is your perfect way. Envy, jealousy, gossip, and strife These are fruits of discontentment within my own life. ~~~~~~~ Forgiveness is needed indeed. Giving your hurt to me is the key Bring me your hurt, your loss, your pain. Each wound the world inflicts, holding on to it, you have nothing to gain. Draw near to me as I draw near too. What matters most is you with me, and I in you People view each other through a distorted lens Selfish and pretentious opinions make them feel grand. What I see in you is not how the world sees you. Others have a distorted and corrupted view. When you compare yourself to others, it is a reflection that is not true It is a reflection coming from corruption. You will never see what you truly are. Imperfection reflects imperfection when seen with the human eye But through the Eyes of My Spirit, you will see perfection revealed by and by When I look upon Jesus in you, My only begotten Son Your reflection is viewed as perfect in the eyes of your Holy One Because of His blood sacrifice, you have been forgiven, don’t you see As I have forgiven you, you too must set others free. ~~~~~~~ For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.Matthew 6:14-15 NIV Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13 NIV If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. Psalm 130:3-4 NIV This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26:28 NIV For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.Colossians 1:13-14 N For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1 Corinthians 13:9-10, 12 NIV

Farmer Dies & Jesus Reveals A SHOCKING Truth About Black People

June 1989 _Dimitriu Duduman (www.handofhelp.com) While I was in Wisconsin at a pastor's home, during a time of fasting and prayer, a sadness flooded me. I went into my room and began to pray in tongues. Suddenly, a huge mountain appeared before me. Half of the mountain flourished with green trees, and the other half was barren and desolate. Then I heard a big explosion, and a powerful voice said, "California is burning! California is burning! Climb to the top of the mountain! There you will be safe!" I was desperate because my family was not with me, but in California. So I began to call for them. I saw California engulfed in flames. I began to climb the mountain, and when I looked back, I saw my wife dragging my three grandsons by the hand. "Get up here faster so you won't burn!" I shouted. Then I saw my daughter helping her husband along, because he was afraid of falling. "Tell them not to look back," the voice called. I yelled his instructions to them and told them to hurry so they wouldn't catch on fire. Finally, all of us were on the top of the mountain. "Look down," the voice said. Looking down, I saw fire bursting out of the ground, while trees and houses disintegrated before my eyes. People were screaming in agony and pain. I saw some of them trying to climb the mountain, but most couldn't. Then, two men dressed in white appeared. One of them said in a loud voice, "Do you see how California is burning? This is how it will happen." Trembling with fear, I reappeared in the pastor's backyard. Flames were erupting out of the ground, so I began to scream, "Get out of the house and climb up the mountain so you won't burn! America is burning!" Running out of the house, they screamed, "Save us, Jesus!" Confused, I saw the two men dressed in white appearing again. One of them said, "See what I have shown you? This is how it will happen. The mountain that you see before you is Jesus Christ. Those who live a holy life will be saved. When the attack comes, and the country burns, only those whose names are written in the book of Life will be saved. Remember to tell everybody what I have shown you." When the vision ended, I told my pastor what happened and called my family right away. "Is there any fire? Has anything happened?" I asked. Hearing that nothing happened, I was overjoyed. By standing on the mountain, we will be saved. Excepted from: Dreams and Visions From God Copyright © 1994, 1996, 2000