Jesus grabbed hold of me while I was lost in the dark world of new age and occult practices. What drew me to Him was the book of Revelation. There was something mysterious and mystical about that section of the Bible that piqued my curiosity to understand it and learn from it. As a new ager I had read and studied it from a metaphysical point of view. After hearing the salvation message from a partner in business a year later, I was interested but not sold on the idea of salvation by the blood of Jesus. Not until she started talking about a seminar she attended and what she knew about the book of Revelation. Something happened in my heart when she felt led to chapter 12 and read: “And they overcame him (the devil) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” Revelation 12:11 NKJV
The moment I heard those words I was like person cut in two. “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
Hebrews 4:12 NKJV
One part of me understood and believed everything my friend shared. The other part of me said I was crazy to believe and forget the whole thing. But a voice ( I believed spirit guides spoke to me) told me I was one who would be an overcomer just like it says in Revelation 12.
A week later the ultimate Spirit guide, whom I am sure was the voice that told me I would be an overcomer, led me to the Living Word, the Lamb of God, and He became my Savior. I was alone in the shower when it struck me I could not get clean. I scrubbed and scrubbed but the filth I felt was sin not physical dirt. Suddenly I knew I needed help or I would forever feel filthy. So I said the salvation prayer. I had never felt so clean and fresh as after that supernatural shower in March of 1990.
That is why Revelation 12:11 will forever be my #1 favorite scripture.
A couple of weeks ago the message shared at church was a wonderful reminder of how important God’s word is to us and to the world. Pastor emphasized how essential it is to fall in love with Scripture. I thought of course! Jesus is the living Word. Falling in love with Scripture is falling in love with Him! So, I’m going to do a series of posts featuring my personal journey and highlighting the verses Holy Spirit gave me when I first met Jesus and also what he taught me during my first year or two of learning all about Him.
These verses remind me He is my First Love as they reveal different aspects of His love for us, His character and His glory. May my story and more importantly the Word of God bless and inspire you!
Starting in mid-February I kept hearing these two words “Hope Again” when I sat down to read God’s word, during prayer, meditation, and worship. They were needed words as many things going on in my life, let alone the nation, and world, have been anything but hope inspiring. Whenever I felt that nudge from Holy Spirit to renew my hope, my response wasn’t stellar. It was more a question: Why can’t I hope in You like I used to, Lord? The cares of life had certainly bogged me down.
Praise God a friend told me about what was happening with the young people at Asbury College. Oh My! It was like a lightning bolt out of heaven of pure unadulterated hope hit my heart and the oppression dampening my spirit broke. It brought tears and great joy. It was Romans 15:13 fullfilled in my soul: Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Since that day in February the elevated hope has not waned. Circumstances of my life haven’t changed, and in fact I am now dealing with more pain from the RA than ever, but it doesn’t matter. Refreshing, renewing, reformation of the way we experience “church” and worship our God is underway in our nation! To me that means souls will be saved, and that is what I have been longing for and waiting for.Â
Then I had the vision… it’s permeating my mind even as I type. It’s of green fields, rolling hills, flowers electric with color, trees of all varieties swaying in a refreshing breeze. Birds are soaring overhead. Puffy white clouds against a clear blue sky. And then I saw Jesus, yes, then I saw Jesus smiling and hundreds of young ones running into His arms. How His arms could hold them all I don’t know, but they did. And He, Jesus, said to me, “Here is your reason to hope again!” The children and young people of our nation have been lied to, deceived, misled, violated and our God is in the process of changing all that! His loving kindness is drawing them!
It’s Jesus’ working in the hearts of the young ones that is the central reason I keep writing, praying, and believing. For I know the kind of revival I have been asking God for all these many years is happening right now. My hope was anemic but never gone, now it is Jesus strong ! Nothing, no one, can stop what Holy Spirit is doing and will do to save this generation. It is indeed seedtime, it is Spring in the heavenlies, salvation, deliverance, healing are all blooming! No matter what the headlines say, or politicians do, new life has come to the USA.
