February 2023 – Rivers in the Desert

Dear Virgin-Servants (Part 2)

In Part 1 of this blog series, we looked at the base-level definition of the term virgin-servant. Taking this further, in a deeper context, a virgin-servant refers to anyone who is holy, set apart solely for God, and worthyin God’s eyes.

Having read this deeper definition, it is natural to do a quick scan of one’s self and then questioningly wonder: Am I a virgin-servant? Given my many flaws, how can I possibly be a virgin-servant? While these and other similar types of disqualifying questions might come up, keep in mind thatthe ONLY qualifier is God’s eyes– how He sees us, and by extension, His Word – what He says about us (i.e. what He calls us). God says what He sees even when it is yet-to-be-seen by the one to and/or for whom it is said.

Starting fromJudges 6:11, the bible tells a story of a man named Gideon – focusing onJudges 6:11-12, we see that (by the Word of God through The Angel of God) Gideon is called a fearless, courageous, brave, mighty man of valor WHILE he was acting based on fear(Judges 6:11)and IN SPITE OF God’s foreknowledge that Gideon was going to be afraid(Judges 7:9-11).

Like Gideon, you are who God says you are. God’s invitation to you is the indication that you are a virgin-servant. It does NOT matter if you don’t yet look like it to you, it matters more (and only) that God’s invitation is extended to you.

Blessed is the one whom the LORD chooses and causes to come near, that he may dwell in His courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of God’s House …
Psalm 65:4

God’s invitation/calling is itself what changes us into how God sees us and into what/who He calls us.

For it is God who … called us with a calling that is in itself holy and leads to holiness – a consecrated,set-apart life. He did this not because of anything of merit that we have done, but of and to further His Own purpose (divine pleasure) and marvelous grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus,even before time began!
2 Timothy 1:9(AMP/C, TPT)

As we WAIT on God, by virtue of believing in Him, we inherently agree with Him and actively receive His invitation. In doing this, we are changed –Isaiah 40:31(AMPC). As we WAIT on God … as we tarry and remain in Him (His Love, Word, Spirit), a transformation happens – from glory to glory – 2 Corinthians 3:18. As we cling (hold tight) to and feast on Him, we are translated, awakened …

who is this one? She arises out of her desert, clinging to her Beloved.I awakened you … as you were feasting upon Me,I awakened your innermost being with the travail of birth as you longed for more of Me.
SOS 8:5(TPT)

… we are given new birth … we become who God calls us, which is how He sees us: virgin-servants … holy, set-apart, worthy, His!

… Dear Virgin Israel … My Servant Israel … I have chosen you and named you as My Own, you are Mine.
Jeremiah 31:4(MSG),Isaiah 43:10(AMPC, MSG, VOICE, NLT),Isaiah 43:1(VOICE, AMPC)

Dear virgin-servant, be the Word of God that you are: holy, set-apart, worthy, His very Own bride! Be how He sees you (what He calls you): His dear virgin-servant💖

I have grown and have become a bride … my love for Him has made me a tower of passion and contentment for My Beloved …THIS is how He sees me– I am the one who brings Him bliss, finding favor in His eyes … I became in the KING’s eyes one who found favor, one to be respected (honored) and allowed to find PEACE …
SOS 8:10

… God is PEACE(Judges 6:24). The Master-Bridegroom is The KING of PEACE, He is wild for you. Seek Him while He can be found … seek Him while there is still TIME (before the end of time). He lifts Himself up to be gracious to you –Isaiah 30:18, He has given you (and He is) all you need – all that pertains to life and godliness (the very nature and quality of God) – 2 Peter 1:3. He is LIFE and all that pertains to Him. Hold tight to what you’ve been given – hold tight to God, He is your birthright.

RE: Matthew 25:1-13– Enabled by the HolySpirit, I’ve come to understand that:

The invitation to each of the 10 virgins came with the amount of oil needed to last till the exact moment of the Bridegroom’s arrival. This holds true with the nature of God, His call comes with and is all that’s needed to accomplish the purpose of His call – 2 Timothy 1:9

The 5 foolish virgins running out of oil means that they didn’t bring all their God-given Oil with them. This could be because (A) they didn’t ask for it –James 4:2, John 16:24, and/or (B) they let it be taken from them – either by they themselves giving it away (same as with Esau, who gave away His birthright –Genesis 25:29-34), or by it being taken away because they did not carefully hold tight to it.

