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The Joy of Going from Anticipation to Activation – Ray E Horton
I awoke around 5:30 one morning several years ago, about an hour before the alarm clock setting. It was still dark out. With the nice weather we were having, the windows were open, and I could hear the songbirds merrily chirping their joyful songs in anticipation of the first light, even before the sun began rising in the east.
The Lord spoke to my heart: Those who have awakened shall be filled with joy
And I heard the Lord speak to my heart:
“Those who have awakened with anticipation of the coming of My Son shall be filled with joy. Yes, even before they have seen the first light, with darkness all around, they have recognized the signs of the times and believed my Word about the coming glorious church being prepared to greet her King.”
As I wrote this down, a little time had passed, and I was at the kitchen table. The sun was beginning to rise and I could see through the window that the birds were scurrying around here and there, eating from the feeder, and doing what birds do. And it occurred to me that before the dawn it is a time of worship and faith and preparation, just as the birds quietly sing their songs. But as the sun begins to come up, there is much activity, much to be done. And the Lord said to me:
“Even as the birds of your yard are active at first light, busily doing what they are meant to do, so you and those who see the first light of my coming, in faith anticipating the promised greater works and performing them in My power, will see the healings and miracles and the revelation from My Word to bring in the harvest.
“And you will experience great joy as you busy yourselves preparing My Way in the hearts of people and step out in your calling, not looking back, but doing all that I show you to do.
Blessed are those who will believe even before they see that first light
“The time is now – look to the east – is not the sky starting to brighten. It is good to see and believe but blessed are those who will believe even before they see that first light, having believed in the Word of My coming, having awakened and prepared with joy.
“Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness will cover the earth and deep darkness the peoples; but the Lord will rise upon you and His glory will appear upon you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Lift up your eyes round about and see; they all gather together, they come to you…Then you will see and be radiant, and your heart will thrill and rejoice…” (Isaiah 60:1-5).
And the Lord spoke to my heart, “I am arising, and I have arisen in your hearts, and they are filled with My Glory, that light for the world to see. And the lost will come to that light as you let My radiance shine forth; even your city and your nation will be renewed and your leaders will come to Me as you join together as My Body to let My light shine and declare My Word of Grace.”
