The Bitterness of Wormwood.

What Is Wormwood?

Wormwood refers to a bitter herb known for its sharp, unpleasant taste. In Scripture, it’s not just a plant—it’s a metaphor for anguish, judgment, and the consequences of turning away from divine truth. Wormwood seems to show up in times of trouble throughout the biblical era; denoting bitterness and suffering.

In Lamentations 3:19–20, the prophet cries out: “Remember my affliction and my wanderings, the wormwood and the gall…” This imagery musters deep emotions, grief and spiritual pain. Wormwood, in this instance, becomes a poetic symbol of despair and exile.

In Jeremiah 9:15, God declares: “I will feed them, this people, with wormwood…” This is not exactly punishment for punishment’s sake, it’s a divine response to persistent rebellion. Wormwood makes its mark with the stamp of bitter fruit on injustice and idolatry.

In Revelation 8:10–11 it states; a star named Wormwood falls from heaven, turning waters bitter and causing death. A dramatic image signalling cosmic judgment. Certainly, a wake-up call to humanity about the cost of spiritual corruption.

Proverbs 5:4 uses wormwood to describe the end of seductive sin, or moral corruption. “But in the end, she is bitter as wormwood…” A warning sign, that what seems sweet in the moment, may lead to ruin.

Wormwood is also a prophetic invitation, to examine bitterness within: Are there roots of resentment, grief, or spiritual numbness that need healing? Bitterness can be a signpost guiding us to seek the restoration of mercy, justice, and divine alignment. To embrace repentance, wormwood here reminds us that healing begins with turning, or a returning to God’s heart, to community, to truth.

Even in the bitterest passages, scripture never leaves us without hope, for without hope all is lost. The same chapter in Lamentations that speaks of wormwood also declares: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end…” (Lamentations 3:22)

If you feel like you’re living in Worm Valley, know that it’s not the end of the story.

Ah, Worm Valley; an evocative phrase stirring up imagery that’s both haunting and deeply symbolic. While there’s no specific biblical location called “Worm Valley,” the concept draws heavily from the Valley of Hinnom (Gehenna) and prophetic texts like Isaiah 66:24 and Mark 9:48, where the worm becomes a symbol of unending decay and divine judgment.

Let’s walk through the end of that story; spiritually, symbolically, and redemptively.

The Valley of Worms, considered today as a place of reckoning.

In Isaiah 66:24, the final verse of the book, we read: “And they shall go out and look on the dead bodies of the men who have rebelled against Me. For their worm shall not die, their fire shall not be quenched, and they shall be an abhorrence to all flesh.”

This is not just a grim ending, it’s a cosmic punctuation mark. The “worm” here is not literal, but symbolic of unresolved corruption. The worm representing the consequences of rebellion and the decay that continues because healing was refused. It’s a perpetual memory. A memory of divine justice, a reminder of what happens when mercy is rejected.

While the worm does not die, the faithful are entering into worship and renewal. The valley is not the whole story—it’s the shadow that makes the light brilliant.

Jesus quotes a passage in Mark 9:48, warning that “their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.” He’s not describing a literal place of torment, but using Gehenna, a real valley outside Jerusalem once used for burning refuse and desecrated bodies, as a metaphor for spiritual ruin.

But even here, the story isn’t locked in despair. The end Is not the end. The worm may not die but the worship continues. Isaiah 66:23 ends not with the valley, but with a vision of all flesh worshiping God. From Sabbath to Sabbath, from new moon to new moon, the faithful gather in joy. A preparation of new heavens and new earth. Restoration unfolds beyond the valley. The worm is a warning, not a final word.

Remember; the valley you're in isn't the whole story. It's only in the shadows that the light can shine brilliantly. The light breaks forth only in the presence of the Lion of Judah. Only when we have communion with Him does illumination dawn.

Ornan and the Threshing Floor.

Why would Ornan keep threshing wheat when an angel stood above him? When David showed up, Ornan bowed to the King? Why did he not turn a hair when the angel came? (1 Chronicles 21:20)

1 Chronicles 21:20 describes Ornan (also called Araunah) as threshing wheat when he saw the angel-. While his sons hid in fear, Ornan himself continued working until David arrived, at which point he bowed before the king.

Why Didn’t Ornan React to the Angel? The four points below give an idea as to what the reason was. In reality we don’t really know for certain.

