12/7/01

I had a dream today that I believe is of prophetic significance. I humbly submit it to you for your prayer and discernment. I believe it is a message for some in the church.

Next, Nancy (which means "grace" from Hebrew) got up to sing an offertory song, someone put the accompaniment tape in, but as the tape played, she couldn’t remember the words and, after a little while, requested the song be rewound to start over, to which many groaned.

Next, we were in an adjacent room in a dimmer lighting, socializing in a "party" type atmosphere. Nancy and I were standing by a very large window looking out into the night, watching and waiting for the Lord to return. End of dream.

I was visiting this fellowship with "grace", checking it out.

The pastor’s actions represent a tendency for some to be partial to those who tythe because it financially supports them, it’s their job. Also, money has become influential in decision making in some churches. And some are not giving nor even concerned about it. We need to remember what the tythe Biblically is and that it belongs to the Lord.

The song part of the dream speaks of two things. The first is a "performance mentality" in our services. This is sinful and must be repented of. Offer up genuine praise to the Lord with an upright heart. Second, "grace" (the Hebrew meaning of the name Nancy) is significant. The words to Nancy’s (grace’s) song couldn’t be remembered. I’ve been receiving a lot of words for the church on grace and repentance from the Lord lately because many have misunderstood and abused "grace". Many have used "grace" as a license to be disobedient to the Lord’s commandments.

Many think "grace" was new with the New Testament, but grace is in the Old Testament, too, because YHVH gives grace to the humble. He is gracious; it’s part of His character. For one example, look at Noah. YHVH gave grace to Noah . At Genesis 6:8 "But Noah found favor (actual word is /chen/ #2580) in the eyes of YHVH." There are a few Hebrew words often translated "grace", "favor", "lovingkindness" , and unless we understand this, we will misunderstand the Lord’s grace toward us. The Hebrew words are:
/chanan/ #2603 - to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow
/chen/ #2580 - graciousness, favour, grace, kindness (from the root #2603)
/chasad/ #2616 - to bow in courtesy to an equal, to be kind, shew self merciful
/chesed/#2617-kindness, piety, beauty, favour, merciful, pity (from #2616)
/chasiyd/ #2623-kind, pious, godly, good, holy, merciful, saint (from #2616)

The last part of the dream I believe addresses that some are focused on socializing in the church, like at a social club, while in this hour we should be watching, waiting and mindful of the Lord’s return and about His business, for it’s getting dark out there.