FOREVER MINE! A Dream of a Growing Altar

In a dream, I was with a group of children and adults working on a project. Something had been planted in front of us, and we were watching for growth. As we watched expectantly, I saw foliage begin to grow and several shoots emerge that I knew were indications of life and new things to come. One of the young girls eagerly took some of the leaves to propagate elsewhere. But then, the scene shifted.

We were now in a worship service, and in the place where we had planted, an altar emerged—a large, stone table in the center of the room. The original planting was no longer visible, but life was clearly emerging from that spot. It was as if the altar itself was alive and growing from seeds once planted. The spiritual atmosphere surrounding the altar was vibrating with life and was increasing in intensity and size. Even the altar was continuing to grow.

Suddenly, worship erupted and people began prophesying. Many were receiving prophetic words, and I saw a young leader up front smiling as he watched. The prophetic ministry seemed to be the center of everyone’s attention as the Spirit was moving and he kept looking toward me, seemingly encouraging me to get up and receive a word myself.

But I couldn’t move. I was seated off to the side near a pillar, completely captivated by the altar before me. While everyone else was standing and eagerly receiving prophetic words, something had gripped my entire being. The worship was intense, and I began hearing the same words reverberating over and over:

“FOREVER MINE! FOREVER MINE!”

I couldn’t tell if the words were coming from the collective worship or somewhere else. But they were penetrating my spirit, and I was overwhelmed by the power of His presence. I began shaking, unable to move or respond.

As I watched, the altar continued to grow. What had begun as a small planting was now an expanding altar of worship, surrounded by an explosion of life. And in the midst of it all, I sensed the Spirit of God declaring His covenant love to those who could hear, “YOU ARE FOREVER MINE!”

I was undone. I couldn’t tell if others were responding to His words or to the prophecies swirling around the room. The young leader continued glancing toward me, almost as if I were missing something. I wondered if he could hear what I was hearing. But I could do nothing except close my eyes and yield to His presence.

I awoke with those words still reverberating in my spirit: “FOREVER MINE!”

___

This is a reminder. And an invitation.

God longs to meet with us and speak to us. He longs to show us His glory, but it requires setting ourselves apart. It requires establishing an altar of His presence through prayer and worship. The altar is that place of surrender and obedience; worship and sanctification. And for those who sow seeds of righteousness through faithfulness and humble hearts, He comes with His presence and His glory (Exodus 29:42-43, Hosea 10:12, Malachi 4:2).

It is from this place of sanctified surrender and worship that the “tree of life” emerges and its leaves are for the healing of nations (Revelation 22:2). It is also from this place of adoration that we hear His voice clearly declare that we are forever His (Isaiah 43:1)! It is His covenant love that assures us of His promise to fulfill His every Word and purpose in our lives.  

And though the Spirit’s gifts will emerge from this place of His glory, these are not the main attraction. HE is. Even as we see the evidence of His presence through tangible signs and wonders, it is this place of communion with the Father that must be the treasure of our hearts and focus of our gaze. The spirit of prophecy merely reveals the greater testimony of Jesus and the incredible and unconditional love of the Father.

He’s looking for those who will take the time to sow these seeds through prayer and be willing to tarry until HE reveals Himself in all His glory. He longs for those who’s hearts are so fixed on Him they will hear His declaration of love and simply commune with Him.

“I will meet with you and speak to you there. I will meet with My people and it will be sanctified by My glory…and all will know that I am the Lord your God.” (Exodus 29:42-46)