The day dawned sunny and warm on the west coast of Scotland where we had spent the previous day and night near Carnoustie. We said our farewells to our wonderful hosts then set out with no real agenda save what the Lord had in mind. It had been revealed in part, but the Spirit wouldn’t allow me to say much, simply asking me to trust Him. Little did I know it would unfold before us as a summer rose, whose fragrance lingers in my spirit yet today…

After stopping in Dundee for lunch we talked about different possibilities and I knew that if we were going to make it to the Highlands something needed to happen quickly. True to Gods unfailing faithfulness, Phils sensitivity to the Spirit, and Richards willingness to drive wherever, and do whatever the Lord directed, we were soon headed in the right direction.

As we drove north, the Spirit nudged us to stop at The Hermitage; a National Heritage Trust site set in the Craigvean Forest. The name conjured up images of monks in my mind, but is actually the site of a cave which was home to a Celtic Bard and warrior many long years ago, set in a stunningly beautiful forest with miles of trails intersecting here and there with the River Braan.

We had barely started down a path along the river when a wave of joy flooded my soul and I began to laugh knowing that angels were with us, that they would reveal themselves and that and the Lord had something special in store for us. The Holy Spirits presence began to manifest in a most wonderful way, bringing revelation as He opened eyes to see and ears to hear more of the awesome splendor of His majesty expressed in His creation, and the beautiful sound of it returning praises to the Lord.

It began with the wind…
The rushing water; the songs of birds; the rustling leaves of trees…
It was seen in every thing around; the very light and life of the Lord God Almighty, His spoken Word resonating throughout the ages; residing in all of His creation. His Word continuing to fulfill it’s purpose, so much more than just holding all things together, and never returning to Him void.

I had the awesome honor and privilege to witness and be part of another’s awakening to this reality, and found myself blessed beyond measure as it brought a much deeper understanding and awakening of my own in the process. As Phil articulated the Holy Spirits revelation with such clarity and depth, Richard began to respond in turn. Revelation arose within his spirit and though different, he experienced a deeper awareness of Jesus life and presence.
While this was not a new experience for me, a deeper awakening and revelation was imparted that came from being in the tangible presence of the Lord Jesus Christ together; pondering the truths of Gods word revealed by the Spirit; and joining with creation in the praise and adoration of the One True God, Creator and Lord of all that was and is and evermore will be.
It seemed the was a mutual impartation and perhaps even transference in and through the Spirit that happened when we were together which I can’t even began to explain, yet know is true.

I cannot find adequate words to describe what transpired, but Phils beautiful account  expresses quite wonderfully the awe and wonder of that day, and the transformation that began through the work of the Holy Spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I am not sure I will ever understand the fullness of what took place that day at the Hermitage, or on the other days we spent together from the first afternoon at our friend Enid’s, walking together into the future at the River Almond; to the night and day in the Highlands, but I am certain we are only vaguely aware of what all transpired and was set into motion throughout the month we were all there.
That it was the Lords doing is beyond doubt. There was also opposition from the enemy from the moment we first talked about it until we were well under way. Again and again the Lord proved Himself faithful; making a way when there was no way; opening up doors and; days and times for our paths to weave together, providing everything needed, directing us and blessing us with His Spirit in precious and powerful ways.
I will forever be thankful for this day, and the others we experienced like it. They remain a continual source of joy to my spirit and my heart. I cannot think of them without smiling from sheer joy.

This morning as I drove home from taking Richard to the airport (again!), the Lord brought this day to remembrance with a vivid recall of it’s beauty and wonder. I felt Jesus calling me to Come, spend time alone with Him in worship. He has had me focusing upon the reality of His presence that we felt in a deeper and more profound way that day at the Hermitage; to behold His glory, His majesty, His face, keeping it ever before me at this time.
And as I do, my spirit soars in worship, rising up in praise to He who holds our lives and futures in His hands.
He is forever Faithful and True; His love is from everlasting to everlasting; His Word never fails.
Bless His Holy Name!

Whatever is coming will not shake us as long as we keep eternity ever before us. May we behold Jesus face in all His majesty and splendour; worshipping He who is the source of all life; our Light, our strength and hope.
May we allow His love to arise within our hearts and transform us; that we may become what we were created to be, the sons and daughters of God revealed by His Spirit in this day.

