God Is Enthralled By Your Beauty.
Do you know that God is enthralled by your beauty? Psalm 45:11 says, "The King is enthralled by your beauty; honor Him, for He is your Lord."
Being led in the dance by the King of kings is a life lived that I could never have imagined. I am enamored, taken back and quickened to the remembrance of the day I was rescued by my Almighty Rescuer!
I could never imagine the thoughts and plans that God had and continues to have towards me, especially in the midst of my sin, He saw me through His eyes of faith. He is Faith.
He is full of faith so no wonder he is Faithful!
If you have read my book and you were blessed, I pray that you will share with other women who need to hear the message of the beauty of our God. He longs to lavish His true beauty upon each of His daughter's; especially the daughters who have no idea they belong to the King. His arms are open wide to receive them, let us be led by the Spirit to lead others to the King! He longs to embrace us, revealing His redeeming power over our lives.
He is waiting to equip us; are we willing to be equipped? Let us lead other daughters of God to awaken and rise up to the call of our God. If you have not read, God Is Enthralled by Your Beauty, you can do so by selecting any of the posts below...the posts are listed from chapter one to chapter seven, click on the preferred post, and you will be linked directly to the chapter you have selected. I pray that you are blessed beyond your wildest imaginations.
Introduction
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Arise in your place; but first we must awaken to the King's call upon our lives. Awake my sister. Awake! (Isaiah 60).
Showing posts with label God Is Enthralled By Your Beauty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God Is Enthralled By Your Beauty. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Chapter Six: My Redeemer
Written by: Teresa Criswell
Copyright © 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
King Jesus led me by the hand as we walked together. The moon illuminated the dark, starlit sky, yet with a haze of smoke coming forth from the distance, everything around me was intensified. As I heard the leaves rustling together in the wind, I was drawn to this beautiful mountain, when I heard my King Jesus say, “Do you want to see the amazing sight over this hill?” With excitement, I said, “Yes, King Jesus! Wherever you go, I want to go!”
As we ran together, the night wind passed through my hair and at that moment I felt as though the whole world was in slow motion, experiencing peace annihilate every part of my being. When we reached the incredible scene I realized where the smoke was coming from. It was an amazing bonfire. I was surprised to see such a huge fire with only one person. There she stood, a beautiful woman. Jesus drew me near as He whispered, “Watch and see her need be fulfilled.” I watched Him walk to her as I stood off to the distance. My curiosity of what He would do next, drew me closer. As I drew closer I realized it was her; the girl who I saw in my dreams. There she stood before the bonfire emptying the contents of a box that was simply labeled “lies”.
It was amazing as I watched, to know that as she emptied this box of ‘lies’ the One who stood beside her was Truth!
She looked to her side and realized that Jesus her King stood beside her. As tears streamed down her fire lit cheeks, she started to shake as tears welled up within her innermost parts. She slowly handed the box over to Jesus. I watched Him gently grasp one of her hands as He so beautifully accepted the box with His other hand. To hear His gigantic, gorgeous whisper I heard Him say, “You are ready, you can do this, I Am with you.”
Together they emptied the contents of this box into the fire. He did something incredibly amazing. He not only emptied the box but He threw the box itself into the fire. Right before my eyes, I saw the ‘scales’ literally be removed from her eyes. It was not just one layer but it seemed to be layer after layer. As the scales came off, her countenance changed right before my eyes. It was as though I could see the thoughts going through her mind. They seemed to be thoughts of peace and new territories of freedom that she dared even dream existed. She sat down with her legs criss-crossed as she sat on the ground and her arms rested on the side of her knees as she made sure that the contents of the box and the box itself were truly being consumed never to return.
It seemed like an eternity as she stared into the dimming, crackling fire. She finally spoke to Jesus. She said, “How could I have left you Lord? Thank you for Your forgiveness over me for living a life as if to say, there was something better than You.”
With regret in her voice, she said, “Where would I have been if only I had been with you?” As Jesus the King sat with her, He so passionately touched the tip of her chin and softly lifted her head that seemed to hang in shame. He lifted her head, as tears streamed down her face. He said, “If you would have stayed with Me all those years you would be right where you are.”
When I heard those words spoken to her, I was still with awe. I thought, “Wait! So that is what it is! Redemption! It is truly an active experience as the Redeeming power of God came upon her.” He was truly The Redeemer. He turned those ashes into beauty. I believed when He said, “You would be right where you are” I don’t believe He meant in the literal sense of this dimension of time, however I believe He meant her heart’s desire was now for Him, right where it needed to be; where her heart was destined to remain.
I now ask you, “Can you see her?” “Can you see the tiara upon her head?” “Do you see her looking into the eyes of God?” “Can you see her dancing?” “Can you see her smiling?” “Can you finally see her pleased with who she is?” “As you see her, do you see yourself?”
You must know by now that He is holding you with arms of unfailing love! He wants to lavish you with His loving faithfulness which is higher than the highest mountain. His love is deeper than the deepest sea even more than all the bodies of water on this earth put together.
He redeems you from what you could not and cannot become on your own. What is it about Him that can change your perspective of yourself in one life altering moment? The life changing perspective is because of His love. His Love is an “All-Consuming Fire” that burns and disintegrates the lies.
Do you see His loving hands extended out to you? I plead with you! Take His Mighty Hands. “He will lead you to paths of life.” “He will make those crooked paths straight” (Psalm 16:11, Isaiah 42:16).
When adversity comes, why go through it alone? He conquered adversity, which makes you more than a conqueror…you get to go through it with Him knowing what waits for you on the other side…Victory!
Go to the fire with King Jesus and allow Him to burn that cloak of lies that have been deceptively hemmed together with bitterness, unworthiness, unforgiveness, hate and strife. Watch what He does with the ashes of that cloak…be amazed by what only He can do...REDEEM!
Copyright © 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
King Jesus led me by the hand as we walked together. The moon illuminated the dark, starlit sky, yet with a haze of smoke coming forth from the distance, everything around me was intensified. As I heard the leaves rustling together in the wind, I was drawn to this beautiful mountain, when I heard my King Jesus say, “Do you want to see the amazing sight over this hill?” With excitement, I said, “Yes, King Jesus! Wherever you go, I want to go!”
