Enthroned Above the Circle of the Earth

I found myself wide awake in the middle of a twelve hour plane ride returning from six weeks in Israel. I first awoke with a headache I waited and prayed that it would go away but finally had to wake my husband to climb over him to get back to the galley where a kind steward gave me aspirin and lots of liquids. Returning to my seat, I did not want to wake the sleeping fellow passengers so I decided to open the window portal to view the sky. I knew it was sometime in the middle of the night in the current time zone and I would be able to gaze at the billions of stars without obstruction of clouds or atmosphere from our 40,000 foot perspective. I was amazed to see so many stars lighting up the sky! It was FULL of stars!

On the horizon was a thin arc of white cloud looking sheets. I peered at this for a few seconds wondering about these strange clouds so high, when I realized they were waving like sheets with bright strands reaching upward then fading. Northern Lights! Aurora Borealis! It had been many, many years since I had viewed them from the backyard at my parents rural farm house as a teen. But here they were, a private showing with no trees, clouds or artificial lights to obstruct the amazing view! I watched mesmerized for several minutes as they ebbed and flowed in waves of light sometimes hinting toward blue or green as they grew bright, then faded again. They stretch the entire width of the arc of the earth I could see from my window.

I looked around at the sleeping, oblivious people around me and decided it would be okay to poke my husband at least, to share in this awesome display. He tried to watch for a few minutes, but it was difficult to see unless you pressed your face to the window. I knew our camera couldn't capture the sight even if it were accessible. I decided God must be giving me a private showing, so I just sat and tried to take in the moment. Suddenly, I heard inside my head, "Behold, I sit enthroned above the circle of the earth." (similar to Isaiah 40:22) I knew it was God speaking. I immediately remembered Revelation 4 where it describes an emerald rainbow above God's throne. I always wondered what that meant, as most rainbows are not a particular color and require water in the air to reflect light. I never considered that it might look very much like the beautiful display of sheets of light often seen in the display of Northern Lights where green is definitely the predominant color.

In any case, my heart knew that God's message to me was that He was ruling and reigning, fully in control of events regarding this blue marble called earth. This was of great comfort to me personally, because of the events in my own life that had left me wondering so often lately what my next step should be. I often joke about the 40,000 foot perspective God often gives me when I pray for nations and leaders. Here I was, literally at that elevation, at 1:30 am, above Greenland in the Atlantic Ocean, considering God's sovereignty. Wow!

I was in awe of God, His Majesty and Power, His Beauty and the beauty which He has created--and at the same time comforted in His guidance of the very details of my life and my walk with Him. Leaving Israel again was difficult. I questioned my longing to be 'home' in Rochester. I questioned our ability to continue in ministry given the challenges we face on a daily basis. But I know that God is on the throne--a really big, beautiful throne that all heaven looks to. And thus, I will fix my eyes there as well, through the pressure of life's difficulties, listening for the still small voice--"This is the way, walk ye in it..." (Isaiah 30:21)

It turns out in 2010 we entered a peak time in the sun's 11 year cycle for solar storms which can cause Northern Lights to manifest. For more info and pics of Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis here are a couple links:

http://www.spaceweather.com/

http://geology.com/nasa/aurora-borealis.shtml

http://www.trustedlog.com/2007/06/25/northern-lights-aurora/

http://www.spaceweather.com/aurora/gallery_01sep10_page4.htm

A Song from the Day You Were Formed

[This is an excerpt from my book, Visions in the Night, available from my website, Amazon.com or your favorite bookstore!]

Every one that is called by my name: I have created for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. Isaiah 43:7

I was hurrying to get ready for my turn. There were angelic guides looking very much like ordinary people, and they were directing us to dress and prepare. When they told me I would be expected to dance as I sang the song from the day I was formed, my heart was both ecstatic and fearful. The thought of the song made my heart leap—but I am not a singer. Could I recall the words? It had been a very long time since I heard them. Moreover, I am even less of a dancer; klutz was the word I used to describe my level of gracefulness on earth. Could I possibly know what moves to make and remember the words at the same time? As if the angels could hear my thoughts, they assured me that the words would appear on the wall—not to worry.