If you have been battling hopelessness, feel oppressed, or discouraged like I had been before this experience, ask Holy Spirit to guide you to the reports about the college revivals and youth group revivals going on right now. The passion for God is spreading! We have to shake off the doldrums with His help and when we do, we become part of this completely new, not like it used to be or was in the past, revival too! We become new wine skins ready to hold the new wine He is pouring out.
Romans 5:5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
With Joy in our amazing God!
Cheryl
Copyright 2023 Cheryl S Birch. May be shared in whole with author and copyright included. Photos require a Shutterstock license.
Sharing an excerpt from my latest monthly e-letter in celebration of Valentine’s Day:
Every day is Valentine’s Day in our walk with the Lord! In fact, He is our forever Valentine! We have been loved from the moment God decided to create us in our mother’s womb. And we will be lavishly loved throughout all eternity.
Jeremiah 32:3 God speaks and says … “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.”
And in John 16:27 Jesus says: “for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God.”
In Romans 5:5 it says… “For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.”
How blessed we are to be so magnificently loved by God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit! Take a moment on February 14th to look up to heaven and give thanks to the forever lover of your soul!
To sign up to receive a copy of my monthly e-letter in your inbox go to www.revcherylbirch.org/contact and fill out a simple form that will add you to my list.
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Did you know I share a short daily inspiration on Facebook? Click Here to go to my FB author’s page. Once there simply tap “Like” and you will be added to my list of followers. Then watch for my posts!
Here’s a recent popular Facebook post to bless you: Â When you get to the place that you think your prayers will never be answered or that your dream is impossible or that something the Lord promised you is forever dead… Take a deep breath. As you exhale let go of those thoughts and purpose to believe for the answer or breakthrough one more time! Repeat the process as often as needed… Daily, even hourly. Suddenly, one amazing day, you will find yourself living in the midst of answers to your prayers!
Inspirations! Did you know that I post a daily inspiration on my author page on Facebook? Head on over to my page at https://www.facebook.com/RevCherylBirch/ to check out the postings. Here’s a couple of the recent ones to bless you. I you want to receive notice of when the posts appear, simply click like and follow while you are on the page. It would be great to connect with you!
From February 1st: Rejoicing over the goodness, mercies and loving kindnesses of God. He has such tenderness toward us! He has only the very very best in His heart for us. There is no condemnation in Him, no NONE for those who are in Christ Jesus. There is only compassion, a longing to have us with Him. Toward all of His kids, He is patient beyond our concepts of patience. He is just and makes perfect decisions for our good. When correction is needed to protect us and train us to rule and reign with Him, He does so with great care and love. Though we may hurt for the moment as we walk through great change or trial, the results are always above and beyond what we could ask. He works it out to benefit us and others. He is indeed a wonderful FATHER.#rememberwhatgodhasdone#AwesomeGod#goodnews#trust#encouragement#thanksgiving#godsgrace
From January 30th:The power of the grace and blessings of God to propel you into your destiny & calling in Him is so much greater than the curses and strategies the enemy is using, or trying to use, to stop you! Submit yourself to God, resist the devil, and he will flee! #PraiseTheLord#godsgrace#blessings#nevergiveup
From January 28th: There is such a strong supernatural call to all of us who love Jesus (and to the whole of humankind) to step out of the “doom and gloom” paradigm of the world into His “inexpressible joy”… Gloominess is NOT what God has for us! The Bible holds the truth of our future: A glorious return of the Lord Jesus Christ to make this world into something perfect and beautiful once again, a reflection of its Creator. We have an amazing promise for our future of eternal life! So, our goal is to “get happy” in the Lord about that truth and learn how to start spreading the JOY! #itsallaboutsouls #rejoicealways #passionforgod #refreshing #revival #goodnews
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Enter His Rest
The first weeks of this new year have passed so quickly! A blink and January was gone. For me the entire month was a challenge that was about trust and learning what resting in the Lord really means. Both trust and rest are summed up nicely in the phrase “Trust the process, enjoy the journey.”