1. Shock or Acceptance – Some scholars suggest Ornan may have been stunned or resigned to the angel’s presence. He continuing his work as a form of acceptance rather than panic.

2. Different Reactions to Divine Presence – His sons hid in fear, but Ornan may have had a different understanding of the angel’s purpose, possibly seeing it as God’s will unfolding.

3. Focus on His Work – Threshing wheat was a critical task and Ornan may have instinctively continued, despite the supernatural event.

4. Greater Reverence for David – When David arrived, Ornan bowed immediately, recognizing the earthly authority of Israel’s king. This suggests he may have had a stronger cultural response to human leadership than to angelic presence.

Some interpretations suggest Ornan’s reaction reflects steadfastness or spiritual awareness, while others see it as shock or disbelief. While there are a number of web pages on the topic, I’ve kept this work brief and suggest you delve deeper for greater clarity on the matter. 

This is just a brief overview. So much is written on the topic that I’m not going to reinvent the wheel here.

Godly Random Thoughts, Tips and Snippets. 1.

Random Thoughts, Tips and Snippets – My Daily Word from God.

Passivity is one of satan's greatest weapons of sin. Passivity is when good men/women stand idle against tyranny.

Satan - God’s instrument of discipline. Judas – God’s instrument of prophecy. Without Judas, Jesus wouldn’t have been betrayed, wouldn’t have hung on the cross and the resurrection wouldn’t have come to pass. The good news wouldn’t have been brought forth.

Father, by an act of faith, I cover this member of my family with the precious blood of Jesus, You protect them from spiritually destructive influences that, if left to their own devices, can tear your family apart. Thank You, Father, for Your protection upon my family.

Humour; the longest-lived people have much humour.

Patience can stamp out the devil’s work, as patience doesn't give room to anger.

Trust in the mediator and the intercessor. Trust Jesus.

God has your best interest at heart. Trust Him when He opens doors. Be at peace when He closes them.

Think possible. Negative people don't get positive results. When you continually expect the worst you generally receive the worst. Believing you can doesn't necessarily mean you will, but believing you can't, guarantee’s you won't.

Not believing, not tithing, your complaining, shows you haven't learnt how to manage either money, emotions, or time. Also, not acting on what God's already told you to do - any of these will stop the blessings.

If you let criticism weigh on your heart it will rob you of your destiny.

Discipline enhances what God’s doing in your world.

The person with the most hope will always have the most influence.

Hope and hopelessness are both contagious.

You can catch sickness but you can't catch healing - that's because God is The Healer.

Anyone who tries to tempt you away, tell them; Sorry my destiny is too important to miss.

When walking with God there is a constant tug-of-war between faith and fear and when you’re hungry, angry, lonely, or tired, you’re vulnerable.

Never be so set in your opinion that you don't consider someone else's.

Never lose faith in the end of the story. Never doubt that you will get there.

The courage that's needed to stand between trouble and triumph is found within the scriptures.

One of the keys to overcoming, is to do what God tells you to do, regardless of how you feel.

Israel shall be holy for their God is Holy. Leviticus 19:2.

When your "can't do's" outweigh your "can do's," you've gone beyond what God intended. There is so much you're free to enjoy, but you must trust in God’s wisdom, otherwise you may partake of the wrong fruit. God places His limits and His word for our good that it might go well with us and our children.

Go to church with a harvest mentality. Start watching for the harvest because this is the time it’s coming in.

We're going to start moving in time. Those who diligently follow God’s word will begin to see this happen.

The Greek word for pleasure is sensuality/lust. Be mindful of both.

Partial, selective and delayed obedience is still disobedience.

Nothing in all creation separates us from God’s love.

It is dangerous to join evildoers and one can abhor sin, yet later be reconciled to it. Those who are low in the world cannot imagine how strong the temptations of power and prosperity, which if ever they arrive at, they will find how deceitful their hearts are, how much worse than they suspected.

Tetelastai; paid in full - it is finished. The minute you have paid a bill you forget it. Christ has paid your bill in full. You don't need to remember it anymore. Let it go. Let go of the shame and the pain and move forward.

Start living with purpose. One of the best ways to keep on track spiritually is to pass on what you know. Teach others what you have learned. As you pass on your insights, you gain more insights. The more you know the more God expects you to use that knowledge to help others. This is not just an obligation, but a great privilege. Not only does God want us to live out His purposes, He wants us to help others do the same.