Bless the Holy, Mighty, Awesome name of Jesus, whose name is above all names ! All creation worships and praises our God; the heavens declare His glory!
Shall we not have His praises continually on our lips? Yes indeed we shall and more,for He is worthy to be praised!

The journey began as all do, long before we boarded the plane to fly across the Atlantic. In some ways it was a continuation of the first trip to Scotland almost five years earlier and every one since; a journey born in the Spirit initially through a vision I had been given of an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the UK. But that is another story for another time. In other ways this was a trip unlike any before, and I’m not certain if I will ever be able to adequately describe and retell of the precious and transforming encounters we had in and with the Lord.

This post will be from a more practical perspective; a testimony to the Lords faithfulness to perform that which He has promised He would do. I pray it will be an encouragement to others who are being stirred to step out in faith to do something the Lord has placed in their heart.
For once again He has shown that He is ever and always faithful!
Praise the holy and wonderful name of Jesus, Name above all names!

For several months we had been impressed to return to Scotland to minister and pray, the latter becoming an increasing focus for me as time passed. As it turned out this was certainly my primary purpose for being there. For Richard evangelism, bringing the good news to the lost is always his heart, his motivation and focus.
What matters most is being led by the Holy Spirit, responding to Gods will as it is revealed and flowing with that.

When it comes to faith and the things of the Spirit of God I am perhaps a bit simple and naïve. It puzzles me sometimes that the life the Lord has called us to is such an oddity to other Christians, but have come to accept this. We simply have to be obedient regardless of what others think.
So when the Lord calls us to do something I readily expect He has already made provision for it and will make a way.
Outward circumstances do not supercede the will of the Lord, nor should they be the basis upon which we make our decisions. We need to hear from God at all times and trust Him, for truly “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”.
But I also know He does not do things on our terms; and His are often quite different than ours!

As I shared previously, we were willing to walk, hitchhike, sleep under the stars or whatever it took to go where He directed, and do as He bid. However I was in faith praying for transportation! After Richard departed, someone brought over enough money to rent a car for two weeks, enabling us to get where we needed and made events possible that otherwise would not have happened. It was an encouragement and blessing!
During the three days prior to departure the amount we had for the trip (which by human reasoning wasn’t nearly enough to begin with) more than doubled, coming in bit by bit and as is usually the case, from unexpected sources. During our sojourn the Lord continued to provide along the way.
He is just so amazing and good and so worthy of our praise!!!

Understand that for months there were many days and nights of earnest prayer seeking confirmation before we left, as I have the fear of God about doing something presumptuously. There were times I felt intense opposition for the enemy to our going.
Believe me, if God isn’t in it, I certainly don’t want to do it! Yet the answer remained yes, we were to go; with many confirmations and visions given of things that would come to pass.

So when He says to go, our response as believers should be to go! Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever! His ability to do the miraculous, and to provide has never changed; nor has His mandate to go into all of the world and preach the gospel.

And speaking of opposition from the enemy and the victory we have to overcome in Christ Jesus…
prior to going a health concern of several years came to the point the Dr. wanted me hospitalized, and absolutely did not approve of our leaving. There was such a strong witness from the Holy Spirit that I could choose to trust Jesus for my healing, that grace and faith was given to proceed.

As I pondered this last night such thankfulness flooded my soul and I knew I had to share this, for I’ve been completely healed. When I pause to consider this I am overwhelmed with awe and gratitude. I mention this solely because the Lord deserves to be honored and praised for His faithfulness, He really truly does!
Thank you Jesus, thank you!!!

Richard arrived in Glasgow early Thursday morning and was picked up by friends with whom we had previously lived. He spent the first two days working around their property helping out until I arrived late the next day. Within two hours upon arriving we were taken to a fellowship where we had previously ministered for an anointed time of worship and prayer.

The following day we met with Phil for a blessed time of fellowship together where we placed everything on the altar, knowing the Lord would work things out according to His will regarding the where and when of our meeting together while in Scotland.