As we ran together, the night wind passed through my hair and at that moment I felt as though the whole world was in slow motion, experiencing peace annihilate every part of my being. When we reached the incredible scene I realized where the smoke was coming from. It was an amazing bonfire. I was surprised to see such a huge fire with only one person. There she stood, a beautiful woman. Jesus drew me near as He whispered, “Watch and see her need be fulfilled.” I watched Him walk to her as I stood off to the distance. My curiosity of what He would do next, drew me closer. As I drew closer I realized it was her; the girl who I saw in my dreams. There she stood before the bonfire emptying the contents of a box that was simply labeled “lies”.
It was amazing as I watched, to know that as she emptied this box of ‘lies’ the One who stood beside her was Truth!
She looked to her side and realized that Jesus her King stood beside her. As tears streamed down her fire lit cheeks, she started to shake as tears welled up within her innermost parts. She slowly handed the box over to Jesus. I watched Him gently grasp one of her hands as He so beautifully accepted the box with His other hand. To hear His gigantic, gorgeous whisper I heard Him say, “You are ready, you can do this, I Am with you.”
Together they emptied the contents of this box into the fire. He did something incredibly amazing. He not only emptied the box but He threw the box itself into the fire. Right before my eyes, I saw the ‘scales’ literally be removed from her eyes. It was not just one layer but it seemed to be layer after layer. As the scales came off, her countenance changed right before my eyes. It was as though I could see the thoughts going through her mind. They seemed to be thoughts of peace and new territories of freedom that she dared even dream existed. She sat down with her legs criss-crossed as she sat on the ground and her arms rested on the side of her knees as she made sure that the contents of the box and the box itself were truly being consumed never to return.
It seemed like an eternity as she stared into the dimming, crackling fire. She finally spoke to Jesus. She said, “How could I have left you Lord? Thank you for Your forgiveness over me for living a life as if to say, there was something better than You.”
With regret in her voice, she said, “Where would I have been if only I had been with you?” As Jesus the King sat with her, He so passionately touched the tip of her chin and softly lifted her head that seemed to hang in shame. He lifted her head, as tears streamed down her face. He said, “If you would have stayed with Me all those years you would be right where you are.”
When I heard those words spoken to her, I was still with awe. I thought, “Wait! So that is what it is! Redemption! It is truly an active experience as the Redeeming power of God came upon her.” He was truly The Redeemer. He turned those ashes into beauty. I believed when He said, “You would be right where you are” I don’t believe He meant in the literal sense of this dimension of time, however I believe He meant her heart’s desire was now for Him, right where it needed to be; where her heart was destined to remain.
I now ask you, “Can you see her?” “Can you see the tiara upon her head?” “Do you see her looking into the eyes of God?” “Can you see her dancing?” “Can you see her smiling?” “Can you finally see her pleased with who she is?” “As you see her, do you see yourself?”
You must know by now that He is holding you with arms of unfailing love! He wants to lavish you with His loving faithfulness which is higher than the highest mountain. His love is deeper than the deepest sea even more than all the bodies of water on this earth put together.
He redeems you from what you could not and cannot become on your own. What is it about Him that can change your perspective of yourself in one life altering moment? The life changing perspective is because of His love. His Love is an “All-Consuming Fire” that burns and disintegrates the lies.
Do you see His loving hands extended out to you? I plead with you! Take His Mighty Hands. “He will lead you to paths of life.” “He will make those crooked paths straight” (Psalm 16:11, Isaiah 42:16).
When adversity comes, why go through it alone? He conquered adversity, which makes you more than a conqueror…you get to go through it with Him knowing what waits for you on the other side…Victory!
Go to the fire with King Jesus and allow Him to burn that cloak of lies that have been deceptively hemmed together with bitterness, unworthiness, unforgiveness, hate and strife. Watch what He does with the ashes of that cloak…be amazed by what only He can do...REDEEM!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Chapter Three: The King Adorned In Peace
God Is Enthralled By Your Beauty
Finally Looking Into The Mirror He Sees You In
Written by: Teresa Criswell
Copyright 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
“Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman where are they?
Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said.
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared.
“Go now and leave your life of sin.”
~ John 8:10-11 (NIV)
I was swept back into this indescribable dream. As I watched her I did not expect what would happen next. Her eyes did not blink as they were fixed to something with amazement! As her eyes were fixed, so mine became fixed upon the indescribable silhouette of a Man standing with great posture and stillness. However, this man was like no other. As He stood, He exuded great strength, He looked familiar and this man was in her room.
Walking closer to her, my eyes slowly gazed from the top of His head and down His amazing face. His head so beautifully graced with dark hair. His amazing eyes filled with love. His chiseled jaw line as if He were carved out of a mountain. His lips so full as if I could see power sitting on the end of them. His neck thick and shoulders broad; defined as if the world sat upon them. His arms sculpted with strength and His hands scarred with gigantic scars, with amazing, indescribable power. His stature so tall, so mighty and becoming, I could not keep my eyes off of Him.
The world I was in seemed to stand still. Yet suddenly interrupted as my eyes were peeled from Him as I turned to look at her; she was frozen with shock.
The silence interrupted by her crackling voice as she softly asked, “Who are you?” He answered her with His powerful, deep, yet gentle, loving voice and said, “It is I, your King, and I am here to rescue you from the lies of bitterness, guilt, shame and unworthiness.”
Hearing His voice caused me to tremble; His mighty voice sounded like many waves crashing against the sea. His voice filled with both authority and intense love. It was as though if He were to speak one more word, I would experience supernatural ecstasy. I longed for Him. I wanted Him like I wanted no other. I pled in secret for her to want Him; allowing Him to carry it all. I desired for her that He would be allowed to carry her out of this tormenting place of secrecy.
Suddenly, I jumped as I saw her jump with fear! She was not in fear of Him, yet she saw something, something I could not see, yet so painful that she actually turned her head from her King as if to say she was not good enough for Him. This thing she saw was none other than one of the enemy’s greatest weapons of warfare; shame.
I saw her body fall to the ground as though she lost all the life left in her. Her limp body lying on the ground, and her face contorted in pain. Violently screaming, she placed her hands on her ears as if to stop the tormenting voices of condemnation only she could hear.
I pled for her to set her eyes upon and reach out to her King! This became intensely frustrating as she could not hear me, nor did she know that I was a groaning spectator, watching her in disbelief. Yet, The King waited patiently.