Having a bout with eye inflammation, followed by ear ache, and then laying about coughing and feeling awful for over two weeks with a nasty flu taught me an invaluable lesson. It was so frustrating in the beginning that I was not thinking at all about any good that may come from the experience. I am working on my second book and during that time, from Christmas through most of January, I could barely think. In fact, I couldn’t do much of anything. One small task like washing a few dishes and I was done in. My mind was in a fog. Creativity evaded me. After eight days of it, I looked up toward heaven and told the Lord, “I need healing! I can’t accomplish anything and feel absolutely useless.” Despite my demanding tone, Holy Spirit immediately answered with this impression: Trust me. What you need is Rest. My response to that wasn’t the best. “That’s what I’ve been doing for days, Lord. Haven’t I rested enough?” Silence.
It took me a couple of more days of seeking answers in prayer and reading the bible, between coughing fits and nose blowing, to finally come to the conclusion I could not be resting or I most certainly would be well. Hebrews 3:18 says: And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed? Disobedience. That was the key. I said I was resting. and in fact my body and whole being was demanding the rest, but I wasn’t really resting. I wanted to accomplish something, anything, because I didn’t feel whole unless I was being productive in the natural realms. The rest the Lord wants for us is to be content in our journey with Him. To enjoy Him as our only accomplishment is what He desires. We don’t always need to be working and doing. True rest is putting everything aside and leaning fully on God. That may mean we do a task for Him and for His glory, but usually it means we are still, quiet, relaxed, and at peace knowing it’s okay that we are doing nothing. Our sense of wholeness, or identity, is not what we do but who we belong to! By the world’s standards that is foolish. By God’s standards that is wisdom. Out of choosing to enter His rest comes great reward and immeasurable blessings. Treasure of His presence and blessings of His love are really all we need.
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Good News!
Partner with me in writing book 2 of the Thatcher trilogy and you could win a signed copy of “Thatcher…and so it Begins” for yourself or a friend!
Put on your creative thinking caps! You can help me write the second book in the trilogy. The novels the Lord inspires me to write are technically allegories. In an allegory names of characters are important. They convey messages and set moods. To participate in this contest you become a partner with me! Send me a clever allegoric suggestion for the name of a Guardian (an angelic holy warrior) or the name of a Familiar (an evil dastardly being). All the names will be reviewed and two winning entries will be chosen to both receive a free copy of the book one and their character name will be used in my new book “The Thatcher Five…Out of Darkness.” To enter go to www.revcherylbirch.org/contact and sign up for my monthly e-letter. In the message box write your suggested name for either an angel or demonic creature and tap submit. Hurry! Deadline for the contest is February 8th.
It’s exciting to report that book number two of the Thatcher trilogy is in the works! That is the answer to the question I receive the most often. The new book will be released sometime in 2023. It’s supernatural, spiritually inter-dimensional, full of twists and turns, and surprises. Neleh Morah is back stronger than ever in her role as an oracle for the Glorious One. The Shining Warrior children are now ten years old and the battle is on for their souls. Ev Ilone, Prince of Darkness, is intent on turning the children to his dark ways of the occult. Professor Worlak Cull, a pawn of Ev, has his clutches on the children’s minds and continues to deceive them and their parents. The mighty Army of Iam, the son of the Glorious One, stands against the evil hoard. His Guardians protect the young Warriors, while Counselor endeavors to show them the way to the Light. Wicked King D’Prauved along with his insidious wife Wantona are close to completing the overthrow of King Harmony. Will the Shining Warriors and all of Peaceful Land fall into the abyss of the ways of Discordia or cry out to the Glorious One to save them? I’m working on the adventure right now…Watch for more updates on the progress of The Thatcher Five…Out of Darkness.
