Christ Unlimited

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT PROPHECIES?

A Prophetic Vision Given to Betty Miller

This vision and revelation was given to me on Sunday morning, February 27, 2000. In the Bible, Jesus spoke to the people many times in parables and allegories when He wanted to explain spiritual truths. I was seeking the Lord as to what message He wanted me to share in the Overcoming Life Digest for this month. I feel this revelation came to me as an answer to that prayer. May we all seek the Lord in this hour and be in the right boat that leads us to His "safe haven."

THE SHIPS ON THE OCEAN

As I awoke on a Sunday morning, I saw an ocean with many ships on it. The majority of these ships and boats were headed in two different directions. Some were headed out to sea, while the others were headed for port. Others seemed to be merely drifting, going one way and then the other. The first thing I noticed about some of these ships, was that they were taking on water and were in the process of sinking slowly. Some were even capsized and leaning on their sides and I knew it would not be long until they went under. These ships had been damaged as they had apparently been through some previous storms. Others, though not damaged, were taking pleasure cruises or bound for their own predetermined destinations.

THE COMING STORM

I realized that the reason many of the ships were headed for safe harbor was because there were enormous black clouds gathering on the horizon. No one had previously seen this kind of storm brewing. It was so huge and ominous that even the most seasoned of sailors had never seen anything like it before. Every barometer was dipping to the lowest measurements ever recorded as this gigantic storm was nearing. I wondered why anyone would even attempt to go out to sea, especially those vessels that were damaged and the ones that were small in size.

I also noticed that some of the ships were so far away from the others that nobody would be able to reach them before the storm arrived and I knew that when it hit they would go under. Many of the ships that were headed for port came upon some of the other reachable sinking ships and immediately offered to take the people with them to safety. I found it so strange that most of the people didn't want to leave the sinking ships. They acted as if everything was fine and clung fiercely to their ships all the more. Only a few were willing to leave--even though their ships were in the process of going down. These sinking ships reminded me of the Titanic. On the upper deck they were partying and dancing, while below the ship was taking on water. The crash into the iceberg had only caused the people to feel a slight bump so they were unaware of the serious damage beneath the surface. They had no idea of their impending doom. (Personal comment apart from this vision: I couldn't help but think about the Y2K predicted disruptions that turned out to be what many referred to as just a "bump" in the road. Could this bump be the beginning of some bigger troubles that lie just ahead?).

THE SHIPS WERE WARNED OF THE APPROACHING STORM

The ships that were headed into the various harbors were warning those who were headed out to sea about the approaching storm. However it was as if many of those who were setting sail were blinded, and could not see the perilous clouds in the distance. Those who were able to see the clouds coming, either thought the tempest would miss them; or that their ship could ride out the storm; or that it wasn't as serious as the warnings said it would be. They were consumed with local matters on their own ships and scarcely paid attention to anything else. The captains of all of these ships were much like the captain of the Titanic; they truly believed that their ships were unsinkable, and therefore they gave the order to go full speed ahead.

Some of the ships that were headed to port were so concerned about the great number of ships going in the wrong direction, that they turned around chased the reckless crews to warn them of the coming storm. Most of the time, the sea-bound ships wouldn't listen. However, there were usually a few crew members and passengers that did want off, and the good ships took these ones back to safety.

Sadly, some of the ships that were headed for port were so completely absorbed with their own safety and welfare, that they never even tried to help those who were headed in the wrong direction. These ships, although headed in the right direction, were filled with fearful and anxious people. There was so much confusion aboard these boats that the captain and crew could not make good time as they were continually dealing with the problems that the fear and confusion created aboard the ship. This kept them from their job of steering the ship. Because of this it was doubtful that they would make harbor before the storm hit.

Although, I did not see the fury of the storm when it hit nor the damage that was done, I knew that it would be very great and that the sinking ships would not survive. However, I also sensed that some of the people aboard these sinking ships would manage to get into the life boats and would later be picked up during and after the storm. The greatest problem I saw, was that even as the Titanic didn't have enough life boats, neither did any of the deceived ships. I felt an overwhelming grief at the loss of all the people and ships that would not heed the warnings, and for the great suffering of all of those who would be rescued. They would have to go through great trauma, but at least their lives would be spared.