I watched this man with great intensity. He held her in His arms so ripped with strength, holding her seemingly lifeless body in His arms of indescribable, passionate strength. Her body convulsed violently as though she were being riddled by bullets of guilt. I was overwhelmed with sadness as I noticed that she was unaware that she was being passionately and lovingly held by this Mighty King of kings.
His lips so passionately pressed up against her tear stained cheeks. He wept over her weak body. It seemed hopeless. She believed the lie so deeply that her natural ear could only hear the lies of confusion. She came up off the floor; tearing herself away from this Mighty King and ran with shame, yet again, into ‘The Place of Secrecy”.
All I could do was scream with great pleading, hoping with great expectation that my desperate cries on her behalf would penetrate the invisible wall that separated her and I.
I cried out, “O God why is she so drawn to this place of secrecy?” Like an ariel view, I could see her room like I had not seen it before. I not only saw the distorted glass object that appeared to be a mirror, but I also saw the beautifully adorned mirror. I discovered that all she has to do was turn one hundred eighty degrees. If she chose to do this, I knew her eyes would be able to see clearly. She would once again see herself through the eyes of her Father.
I saw the mighty King standing as He interceded on her behalf. The way He prayed shook the foundations of this place with awesome power and majesty. It was as though the whole world had stopped. Time seemed to stop as I was swept away by His voice that spoke with such awesome authority. I had never heard any man speak with this kind of authority before. He was beyond confident. He was beyond valiant. He was amazing to watch. He was amazing to listen to.
Mesmerized by His amazing voice, I noticed as He walked silently to the door that opened to this place of secrecy. I sensed He was about to speak again, leaning in with great anticipation. He slowly and gently opened the door and I heard Him say in a gentle yet strong whisper, “O my beloved, why do you choose to do this alone?”
What I saw next was nothing short of amazing! I saw a glimmer of hope in her eyes! She looked up to her King and with a sigh of great effort, she started to stand as she so tightly grasped His amazing forearms and leaned into Him placing her head on His chest and with everything she had she desperately fell into Him. He with one hand, caressed her face, lifting her head. She began to cry with what seemed like everything she had. Her whole body quivered as the inner cries poured out.
I was taken by surprise by His loving mercy over her. To hear Him cry over her was so heart wrenching and I realized His passionate love for her. He knew who she was to become. He saw her through eyes of beauty. Watching Him hold her was so pure, yet it took my breath away. His mighty arms so defined; engulfing her whole being.
It was the most powerful scene to watch Him hold her; seeing restoration revealed right before my eyes. The restoration came upon her head, her eyes, and her heart and all the way down to the soles of her feet. The girl I once watched with amazement is literally being restored right before my eyes.
The Kings hands embraced her face as His hands held her blushing cheeks. His loving hands removing the dirt and tears off her beautiful face. He ran His hands so gently through her hair. She looked into His eyes and He looked into hers. As if time had stopped, He brought her close and placed His beautiful lips upon her forehead. Miraculously, this glorious light from His presence engulfed her being and I saw this miraculous transformation.
At the power of this transformation; I heard evil screams come forth. However, the screams were not of her. They were the screams of the voices of guilt, bitterness, shame and unworthiness that had no chance in the presence of the King! King Jesus!
The transformation of this glorious light chases out those lying voices. It is like seeing an empty vessel be filled to overflowing with truth.
I watched with joy as I saw her turn with the King and she finally looked into the beautifully adorned mirror. As she looked she was stunned to see her new image. Her eyes now filled with freedom.
He slowly arose and lovingly reached out His hands to hers. She had a glorious, beaming smile upon her face.
Then, I awoke…
Finally Looking Into The Mirror He Sees You In
Written by: Teresa Criswell
Copyright 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
“Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman where are they?
Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said.
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared.
“Go now and leave your life of sin.”
~ John 8:10-11 (NIV)
I was swept back into this indescribable dream. As I watched her I did not expect what would happen next. Her eyes did not blink as they were fixed to something with amazement! As her eyes were fixed, so mine became fixed upon the indescribable silhouette of a Man standing with great posture and stillness. However, this man was like no other. As He stood, He exuded great strength, He looked familiar and this man was in her room.
Walking closer to her, my eyes slowly gazed from the top of His head and down His amazing face. His head so beautifully graced with dark hair. His amazing eyes filled with love. His chiseled jaw line as if He were carved out of a mountain. His lips so full as if I could see power sitting on the end of them. His neck thick and shoulders broad; defined as if the world sat upon them. His arms sculpted with strength and His hands scarred with gigantic scars, with amazing, indescribable power. His stature so tall, so mighty and becoming, I could not keep my eyes off of Him.
The world I was in seemed to stand still. Yet suddenly interrupted as my eyes were peeled from Him as I turned to look at her; she was frozen with shock.
The silence interrupted by her crackling voice as she softly asked, “Who are you?” He answered her with His powerful, deep, yet gentle, loving voice and said, “It is I, your King, and I am here to rescue you from the lies of bitterness, guilt, shame and unworthiness.”
Hearing His voice caused me to tremble; His mighty voice sounded like many waves crashing against the sea. His voice filled with both authority and intense love. It was as though if He were to speak one more word, I would experience supernatural ecstasy. I longed for Him. I wanted Him like I wanted no other. I pled in secret for her to want Him; allowing Him to carry it all. I desired for her that He would be allowed to carry her out of this tormenting place of secrecy.
Suddenly, I jumped as I saw her jump with fear! She was not in fear of Him, yet she saw something, something I could not see, yet so painful that she actually turned her head from her King as if to say she was not good enough for Him. This thing she saw was none other than one of the enemy’s greatest weapons of warfare; shame.
I saw her body fall to the ground as though she lost all the life left in her. Her limp body lying on the ground, and her face contorted in pain. Violently screaming, she placed her hands on her ears as if to stop the tormenting voices of condemnation only she could hear.
I pled for her to set her eyes upon and reach out to her King! This became intensely frustrating as she could not hear me, nor did she know that I was a groaning spectator, watching her in disbelief. Yet, The King waited patiently.
I watched this man with great intensity. He held her in His arms so ripped with strength, holding her seemingly lifeless body in His arms of indescribable, passionate strength. Her body convulsed violently as though she were being riddled by bullets of guilt. I was overwhelmed with sadness as I noticed that she was unaware that she was being passionately and lovingly held by this Mighty King of kings.
