Rise & Shine

Isaiah 60:1 "Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you."

Woke up this morning around 6:45am to Tim crawling back into bed. He had gone to the JBU prayer vigil at about 4:30am this morning and was now returning to his warm haven. As I was waking up I was torn from a dream.

In the dream I was a news reporter and I was sitting at my computer, fingers on the keyboard. I was waiting for the headline from 'heaven' as I sat there, listening, waiting with expectation. I was waiting on the word of the LORD to fall so that I could type it, print it and deliver it to the people. Then suddenly the headline came from heaven. I heard a voice saying, "RISE AND SHINE! RISE AND SHINE! RISE AND SHINE!" I started to type it instantly, again and again, on my keyboard. I started to say it, again and again, out loud. Then I literally was awakened from the dream. And now I'm literally typing it on my computer for you to read :) LORD, let your light shine through us and your glory, upon us!

I am preparing to head to the JBU prayer vigil to help lead a set concerning sexual purity and women. I asked Jesus to give me a dream concerning this and to burden my heart for what burdens his heart. I indeed had a dream and it confirmed something the LORD showed me yesterday as I was making my bed. (rare occurrence, the bed-making part)

In my dream I saw a young, beautiful girl dressed in a very sensual way; super high heels and clothing that hung from her body. Then I saw a film strip of snapshots where she was disrobing and capturing every bit on camera. She was then posting these photos on the Internet. This would seem quite random and odd for some however, I had asked God to highlight areas for prayer concerning purity and holiness in women (college women, in specific) and believe he has done so. Also, the LORD shared a snippet of his heart with me yesterday while I was making my bed, concerning women who long to be desired and find that 'wanted' feeling through online live streams and digital uploads of themselves in a sexual manner, on the Internet. I paused to pray with him because my heart was grieved. Thinking of girls in high school, as well, as they give themselves away; casting pearls before swine. I can so identify with this burden. The LORD has done a deep, deep work in me concerning purity and it's been painful/wonderful. The journey continues as He woos my heart to give every part for the sake of holiness. Holiness is looking much different as I get older. I see it's more than right and wrong/good and bad; it's about purity in every part, righteousness in every choice, and holiness as a lifestyle. For me, it's really come down to this dialogue and mindset, 'God, you dwell in unapproachable light and the splendor of holiness. I want to be near you and you want to be near me...but I am unclean. Come closer and make me holy as you are holy.' And He has absolutely answered this prayer and continues to answer it. He will not allow sin and darkness to separate us so why should I?

I hope to have an update of God's goodness and healing power this morning. Such a beautiful Redeemer I serve!