The following three days were filled with church, the day at Whithorn and Ninians cave; street evangelism and personal ministry appointments with friends of our hosts.
Early Wednesday morning we picked up a car and headed to the Isle of Cumbrae to visit and pray with our dear friend Ruth Sterling, one of the many “hidden” people the Lords has in Scotland.

That evening we headed back for a meeting in Paisley where Phil was preaching. We got a little lost and arrived 30 minutes late only to find the church door locked! But the Lord was in this, for it gave us an opportunity to talk and pray with a young man for about half an hour before someone finally let us in, at which time he joined us for the remainder of the service.The Lord Jesus ministered graciously to him through Phil, with a prophetic prayer of blessing over his life. We are in faith that his heart was touched by the Lord, and continue to pray for his salvation.
The Lord is so faithful to be working at all times in and through everything, even getting lost and being late!

The following morning we picked up Phil and headed to Inverness, stopping along the way as the Lord directed where we had an important and divine encounter with the Lord. Such joy overcame me as I witnessed the Lords faithfulness, I couldn’t help but laugh with delight in Jesus awesome presence, love and grace.

Later that afternoon we stopped at Culloden battlefield, where the final defeat of the Jacobites brought about the end of the Highland way of life, as laws were enacted outlawing the wearing of tartans, playing bagpipes, eventually culminating in the highland clearances.
The Lord spoke, giving revelation and understanding of how events of the past can continue to affect nations and people today. We stood there or knelt as the Spirit moved, listened and prayed.

And so our first week ended with a significant day where we mourned Scotland past, the darkness of which lingers yet today, yet looked to the future with the eternal hope and joy found in our Lord Jesus Christ, our Saviour, our God and our King.
For He who is Faithful and True is ever so worthy to be honored and praised!
Bless His holy Name above all names, the wonderful

The morning dawned and with it a joyful anticipation for what the Lord would have in store for us that day. We had spent the night in the highlands, after a blessed time of awakening and revelation at the Hermitage and a time of sweet fellowship the day before.

Misty clouds hung over the top of the mountains, with the sun breaking through, gracing us with it’s presence, just as The Son had all throughout the journey thus far. We headed further up into the Highlands on a road the Lord had shown us a few days earlier while I was praying over this time together. None of us knew what to expect, only that as we remained in the Spirit in and before the Lord Jesus, He would order our day and it would be good.

Led by the Holy Spirit to stop at a dam that bridged a mountain loch, we set out prayerfully and crossed to the other side. From the moment we began crossing the bridge until we returned over two hours later, I felt intense opposition from the enemy and yet a quiet and powerful assurance that we had the authority and right to be there, given and graced by the Lord of the Highlands and of the whole earth, Jesus Christ our Savior and King.

 

This place was as dark as the hermitage had been light, for the enemy had covered it with the darkness of bloodshed, hatred and strife. A spirit of death presented itself upon the bridge and was felt at times as I prayed upon the hills. But beneath the darkness and oppression of the enemy, Jesus would show me His life and light that had been placed there when the foundations of the earth were laid.
Throughout the millennia it has been waiting…
waiting for the appointed time to be released, when it‘s power will drive out the darkness that has held sway these long years.

We all went separate ways; compelled to climb to the waterfall I headed that direction and I knew not where Phil and Richard had gone.
I was caught up in the Spirit seeing and hearing for a time only that which He would have me see and hear. While there had been intense warfare on the bridge it subsided as I climbed up towards the waterfall.

Every so often the Lord would have me stop to see the hidden things, the small wildflowers, the white quartz rocks; a rabbits den, small saplings pushing their way up through the peat bog…
even some small trees that had been planted but were now lifeless…

Each one a shadow of something else He would speak to me about.
In the darkness of that place He revealed the hidden beauty and light He had placed in creation, in this nation and throughout the earth.
Over and over again my spirit sang as I declared Jesus the Lord of Lords and King of Kings, of the Highlands, of Scotland and of the whole earth!

