Dreamed there was what seemed to be a collage of what appeared to be CDs, but they were recordings of the prophesies that have already come to pass throughout the ages and the scriptures, before the return of the LORD our Bridegroom.
At the completion of these prophesies a bell was to be sounded to declare the completion of all things and the LORD would then return. The bell rang, but the beautiful sound of a bell was not heard, instead it was the sound of a 'gong' that was heard, which indicated that all things were not complete.
A suggestion to ring again was made and again the sound of a 'gong' was heard.
Below these CDs was a wedding CD. I suggested that we watch this beautiful wedding. No one showed any interest in wanting to see this.
Instantly in my dream, I sensed and knew in my spirit that Jesus was waiting for His Bride and the Bride of Christ was not ready which was indicated by the sound of the sound of the 'gong' and no one wanted to watch the Bridal CD.
On waking, I pondered on this dream and prayed for understanding. The message of the wise and five foolish virgins came to my spirit and I received further understanding from this message, as recorded in Matthew 25:1-13
My understanding
Bells in scripture is a reminder of holiness.
“And upon its hem you shall make pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet, all around its hem, and bells of gold between them all around; a golden bell and a pomegranate, upon the hem of the robe all around. And it shall be upon Aaron when he ministers, and its sound will be heard when he goes into the holy place before the LORD and when he comes out, that he may not die.” Exodus 28:35 NKJV
The expected sound from the ringing of the bell was the sound of a 'gong.
"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal………………….”1 Corinthians 13:1
Question?... Was love and holiness absent from the Bride of Christ that the return of the LORD was not possible? Is the Bride of Christ ready for the LORD's return? He is returning for a Bride that is without spot or wrinkle. Are we ready?
There is the Bride of Christ, but scripture in Matthew 25:1-13 tells us about the five wise and five foolish virgins. Five were ready and prepared with their lamps filled with oil, their wicks trimmed and burning brightly.
The five foolish virgins had no oil….(no anointing) and at the last moment they were asking the five wise virgins to sell them some oil.
We have seen this pattern for a long time where money has been connected or associated with the anointing. It’s unfortunate that many have survived 'spiritually' from this for a long time, believing that they are anointed by the large offerings they give and truly believing they are doing the work of the LORD, but the Fruits of the Spirit is not evident in their lives.
Many have also been encouraged to give to receive a “special” anointing. True anointing is from the Holy Spirit and not from man.
“But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you, but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.” 1 John 2:19
It is truly unfortunate and very sad that many have paid their way and their ministry was bought…it came with a price. Is this the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon His true Bride? Jesus anoints His Bride and this anointing teaches us all things.
We observe and experience so many “ills” in the “Body of Christ,” because we are functioning under a pseudo anointing…..one that was bought or "bestowed" and not from the Holy Spirit. Many in the Body of Christ have also bought their credentials, or they may have been positioned because of favorable or familiar contacts. They have not gone through the purging and pressing so pure and rich oil can come forth, to keep their lamps burning.
It is the oil of the anointing which continually flows through and from us that will keep us shining and waiting for the return of the Bridegroom. This makes us always ready.
We are living in a time like never before to always have our "wicks trimmed" (always pruned of any form of carnality), selfishness, pride, unforgiveness etc., even as we dead head our flowers for more beautiful blooms...…"filled with oil." (always abiding in the presence of the LORD and filled with His anointing). "Burning brightly" because we are the light of this dark world. We carry the Good News of of the Gospel.
Instead of the beautiful and Holy sound of the bell, there is the sound of the 'gong' and clanging cymbals. I am sensing the LORD is patient and He is calling His Bride to purify our hearts, call upon Him and seek Him while it is day. He is looking for a Bride who is espoused to Him and not espoused through a purchased anointing or any other means. He is truly doing a separation at this time and His remnant is being called out from among them as He prepares us. He is merciful....in the dream the bell was sounded twice.
The anointing from Him will cause us to be like Him, walking in love and not making unnecessary noises with the sound of the 'gong.' His anointing quietens our souls.
We are called to love and care for each other. There is so much division, strife, envy etc. and all the fruits of the flesh among us, yet we dare call ourselves, “The Bride of Christ.” We should not hurt each other to climb the spiritual ladder, but walk in love and integrity with the fear of GOD for each other.
“If someone says, “I love GOD,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love GOD whom he has not seen?” 1 John 4:20
The anointing from the Holy Spirit to the Bride of Christ will cause her to deny herself and think not of herself, but be ready to die to self, no matter the cost, because she fears GOD. Remember the LORD is returning to a Bride that is without spot or wrinkle. “That He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:27
May we be that “Bride” who shines brightly with the love of GOD, not only towards Him, but also towards each other. May we pursue Holiness and the fear of the LORD. “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the LORD.” Hebrews 12:14
May the ringing of our bells be distinct and clear and not the sound of a 'gong.' May we be always prepared with clarity to hear the sound of the Bridegroom and no other sound. The beautiful sound of the wedding bells. Even in this hour, may we be sensitive to what the Holy Spirit is speaking to us. It's unfortunate that in communicating with many about the time we are living in, they do not have the foggiest idea of what is going on in the Spirit.
On hearing the sound of the wedding bells before the rehearsal and the wedding of my youngest child and his beautiful bride, my daughter in love, my heart was touched with tears. The beautiful sound pierced my heart with joy. It was a distinct sound of love and holiness for this beautiful couple.
Let us joyfully anticipate the return of our Savior with the beautiful sound of our wedding bells and not the sound of a gong, clanging and noisy cymbals.
I pray we will ponder and pray over this dream for further understanding from the Holy Spirit as He speaks to our hearts.
Love and blessings to all.
Minister Pearlene Friday