His lips so passionately pressed up against her tear stained cheeks. He wept over her weak body. It seemed hopeless. She believed the lie so deeply that her natural ear could only hear the lies of confusion. She came up off the floor; tearing herself away from this Mighty King and ran with shame, yet again, into ‘The Place of Secrecy”.
All I could do was scream with great pleading, hoping with great expectation that my desperate cries on her behalf would penetrate the invisible wall that separated her and I.
I cried out, “O God why is she so drawn to this place of secrecy?” Like an ariel view, I could see her room like I had not seen it before. I not only saw the distorted glass object that appeared to be a mirror, but I also saw the beautifully adorned mirror. I discovered that all she has to do was turn one hundred eighty degrees. If she chose to do this, I knew her eyes would be able to see clearly. She would once again see herself through the eyes of her Father.
I saw the mighty King standing as He interceded on her behalf. The way He prayed shook the foundations of this place with awesome power and majesty. It was as though the whole world had stopped. Time seemed to stop as I was swept away by His voice that spoke with such awesome authority. I had never heard any man speak with this kind of authority before. He was beyond confident. He was beyond valiant. He was amazing to watch. He was amazing to listen to.
Mesmerized by His amazing voice, I noticed as He walked silently to the door that opened to this place of secrecy. I sensed He was about to speak again, leaning in with great anticipation. He slowly and gently opened the door and I heard Him say in a gentle yet strong whisper, “O my beloved, why do you choose to do this alone?”
What I saw next was nothing short of amazing! I saw a glimmer of hope in her eyes! She looked up to her King and with a sigh of great effort, she started to stand as she so tightly grasped His amazing forearms and leaned into Him placing her head on His chest and with everything she had she desperately fell into Him. He with one hand, caressed her face, lifting her head. She began to cry with what seemed like everything she had. Her whole body quivered as the inner cries poured out.
I was taken by surprise by His loving mercy over her. To hear Him cry over her was so heart wrenching and I realized His passionate love for her. He knew who she was to become. He saw her through eyes of beauty. Watching Him hold her was so pure, yet it took my breath away. His mighty arms so defined; engulfing her whole being.
It was the most powerful scene to watch Him hold her; seeing restoration revealed right before my eyes. The restoration came upon her head, her eyes, and her heart and all the way down to the soles of her feet. The girl I once watched with amazement is literally being restored right before my eyes.
The Kings hands embraced her face as His hands held her blushing cheeks. His loving hands removing the dirt and tears off her beautiful face. He ran His hands so gently through her hair. She looked into His eyes and He looked into hers. As if time had stopped, He brought her close and placed His beautiful lips upon her forehead. Miraculously, this glorious light from His presence engulfed her being and I saw this miraculous transformation.
At the power of this transformation; I heard evil screams come forth. However, the screams were not of her. They were the screams of the voices of guilt, bitterness, shame and unworthiness that had no chance in the presence of the King! King Jesus!
The transformation of this glorious light chases out those lying voices. It is like seeing an empty vessel be filled to overflowing with truth.
I watched with joy as I saw her turn with the King and she finally looked into the beautifully adorned mirror. As she looked she was stunned to see her new image. Her eyes now filled with freedom.
He slowly arose and lovingly reached out His hands to hers. She had a glorious, beaming smile upon her face.
Then, I awoke…
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Chapter Two: The Place of Secrecy
Written By: Teresa Criswell
Copyright 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
To watch her overwhelmed me with sadness. She stared at the distorted image of herself. Hopelessness annihilated her whole being.
I watched in disbelief as her weak, limp body convulsed like a rag doll as the lies of the enemy came at her like flying bullets. I watched her with painful compassion, as she seemed to be lifeless on the ground.
What I witnessed next was horrifying. Right before my eyes I saw a treacherous leach-like creature, it slithered on the cold ground; about four feet in length and about six inches wide as it slowly crept onto her body. The creature had a name and it was called, ‘Bitterness’.
The manifestation of Bitterness was alarming. It literally changed and disfigured everything about her. The hope of that little girl that she once was, was now gone. It would seem as though there would be no trace of her again.
I painfully watched as this girl once full of life; whimpered with cries of hopeless regret. It seemed from the sounds of her cries that Bitterness was attaching itself to her in unimaginable pain. The eerie sound of her pain was overwhelming to my ears.
In the midst of the painful sounds of her cries, I heard her crying out, “Daddy”! “Daddy”! He immediately answered with a voice so booming and beautiful. Yet, even in His embracing voice, she did something that alarmed me and that was to ask a question that I could never bear to hear again, especially to ask such a question to the Father God. With a bitter tone and her fists clenched in anger, she yelled, “Why did you let this happen?”
The loud cry of bitterness was so painful. She inhaled deeply as if to cry even louder in between her cries and her breath. Then there was an excruciating, indescribable silence. The silence could be described as utter darkness to the ears. My ears had not experienced silence to this degree.
Crawling on the ground, I suddenly felt the ground shake below me, it shook with such power; it was God’s Mighty tears falling to the ground.
Suddenly, I saw these two amazing hands. These hands were so beautiful. Hands so detailed with power. Hands I had never seen before as they tenderly took hold of her. His loving, booming voice said, “O my princess I am not to be judged. I am God and I cannot nor will not forsake any of my children.”
She jumped angrily out of His unforgettable Hands without saying a word. However, her heart and eyes said it all as they filled with hate towards Him.
He stayed by her side as He whispered His promises, choking back loving tears. She drowned out His loving whisper by screaming and running into a room I had not yet seen until that very moment. The name above the door was posted a sign, “The Place of Secrecy”. As she ran into the room, slamming the door behind her I could hear the tormenting screams.
In the midst of the screams, I suddenly heard a loud hammering sound. As I looked away, squinting my eyes afraid of what I might see, I placed my hands over my ears. Slowly opening my eyes, I could see in my peripheral vision the door slowly opening. Suddenly my sense of smell caught an odor that filled the air. The odor was unbearable.. The only way to describe it was that it compared to that of a rotting corpse.
I was saddened to find that this girl that I once watched in amazement; this girl I once envied, I could hardly look upon, as sadness annihilated every part of me.
I realized in that moment that the unbearable odor which was so distinct, was the disturbing odor of what seemed to be unforgiveness. I saw it as an infectious wound that had never been treated, resulting in rottenness.