Every so often He would say to stop, listen…
to the wind; to the sound of the water cascading down the hill, singing as it danced over the rocks;
From the rising of the sun to the setting thereof,  the Name of Jesus is to be praised!
He is Lord of the Highlands, He is Lord of this land,
Throughout all eternity His word will stand.
He’s the Lord of all Lords, and the King of all Kings
All of creation His victory sings.
Jesus Lord of the Highlands; Chieftan of all Clans
Together we praise Him, together we stand.                                                                                                                                 From the rising of the sun to the setting thereof, the Name of the Lord is to be praised!

At the edge of the waterfall was a very large dark boulder rising up out of the earth that had been broken in half. As I climbed to the other side I was surprised to see it was pure white quartz, but not only that, light emanated from it…

I was told this was a reflection of the Light that He had shown me in a visions many years before, a light placed in this land when the foundations of the earth were laid.
From that moment on I would see little glimpses of that light shining forth in and through the hidden things the Spirit revealed; each one a representation of something in the Spirit.

At one place I heard the sound of innocent blood crying out from the ground. Echoes from the past creating images of the deeds long since forgotten, but not unto the Lord. I have heard and seen this several times before.
Bending down I saw rocks covered with lichen and tiny bright red spots looking ever so much like blood, but not.
There I knelt down touching the rocks; crying out in my spirit for the Lord to cleanse and heal the land.
The Lord released a brilliant shaft of light from the very heart of the earth on which I stood. It spread out, rippling across the hillside down to the loch…
The voice was stilled, I was in awe at the peace, the quiet of a soul at rest.

It was then I spotted and heard Phil below and heard Richard above behind me. I had neither seen nor heard either of them up to that point. Ahead to my right I noticed a knoll and was drawn in my spirit, sensing perhaps I should climb over there, but I saw nothing and was already tired so I headed down the hill to a smaller knoll where Phil was standing.

Upon joining Phil he related what he had seen and done in and through the Spirit of the Lord, which was a powerful testimony of the Lord’s victory that day.  He had been declaring Jesus the Lord and Chieftain of the Clans, of Scotland and of the earth; I had been declaring Him the Lord of Lords and King of Kings of the same; and Richard was still on high proclaiming the Word of the Lord, and the Lordship of Jesus Christ over Scotland. Angels had been working together with us; both seen and unseen as Phil had witnessed the host of darkness defeated.  While we were apart and with no idea what the others were doing, seeing, or hearing, we each did as bid, yet we were working together in and through the Spirit of the Living God.

The Spirit then said to go to the top of the rise and pray where they demons had retreated. I said nothing to Phil but took off that direction, compelled by the Spirit but not really wanting to go. Again I felt intense opposition from the enemy and prayed as the Lord has led me to on the bridge.

It was not an easy climb as the footing was difficult with underground streams flowing beneath the sod and twice in the beginning I asked the Lord if I really needed to, and He affirmed that yes, I did. So out of obedience to my Lord Jesus whom I love, I yielded my will to His, gladly though I was weary…
and as I picked my way across the peat bog He spoke gently reminding of me something He had said over a decade ago.

As the Holy Spirit pressed me on I saw that with every step I took something was released in the spirit, sealing the path the demons had ridden on for years beyond measure. The Lord said to walk on the trail I could see worn in the bog, but upon returning, to go a different way.

At the top of the knoll I knelt and prayed, no, so much more than prayed…

Then stretching out my hands and declaring in song the Word of the Lord Jesus Christ, I felt His Sovereignty established in that place, I could feel light and warmth radiating outwards pushing back the darkness to the top of the next rise further ahead that could not be seen from below.
When at last the anointing lifted I was exhausted and could barely stand. As I rose looking down the loch my eyes were drawn to a high outcropping on which stood the largest demonic entity I have ever seen, staring my direction. I was taken back by his size and utter darkness.
I just stood there staring back, feeling his malice with a darkness so deep, so utterly black and evil.

A cry arose from my spirit as it had before;
“You cannot and will not stop the plan and purpose of the Lord Jesus Christ in this nation, In the name of Jesus I forbid you, the Lord forbids you. His blood cleanses this land whereon I stand. He will, we will prevail! The victory is ours in Christ Jesus, for we overcome by the precious blood of the Lamb! You cannot and will not defeat us, nor the heavenly host, you are forbidden!”