Do NOT lose, throw/fling away your fearless confidence (HOPE)for it has a glorious and great recompense of reward … you are destined for a great reward. In a little while, only a little longer,The One Who is coming will come without delay💖 …
Hebrews 10:35 (AMP/C, KJV, TPT) Hebrews 10:37-39(VOICE)

The use of the word foolish was NOT an insult but an appropriate indication that these 5 virgins were unwise – they didn’t use the full Knowledge of God that was given to them. As described inProverbs 1:9, the foolish virgins despised what was given to them.

Somewhat similar to Esau, the 5 foolish virgins regarded the Oil that they were given as unworthy or worth-less, not worth holding on and tightly to.

The 5 foolish virgins were denied entry NOT because they were late. If that was the case, the Bridegroom won’t have waited for them nor would He have responded to their knock on the door. Instead, He waited for them. Keep in mind that He had rooms prepared for them(John 14:3), to mean that He secured their spots with the HOPE that they will be ready to take their rightful place with and in Him. Yes, God hopes too! 💖 For the JOY set before Him, the Bridegroom waited – He endured (waited), He travailed (waited) –Hebrews 12:2B,Isaiah 53:11. Even now, the Bridegroom waits!

The Bridegroom’s response of I know you not and the consequent no-entry had to do with the oil …

… After the 5 foolish virgins ran out of oil, they went to get some from God-knows-where BUT what they got was NOT the Oil God gave them. This imitation oil did not have the nature and quality of God hence, the Bridegroom’s response: I know you not. God ONLY recognizes God – hence the call to be holy as and BECAUSE God is HOLY –Leviticus 20:26– thankfully, God’s calling leads to holiness, God Himself makes us holy as we wait on and with Him. Yes, God waits too! 💖 Wait with Him.

Dear VIRGIN-servant …

… your Master-Bridegroom comes, go out to meet Him.

… this journey through the Time Zone (this desert, this wilderness) to meet The Master-Bridegroom (THE PROMISED LAND) is ONLY possible by God, through God, and in God. Indeed, it is a journey with God and in God to meet with God.

… you’ve been given ALL that’s needed for this journey/walk with God – you’ve been given a Reservoir of Oil (your God-appointed HOPE, your God-appointed God–THE HOLYSPIRIT💖). This Reservoir of Oil isexactly ALL that’s neededto make it to the very end of time, to the Master-Bridegroom’s arrival at midnight … to the expected end that marks the FULL START of your FUTURE with and in God.

… you have not been this way before. As such, TRUST the HolySpirit (your God-appointed God). He knows THE WAY; He is The GATEWAY. Step out with Him through the Archway of TRUST and walk with Him through the Pathway of PEACE.

… As you step out with and in the HolySpirit:

Strip yourself of your manliness which is (and results in) the fear of man. Set aside every weight that easily besets you – unbelief, doubt, fear. Leave self behind … self-sacrifice (HUMILITY) is God’s way.

Clothe yourself with Godliness – Clothe yourself with God, clothe yourself with the Word and Spirit of God that God IS. In other words, clothe yourself with FAITH– this is the impenetrable STRENGTH by and through which you walk humbly with God. Clothe yourself with STRENGTH –Isaiah 52:1. Smother yourself with OIL.

Take all your God-appointed HOPE with you. Never be without the bottomless Reservoir and continuous (endless) Supply of Oil that you have been given. Never be without the HolySpirit, He is MORE than enough.

… do NOT attempt to get Oil (HOPE) from anywhere else – such oil will NOT have the nature and quality of God and is unrecognizable to God.

… WHEN you need more Oil, ask … keep asking that you may be given from the Reservoir of your already-given Oil – Matthew 7:7A, Luke 11:13B

… how much more will your Heavenly Father Who conceived you in LOVE give the HolySpirit’s Fullness to those who ask and continue to ask Him.
Luke 11:13B(AMPC, MSG, TPT)

… The HolySpirit is your Birthright – He is your righteousness and your right of passage in to the FULL START of your new birth and eternally feast-filled life with and in God. Hold tightly to Him, your life depends on Him. Therefore, TODAY, when you hear His Voice saying: this is the way you should go (Isaiah 30:21), follow every word, every leading – Psalm 32:8-9 (TPT), Hebrews 3:7,12,15.