Curiosity captured me as the dream now placed me in “The Place of Secrecy.” It was unbelievable what my eyes were seeing. Overwhelming fear overtook me as I sat trembling in her closet. Yet in that same moment, my eyes would not allow me to look away for I could not believe what I was seeing.
The images I saw can only be described as photographs. Many photographs sprawled about as they captured the painful moments of betrayal, lies, divorce, anger, unforgiveness, bitterness, grudges, unimaginable sins she had committed and sins that had been committed against her.
Within the photographs, I could not see the faces as they had been carved out with what could have been a ‘knife of hate’. These disturbing photographs that I saw before me cannot be articulated. The pictures of herself; they were pictures of self-inflicted wounds due to the overwhelming feeling of unworthiness.
Suddenly, the sense of touch below my feet caught me off guard as I realized I was standing in what I could only describe as warm goop. I slowly looked down with caution not knowing what I would see. As I looked down, I saw that beneath my feet I was standing in none other than her vomit. It was as if my two senses of touch and smell came together as one, causing great nausea.
The odor was unbearable; I would have to assume that when she opened the door to that place of secrecy she was unable to open it alone. She hammered the images into this place of secrecy with her eyes shut. It would seem that if she opened her eyes for a moment the images that were in this place were too much for even her stomach to bear.
Suddenly I disappeared from the scene and awoke in a cold sweat. The nightmare was so real and again so familiar. I asked God, “If it was too painful for her to see the images, why was she hammering those obscene images into this place of secrecy? Was this her way of punishing herself?”
I asked myself, “Are there things in my life that I have hidden that even I cannot bear to see on my own?” It came immediately to my spirit and the answer was, “Yes.”
I found myself praying and pleading to God for this girl. I pled with unimaginable desperation, “Please open the door to the “Place of Secrecy” for her and even for me. This is a place of secrecy that she cannot bear to open herself!”
The pleading led me to ask myself, “Why is it that most daughters of God have chosen to look into this distorted object of what we think is a mirror?” “Why are we unknowingly drawn to ugliness versus beauty?”
I believe there are many issues, but the main natural reason is due to the deep wounds and ugly scars we have dared not look upon. Now why do we try to place those things into a place of secrecy? I believe it is not only survival mode, but also because we tell ourselves it is better to ignore it and act as though it never happened, when in actuality it is as a festering poison in every area of our lives. There are wounds of guilt and unworthiness that must be revealed. Now please know what is revealed should not be the focus, but the focus is to give it to Your Rescuing Savior so that what you give to Him can be replaced with what God has so readily available for us ~ innocence and worthiness.
Our beautiful Father God desires for us to come to Him, no matter what we have done or have not done. He wants to lift us up, not to oppress us or be a victim of condemnation. We are His children. We are His daughters.
We as His daughters will not be able to bear the opening of that door without our Father’s glorious love and grace. We must call upon Him!
I believe we will realize that this is not a bother to Him when we call upon Him. He wants us to call out to Him. He desires for us to know who we are in Him, but more than anything, and most importantly we must know Who He is!
Copyright 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
To watch her overwhelmed me with sadness. She stared at the distorted image of herself. Hopelessness annihilated her whole being.
I watched in disbelief as her weak, limp body convulsed like a rag doll as the lies of the enemy came at her like flying bullets. I watched her with painful compassion, as she seemed to be lifeless on the ground.
What I witnessed next was horrifying. Right before my eyes I saw a treacherous leach-like creature, it slithered on the cold ground; about four feet in length and about six inches wide as it slowly crept onto her body. The creature had a name and it was called, ‘Bitterness’.
The manifestation of Bitterness was alarming. It literally changed and disfigured everything about her. The hope of that little girl that she once was, was now gone. It would seem as though there would be no trace of her again.
I painfully watched as this girl once full of life; whimpered with cries of hopeless regret. It seemed from the sounds of her cries that Bitterness was attaching itself to her in unimaginable pain. The eerie sound of her pain was overwhelming to my ears.
In the midst of the painful sounds of her cries, I heard her crying out, “Daddy”! “Daddy”! He immediately answered with a voice so booming and beautiful. Yet, even in His embracing voice, she did something that alarmed me and that was to ask a question that I could never bear to hear again, especially to ask such a question to the Father God. With a bitter tone and her fists clenched in anger, she yelled, “Why did you let this happen?”
The loud cry of bitterness was so painful. She inhaled deeply as if to cry even louder in between her cries and her breath. Then there was an excruciating, indescribable silence. The silence could be described as utter darkness to the ears. My ears had not experienced silence to this degree.
Crawling on the ground, I suddenly felt the ground shake below me, it shook with such power; it was God’s Mighty tears falling to the ground.
Suddenly, I saw these two amazing hands. These hands were so beautiful. Hands so detailed with power. Hands I had never seen before as they tenderly took hold of her. His loving, booming voice said, “O my princess I am not to be judged. I am God and I cannot nor will not forsake any of my children.”
She jumped angrily out of His unforgettable Hands without saying a word. However, her heart and eyes said it all as they filled with hate towards Him.
He stayed by her side as He whispered His promises, choking back loving tears. She drowned out His loving whisper by screaming and running into a room I had not yet seen until that very moment. The name above the door was posted a sign, “The Place of Secrecy”. As she ran into the room, slamming the door behind her I could hear the tormenting screams.
In the midst of the screams, I suddenly heard a loud hammering sound. As I looked away, squinting my eyes afraid of what I might see, I placed my hands over my ears. Slowly opening my eyes, I could see in my peripheral vision the door slowly opening. Suddenly my sense of smell caught an odor that filled the air. The odor was unbearable.. The only way to describe it was that it compared to that of a rotting corpse.
I was saddened to find that this girl that I once watched in amazement; this girl I once envied, I could hardly look upon, as sadness annihilated every part of me.
I realized in that moment that the unbearable odor which was so distinct, was the disturbing odor of what seemed to be unforgiveness. I saw it as an infectious wound that had never been treated, resulting in rottenness.
Curiosity captured me as the dream now placed me in “The Place of Secrecy.” It was unbelievable what my eyes were seeing. Overwhelming fear overtook me as I sat trembling in her closet. Yet in that same moment, my eyes would not allow me to look away for I could not believe what I was seeing.
The images I saw can only be described as photographs. Many photographs sprawled about as they captured the painful moments of betrayal, lies, divorce, anger, unforgiveness, bitterness, grudges, unimaginable sins she had committed and sins that had been committed against her.
