THE RAMPART by Marsha Burns
Habakkuk 2:1 I will stand my watch and set myself on the rampart, and watch to see what He will say to me, and what I will answer when I am corrected.
Rampart defined: a broad embankment raised as a fortification, protective barrier, a wall-like structure for defense.
This is where we are spiritually. We are watchmen on the Rampart. We must set ourselves in a place of safety, above worldly concerns, flesh, and carnality, where we can discern the work of the enemy against us and the work of the Spirit of the Lord on our behalf.
Small Straws: I hear the cries of those who desire to have greater discernment and to hear My voice more clearly. And, I tell you, beloved, that it is not only desirable, but it is also possible. All you have to do is to clear your soul of all darkness so that only light and good and truth exist. You cannot hear clearly when you are conflicted or double-minded. You cannot hear when you are offended, critical or judgmental. You cannot hear when you are in any kind of sin. Return to Me, says the Lord, and be done with the works of the flesh and all darkness and let My light shine forth, says the Lord.
2 Corinthians 4:6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
In looking back I see a general theme, the flow of the Spirit, the river that runs through it all. It is to come up higher. The Lord has been speaking this for quite some time, but I believe we are beginning to see it come to pass: Spiritual awareness, greater discernment, clarity (clear vision), the distinct separation of light and dark, purity, holy precision. We must walk in truth and absolute faith without doubt or double-mindedness, knowing the will of God, praying by the Spirit, warring by the Spirit.
We have to take time to not just look, but to see!
Matthew 13:13 Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.
This is our warfare—Small Straws: Beloved, you are on assignment. Stay awake, be alert, and maintain a high level of awareness and spiritual focus. Refuse to allow distractions or emotional reactions to cloud your vision or perceptions. Pay attention to the gentle nudge of My Spirit that will give insights to your present spiritual environment. As soon as there is a disruption or a disturbance of your peace, deal with it immediately. The enemy's current maneuvers are subtle, but if you pay attention you will see his tactics at once and stop his intrusion, says the Lord. Wage a good warfare.
In the past we have focused a lot on trying to get God’s presence to manifest in the Church—to bring Him down here where we are instead of us rising up where He is, living in the Spirit, and just being His conduit. The gifts OF the Holy Spirit are as He wills.
This has resulted in a mix of flesh and Spirit in our gatherings because our focus was on us and not on Him, necessarily.
Words from the Lord:
You have gone through an upheaval so that what you thought you could count on for stability was no longer stable. The challenges you have faced were for the purpose of bringing you to the place of finding your strength and endurance in Me, says the Lord.
I am opening your eyes to see more clearly the spiritual reality that exists in and around you. If you will yield to this work of My Spirit, there will be a decided shift in awareness so that your first level of consciousness will no longer be body and soul, but will be spiritual reality.
Be aware of opportunities to make changes in your environment that will make it more conducive to spiritual sensitivity. Your need to come away with Me, away from the distractions of practical and mundane existence, will become more pronounced and even become a priority in the days ahead.
Matthew 6:6 "But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
Matthew 14:23 And when He (Jesus) had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.
Even though many aspects of your life are transitory, there is an eternal thread that runs through your entire life. You can trust Me to station you where you can be the most effective in eternal purpose. I have opened doors that no man can shut and have shut doors that no man can open. Trust Me in this, and do not be afraid. I know the end from the beginning, and these things will work together for your ultimate good.
The enemy is doing his best to make you feel isolated, alone, and like the scum of the earth. But, he is a liar and the father of lies. Refuse to allow this condemnation to have any place in you. Know that you are precious in My sight and that I am for you. You are part of a company of people who live and walk in the Kingdom of God, who find their purpose and unity in the Spirit.
1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
You have been thoroughly lashed by circumstances—darkness and trouble on every side, but you have survived some of the most difficult challenges of your life. Look! The things you have endured, though they seemed to weaken you at the time, have only made you stronger and more resolute. Rejoice in My grace, says the Lord.
You are being threshed to separate the wheat from the chaff, to make a distinction between soul and spirit; religious exercise and spiritual reality. That which survives the threshing will be pure, holy, and untouchable by the world, the flesh, or the devil. Pride will give way to unconscious humility as you yield to this process.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
A time of restoration will follow a season of testing. The testing will prove your love and obedience. Then, I will watch over you to rebuild.
Isaiah 31:2-4 Thus says the Lord: “The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness—Israel, when I went to give him rest.” The Lord has appeared of old to me saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. Again I will build you, and you shall be rebuilt, O virgin of Israel! You shall again be adorned with your tambourines, and shall go forth in the dances of those who rejoice.”