“LET GO OF OFFENSE BY HONORING THE GIFTS; THE BLESSING WILL BE IMMENSE!
The night of April 1, I had an incredible dream that blessed me tremendously because of a trial I had been through. I know it is not just for me. I believe that in the dream I represent many in the body of Christ who can relate to my experience; the promises revealed in the dream will be significant. There are others who need to heed the counsel given by the Holy Spirit to be set free and in position to receive all the magnitude of blessings that are stored up for you!
For context, a few weeks prior I had asked the Holy Spirit to help me because of the hurt I felt when I thought of certain people. (I do not like to have anything in my heart towards others except love.) These were two leaders in separate ministries with whom I have been friends for years; each of them had done something that offended and hurt me. I am keenly aware of the danger of offense; I had two significant experiences years ago that caused me to pull back from church for a season. Seven years ago, the Lord gave me deep revelation in the subject and had me write an in-depth word on it that I republished in April 2022. (Link: IT’S TIME TO DISMANTLE THE FENCE OF OFFENSE — Alane Haynes.)
Back to current day. Being aware of the danger of offense (and the subtle craftiness of the enemy), I had forgiven them, but the feeling of hurt kept rising when I thought of them. I would pray and let go every time it happened, but it persisted. Has that ever happened to you? Do you currently have this happening? Good news: there is a solution! I asked the Holy Spirit for His wisdom and help! He counseled me to recognize their humanity, honor the gifts of God in them, pray for Him to bless them, and let Him be judge in the matter. I obeyed and let it go. He also gave me insight into why they operated the way they did; His compassion in me overrode the hurt.
The next time I thought of them there was nothing but love in my heart, and it has continued, even to the point that I felt led to bless each of their ministries financially for the gifts that they are to the Body of Christ. The reality is that offense and hurt is an opportunity to press into the Lord, ask for Holy Spirit to help us, receive His grace and learn to operate in honor!
"Wisdom will exalt you when you exalt her truth. She will lead you to honor and favor when you live your life by her insights." (Prov. 4:8 TPT)
"Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." (Rom. 12:10 ESV)
THE DREAM
In the dream, I was with one of the leaders I mentioned and there was nothing but love in the space between us. As we were talking, a young man came over and said he had a word of the Lord for me. I was astounded by his countenance of authority and kingliness. He was average in appearance, but there was a very strong presence of glory about him. He said, “You let go of offense. Look at my hand.” His right hand was clenched; he opened it and I saw a bill folded up into a very small size. He said, “Turn it over.” I did, and then I could see the number 100. He said, “Unfold it,” which I did. He then handed me another $100 bill, unfolded.
I immediately felt the Spirit of the Lord moving upon me and I began to prophesy, “Honor begets royalty and the Lord says because you have honored the gifts that I have placed in My people, the doors of kingly blessings and rewards are opening to you.”
I went into an open vision and was standing in front of a huge golden palace with enormous golden gates that immediately opened as I came near. Next, I was in front of the palace facing arched doors 15-20 feet high and nearly as wide. They were wooden, gilded with gold. They opened as I came near, unto a large foyer with marble floors and hallways on both sides. Each hallway was furnished lavishly with ornate mirrors above tables that had elaborate floral arrangements and unique items placed on them. There were throne style chairs near the tables. The arrangements were repeated down each hallway. Directly in front of me was a large opening to royal gardens abounding with beautiful trees, shrubs and flowers in full bloom; paths throughout were interspersed with streams and waterfalls.
I shared with the young man all that I saw. Immediately I heard the Lord say, and then I prophesied, “You saw my people in their human flaws and chose to honor them above it all; your heart for Me and My ways prevented a fall. All that I have is yours; honor has opened the doors.” I woke up.
As I sought the Lord about these things, I heard the Spirit of the Lord say, “Honor begets kingly blessings. A true king walks with honor and honors others because they know I am the One who appointed them as king. They walk as royalty and rule with honor – to honor Me. When you truly honor Me, you honor those that I have created. One who walks in a life of honor receives My royal blessings. My ways are not as the world, and I honor those who honor Me and My ways.”
""If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him [My] Father will honor." (Jn. 12:26 NKJV)
DREAM SYMBOLISM
The dream brought confirmation to what I had experienced, and a tremendous blessing and promise. Some of the symbols did not have any direct Bible reference, so I asked the Holy Spirit for wisdom and understanding, which He gave!
The Leader – She is a leader in the church and a friend to many, so she represents both the church (Biblically the church is referred to as a woman), and friends in general that may have hurt us.
The Man – Represents a messenger from God, perhaps an angel or the Holy Spirit.
The $100 bill – The bill was folded into a tiny object. The $100 was a blessing, but to see it as such it had to be turned over and unfolded. There are things in our life that are hidden until conditions of fulfilment are met for the unfolding to happen and bring clarity. The number 100 scripturally represents fulfillment of God’s blessings, seen in Abraham being 100 years old when the promised son Isaac was born.
$100 doubled. My previous blog post was all about doubles, so this was another confirmation! (Link: A SEASON TO WALK IN, AND EXPECT, THE DOUBLE! — Alane Haynes) The Holy Spirit reminded me of the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13, when Jesus spoke of the 100/60/30-fold return on seed sown on good ground. He told me the first $100 bill folded into a small size represents a seed, and the second one given portrays the blessing of seed multiplied. We know that our giving is multiplied, but acts of obedience are also seeds sown that bring blessings in unexpected ways. He brought to my mind this scripture:
"Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine." (1 Tim. 5:17 NKJV)
The Palace with royal elements represents the Kingdom of God.
Double gates/doors represent access, divine favor, opportunities and transition.
Gold speaks of royalty, glory and spiritual refining unto purity.
The Garden represents a place of perfect communion and intimacy with God, and restoration to the original design.
All the elements of this dream form a beautiful picture of many principles and promises found in scripture. Lay hold of them for yourself and receive the fullness of blessing God has ordained for your life!
PASS OVER
I had this dream on the first day of Passover. I believe this is a word that will cause many to pass over out of offenses and wrong mindsets into the blessing of the Kingdom found through honoring the gifts in others that have offended or hurt you! Ask the Holy Spirit to help you; He is your Helper! Release those that have offended you, hurt you, betrayed you or used you (Matt. 5:43-48). Honor the gifts God has placed in them, pray for them and bless them! Heartfelt honor will open the door to royal blessings that have been in store…. for YOU, that cannot be accessed any other way!
"Honor all [people]. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king." (1 Pet. 2:17 NKJV)