After I was dressed and prepared, we walked down a hall and came to a door. I entered the room where I would share my song and dance. My clothing surprised me, as it was a camouflage blend of colors—very earthy, but thin and transparent—wispy. Somehow, I knew it was correct though. The room was tiered with a light blue carpet and could hold only about fifty people standing and sitting. There were a number of people and angels, but it wasn't full. I'm not sure how I could tell them apart—but I could. In the center of the room was an open area where the people would take their turn and share. A woman was doing her dance as I walked in. She had short brown hair, she also wasn't physically graceful and I could only see her mouthing the words—not really singing, sort of saying the words, but it was simplistically beautiful. She pantomimed God speaking over her and then looked up and around as if she was looking for the reaction of a heavenly cloud of witnesses. My eye caught on the words on the wall. I was surprised to see them in script, a kind of cursive print that could have been English. This reassured me that if I forgot words there would be a reminder over my shoulder. I moved in to kneel down to start my dance.

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knows right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unformed; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. Psalm 139:4-16

Comment: This dream amazes me. The fact that I was fully aware in the dream that such a song exists, amazes me even now. I have never thought about the day I was formed. I cannot imagine how many eons ago this may have been. This was not the day I was born, nor the day I was conceived—but the day the Lord took thought of me—who I would be, my personality, my physical design, my spiritual being—the real me. In my heart I knew the song, I would recognize it as the angel played the tune, I would know what movements went with it, and the Lord would bring the words back if I was simply worshipping Him and not concerned about me. My overall feelings during the dream were of loving humility and obedience.


The color blue of the carpet reminds me of the heavenly place I was in. The transparent green and brown of my garment speak of my earthiness and my prophetic tendencies to see and operate in the spiritual realm. I only saw the sleeve on my arm—I have no idea what the rest of me looked like. I find the details of this dream very difficult to describe. Even now as I recall this dream, I am overcome with His thoughts for me—His joy in creating me for His divine purpose.

In the dance, I began by sitting on my feet on the floor, looking down. My arms were down with my hands touching the floor. My head also was looking toward the floor. I understood that I would quickly rise up, my arms and head lifted to the heavens as I stood. Then I would blossom as a flower. All of this event’s sequence was in my head, though I didn’t know how I was going to act it through. I just knew the creative, divine music would trigger my body to respond. I was not only willing, but I trembled with enthusiasm and excitement to participate.

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This dream was from January 2007. Since then I have learned that scientists have discovered that even our DNA resonates at a frequency that is considered music! Our awesome God creates each of us as unique and special expressions of His love. How wonderful are His thoughts toward us!

Copyright © 2008 by Ruth Mayfield All rights reserved. These articles may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, by including this notice.

Press Release

| Tate Publishing and Enterprises, LLC |
Publisher’s Press Release: For Immediate Release
Contact:
Amanda Soderberg, Marketing Representative asoderberg@tatepublishing.com
Tate Publishing and Enterprises
(888) 361-9473
NY Author Shares True Story of Inspiring Faith

Local author Ruth McMillan Mayfield, of Penfield, New York, delivers a true story of faith as she shares her husband’s multiple encounters with death and the miracles that followed in her new book releasing nationwide this week, titled “Trusting God through the Valley: One Couple's Journey of Faith.”
When her husband, Duane, collapsed, Mayfield says she had no idea that the ministry plans they had prayerfully laid out had been shattered. The world as she knew it, and the husband she had married, were about to be transformed. The author invites readers to join her on a journey of faith as she rests in peaceful assurance that the Lord has everything under control, despite doctors’ devastating news, and witnesses His miraculous intervention again and again.
Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, the book is available at any bookstore nationwide or can be ordered through the publisher at www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore, or by visiting barnesandnoble.com, amazon.com or target.com.
Mayfield earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science, and post-graduation, studied artificial intelligence at Rochester Institute of Technology, and biblical studies and theology through Trinity College of the Bible. She served the past four years with her husband on the leadership team at Narkis Street Congregation in Jerusalem, Israel, and ministered full-time with Horizon Ministries, which the couple co-founded in 2005.
She currently resides in Penfield, New York.
###
EDITOR/PRODUCER: Are you interested in interviewing the author or reviewing the book? Let me know, and I’ll gladly send along a book copy for your consideration.
127 E. Trade Center Terrace | Mustang, OK | Toll Free (888) 361-9473 | www.tatepublishing.com | Fax (405) 376-4401

Things Foretold

You have heard [these things foretold], now you see this fulfillment. And will you not bear witness to it? I show you specified new things from this time forth, even hidden things [kept in reserve] which you have not known. They are created now [called into being by the prophetic word], and not long ago; and before today you have never heard of them, lest you should say, Behold, I knew them! Isaiah 48:6-7 [Amplified Bible]

Many have a sense of anticipation today. In the US and Israel we have new leaders. The world is watching, wondering, anticipating change. There is a churning of anxiety welling in an undercurrent for those who are familiar with God's Word and look for His glorious appearing. The world, and even some believers, have the following perspective. They look forward to "change", with hope and expectation that the difficulties of today will melt away soon. They trust that the system that has brought them to comfort and a semblance of prosperity will continue to do just that, once we get beyond the present bumps in the road.