There was no fear, there never is, but I must admit having never seen anything quite like this. This was the Strongman of this region, a lord of the darkness in the highlands; given authority for a season but whose time is running out.

For the darkness can never overcome the Light, in the end it will forever flee away.
But he had taken notice of those who dared to walk the land; defeating his fallen host.
Turning to leave I knew they had been driven back, but only so far; beyond the next hill, the darkness still held sway.     But not for long for Jesus is the LORD of the Highlands, of Scotland, throughout all the earth and in our lives, Jesus Christ is Sovereign. He is The Lord of Lords, and the King of Kings, and yes, the Chieftain of all the Clans!

Slowly I worked my way down the hill, picking my way carefully for beneath my feet the sound of rushing water could be heard. I was walking over one of little streams and waterfalls in the Highlands, hidden beneath the boggy peat.
I was weary but at peace.

Angels rode beside me until I reach the shore where Richard waited and then they were gone from sight. We found Phil on the bridge where he said the Lord had him stay until we joined him. I knew he was ‘holding the bridge’ though what from I wondered, and what did that mean?

I climbed in the car spent but blessed, having seen the light of the Lord buried beneath this land since the foundations of the earth were laid begin to be released. The vision of six years ago beginning to be fulfilled…
The time is near, it is close at hand but the enemy is moving, for he knows now that his time is short.
And while victory in the Lord Jesus Christ is assured for those of us who trust Him, we must ever be mindful of the hour in which we live.

We wound our way down into the glen, where Phil and I walked along the river a bit. He shouted praises and victory, and creation answered back rejoicing with the Name of Jesus echoing through the glen, and there was joy again and laughter.
For the joy of the Lord is our strength, our hope, our peace and our victory ! We will praise the name of Jesus forevermore!

Let us sing His praise in the highlands,
and shout it from the glen below,
where it echoes throughout the valley
where the river gently flows…

Turning onto the tree lined road I immediately felt a rush as the Holy Spirit swept over me with a wave of anointing from the thinness of the place. Whithorn; cradle of Christianity in Scotland and the the southern point of prayer. I had been there in the Spirit a few weeks before; removed from time and from the cares of this world, I stood in the presence of the Lord; feeling the wind in my hair, the sun on my face; I could hear the crashing waves upon the shore and taste the salty air upon my lips.
The experience was as real as any I’ve ever had.

I knew the Lord would meet us here; that we were to pray and that He would speak to us. But as I have learned and yet am continually learning, the reality is oft far different than the imagined, and so I try, sometimes in vain, to leave preconceived notions behind, that I might embrace the fullness of what the Lord has ordained at any given moment.

We walked in silence down the path leading to the sea; the beauty of the place only heightened by the presence of the Lord. The woodland floor wore a carpet of bluebells, buttercups and starry white wild garlic blooms, mixed here and there with giant ferns still opening their lacy fronds. Trees stretched their limbs ever upwards to the deep blue sky above, their leaves whispering praises to God, joined by the songs of birds and all of creation worshpping the great I AM, Creator of all that was and is and evermore shall be.

Soon the woods were behind and the hills on each side gave way to the rocky shore before us. To the right Ninians cave could be seen in the distance, with one lone pilgrim heading our way; his time of prayer completed as we were about to begin our own.

All around were the signs of those who had come before as they have for hundreds of years; hand tied crosses of various sizes and a multitude of etchings in the rocks…
An essence of faith remains from the countless pilgrims who have come there to pray. This is indeed a thin place for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear, a place where time and eternity meet and the veil between heaven and earth is thinner; even lifted at times. A place that in a way reminds me of Iona, a place not made by human hands.
There was a little darkness there as well, from those of the enemy who would come to steal the anointing, but the darkness can never overcome the Light…
No, the gates of Hell will not prevail, nor thwart the plans and purposes of God. He is always found by those who seek Him with an honest heart.

