“On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit , and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet , which said : “ Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches:” Clearly for John this was a day of divine appointment.  His response is noted later...’I fell at His feet as though dead ’.Not surprising is it? How do we respond when God speaks? Samuel sets a fine example of sensitive listening. Well God still speaks and will speak in a way that is clear to the hearer.

On the 23 rd August 2008 I had risen early to enjoy some friendship time with the Holy Spirit .It was the last day of an island vacation and I was already starting to feel the demands of leading. As much as this had been a restful time the realities of what was waiting, in terms of decision making when I got back home, was all too ready to pounce and challenge my rested soul.  As I looked for a suitable place to settle and enjoy my moment with the Lord I became aware of the words...”He leads me by still waters..” stirring in my spirit. Little did I realise that I was about to have a divine appointment with God and have him speak clearly to me.  From my vantage point, I had a beautiful view of the estuary and could see much of the detail that nature was unveiling as the sun began to peep over the distant horizon. I felt God say “ What you see write, it’s a picture of you future “

With some 15 months between that moment and today, I am more aware  than ever of Gods’ faithfulness and also His goodness to us at NCCB. I have felt to remind us of the wonderful future we have and this prophetic picture serves to do just that.

“God gives us safe boundaries and in addition God gives us extended boundaries. These boundaries excite us even though danger lurks they are not to be feared. We will not risk foolishly as we have mature and experienced folk in our ranks to lead us. In our safe boundaries there are plenty of fish. Hundreds of active shoals that cause the water surface to shimmer and break momentarily as they move in synchronised harmony .God will send us skilled fishermen, some will fly in, while others will launch from the beach. They will hold their posts like kings with dignity and authority.  They will have keen eyes watching out for the lost and ever ready to respond when needed. They will not be unengaged but will be in a state of constant alertness and readiness during fishing season.

There are green pastures for us to feed in. There are mountains on our horizon that will need to be conquered. There is a fresh breeze of the Spirit to enjoy. Our kings will be territorial and will ward off intruders. There are fish that have been assigned to our waters – they belong to us.

There will be demonic irritations that operate in pairs like small persistent pests. These could be people with issues that they are not prepared to deal with and because of their arrogance and pride will want to see our undoing. Don’t fear what you can take out. There will be the fragrance of life surrounding us like surround sound.

There is a spiritual world to explore and enjoy and marvel at. The beauty and appeal at surface level actually hides another world of great intrigue and wonderment. We are grains of sand on a sea shore (I will make your off spring like the dust of the earth)

He leads and positions us on which ever bank He chooses. We are beautiful, our boundary lines have fallen in pleasant places. Low forming clouds gather and begin to move in over our sphere of influence and bring with them the promise of rain. There is another level of cloud positioned much higher that offers protection from the harsh sun. Our safe place teems with life.

There are many vehicles provided, all equipped to negotiate the different terrain in our ‘pleasantly placed‘ boundaries .  Gods’ light of day shines over us from behind – it does not blind us. The fields we are called to work are sweet. There is a microwave tower that looms large against the backdrop of the natural island foliage . The wind has a distinct sound as it passes through the large fir trees, it too whispers it’s herald of blessing to follow.

There are those on constant guard. Their service is unrestricted by time. These are they who have presence but who for the most part are unseen. They are distinguished in different apparel and serve to protect against illegitimate trespasses.

So still are these quiet waters that even surface waves that have travelled long distances are unable to break on the shore line  but manage a gentle lap with little recession as they spill onto our golden shores.

There are people, children, families, heathen, walking tricky rocky paths without guidance. They follow routine. They too are fishermen but use old primitive method . We must help them by going to them. It was at this point that my eyes fell on part of the content of Psalm 24.....”lift up your heads, O you gates be lifted up , you ancient doors that the king of glory may come in.....” The apostolic /prophetic expression of Eph 4 :11  is silent upon its first sighting but magnificent in its presence as it lands in the sweet fields assigned for harvest. The echo of its engines resounds through the tranquil setting. Its movement is unobserved, slow and yet discreet.  It’s presence is essential and it’s look is one of majesty. Experienced discerning fishermen , those ‘Who know’ ...’Sons of Isachaar’..Humble in appearance they arrive with the apostolic. These intentional fishermen where equipped with rods, wellingtons and one even wore a hard hat ,like that which is worn on a construction site (unusual gear for a fisherman ) – Their focus was clearly to commit to a days’ fishing  and their pace was brisk and determined.”

Let’s become aware of the Holy Spirits leading of us in this special time in global history. It would be good for us to familiarise ourselves with this picture and to ask God where each one of us fit. Lets be like the fishermen who were focussed and committed to the days’ work. Roll on 2010 there is so much more to do and enjoy.

Psalm 16:5-6

“.....the boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance...”

Enjoy your day

Lots of love

Ash