Within the photographs, I could not see the faces as they had been carved out with what could have been a ‘knife of hate’. These disturbing photographs that I saw before me cannot be articulated. The pictures of herself; they were pictures of self-inflicted wounds due to the overwhelming feeling of unworthiness.
Suddenly, the sense of touch below my feet caught me off guard as I realized I was standing in what I could only describe as warm goop. I slowly looked down with caution not knowing what I would see. As I looked down, I saw that beneath my feet I was standing in none other than her vomit. It was as if my two senses of touch and smell came together as one, causing great nausea.
The odor was unbearable; I would have to assume that when she opened the door to that place of secrecy she was unable to open it alone. She hammered the images into this place of secrecy with her eyes shut. It would seem that if she opened her eyes for a moment the images that were in this place were too much for even her stomach to bear.
Suddenly I disappeared from the scene and awoke in a cold sweat. The nightmare was so real and again so familiar. I asked God, “If it was too painful for her to see the images, why was she hammering those obscene images into this place of secrecy? Was this her way of punishing herself?”
I asked myself, “Are there things in my life that I have hidden that even I cannot bear to see on my own?” It came immediately to my spirit and the answer was, “Yes.”
I found myself praying and pleading to God for this girl. I pled with unimaginable desperation, “Please open the door to the “Place of Secrecy” for her and even for me. This is a place of secrecy that she cannot bear to open herself!”
The pleading led me to ask myself, “Why is it that most daughters of God have chosen to look into this distorted object of what we think is a mirror?” “Why are we unknowingly drawn to ugliness versus beauty?”
I believe there are many issues, but the main natural reason is due to the deep wounds and ugly scars we have dared not look upon. Now why do we try to place those things into a place of secrecy? I believe it is not only survival mode, but also because we tell ourselves it is better to ignore it and act as though it never happened, when in actuality it is as a festering poison in every area of our lives. There are wounds of guilt and unworthiness that must be revealed. Now please know what is revealed should not be the focus, but the focus is to give it to Your Rescuing Savior so that what you give to Him can be replaced with what God has so readily available for us ~ innocence and worthiness.
Our beautiful Father God desires for us to come to Him, no matter what we have done or have not done. He wants to lift us up, not to oppress us or be a victim of condemnation. We are His children. We are His daughters.
We as His daughters will not be able to bear the opening of that door without our Father’s glorious love and grace. We must call upon Him!
I believe we will realize that this is not a bother to Him when we call upon Him. He wants us to call out to Him. He desires for us to know who we are in Him, but more than anything, and most importantly we must know Who He is!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Chapter One: What Mirror Are You Looking Into?
Written by: Teresa Criswell
Copyright 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
Definition of Mirror:
1: A polished or smooth surface
(As of glass) that forms images by reflection
2: A true representation.
“For now we are looking in a mirror that gives only a dim (blurred) reflection [of reality as in a riddle or enigma], but then [when perfection comes] we shall see in reality and face to face! Now I know in part (imperfectly), but then I shall know and understand fully and clearly, even in the same manner as I have been fully and clearly known and understood [by God].”
I Corinthians 13:12 (Amp.)
I was enamored by the luxurious golden room filled with purity; draped with elegance and beauty.
I secretly watched with delightful awe as this beautiful girl gazed across the room into her beautifully adorned mirror. She ran closer to the mirror with whimsical grace; seeing herself with amazement as the mirror revealed such magnificent beauty!
Awestruck, she gazed into the mirror at her beautiful almond shaped eyes. Her long lashes framing her beautiful piercing, brown eyes; they fluttered gracefully as a butterfly. Stepping back with her fingers on her lips, she tilted her head to the side as if she heard a whisper. She smiled with assurance, and sighed with contentment, knowing who she was. She gracefully closed her eyes as if she could hear the whisper in her ear which spoke of dreams of romance.
The whisper led her in a dance around the room; her dress spread open like a beautiful bell. The dress so perfectly twirled around her as it suspended in the air. Her arms spread open, as her head tilted back; her long hair effortlessly tossed about as she freely danced to a song that I could not hear ~ only her ears could hear what seemed to be a beautiful melody. I found myself watching with envy, as she danced to a song ~ it would seem to be a song that had never graced our ears on earth, this song; only heard in heaven.
She danced so beautifully, an expression of her spirit that took flight as a soaring eagle. I was amazed by her knowing of who she was! She beheld the beauty of God and in seeing this, she was pleased.
I was so taken by the way she stared into the mirror. It was as though she could hear the distinct loving voice of her Father God. The music must have been the symphony of freedom. As I continued to watch in awe, it would seem that she could hear her Daddy accompanying the ‘symphony of freedom’ with His lyrics of beauty.
I realized with great astonishment that this little girl I secretly watched was none other than ~ me. I stood in disarray. I felt as if the ground and my body became one as I began to weep. I asked with a crying scream in disbelief, “Where did I go?” “What happened?”
Upon regaining my composure, I let out a cry of desperation. I found myself screaming for her and the only thing I could do was shout over and over with all that was within me, “Come back!” Yet it seemed my shouting only pushed her further away.
Suddenly! I awoke from what seemed like reality, gasping for air, I finally regained my breath.
Upon this awakening, I pondered the thought of being a child. It moved me as I realized many children seem to perceive the world through the eyes of purity. I must say that the reminiscing thought of being a small child was beyond an awakening, it was overflowing amazement.
The beautiful girl that I watched with envy was truly blessed by her Father God. She saw the world she lived in with the eyes of a pure heart; the indescribable yearning and God given desire, to be free, loving, and to just be ~ His daughter and princess. She possessed a pure, loving heart that wanted to help every hurting person, every creature great and small. It was as though she lived her life looking into His mirror of beauty.
As she danced watching her reflection in the mirror; I could see her imaginations of herself dancing with the most handsome prince. Her dance revealed that without a doubt or question she was the most beautiful princess in all the land.
I then asked myself, “How did she come to this compelling realization that she was beautiful?” That is when I was lovingly reminded of the beautiful scripture in Psalm 139:14, “We are fearfully and wonderfully made.” I ponder yet again; we are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Her display of gratitude and the graceful dance unto God revealed how God so beautifully placed this into our spirit. Daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, friend…you are fearfully and wonderfully made.