… apply every drop of your God-given Oil, it’s yours to have, enjoy, and use as intended. Each drop and application of this continuous supply of Oil, the Word of God through (and) the HolySpirit, is how we make it through the corruption and futility of this Time Zone … It is how we make it to the expected end to which we have been called – God’s divine nature, His Own glory, excellence, goodness – Holiness.

By means of these He has bestowed on us His precious exceedingly great promises, so that through them (through the Promises of God – His Words of Promise, of which the HolySpirit is proof) we may escape the moral decay and corruption of this world and partake in God’s divine nature.
2 Peter 1:4

… Use your Oil – Use God. Be wise.

Dear Virgin-Servants (Part 1)

I come from everlasting (the ancient past) to make known to you how much I have (unchangingly and endlessly) loved you: from everlasting to everlasting.

Indeed,My Love for you is EVERLASTING…
… even they (your/My enemies) will learn that it’s you
I’ve loved and will acknowledge how much I love you.

BECAUSE you have kept My Word in passionate patience by actively waiting and trusting Me, I will help you and keep you fromthe hour of trial which is intended to test those who live on the earth.I AM coming and I come quickly…hold tight to what you’ve been given …
Jeremiah 31:3Psalm 28:7Revelation 3:10-11 (paraphrased)

While this blog speaks to the end of time, it is NOT a doom’s day, rapture scare. As much as God wants us to choose Him – to choose life with and in Him, to choose the LIFE that He IS – He wants the choice to be love-filled (through the knowledge of Him), NOT fear-based. God wants the choice to be based on love for God that stems solely from the Love of God, the very LOVE that God IS. I don’t reckon He will have us any other way 💖.

This blog, and its subsequent parts, is fruitfully served as an encouragement to all virgin-servants … to strengthen our hands and knees: dear virgin-servant, eat, drink, be strengthened!

The term virgin-servant is used to depict the 2 descriptive categories of the same people represented in the parable of the 10 virgins and that of the 3 servants (the parable of the talent) – both parables can be found inMatthew 25:1-31(consider reading this for reinforced context).

By definition (at the base level), a virgin-servant refers to any man, woman, or child who has lived, currently lives, and will yet live on earth aka The Time Zone – this is a common ground for all virgin-servants.

Life on earth is but one of the commonalities across all virgin-servants. Others include:

Time as well as The Test of Time
The Invitation to a FUTURE with and in God
The WAIT
HOPE, and
God’s Arrival

This first part of the blog-series is a foundation for all that I’ll be sharing. To get us started, let’s take a look at a few note-worthy points about the TIME piece. 🙂

TIME

There was a BEFORE Time … before the morning and evening of the first day. There was a BEFOREGenesis 1:5– a Timeless Zone.

There is and will be an AFTER Time – also, a Timeless Zone.

In between the beginning of Time and the end of Time isTODAY– a representation of each and every moment in the Time Zone.

The Time Zone, along with its tribulations, trials, and affliction (the test of time or the hour of trial), is NOT everlasting. It is timed and has an end –Daniel 11:40, Revelation 10:6.

The Time Zone (earth) is a valley of trouble … a form of desert, a wilderness, AND our being here is part of God’s plan –Hosea 2:14-15(VOICE)💖.

… I’ll lead her out into the wilderness where we can be alone, and I will speak right to her heart and try to win her back … then I’ll give her back her vineyards; I’ll turn the valley of Achor … this valley of Trouble, into a gateway of HOPE …
Hosea 2:14-15(VOICE)

God’s thoughts and plans for each virgin-servant are NOT limited to TODAY; they transcend the Time Zone.

I know what I AM doing. I have it all planned out – plans to take care of you and not abandon you, plans to give you an expected end: the future you hope for … a FUTURE and a HOPE, never forget that.
Jeremiah 29:11(MSG, KJV, VOICE)

Beyond this valley of trouble … beyond this earthly desert/wilderness is the Promised Land – a FUTURE, an AFTER ~~party~~ Time … and we’ve been invited to it!

