HOLD FAST
Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast to what you have so no one may take your crown. Revelation 3:11
The phrase ‘Hold Fast’ is used twenty-one times in the scriptures. Those two words were also used by sailors aboard sailing ships three hundred years ago. Tattooed on the knuckles of the crew of wooden sailing ships, they had a sacred and honored meaning. This is that meaning.
“Throughout history, sailors have tattooed these eight letters onto their knuckles to remind them that they can get through any storm if they hold fast physically and mentally. What is the meaning of Hold Fast physically and mentally? Physically, Hold Fast means to bear down and fight through the storm. Sailors also understand that you dedicate a hand for the ship and a hand for you when on deck. To help your crew, you must ensure you are taken care of. A ship needs every member in an emergency; if you are washed overboard, you are no help to anyone. Because of that fact, you are always secure on hand with the ship. Once you are secured and ready to take on the waves, you can use the other hand to help yourself and the crew. That working hand is used to ensure the ship and all of its crew will successfully make it through the storm.” Google
The spiritual implications are apparent: All disciples must prepare for the coming spiritual storm intended to sink Christ's purposes. The storm's winds are already gusting—terrible winds of spiritually bankrupt teachings from entertainers that profit no one.
… that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, Eph, 4:14
Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines, for it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods (teachings) that have not profited those occupied with them. Heb. 13:9
If Christians continue to act as though there is no storm coming and thus no need to strengthen the things that remain, they will not only see an end to Christ’s purposes in their lives but a disastrous end to fellowship with each other.
Last Saturday, some StoneHouse women gathered together to be strengthened by grace for the coming storm. Having seen those destructive winds tear down churches and destroy their brothers’ and sisters’ spiritual lives, they decided to ‘get in the fight' and hold fast to what they had been given.
“Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold Fast what you have so that no one takes your crown! Revelations 3:11
As they arrived, light and love for each other filled the Hill. The brothers and sisters living on Windy Hill had been preparing for the gathering the previous week. Tents were set up, food cooked, symbols were prepared, and crowns were made ready.
They were joyful, focused, and ready to receive their battle plans.
Some brought their ‘little angels’ with them, and their presence was delightful. Their smiles lit up every corner of the conference grounds.
Ladies who had been led were now leading. Those who had listened … now spoke, and those who had received teachings … now taught.
Lists of things no longer to be believed were written down and burned.
New lists of things to be grateful for were created and shared.
Commitments were made, new friends established, and sisters in arms pledged protection to each other.
No longer just abandoned women, widows, married or single moms, young or old, they were learning they are indeed … daughters of the King.
Hour upon hour, they listened, contributed, discussed, and embraced the word of their War Lord, Jesus the Righteous. In large and small groups with young and old, they cried out … Amen!
The armies of heaven and earth are readying themselves for battle, and the battles have begun. This is no time for … life as usual. Are you preparing yourself, your household, your mate, your children, and your friends? Have you spiritual eyes to see the storm clouds on the horizon?
Lastly, when He returns … will He notice you are part of His conquering army or among those who need to be conquered? Can you feel his nearness, or will He surprise you like a thief at night?
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 2 Peter 3:10
We rarely ask for money because our Father so cares for us and the ministry. When we do ask, we always feel a little strange. Yet, we want to give our readers a chance to be blessed in sharing this work. Something powerful is beginning with our members. Fewer ask us to meet their needs anymore, having learned that our Father will supply everything needed to do His will. They desire to strengthen one another and reach out to those whom the great harlot has deceived.
May our Father lead you to help us ... help them.
StoneHouse