INTERPRETATION OF THE VISION

The Lord then gave me the interpretation of this allegory. The ships that were headed for safe harbor are ships prepared by God for His people. God desires all of His people to be in His ships which represent being in the will of God. The ships that were headed out to sea are vessels designed by Satan to carry people away from God's will, which ultimately leads to destruction. These ships carried people in the world who are unknowingly following Satan, as well as some Christians who are deceived by pride and rebellion and therefore out of the will of God. Soon these outgoing ships would be dashed to pieces by the magnitude of this coming storm. They were not as seaworthy as they appeared to be. Even though they had weathered other storms, they were no match for this one. Those in the drifting ships are those who are ignorant of the Word of God and therefore have no guidance. Because of this, they are blown about by every wind. The inhabitants of the sinking boats are those who have followed the path of the world and the devil's ways. Because they have not repented and followed God, they will find that the things they have put their trust in will eventually fail them.

The Lord showed me the people clinging to their ships are doing so because of these reasons: deception, ignorance, lust, pride and fear. I did not see all of the names on the sinking ships and the vessels that were headed out to sea but the Lord did show me the names of the following ones:

Worldly Entertainment
False Security
False Religion
Worldly Desires

THE SHIP OF WORLDLY ENTERTAINMENT

The appearance of this ship was very glitzy and most inviting. The number of ways that people were being entertained was endless. The people on this ship were engrossed in all the things that the world had to offer them: eating, drinking, partying, games, sports, movies, computers, T.V., music and art; to name a few. None of these things are wrong in themselves. However, these people were totally absorbed in these activities to the exclusion of serving God. They were selfishly seeking to be entertained to avoid their responsibilities to God and man. Their lives revolved around the things that the world had to offer them while they rejected God. They loved the world more than God.

1 John 2:15-17: "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."

THE SHIP OF FALSE SECURITY

At first glance it looked like this impressive ship could weather any storm, as it was such a huge vessel and stocked with all manner of things. It was truly a ship of Titanic proportions. Those in this ship represented those who had made worldly goods and institutions their foundation of security. Many had made provision for the days ahead and had placed their faith in their planning and in the institutions that would bring that security when needed. They had their homes paid for, money in the stock market, a savings account, insurance policies, emergency and survival preparations done. They seemed to be secure, as they had accomplished the "American Dream." Many of these were enjoying this dream with no thought of it being shattered.

However, the most important preparation was left undone. They had failed to seek the will of God and enter into the plan He had for them. Therefore all their preparation was in vain. They had made no spiritual preparations, so when the big storm came they had no faith to sustain them and lost all. Their faith had been in their own abilities, without God in the equation not only did this turn out to be false security, but foolhardy as well.

Those who could not attain the "American Dream" on their own, looked instead, to the government to make provision for them. Many were shocked when this ship began to sink, as they were utterly dependant on the welfare, grants, disability, social security, veteran and entitlement programs that had afforded them the security they sought. Again, let me clarify, it is not wrong to receive any of these provisions. However, the people in this boat had looked to the government as God, instead of looking to God as their source of provision. In their thinking, the government was supposed to solve all their problems for them and it seemed to them that this institution was invincible and could not fail. The ship of false security went down with a mighty roar.

Luke 17:26-30: "And as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. 27 They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; 29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. 30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed."

Luke 21:25-26: "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken."

THE SHIP OF FALSE RELIGION

This ship appeared on the surface as a very beautiful ship. However, its appearance was deceiving. The people on this ship all thought they were heading for the safety of the harbor. They had no idea that they were heading out to sea. They were so busy going through rituals, keeping the traditions of their fathers, and listening to the wonderful assurances of their leaders, that they never took time to check the course of the ship they were on. They simply were followers of men, who assured them that the way they were going was the right way. Some had been on this ship so long, there were several generations of families aboard. They had been born on this ship and grew up on it and never thought it might not be taking them to the place they had been told about. However, some began to question where they were going when the storm clouds grew closer and the promises of a safe haven never seemed to come. As the good ships passed this ship, many were convinced they were headed in the wrong way and decided to choose a different direction and go with the ships headed for the harbor. The promises of a safe haven never had materialized after years of assurance from these false prophets who were steering the ship of false religion.

Luke 6:39: "And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?"

John 14:6: "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

Matthew 7:15-23: "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

THE SHIP OF WORLDLY DESIRES

This ship was so ugly that I could not understand how anyone wanted to stay on it. It was extremely filthy and dirty. The people on this ship were filled with unholy desires that drove them to lust, fornication, adultery, homosexuality, pornography and all kinds of other sexual perversions and addictions. It also had people on board who were full of greed, materialism, lasciviousness and all manner of evil desires. They were addicted to so many things. Among them were drugs, alcohol, tobacco, gambling and even things like shopping and running around. They would receive a temporary gratification from their fleshy indulgences. However, they were the most miserable of all the people on the ships. When they finally came to the end of themselves, many did accept the invitation to leave with the good ships when they came by. They were so full of torment and suffering that they were willing to go anywhere to get off this nasty ship. Others, out of desperation, even got on other ships going in the wrong direction just to get away. Many more of them were rescued when the ship sank. This ship had more life boats than the others so the number rescued was greater. However, there were still not enough life boats. The Lord showed me the life boats were the prayers of the saints for these people. Many Christians have been praying for loved ones and family for years who are on this boat--and they will be rescued!