THE OPEN INVITATION

In line with the thoughts, plans, and purpose of His heart, God extends an invitation (a call) to all virgin-servants …

… in the case of the 10 virgins described inMathew 25:1-13, it was the invitation to an everlasting marriage feast slated to fully commence upon the arrival ofThe Bridegroom.

… in the case of the 3 servants described in Matthew 25: 13-31, it was an investment opportunity – an invitation to invest in a FORVER DEAL with an everlasting payday slated to fully kick in upon the arrival ofThe Master (Mara d’Atra) of the House .

In both cases, as it is with us (all virgin-servants), it is an invitation to God’s glorious excellence –2 Peter 1:3B-4. It is an invitation to an unending, EVERLASTING, eternal LIFE – a glorious FOREVER FUTURE that fully begins with the arrival of God,The Master-Bridegroom.

your Maker is yourBridegroom– Jehovah Sabaoth is His Name, your Redeemer (and thus Master) is The Holy One of Israel, known as God of the whole earth.
Isaiah 54:5 (MSG)

Anyone (man, woman, child … virgin-servant) who believes in Jesus, The Lamb and Word of God, accepts this invitation – John 3:16– THIS is the ONLY means of accepting God’s invitation.

What would have become of me had I not believed (had I not accepted God’s invitation) with the sure HOPE that I will see the goodness of the LORD in the Land of the Living.
Psalm 27:13

It is important to note that:

The FUTURE to which we have been invited was established BEFORE the beginning of time –Revelation 13:8. To mean that ALL that was required to make this invitation possible and to guarantee that this FUTURE is available to us was completed (accomplished) since the foundation of the earth, even when it was void and without form(Genesis 1:2)… before time began.

God completed (accomplished) ALL the work needed to secure this FUTURE for us, after which He rested –Genesis 2:2-3. Having done ALL, God rested – He entered into and remained in a place of REST, the very same REST He invites us to enter into now and fully at the end of time. This REST is the FUTURE with and in Him that we’ve been called to.

The FULL expression of this FUTURE begins at the end of time.

The end of time exactly coincides with the arrival of God,The Master-Bridegroom –Matthew 25:6. This MIDNIGHT point is and marks the FULL START of our glorious EVERLASTING FUTURE with and in God – it is the end where We begin, the dawn of a new and unending day! Zechariah 14:7

THE WAIT

What stands between us and the promise of this secured FUTURE and FOREVER place is Time, TODAY – the Time Zone. The Time Zone is a waiting area/period however, we cannot afford to wait idly. This wait time comes with tests (the test of time): trials, tribulations, afflictions, and they are many – Psalm 34:19.

Sufficient for each day (TODAY)
is the evil and trouble thereof.
Matthew 6:34B(KJV, NLT, AMPC)

However many these troubles and afflictions are, we are NOT left alone to be sitting/waiting ducks … The LOVE that God IS (God Himself) gives us Water (Justice) in this wilderness, He gives us Rivers (Righteousness) in this desert –Amos 5:24, Isaiah 43:20B-21. The LOVE that God IS (God Himself) makes sure we are NOT without help –Isaiah 41:10(AMPC) and He assures of thisrepeatedly:

… for God Himself has said: I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support.I will not,I will not, I will notto any degree leave you helpless, nor forsake you, nor relax My hold on you! Assuredly NOT!
Hebrews 13:5B(AMPC)💖

To help us stand (wait out) the test of time, each virgin-servant is given a bubbling spring – Rivers of Living Water! This is what enables us get through the troubles, trials, and afflictions of the Time Zone, all the way to the expected end.

This bubbling spring, this Rivers of Living Water, is how weWAIT– it’s how we make it through the WAITand have our strength renewed…

Those who WAIT for (expect, look for, and HOPE in) the LORD will change and renew their strength … they lift up their wings and rise up like eagles rising up toward the SUN (The SUN of righteousness – Malachi 4:2💖) … they get fresh strength, they run (as the righteous runs –Proverbs 18:10and) don’t get tired. They walk with God and don’t lag behind.
Isaiah 40:31 (AMPC, MSG)

Thank God for God. Specifically, for the LOVE that He IS and the MERCY that He gives –Lamentation 3:22-23– the result of both gifts is the daily, hourly, momently renewed strength, which is how we make it through TODAY … and how we get to the end as expected.