The minute we stepped inside the cave I heard in my spirit “He hides me in the cleft of the Rock”; Richard heard this as well.
He lay on the rocky floor; I sat, both silently praying, then listening to what the Spirit was saying. After some time I felt impressed to go outside and climb up on the rocks overlooking the sea to the side of the cave and pray. I was so overcome by the Holy Spirit and trembling, I could barely climb over them, but in the strength of Jesus Christ, our Lord and our King I did.
There before the Lord and in the presence of His angels I sat, gazing out across the Irish Sea, the waves crashing below, their salty mist upon my face.
And as I prayed for Scotland, revelation was given; not what I wanted to hear, but I knew it was true. This nation like our own is in the process of receiving it’s final call to awaken. I quieted my mind to listen and hear what the Lord would say.

“This is a stiff necked and rebellious people; they will not listen to My words nor turn from their own ways, therefore My Spirit is being removed from their midst and they shall go their own way. But there is a remnant hidden in this land; they will arise and be a mighty flame” .

I understood that the Light He had placed in this nation when the foundations of the earth were laid, somehow resides in the land itself, buried beneath millennia of darkness, bloodshed and oppression, but still it remains and it will break forth and be released.
The Holy Spirit will breathe new life into the hearts of His remnant, quickening their spirits to the fullness of Jesus Christ light, love and life, setting their hearts on fire, radically changing and transforming them. They will awaken and rise up in His power, anointing and strength; Sons and Daughters of the Most High God. A holy fire will spread consuming and transforming the lives of all who are touched by it.

It must have been two hours I sat overlooking the sea; it seemed as if time stood still and I was transfixed, my heart pierced with sorrow for the state of the church, yet captivated by the Lords tangible presence.
Then it was time to rejoin Richard for prayer. We climbed to a spot on the hillside to the other side of the cave and sat overlooking the sea from a higher vantage point. We prayed and proclaimed the Word of the Lord, calling forth that which is to come, praying for it’s release and as we sat there I felt two very large, powerful angels standing right behind us, and knew there was a host surrounding us.

When we climbed back down I stood in the cave, a hand on each wall; I could feel and hear the prayers of the saints that had risen in this place over the centuries, a trace of each heartfelt prayer and godly faith lingers in the timeless realm of eternity.
There the Lord asked me a most unexpected question; I felt a grace and anointing fall upon me, as more of Jesus life was breathed into me.

Walking out of the cave I looked to the hills and then saw them, a great host of angels sitting on horses, swords at their sides and spears in their hands, glistening in the afternoon sun, looking out to the sea as if they too were pausing for a moment before the final battle begins.

I walked down to the water and stood there, the sun on my face, the wind in my hair, the sound of the waves crashing on the shore, the taste of salt on my lips, just as I had in my spirit a few weeks before. The presence of the Lord permeated everything around me, His Spirit was in the wind, in the waves, in my very being, filling my heart with awe, thanksgiving and wonder…

Our season of prayer at Ninians Cave had ended; but the anointing and burden of the Lord was still heavy upon me as we walked through the woods. Every sense remained heightened, very much aware of the thinness of the veil.
I had gone ahead and was waiting for the others when I felt a nudge from the Holy Spirit to walk down the road and take a look around. On my right sat a beautiful old stone house, nestled in the trees at the edge of the woods where the path we had just taken wound down to the sea. Before it lay fields, and it was here the Lord had me stop.
He spoke quite clearly, “Look, and tell me what you see.”

‘Directly in front of me is a very old large stone trough empty and dry. To the side a newer trough half full of dirty brackish water. They sit in unkempt fields, full of weeds, stretching off in the distance, beyond which lays the sea. The fences are in disrepair; the stone walls crumbling and broken…
The day Is far spent; and though the sun is still shining it is going down in the West.’
As I spoke these words a shiver ran through me. The sun is going down in the west…
Not only here in Scotland, but in every western nation. Our day is quickly fading and there isn’t much time left before night falls.

Then Lord spoke again and said “This is a picture of the church, both here and throughout the western world.The shepherds have not kept the fields nor tended the flock; and the walls have been broken down. The pastures are full of weeds and the cisterns are broken, no longer able to hold my living water. Shepherds plunder the flock and devour the sheep, and the prophets speak lies in My Name saying peace, peace where there is no peace; prosperity and safety!
But sudden destruction is coming upon them, who then will be able to stand?”