I realized with joy, that in the life of our once three year-old daughter, Tristin was absolutely in awe of herself. Tristin was mesmerized by who she was. She looked into any mirror with confidence. It was as though I could see through those eyes of purity that she dreamed gigantic dreams. I remember when she would look into the mirror; or I should say, any mirror, she would turn her head slightly, placing her little hands on her hips and then naturally posing. She looked up at me with a serious grin on her face as her beautiful eyes pierced mine, wistfully asking in her small, yet high pitch voice, “What you think, Mom?” We giggled with each other and I had the opportunity to tell her that she was and still is the most beautiful little princess in the whole world.
Naturally she looked up at me with her big, beautiful, brown eyes and said, “Thank you!” She said it with absolute assuredness. Most of all, she was glad that Mom agreed with what she already thought so confidently about herself.
As I drifted back to sleep the same girl was before me in my dream. She was enchanted by this amazing, loving voice. As I looked a little closer I realized, as tears streamed down my face, that as she looked into the beautifully adorned mirror, she was beholding The Eyes of her loving Father God and saw herself the way He saw her ~ with His grace and His beauty.
In an instant, faster than a suddenly moment, I saw something that did not make sense, yet I could not deny what I saw, for it was right before me. There it was; a dark cloud moving in towards and over her. It was moving fast into the room as it finally hovered over her. The cloud produced what would seem to be raindrops, yet, when I leaned into hear the rain fall, what I heard shocked me. I realized the rain fall was disguised with actual voices of the enemy influencing the world, repetitively chanting in an evil whisper, “You are not worthy.” “You are ugly.” “You have no beauty.” “You are not important.” “Shut Up! You have no voice.”
I shouted at the voices, closing my ears not being able to bear one more voice of “death” spoken over her. I watched her as I prayed with great anticipation that she would ignore the deceptive voices. I had not yet seen her so scared until this very moment. She covered her head, shrinking into a position of helplessness.
To my dismay, this is when the unimaginable happened; she took her eyes off the beautifully adorned mirror and as though she was under a ‘spell’, her eyes looked different, her beautiful smile ~ vanished. I grabbed hold of the floor as my nails clenched the ground, gritting my teeth in utter disgust and anger screaming, “They are lying to you! Don’t listen to them! Look into the mirror!”
The voice that was so familiar, the voice of her Daddy, she felt overwhelmed and no longer looking into the mirror of beauty, she could no longer hear Him. As I watched in disbelief, the repetitive voices took over. She walked in unison and to the rhythm of the voices. She unknowingly walked over to the covered, uninviting object; so cold and overwhelmingly possessing utter depression.
She seemed to be in a trance and the eerie, evil voices subtly transformed from a whisper to a faint shout, as I heard, “Uncover it, uncover it…” Her hand slowly reached for the torn, aged fabric; old and tattered. The texture of the fabric was rough and heavy, somewhat comparable to an old, rough potato bag material. I could tell that the fabric had been used many times over. I pled with her, “Please! Listen and follow the voice of your Father God!”
Simultaneously as I pled with her, she slowly reached out her hand and uncovered the object. No! O God, No! What I saw was horrific! The girl that once danced to the song of beauty was now still. She was still with shock, looking into a glass object. This object looked like a mirror, but it was not. Her image, her reflection was distorted. She was so beautiful, yet the glass object revealed no beauty, the revealing object stripped her of what she truly was. She was looking into none other than the object of deception. The object was meant to kill her innocence, steal her purity and destroy her knowing of who she was.
When I saw her image all I could see was what she saw, and that was a girl who was battered, and full of despair. The evidence of life had been stripped from her eyes. The beautiful dress that she had been wearing was now violently replaced with torn and filthy rags.
Not only were my senses of what I saw overwhelming, but now the smell. The only thing I could compare the smell to is the smell of decay, revealing overwhelming sadness. The image was so familiar and then it ‘hit’ me; this is when I believed the lie, versus continuing to believe the truth. To actually see at that very moment the devices and weapons of the enemy was utterly devastating.
Does this scene sound familiar? Is this you? Are you gripping your heart as it aches for this girl who has been deceived? Are you feeling a righteous indignation rise up within you as you realize that the beautifully adorned mirror, were as the loving eyes of God being rejected as she chose to see through the lies of the enemy. She chose the enemy’s lie of bondage over the Truth of Freedom from her Father.
The mirror waits patiently for you to see what God sees. Are you looking into the loving eyes of God, or are you looking into the eyes of the enemy?
Awake, my sister! Awake! Hear the voice of your Father God!
“Arise [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you - rise to a new life]! Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!”
~ Isaiah 60:1, AMP ~
(As of glass) that forms images by reflection
2: A true representation.
“For now we are looking in a mirror that gives only a dim (blurred) reflection [of reality as in a riddle or enigma], but then [when perfection comes] we shall see in reality and face to face! Now I know in part (imperfectly), but then I shall know and understand fully and clearly, even in the same manner as I have been fully and clearly known and understood [by God].”
I Corinthians 13:12 (Amp.)
I was enamored by the luxurious golden room filled with purity; draped with elegance and beauty.
I secretly watched with delightful awe as this beautiful girl gazed across the room into her beautifully adorned mirror. She ran closer to the mirror with whimsical grace; seeing herself with amazement as the mirror revealed such magnificent beauty!
Awestruck, she gazed into the mirror at her beautiful almond shaped eyes. Her long lashes framing her beautiful piercing, brown eyes; they fluttered gracefully as a butterfly. Stepping back with her fingers on her lips, she tilted her head to the side as if she heard a whisper. She smiled with assurance, and sighed with contentment, knowing who she was. She gracefully closed her eyes as if she could hear the whisper in her ear which spoke of dreams of romance.
The whisper led her in a dance around the room; her dress spread open like a beautiful bell. The dress so perfectly twirled around her as it suspended in the air. Her arms spread open, as her head tilted back; her long hair effortlessly tossed about as she freely danced to a song that I could not hear ~ only her ears could hear what seemed to be a beautiful melody. I found myself watching with envy, as she danced to a song ~ it would seem to be a song that had never graced our ears on earth, this song; only heard in heaven.
She danced so beautifully, an expression of her spirit that took flight as a soaring eagle. I was amazed by her knowing of who she was! She beheld the beauty of God and in seeing this, she was pleased.