2 Timothy 3:1-4: "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God."

Matthew 22:9-10: "Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests."

Although the names of these ships were different, behind each of them was the evil one; the Devil, masterminding his plots and schemes to lead people to their destruction by enticing them into the fateful ships that would end their lives.

THE CAPTAINS OF THE GOOD SHIPS

The good ships that were headed for the safety of the harbor all had the same name on them. That name was: JESUS.

Hebrews 2:9-11: "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren."

The only difference in the Jesus ships was that they had different captains. The Lord gave me the names of some of the Old and New Testament prophets as the captains of some of these ships. These were symbolic names that described the nature of the ships, thus assuring that they would reach safe harbor. These names were as follows:

JOHN THE BAPTIST: His mission was to bring people to repentance and tell them to prepare for the coming of the Lord. This tells us that if we do not repent we cannot hope to enter into the safety and protection of God. When we harbor resentment, hatred, unforgiveness and embrace other sinful attitudes and commit sinful acts, we in danger of sinking. We must prepare our hearts now for the second coming of the Lord by not only repenting but also by obeying the word of the Lord (Matthew 3).

MOSES: His mission was to deliver and guide Israel (represents the people of God) into their blessings and promised land. This tells us that if we are to steer our ships to safety and blessing we must allow the Lord to deliver us from the snares of the world just as Israel was delivered out of the land of Egypt. As Christians, our compass is the Word of God. If we want to remain on the right course, we must read and study the Bible so the Lord can steer our helm in the right direction. (Exodus 3).

JOSEPH: His mission was to make provision for the people in the time of famine. This tells us that the Lord will show us how to prepare for the future in a physical way, so that not only will we be prepared, but we will also be able to help others who are not. It is not wrong to prepare for the coming days in a physical way; in fact, it is wisdom. I believe the Lord used the threat of Y2K disruptions as an incentive to cause people to think about and make emergency preparations for the days ahead. The ships that had no life boats, (or too few, like the Titanic), sank, with many going to their death. It is prideful to think that we will never experience any needs, hardships or trials. Those who built the Titanic thought it to be unsinkable, so they only prepared minimally for the possibility of actually facing the danger of sinking. They didn't even furnish the sailors in the lookout with a pair of binoculars to keep watch for icebergs. As Christians, we need to keep watch in prayer so that the enemy doesn't cause us to ship wreck. Certainly, the Lord promises to take care of us, but He generally uses people to care for people. Those who have resources should help those that do not. (Genesis 41).

ELIJAH: His mission encompassed warning of the coming famine as well as demonstrating supernatural provision during the times of judgment. After using Elijah to warn of the coming famine He then spoke to him to go and dwell by a brook called Cherith and sent a raven to bring food to him at this time. When the brook dried up due to the lack of rain, the Lord then sent Elijah to a widow woman in Zarephath and told him to pray over the last provisions that she had. She gave her last portions of meal and oil to make a cake for Elijah. When she did, the Lord multiplied the remainder of her barrel of meal and her bottle of oil so that it never ran dry until the Lord sent the rains again to break the drought. I believe this shows us that the Lord will also perform miracles of provision for those who obey the Word of the Lord in the days ahead as things become more difficult (1Kings 17).

PREPARE NOW FOR THE STORM

We still have time to prepare for this coming storm. However, as each day passes, the time is running out. We must make our preparations now. First of all, make sure we are on the right ship! We can also make spiritual preparations by using our time wisely; in prayer and the study of God's Word. Then the Lord will lead us as to what kind of physical preparations we should make. Remember, fear is not of the Lord and no matter how big the storm is, our God is bigger! This will be a time that the Lord will use His people mightily to show His love, grace and power to the people of the world who do not know Him. He will use us to rescue the perishing. We will be the lighthouse in the storm and a ship over troubled waters to rescue those who are in need.

Psalm 20:6-8: "Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. 8 They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright."

Psalm 18:2-3: "The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies."

Psalm 118:6-9: "The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? 7 The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. 8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. 9 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes."

Jonah 2:5-10: "The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head. 6 I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O LORD my God. 7 When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple. 8 They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy. 9 But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD. 10 And the LORD spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land."