In light of what He had just spoken while at the cave it came not as surprise but confirmation, one that I was to hear many times throughout the month. The Father loves His children, our Lord Jesus loves His Bride, but the Bride He is returning for is clothed in fine white linen, without spot or wrinkle; walking in holiness and righteousness. Her heart burns with love for the Saviour and longs for His return! She has no others lovers, worships no other gods, but is wholly committed to the One who has redeemed her, our Lord Jesus Christ!

The voice of the Lord is calling out to the church to return to her first love, to arise and awaken; to trim her lamps and fill them with oil, that she may be ready for the hour in which the bridegroom returns. He is calling her to shake off her slumber and run into the fields where souls are perishing for a lack of true laborers. He is crying out to the shepherds who have scattered the flock to repent, and calling forth true shepherds who will gather them back in.

Not to what was, for the the things of old are passing away and the old wineskins cannot hold the new wine; but to an anointing prepared from before time, reserved for this day and hour! He is calling forth men and women who will boldly proclaim His word and who will equip the saints for the work of the ministry!

Behold He is doing a new thing throughout the earth! The Spirit of the Lord is moving, do you not perceive it? Can you not feel the earth tremble at the sound of His voice? Will you not run to the Lord Jesus Christ to bow down and worship before Him?

The day is far spent, the sun is going down In the West! Do you not see it? Can you not feel the lateness of the hour? Do you not hear the voice of the Bride groom calling to His beloved Bride? Return to Me, return!! Return before it is too late and my voice calls out no more!

The final call is going forth throughout the land; the decisions made today will have eternal consequences! Indifference and compromise will no longer be tolerated. We will either love Jesus Christ with our all or we will find ourselves undone and unprepared in the coming days! Return while you may, before it is too late, for the night draws near when no man shall labor, and the path that has been chosen is the one you must follow.

Before leaving for Scotland the seriousness of the hour and our purpose for being there was made very clear, though in truth I had only a partial understanding of what would transpire. We only knew that The Lord had said to go, to pray and intercede and proclaim the word of the Lord.
I knew that Richard would be out on the streets preaching the word and ministering, and that Phil would be in the churches bringing the very message the Lord had given to call the Body to awaken and arise, and that as both did for many it would be the final call.
A final call from the Father to sinners for repentance and salvation, and to the church to return to their first love, forsaking that which no longer has His blessing or anointing on it, and embrace the call to holiness and the more of Jesus love, His life, His light and Spirit revealed and being given in this hour.
I was there to pray, for this nation and people we all love and are called to; for these men of God proclaiming His word, and to minister as the Lord opened doors and led.

All too soon the car was beside me and it was time to leave and return to Dunlop. I climbed in the car wondering not only what the next three weeks would hold but even beyond that. We are back and I wonder still, as the lateness of the hour closes in. Once again as I shake off the distractions and the burden of the Lord returns.

Who will heed the call of the Lord to Return to their first love?
Who will forsake their nets to follow Jesus, even if it means to the cross?
Will you? Will I?
Will we turn from the broken cisterns wherein there is no life and return to our Saviour to drink of the fountain of Living water that is found in the Lord Jesus Christ and Him alone? Will we go into the fields and do whatever He bids?
I pray the answer for us all in this hour is an unreserved Yes Lord Jesus, yes!
Here I am Lord, I am willing, send me.

Isaiah 21:12-13
“He calls to me… Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?”
The watchman said, “ The morning comes, and also the night.
If you will inquire, inquire; Return! Come back!”
Nehemiah 1:9
“…if you return to Me, and keep My commandments and do them, though some of you were cast out to the farthest part of the heavens, yet I will gather them from there, and bring them to the place which I have chosen as a dwelling for My name.”

Jeremiah 2:13
“ For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water.”

Isaiah 43:18-19
“ Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

Cleaning out a drawer a few weeks ago was like perusing a scrapbook of my life over this last year and a half. Every item I pick up is a memory…
There are a multitude of business and ministry cards, notes and addresses scribbled on scrap pieces of paper in languages I barely understand, from all over the world;
There are pictures, receipts, plane tickets; boarding passes; cards, letters, a Scottish 1 pound note, and a small piece of marble from Iona with a cross etched on one side that causes me to pause…
closing my eyes I hold hold it close for a moment.