I was so taken by the way she stared into the mirror. It was as though she could hear the distinct loving voice of her Father God. The music must have been the symphony of freedom. As I continued to watch in awe, it would seem that she could hear her Daddy accompanying the ‘symphony of freedom’ with His lyrics of beauty.
I realized with great astonishment that this little girl I secretly watched was none other than ~ me. I stood in disarray. I felt as if the ground and my body became one as I began to weep. I asked with a crying scream in disbelief, “Where did I go?” “What happened?”
Upon regaining my composure, I let out a cry of desperation. I found myself screaming for her and the only thing I could do was shout over and over with all that was within me, “Come back!” Yet it seemed my shouting only pushed her further away.
Suddenly! I awoke from what seemed like reality, gasping for air, I finally regained my breath.
Upon this awakening, I pondered the thought of being a child. It moved me as I realized many children seem to perceive the world through the eyes of purity. I must say that the reminiscing thought of being a small child was beyond an awakening, it was overflowing amazement.
The beautiful girl that I watched with envy was truly blessed by her Father God. She saw the world she lived in with the eyes of a pure heart; the indescribable yearning and God given desire, to be free, loving, and to just be ~ His daughter and princess. She possessed a pure, loving heart that wanted to help every hurting person, every creature great and small. It was as though she lived her life looking into His mirror of beauty.
As she danced watching her reflection in the mirror; I could see her imaginations of herself dancing with the most handsome prince. Her dance revealed that without a doubt or question she was the most beautiful princess in all the land.
I then asked myself, “How did she come to this compelling realization that she was beautiful?” That is when I was lovingly reminded of the beautiful scripture in Psalm 139:14, “We are fearfully and wonderfully made.” I ponder yet again; we are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Her display of gratitude and the graceful dance unto God revealed how God so beautifully placed this into our spirit. Daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, friend…you are fearfully and wonderfully made.
I realized with joy, that in the life of our once three year-old daughter, Tristin was absolutely in awe of herself. Tristin was mesmerized by who she was. She looked into any mirror with confidence. It was as though I could see through those eyes of purity that she dreamed gigantic dreams. I remember when she would look into the mirror; or I should say, any mirror, she would turn her head slightly, placing her little hands on her hips and then naturally posing. She looked up at me with a serious grin on her face as her beautiful eyes pierced mine, wistfully asking in her small, yet high pitch voice, “What you think, Mom?” We giggled with each other and I had the opportunity to tell her that she was and still is the most beautiful little princess in the whole world.
Naturally she looked up at me with her big, beautiful, brown eyes and said, “Thank you!” She said it with absolute assuredness. Most of all, she was glad that Mom agreed with what she already thought so confidently about herself.
As I drifted back to sleep the same girl was before me in my dream. She was enchanted by this amazing, loving voice. As I looked a little closer I realized, as tears streamed down my face, that as she looked into the beautifully adorned mirror, she was beholding The Eyes of her loving Father God and saw herself the way He saw her ~ with His grace and His beauty.
In an instant, faster than a suddenly moment, I saw something that did not make sense, yet I could not deny what I saw, for it was right before me. There it was; a dark cloud moving in towards and over her. It was moving fast into the room as it finally hovered over her. The cloud produced what would seem to be raindrops, yet, when I leaned into hear the rain fall, what I heard shocked me. I realized the rain fall was disguised with actual voices of the enemy influencing the world, repetitively chanting in an evil whisper, “You are not worthy.” “You are ugly.” “You have no beauty.” “You are not important.” “Shut Up! You have no voice.”
I shouted at the voices, closing my ears not being able to bear one more voice of “death” spoken over her. I watched her as I prayed with great anticipation that she would ignore the deceptive voices. I had not yet seen her so scared until this very moment. She covered her head, shrinking into a position of helplessness.
To my dismay, this is when the unimaginable happened; she took her eyes off the beautifully adorned mirror and as though she was under a ‘spell’, her eyes looked different, her beautiful smile ~ vanished. I grabbed hold of the floor as my nails clenched the ground, gritting my teeth in utter disgust and anger screaming, “They are lying to you! Don’t listen to them! Look into the mirror!”
The voice that was so familiar, the voice of her Daddy, she felt overwhelmed and no longer looking into the mirror of beauty, she could no longer hear Him. As I watched in disbelief, the repetitive voices took over. She walked in unison and to the rhythm of the voices. She unknowingly walked over to the covered, uninviting object; so cold and overwhelmingly possessing utter depression.
She seemed to be in a trance and the eerie, evil voices subtly transformed from a whisper to a faint shout, as I heard, “Uncover it, uncover it…” Her hand slowly reached for the torn, aged fabric; old and tattered. The texture of the fabric was rough and heavy, somewhat comparable to an old, rough potato bag material. I could tell that the fabric had been used many times over. I pled with her, “Please! Listen and follow the voice of your Father God!”
Simultaneously as I pled with her, she slowly reached out her hand and uncovered the object. No! O God, No! What I saw was horrific! The girl that once danced to the song of beauty was now still. She was still with shock, looking into a glass object. This object looked like a mirror, but it was not. Her image, her reflection was distorted. She was so beautiful, yet the glass object revealed no beauty, the revealing object stripped her of what she truly was. She was looking into none other than the object of deception. The object was meant to kill her innocence, steal her purity and destroy her knowing of who she was.
When I saw her image all I could see was what she saw, and that was a girl who was battered, and full of despair. The evidence of life had been stripped from her eyes. The beautiful dress that she had been wearing was now violently replaced with torn and filthy rags.
Not only were my senses of what I saw overwhelming, but now the smell. The only thing I could compare the smell to is the smell of decay, revealing overwhelming sadness. The image was so familiar and then it ‘hit’ me; this is when I believed the lie, versus continuing to believe the truth. To actually see at that very moment the devices and weapons of the enemy was utterly devastating.
Does this scene sound familiar? Is this you? Are you gripping your heart as it aches for this girl who has been deceived? Are you feeling a righteous indignation rise up within you as you realize that the beautifully adorned mirror, were as the loving eyes of God being rejected as she chose to see through the lies of the enemy. She chose the enemy’s lie of bondage over the Truth of Freedom from her Father.
The mirror waits patiently for you to see what God sees. Are you looking into the loving eyes of God, or are you looking into the eyes of the enemy?
Awake, my sister! Awake! Hear the voice of your Father God!
“Arise [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you - rise to a new life]! Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!”
~ Isaiah 60:1, AMP ~
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