Those who have been tuning their ears to hear what the Spirit of the Lord is saying do not hold any hope in the world system that has brought us to this point in time. Everyday we hear of yet another piece of evidence that points to the end of this world system. It will not be the ushering in of a "New World Order", but the Kingdom of God is about to be manifested beyond anything we have dreamed or thought. This will not be a smooth transition as some thought, but a violent take over as in a clash of civilizations.

There are those who are confident that the masses will ignorantly follow the lead of corrupt leaders. The world is poised for this. The elections are proof. Back in 2006, Palestinians in Gaza elected a brutal terrorist organization to govern them. Governments around the world are led today by men and women that would have been considered insane just a few decades ago. Iran's leader has a goal of ushering the twelvth imam--basically facilitating the end of the world as we know it. The West is also full of leaders with bizarre ideas. America is quickly changing from being a benevelent leader in the world to a world facilitator for peace. It's not likely she will survive long by laying down all her weapons before unrepentant nations known for their conquering by the sword. She will be relinquished to a role of submissive fool strutting around in her filthy, tattered old robes of previous prosperity, while she starves because both hands are still holding on to what once was.

A remnant of the Church are fervently praying for God's will. Yet rather than seeing honesty, integrity, righteous, justice, and truth arise we see a spiraling downward result. Isn't God listening? Are we beyond repentance? No, God is listening and He is responding with His will and purposes. We are watching the unfolding of the end times everyday. In spite of some religious leaders opinions that the Church will not go through the trials of the last days, the Lord will take us through faithfully as He has promised, without leaving or forsaking us. Jesus himself said, "When you see all these things begin to happen, LOOK UP! Be Encouraged! For your redemption draws nigh!" (Luke 21:28 paraphrased)

Our focus and priorities need to radically shift. There is little time left to bring in the harvest of souls that have been designated and reserved. Not one will be lost because the Father holds the times and the seasons in His hand--the enemy cannot change them, or shorten them so that men will not have the opportunity to be saved. The more we pray for God's will and His mercy, the less suffering will need to take place. In Luke 21, Jesus also stated that men's hearts would fail them. We need to build up our faith reading the Bible and praying, digging the old wells of faithful warriors that have gone before us knowing that it is the word of our testimony--that of the Church as overcomers--that will untimately defeat every foe and make us overcomers as well.

The battle in the heavenlies has already begun. If for a brief moment our eyes would be open, we would begin to understand the illogical actions of our leaders--national, spiritual, and educational. Many of them, some "good men and women", are already puppets in the hand of the enemy. But God's mercy does not remove that veil so that we would not fear, rather trust Him as His Word clearly directs us.

I pray that many will respond in their spirits to the Lord and begin to remove the hinderances of living in this crumbling world and seek Him and His Kingdom first--thereby walking in the Spirit and being led by the Spirit, in continual communion with the Father. It is not some lofty, unattainable goal reserved for monks--certainly not mothers with young children or even pastors tending to the needs of large flocks! We will soon find that spending time with the Lord in His Word, worship and communication will be the sustanence of our life--like bread and water, eating, sleeping, and breathing sustains us at our base level. Jesus claimed to be the Bread of Life (John 6), He is the Living Water (John 4), and in Him is Life and the Light of men (John 1:4). We will eventually be forced to unstand this, or choose now to embrace the intimacy the Lord longs for with us.

We will soon begin to experience Peace that can only come from the Father. Peace in the midst of the storm, Peace that is unshakable. Our goal is not so much to seek peace, rather to see God's glory revealed as His Kingdom comes and His will is accomplished in this earth and most importantly in each of our lives. Look up! (In joyful anticipation!) For the King, the Lord, draws nigh--first to an established place in our hearts and then to bring true peace, through mercy and justice, to this world.