Jesus said; “The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” He also said to; “Love one another as I have loved you.”

You can't stop the truth from spreading.

Hope; desiring something to come true. Faith; believing it will happen. We serve a God of hope and it's a hope that won't disappoint. Have faith.

Today, refuse to live in fear. I was so surprised by this sentence from Christian Vision’s “The Word For Today,” it caused me to ask God if this was even possible. I had to return to the sentence and read it a second time. It hadn't occurred to me that I could refuse to live in fear; that in refusing, it might actually be possible to live without fear.

Spirit filled people know that what you make happen for someone else God will make happen for you.

The number 12 is associated with perfection of order in government. Also strongly associated with the heavens. 12 is recorded in the bible 189 times. It symbolises God's power and authority and completeness of a nation. See notes on biblestudy.org which gives great detail on the meaning of the number 12.

The number 24 shows an intense demonstration of God's strength, also associated with the priesthood who oversee God's work on earth.

The sons of Obed-Edom were blessed due to the ark of God resting within their home. The Holy Spirit pointed out, as I too hold the ark of God (Jesus) within my home (heart), I too am blessed of the Lord.

By choosing to obey God instead of your impulses, you activate the power that brings victory.

To share Christ, find common ground. You can’t point an accusing finger. You must come from a place of love.

Feasting at the table in the presence of my enemies - warfare is over.

Greek rendering; I pray that your faith will not be reduced to inactivity. Jesus said to Simon Peter; I pray that your faith will not fail. As Jesus interceded for Simon Peter, so He intercedes for us.

Inactive faith is non-productive faith. If you're not overcoming, you only have yourself to blame.

Distraction is a major cause of inactive faith. The just shall live (be sustained) by faith. We must stay in faith. We cannot allow distraction, despondency, or despair to take root.

Keep a firm grip on your faith.

Read 1 Timothy to 4 Timothy. It’s well worth your time.

To win the war you need to stop believing the lies. And you’ll know you believed a lie when what happens to you doesn't surprise you.

Words that we speak stop us from reaching our full potential. Death and life are in the power of the tongue. You are snared by the words of your mouth. Good words, bad words. We live from our metaphors.

The thoughts that we think, determine the direction of our life.

Are there some lies about myself that I have believed? Repent and find out the truth of God’s word in your situation.

Stay in the word.

Each day you must choose; the pain of discipline, or the pain of regret.

Eagles, Trees and Monsters, in the Supernatural Realm.

Oh dear, I think I’ve unleashed a monster.

At least it’s a good monster. For a long time, I’ve known there’s more to walking with God than what I’m seeing but I didn’t know how to lay hold of it. Now I’m seeing more and more into the supernatural and it’s like a faucet has been turned full on. Dreams and visions day and night. And I daren’t complain. I’ve waited for this for a very long time. If I complain, God might turn the tap off and I don’t want that.

I’ve mentioned a few times; I don’t know if what I’m doing is imagination or real. Recently a minister said not to question it. God has given us imagination and we’re to use it. That what we see in these visions is what’s going on in heaven and what goes on in heaven, eventually comes to earth. What I am finding is biblical backing for what I’m seeing and doing.

Last week God told me, as I love my children, so does He love His. As I pray for my children in depth and zeal, God wants me to pray for His in the same manner. He wants me to love His children as much as I love mine. It was a week later that I heard another minister say God wants us to love His children as we love our own. Confirmation, I believe, that what I’m doing is on track.

Recently I’d been in the worship room and Holy Spirit called me; His love. He showered me with red rose petals. I was totally blown away by His act of love towards me.

When God suggested I love His people as much as I love my children, I asked Holy Spirit how to do this. He said; "Use the imagination in your mind, picture the showering of rose petals, just as I did for you. That’s enough for the people to feel the love you have for them." I do this now, wherever I go.

Last night alone, I had one dream and three visions. And God wants me to write them all down. The day before yesterday I had a dream that took four hours to work out the meaning – that’s why I think I’ve unleashed a monster. It’s time consuming but I’m not going to complain. I’m going to see where it leads. Besides which, it’s exciting.

Last night I had a dream about eagles and trees. In the middle of it, a dark figure raced through the scene. His days are numbered and I didn’t concern myself with it. “Oh, it’s only you.” And I kept on with what God was showing me, not allowing the distraction placed before me.