The second question I am often asked is: How are those character’s names in your book pronounced? Yes, there are some unusual names in the Thatcher series but there is a reason for that! Some of you have figured out there is a “key” to those characters and how they were named. First hint, the book is an allegory. In allegories the names of people and places often have significant meanings and/or messages to convey. Second hint: Many of the names in Thatcher…and so it Begins are allegorical. A few are more obvious like Queen Wantona of Discordia. She is a wanton women who is queen of a nation plunged into the chaos of witchcraft and debauchery. King Andrew Harmony of Peaceful Land represents the opposite. Other characters act like their names. For example: Nomercee means no mercy. Ankshusnis is anxiousness, Sikniss is sickness, and Insawkurahti is insecurity. Bet you can now guess the meaning of Vari D’Prauved, Rejektiun, Worlak, and all the rest of the cast of characters! Third hint: Some of the names are inverse. Clue: Leahcim is Michael and is patterned after the archangel of God. Hope these clues help. Enjoy reading Thatcher!
Third question: What time of day do you like to write and what atmosphere? No, I don’t put on a headset and listen to music as I write as do many authors. Instead, I love writing on a quiet afternoon. A prayerful atmosphere is ideal. Sleeping kitty at my side, cup of tea at my right hand, and laptop in my (you guessed it) lap. The more quiet it is, the happier I am as I can more clearly discern the guidance of Holy Spirit as I type. Afternoons work best for me because I battle Rheumatoid Arthritis and that is my best time of day physically. But I have been known to write late into the night when streams of creativity pour out of heaven. It’s awesome when that happens!
Fourth question I often hear is: How do I get in touch with you? That’s easy! Head on over to my website www.revcherylbirch.org/contact . There you will find a contact form. Simply fill it out and I will get your message. While there, you can also sign up for my monthly e-letter. I also post the best places to purchase a copy of Thatcher…and so it Begins. For example, Amazon has been running periodic 15% off specials. Additionally, I’m on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and also on Instagram. Never hesitate to send a note, it’s always great to connect with you.
Lastly, if you have any other questions you’d like to ask me, simply post them in the comments section of this blog and I will do my best to answer.
True, there is only one review of Thatcher… and so it Begins on Amazon. (It’s 5 stars, by the way.) Though a lot of folks purchase books from Amazon, not everyone writes a review…but, they post on Facebook and other social media. Plus, they leave messages on my website at www.revcherylbirch.org . And sometimes they buy the book from another bookseller…shh! Don’t tell Amazon! So, what are folks saying about this inspirational fantasy? Here are some recent comments:
“The book is absolutely terrific. A must read! It’s going to be number one, I just know it.” Jeannie M. Cedar Springs MI
“You will LOVE this book! Chris, Turlock CA
“It’s a great book!” Charles, New Lebanon, OH
“Just started reading your book and I love it already, it’s exactly how the world needs to hear about good and evil and about the kingdom of God.” Corina M. Modesto CA
“Let the journey begin. I hope you have a book signing. Let me know when you do!” Mary G. Modesto CA
“Cheryl is a talented writer.” Jeana, Ripon CA
“…Page turner… You have a wonderful gift!” C.C. Pompano Beach, FL
The book has only been out two weeks. Folks are still reading it. These early reviews and first impressions blessed me so much! Thanks for sending them my way. As one reviewer, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: WOW!
I say: All glory to God… I am amazed at what He has done!
I can hardly wait to hear what other readers have to say. Be sure to let me know what you thought of Thatcher. Your comments are always welcomed!
It was 2006. I was in San Felipe Mexico on a short vacation. Usually I packed a book or two to read…
Truly there is no point in lounging on the beach or at the pool with no book and I forgot to bring one with me. Thankfully, San Felipe’s quaint downtown featured a tourist oriented coffee house and used bookstore. It was the kind of place I could browse for hours but hubby wanted to grab a coffee, breakfast snack, and get back to the beach. While he ordered, I went in search of a book. Way in the back the fragrance of old well-loved volumes drew me to the Christian section. On a shelf exactly at my eye level sat a nearly new copy of Pilgrim’s Progress, old English version. What happened next I have decided was a divine appointment with the Holy Spirit. I picked up the book and began to read. While I read I heard and saw another story. It was very disorienting and caused me to scan the aisle right, left, and behind me. I was alone. So, I started to read again and there was that voice dictating to me another story and again I saw in my mind the whole scene. This time I felt the loving presence of God and the voice said to read Pilgrim’s Progress and to write down everything I heard. Not read, but heard. Need I say that I bought the book? And I bought a journal as well
Nothing else profound happened until much later in the evening. Exhausted from walking the beach, exploring, swimming, and dinner overlooking the ocean, we decided to turn in early. I picked up Pilgrim’s Progress, read a few lines and heard the other story again. This time I wrote it all down. When I finished I heard, “I’ve called you to write for me.” Every time I picked up Pilgrim’s Progress during that vacation, I heard and saw more of the story. Thankfully, I listened and understood something supernatural was going on, so I kept writing down whatever I saw or heard.
