If you really look close, so much of the Word includes the word LIKE.
Our pictures and objects only scratch the surface in comparison with the Object to which we are comparing.
Our Maker, Creator, Lover, LOVES to speak to us in pictures with words and in pictures we can understand, and he uses weak vessels to declare His Word with boldness.
Prophecy: To encourage, exhort, and edify.
All of these realities bring clarity, vision, and confirmation.
My name, Ewbank, is basically Psalm 1. The yew trees planted by the banks.
So a friend prophesied over me last Tuesday as we were driving in the car. This wise one didn't know the meaning of my last name nor it's significance to me in this season. Basically, he saw a tree planted by a stream, the stream of living water. He said there was uncertainty about the next season that I would be in, but that a tree doesn't worry about the next season. In fact, it's so surrendered and nourished by the stream that it's leaves NEVER wither. In all seasons, it's leaves never die. Therefore, I must not worry about the next season but be fully surrendered to the Living Water, drink deep, and my fruit will be sustained.
The goodness continued. He got a picture of my family. Children (I saw this as the joyful, childlike love and spirit my family has). He said, they are really missing you and you are really missing them. They are feeling like you are on a long vacation and it's time to return home. You are feeling very settled where you are. There is going to be shift in the way they view what you are doing. They will see if as the work the Lord has called you to do. I started tearing up. This is so huge. The Lord knows me so intimately and knows that my family means so much to me. He also knew that this was one of the areas I needed confirmation in if I were to move to the burg where I currently reside. Wow.
Monday was great All staff meeting. The words proceeding from these beloved ones have been words I've longed to hear for so long. There is such a genuine spirit here, humility, Christ as center. They will be starting a church gathering on Sunday the first of the year. Exciting.
Thursday was very emotional but very healing. More confirmation of me being connected with this community. Jon read from a book called Fire and Fragrance and the chapter on Authentic Community. SO GOOD. I started crying. Earlier that day in class I had a deep crying out to deep cry. More healing from the loss of my dear friend Amy Hope. It was good. Another layer. And lots of love going around as we affirmed the life of each one here, giving each other hugs and words of encouragement.
Identity as priests and kings. It's what I'm called to do. Intercession is not need based it's out of love and submission to the Father. Agreement with the heart of Jesus. Who, by the way, is a MAN, seated right now at the right hand of God, inviting us to drink deep from the river of His pleasure and delight (yes, it's a real stream....). Lay aside all other things, friends. It's time to truly know the Man, truly partner with His heart, focus our mind on things above, and have an identity rooted in our daily ministry of being a priest before Him.
More to come soon.