I heard a knock on my caravan door. It woke me out of a sleep (a good couple of months ago now). I thought it was John but I heard no more. Falling back to sleep again, I heard the knock once more. I got up this time and went to the door. Standing outside was that same dark figure. “Oh, it’s only you.” I went back to bed and fell right back to sleep.

I’ve always felt one can’t put as much time into God as I do and not see results. It’s been slow coming but now I’m seeing what I knew was there; elements of the supernatural. Fun and exciting times ahead, me thinketh.

If you want to begin moving in the supernatural, study those who are already doing it, those who have gone before you and who have experience in the field. Pastor Michael Van Vlymen, Justin Paul Abraham, Nancy Coen, the late John Paul Jackson – a few names to get you started.

The Stones Will Cry Out.

Luke 19:40 states; Jesus says, “I tell you, if they keep quiet, the stones would cry out.” What is this telling us?

This statement occurs during Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, when crowds are praising Him as the Messiah. The Pharisees, disturbed by the public celebration, ask Jesus to silence His followers. In response, Jesus declares that even if the people were silent, creation itself would testify to His identity.

But what does it mean ‘the stones will cry out?’ Stones are silent and still with no life in them. How can they cry out? Jesus is emphasising His arrival as Messiah will cause inevitable praise; a praise which cannot be ignored. If the people refuse Him, nature itself will acknowledge Him.

This is symbolic of creation’s testimony to the true King. Creation is depicted throughout scripture as declaring God’s glory. The stones crying out are symbolic to the undeniable truth of Christ’s kingship.

There’s also a great meaning behind rocks. The angels are commanded to come to our aid so we won't even strike our foot against the stone. Who else would rocks cry out to worship?

Rocks are the symbol of God's reliability and strength. A symbol of the unchanging nature of God. Rocks represent struggles to overcome and perspective to be gained. They are sharp, strong and mighty. A security. A fortress. A place of protection.

To be transformed into jewels, stones will lose as much as 60% of their size. Stones could speak of shaping, cutting, polishing, chiselling. It would be a painful process but the outcome; glorious.

A crafted stone is a stone fit for the Master and they come from all over the Earth. God will craft and polish, making each one of us beautiful in our own right as He uses different stones from different quarries. 

God's temple, built with living stones, headed by the chief cornerstone which is set into the very foundations, a capstone set on high.

Although a rock is not living, it does host life. A rock cannot breathe. It will not reproduce but will shelter those that can.

I’d like to add my own personal testimony to this short work. I moved to a new area recently; a dry and barren place. A place with speaks of hardship in the land. I decreed to this land; the kingdom has come and the land will flourish. I’ve watched as the land surrounding me has turned greener and seen the new growth on trees.

I’ve heard the trees clap their hands, as stated in Isaiah 55:12; For you shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

So surprised was I at the sound of clapping, that I turned to look and see who else was around. It was thousands of hands clapping, in the middle of nowhere. No one was here.

I’ve also heard music where there was none and I know it’s this verse coming into play. I heard horses and chariots gallop overhead as the angels moved on my behalf, after prayer and declarations to heal this land and I look forward to seeing the ground around me thrive within the next year or so.

There is no end to God’s goodness on this earth. We just need to look for it and we shall see it.

Spiritual High Places.

Spiritual High Places.

Why the high place? Why is it that spiritual practitioners and witches use the high places on earth to practice their craft?

A high place is symbolic. Elevation is said to bring one closer to the Divine. Mountains and hill tops are often seen as sacred places as it’s the closest one can get to the divine or celestial beings.

The bible frequently mentions high places. They’re considered sacred areas as they’re as close as one can get to the heavens, which is believed to be the realm of the divine and celestial beings. The high places mentioned in the bible were frequently used in relation to Yahweh (God) but also associated with idolatry and forbidden worship.

High places offer both a vantage point and isolation, making them perfect for rituals in both visibility and secrecy, being both spiritually potent and protected from prying eyes.

Pre-Christian traditions and ancient occult practices used natural high places, or stone circles for festivals and spiritual rites. Height being linked to spirit communications in summoning the dead, or attaining transcendence.

Witches too, are depicted as gathering in open fields or cliff tops in order to channel the ‘other-worldy powers.’ The idea of these open spaces was intended to show a detachment from earthly structures.

Storytelling in all it’s forms, from cinematic to literary, use high places to evoke a sense of the dramatic in order to heighten images around forces beyond the human realm.