When I returned home I shared the experience with a trusted prayerful friend. Her response after praying was: God has given you the pen of a ready writer. (Psalm 45:1) You are called to be one of His scribes. No one could have been more surprised than me. At the time, I worked for an elected official and headed up a nonprofit ministry. My schedule was far too busy to fit in writing. Plus, what did it mean to be a scribe for the Lord God? I tried to ignore the call to this mission. However, confirmations kept on coming as did overwhelming urges to write.
I’ve been re-reading the Gospels the past couple of weeks. It has struck me that in these darkening times we need to get back to basics of the Gospel, the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ.
What stood out to me during this renewing refreshing experience was how Jesus loved people so much and expressed that love in many ways. He lived His life making time for them, healing them, teaching them, and when necessary speaking the truth about the errors of their ways. How He spoke the truth in order to reach the hearts of people grabbed me the most.Â
Our Savior rattled folks who were staid in their ways. Challenged the cruel teaching of hypocritical religious leaders and displayed anger at those who only wanted money or power. And He pointed out multiple times that it was sinful acts that caused troubles for the people. He often ministered to them with great compassion, then told them to go and sin no more. The key here is that He absolutely and thoroughly loved every person He encountered. He said to them what He heard His Father say. He did what He heard His Father tell Him to do. And I believe Holy Spirit is calling us, the body of Christ, to a place of ministry where we not only exhibit intense compassion for those caught in sin, but also to a place of loving authority and assurance where we will dare speak out the truth chained souls need to hear.
It’s time for us to speak love-truth without fear of rejection or reprisal. Words that set captives free are stored up in heaven. Ready to be poured out as needed are supernaturally natural words designated for one special soul at a time. For some of us the anointed words will pour out in books, poems, and blog posts or for a larger gathering. For others it will pour out at morning coffee or lunch with a neighbor or co-worker or even at a party.
What Holy Spirit is emphasizing to me is that this outpouring is available to every believer who has ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to the church. It is available to you! All we need to do is ask Him to help us to take the first step into love-truth.
It’s so exciting to announce that my first novel will be released 8-28-2022! Right now the paperback is available for pre-order on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble websites. Check it out on either site and be one of the first to own a copy.
Thatcher…and so it begins – A Christian Fantasy Allegory.
The story – What’s it about?
The place is an innocuous farming village called Thatcher. A baby is born—the first Shining Warrior in 300 years. Powerful unseen forces of the Glorious One stand against the Prince of Darkness, Ev Ilone, and his devilish army. Invasion of Peaceful Land, overthrow of King Harmony, and destruction of the child are the evil one’s goals. Caught in the real-world effect of the ethereal battle, Neleh and Zenry, part of the Peaceful Land remnant of Faithful and the only two believers left in Thatcher, are chosen by the Glorious One’s son to protect the child and hundreds more born after her. It’s a daunting task filled with danger and a surprise when Chavod, an ancient Oracle, arrives. The moment Neleh meets him, her life is transformed. She finds out she is a Shining Warrior General. But what does that mean for her, Zenry, the Thatcher children, and the nation?
Will there be a E-Book? Yes, along with the paper back it will be available for purchase on 8-28-22 on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Also find Thatcher on the following book seller sites:
as they reveal different aspects of His love for us, His character and His glory. May my story and more importantly the Word of God bless and inspire you! 
Notes from Heaven 