And as I do a I am transported back in time…

It is an unusually warm day in May, the wind is blowing hard but the sun is out and it is lovely. Four years have passed since I last stood on the shore of this little island, and I am glad to be back.
Long have I dreamed of the day.

My hearts desire is to walk every inch of the island possible and pray, but this is not to be the case; my back is out from past injuries, and every step is agonizingly painful.
But this day, by Gods grace, I am determined to climb Dun I , the highest peak on the island.

Iona is a special place; a “thin place” as the Celts would say, where the veil between heaven and earth is thinner and sometimes lifted.
On an island such as this one may see angels…

Slowly I make my way down the narrow lane, climb over the fence and begin my trek. At first I walk through a boggy sheep pasture, dotted with newborn lambs nestling close to their mothers. One curious little fellow wobbles up to me; he is so adorable and sweet this tiny lamb.
And I muse…
We are all lambs; sheep in the Lords pasture…
Our Lord Jesus is the Good Shepherd watching over us;
and yet, our Saviour was, and is, the Lamb of God, slain from the foundation of the world…
The perfect sacrifice for our sins that we might inherit eternal life.
What a blessed mystery.

There is no clear path to follow; as there sometimes is not in life.
I pray as I make my way up the hill, climbing at times over boulders and mucking my way through the bogs. It feels as though the wind is pushing me ever upwards, the Spirit pulling me ever higher.
And as I climb, I am blessed by the stark beauty of the terrain and I realize I am not alone.

When at last I reach the top, the wind is blowing so hard I can barely stand upright. I lean into it and yet am held as unseen arms enfold me. The powerful reality of the Holy Spirits presence is upon me, with me and in me.
And there are angels there.

Gazing out in every direction, down to the crystal blue water and white sandy beaches below, across the sea towards the mainland, we stand there…
I am grateful for these who watch over and protect us; who throughout the ages have fought on behalf of the saints; against powers and principalities we know so little about.
my heart is captivated by the Lords love for this land and it’s people and am again made aware of the signifcance of this humble place.
My spirit wells up in prayer, in a song of praise and thanksgiving. I am in awe.
And then it rises up in warfare.
There are angels around me, and far away, yet close, they are warring in the heavenlies for the heart of this nation, for Scotland. And then my eyes look out across the ocean towards Ireland…
It is impossible for me to describe what was imparted to my spirit that day.

They are singing praises to the Lamb of God, and they are fighting in the unseen battle that is raging all around that most will never see. They respond to our prayers;
And they are watching over us all.

At the same time across the other side a small band of believers are also trekking around the island, following the leading of the Holy Spirit; partaking of the same anointing, called to a task of great importance.
Iona has been called the spiritual gateway to Scotland, and there is a battle for it’s control in the spiritual realm.
There are no limits to our God, He is everywhere, with all of His people at all times.
Though we were apart, in the spirit we were together; yet unaware of it.
And there were angels with them too…

When we reunite I sit with two brothers to hear the tale of their journey that day. The glory of the Lord shines brightly in one of their eyes, his face alight, shining as Moses must have when he came down from the mountain. My spirit leaps with joy and I am caught up in the retelling. I can see it, feel it, again I am in awe.
There is no doubt in my mind…

It was not the only time the angels revealed themselves during those few days.
Not everyone saw them, not everyone felt them.
Why this is I do not know, but such is the case for most of us, most of the time. The Lord knows; it’s His prerogative to choose when, and where, and to whom these experiences are granted and I am certain it has nothing much to do with us, but is all about Him.

I return to the drawer, smiling wistfully at the remembrance.
How our lives get so consumed by the everyday world in which we live.
But in this drawer, memories abound.
There are things I treasure here, not for their earthly value, but because they are reminders of special encounters I have had with the Lord. Moments that have changed me and how I see the world. Moments that only leave me hungering for more of Jesus love, His grace, and the reality of His life to manifest in mine.

I set the small stone down by my lamp where it remains, a small but powerful reminder of what has been, and a token of what yet lies ahead.
A reminder of Jesus, my dearly beloved and precious Redeemer, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!