HOPE

The bubbling spring – The Fountain of Living Water – that we’ve been given is HOPE. In the case of the 10 virgins, it was the Oil. In the case of the 3 servants, it was the Talent/Coin. In both cases, as it is with all virgin-servants,what we’ve been given is HOPE.

HOPE is Godliness– it is a nature and quality of God that God wants us to have BECAUSE we need it, thus God provides it. Each virgin-servant has been given and as such has an appointed HOPE: Hebrews 6:18-19 (AMPC).

The HOPE we’ve been given is needed for TODAY. It is an eternal Coin – a currency of the Timeless Zone that is needed (required) and spent (used, applied) in the Time Zone. Without HOPE, the expected end (both getting there AND as God expects) is impossible otherwise.

The sure HOPE referenced inPsalm 27:13reaches into the very heart of God, where there is no veil, no distance. THIS SURE HOPEcarries us into the very certainty of God’s Presence! The Beauty of His Holiness! The GLORY OF GOD!💖

… those who take refuge in Him (those who HOPE in Him, who put their trust in Him) have mighty indwelling STRENGTH and strong encouragement to grasp and hold fast the HOPE appointed for us and set before us …

…THIS HOPE issafe,SUREand steadfast. It can NOT slip, it can NOT break under whatever pressure bears upon it – impenetrable! It reaches farther and enters into the most holy place in which the very Presence of God dwells, within the veil.
Hebrews 6:18-19(AMP/C)

Getting to The Expected End is important to God – He wants us to get there. It is for this reason that the HolySpirit was given –John 16:7– it is why the HolySpirit has come and is here.

The HolySpirit is the HOPE of our calling – the HOPE of God’s invitation.

The HolySpirit is the ONLY source and continuous / ceaseless Supply of Oil (HOPE) –Zechariah 4:6

Keep in mind that this continuous Supply/Source of Oil is God; He is the God of HOPE –Romans 15:13. His Name is Flowing Oil –SOS 1:3. His Name is Jesus Christ, the HOPE of Glory –Colossians 1:27. His Name is the Word of God – Revelation 19:13 … Jehovah Sabaoth! 💖

God, The Word of God, and The HolySpirit are ONE –I John 5:7. In other words, God is the Word and Spirit that HE IS. With God being HOPE, it is accurate to say that The HolySpirit is HOPE and the ONLY Source and ceaseless Supply of Oil (HOPE).

Furthermore, the HolySpirit is the Engagement Ring and thus the proof of the Bridegroom’s arrival – the proof that the marriage feast will happen. He is the Guarantee/Down-Payment of the Promise – the FOREVER payday as well as the proof that the Master of the House will return. He is the Fore-Taste of our God-given FUTURE of eternity with God.

Truly, The HolySpirit is the evidence of things hoped for: FAITH. He is HOPE. He is LOVE: the everlasting love with which God loves us, the very LOVE that God IS! 💖

FAITH (God), HOPE (God), and LOVE (God) – indeed, only these three (and those who partake of, are born of, are sustained by, and cling to them) can withstand the test of time and will remain when time ends.

… until perfection comes, when we are face-to-face with God (and within the veil), we have these three things to lead us toward that consummation:FAITH, HOPE, LOVE– the three choicest graces remain and last forever.
1 Corinthians 13:12B-13(AMP/C, MSG, TPT, NLT)

FAITH is the voice (The Word) of LOVE and the evidence of what we HOPE for: LOVE. Whether we realize it yet or not, what all virgin-servants HOPE for is LOVE. FAITH stems from LOVE, leads to LOVE, and is LOVE. I say all this to say that these three choicest graces are inseparable and in unison – to speak of one is to speak of the others.

While the emphasis of this multi-blog series is HOPE, keep in mind that this focus on HOPE represents ALL we’ve been given by God – FAITH, HOPE, LOVE … GOD! 💖

We’ll pick this up in part 2! #ExcitedMuch