Father God, hear our prayer echoed from the words of Your Son, Jesus. Open our eyes, ears and our hearts to hear Your voice wooing us to that place of anticipation in seeing Your glory cover the earth. Lord, have mercy on man, that all who would be saved will indeed quickly come to a saving knowledge of their Lord Jesus. Send your peace to hearts determined to be fixed on You and Your purposes. Have mercy on your chosen people Israel as they walk out the details of their redemption according to Your plans in Your perfect timing, Lord. We expect to see surpernatural manifestations of Your love, compassion and mercy as we become totally dependent on You. You alone are God and worthy of all glory, honor and praise. In You alone we trust and place our hope. Thank you Father, for Your everlasting Mercy...

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. ROMANS 8:18 - 25 (KJV)

Parable of the 10 Virgins

Recently the Lord had me read through the entire Bible in about a month's time. It was an amazing adventure filled with insight and revelation about the Word of God, His perspective and my own faith. It impacted my life much like a forty day fast--although it was a 36 day feast! One of the many familiar passages took on a new perspective for me. As the Lord had me begin with Revelation and end with the same book again, it gave me a particular focus on what God Himself had to say on many subjects, including End Times. My bible is now colored with green pencil every where in the Old Testament where God is directly speaking Himself or through a "thus saith the Lord" type indication. The coloring is quite revealing itself.

I have been meditating on this passage in Matthew 25.

Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with
them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

As I often get revelation from God through pictures, I saw these virgins--bridesmaids--waiting in the streets for the wedding celebration to begin. In the beginning all were equally excited, talking about how wonderful the event was going to be, how handsome the groom was, how beautiful they each were dressed in the wedding garments. As time passed some would ask, "How soon do you think He will come?" While the groom delayed some began to loudly proclaim that He would be there any minute. As darkness came and filled the night they continued to proclaim that He was honorable and never late. The bridegroom had invited them with the expectation of His soon coming. "Look, perhaps those are His footsteps we now hear!"

But time passed and the bridegroom did not arrive. The scripture says he was delayed. In Jewish wedding custom we know that the father was the one who decided when the wedding day would be. Everything had to be meticulously prepared and ready. As the virgins waited, each with anticipation, it began to grow dark. Time continued to pass as five of the virgins saw their lamps beginning to flicker. Their oil was running out. Where was the Bridegroom? How could He have invited them and not made it clear that they would have to wait so long? The night was dark, cold and dangerous. Yet they all fell asleep.

Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

When the alarm came they all awoke. They begged the five others to share their oil, but were refused. They had only enough oil for themselves to last through the entire night. The five who ran out of oil had to leave to buy more. They were labeled foolish by Jesus as He told this parable.

I had wondered why the five wise virgins wouldn't share. God teaches in His Word that we are to share, but there are some things like anointing and revelation that cannot be shared--each has to have their own. These five wise virgins had prepared themselves in case the wait was longer than anticipated--perhaps until the very end of the night. The foolish did not consider that possibility. The were convinced that the Bridegroom would return before their lamps could run out.

This reminds me of those who are absolutely convinced that we will not have to endure through the long, dark night of tribulation before the Bridegroom returns. The parable indicates it was in the middle of the night, later than anticipated by some of the wedding party. Perhaps just a little longer than they were prepared to endure. If we have diligently prepared with extra oil, we can be wise and ready during the darkness, without fear.

I have a heart that has grieved for those mentioned in Matthew 7:21-23.

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Jesus called them foolish like a man building his house upon the sand instead of the Rock. I picture these foolish virgins just like this when the door is shut. It grieves my heart when people want to enter into the surface blessings of God without true intimacy which often involves suffering and sacrifice. The faith chapter, Hebrews 11 gives us insight for living as true overcomers. (verses 33-39)

...Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and [in] mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

All it takes is a mustard seed of faith firmly planted in a faithful and mighty God with enough trust to do whatever He suggests. I would like to see everyone diligent to embrace the revelation of becoming overcomers who enter into His rest as mentioned seven times to the churches in Revelation. Oil comes from reading and meditation on God's Word, seeking Him first in all things and living in the intimacy of the knowledge He reveals to you about how much you can trust Him. We must be willing to lay down our lives and participate in His suffering to have the intimacy of His presence that makes us unshakable and walking in the Light, in the dark night that is coming--however long it lasts.

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