King David purchased the threshing floor of Aruanah, in order to build an alter to the Lord. Why a threshing floor, or why this particular threshing floor? Threshing floors were used to separate the wheat from the chaff and were often positioned in high places, located on elevated ground. For this reason, they were ideal for divine encounters and sacrifices.

At this site, the angel of the Lord was seen standing by the threshing floor, marking it as the site of God’s mercy against the plague that was upon the nation at that time. In fact, the site for Araunah’s threshing floor, later became the place of Solomon’s Temple.

Today, we don’t need to go to the high place to worship, for we are the temple. We can now go inside ourselves and worship from there. “Lift up your heads, oh you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of Glory shall come in. Who is the King of Glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.” Psalm 24:7-8.

To lift the head, evokes a looking up to God, a welcome and ushering invitation to the Great I Am. Gates and doors are viewed as metaphors, an invitation to open oneself to Divine presence, to loose the grip of pride, fear, sin and invite the glory of God to enter the heart. An open heart, ready to hear what the Lord has to say.

As we humble ourselves in prayer, as we open our gates and doors of the mind, heart, eyes and ears, let us pause a moment and listen. Listen to what the Lord has to tell you today.

 

 

Instruction vs Execution.

Instruction vs Execution.

Today we’re looking at 2 Kings 9:3, the prophet Elisha instructs a young prophet to anoint Jehu as king over Israel, telling him to pour oil on Jehu’s head, declare him king and then instructs him to flee without delay.

Elisha mentions a short quote and asks that a prophet repeat that brief passage to Jehu but once there, the prophet gives Jehu quite a lengthy citation, rather than the fleeting one as instructed. The question is; why? Why a long sentence and not a short one?

In taking such liberty this brings to the fore a fascinating glimpse into how divine spontaneity and prophetic authority work hand in hand.

Elisha tells the young prophet to go to Jehu, anoint him and say; “Thus says the Lord, I have anointed you king over Israel.” Elisha concludes that the prophet flee immediately, once the message is delivered.

While the prophet was instructed to flee, to avoid potential harm from the current king and his wife (Ahab and Jezebel), Jehu is expected to rise and take charge after his anointing.

When the prophet actually meets Jehu, he delivers the words spoken by Elisha but also adds a much longer prophetic word, including a divine charge to strike down the house of Ahab, a declaration of vengeance for the blood of God’s servants and a prophecy about Jezebel’s gruesome death.

That’s not what was asked of him, so why does the prophet expand on the matter?

There are a number of explanations for doing this;

1. Some scholars believe it to be prophetic inspiration in the moment, perhaps having been overtaken by the Holy Spirit and led to speak these words.

2. It’s also possible that Elisha only gave a summary of instruction, where the full speech was not written down in the scriptures but known to the prophet.

3. Or maybe it was more of a ‘thematic emphasis’ where an underlying idea is central but there’s room for expansion. This is an invitation for Jehu to not just be crowned king but also commissioned as an agent of justice.

4. Perhaps it’s a ‘narrative technique.’ The distinction between a brief instruction and the full speech used in effect, to build suspense before delivering the full weight of God’s judgement through the prophet’s words.

5. Lastly is the fact of spiritual insight. God’s word overflowing human boundaries; a connection between God and a deeper revelation through the prophet himself, turning a simple task into one of justice, truth or divine timing.

Intention is the pulse, animating both instruction and execution, the inner compass that guides towards meaning. It isn’t just the goal or outcome – it’s the why beneath the what.

When we read scripture, we need to open the pages of our book with an inquisitive mind. We need to ask the five w’s and how. What, when, where, why, who and how. Picture yourself in the story. Ask what the story means in relationship to yourself and where you are in life. In doing so, God’s word takes on new meaning. It challenges us to go deeper.

In going deeper, we find the hidden gems, the nuggets of gold; things we see which are relevant to us. Isn’t that the intention of reading God’s word, to find the relevant truths buried within its pages?

Ask what is the central message, what’s the author’s main point, why was the passage included in the bible. Look at what’s happened before and after the verse. How does it relate to you, to others, to the story itself?

When you ask questions, when you dig deeper and scratch well beneath the surface, then you’re approaching what Jesus is looking for in a disciple. Jesus spoke in parables because not every word spoken was for every person. But those who came back later and asked, those were the people who got the deeper revelations. That’s what I want; deep revelations, all of what Jesus has to offer. I’m assuming that’s what you want as well.