From Chapter 3: “What happened next was so unfamiliar to my Christian or Jewish knowledge base that I had no vocabulary at the time to describe it. As I lay there with eyes open, thinking about nothing in particular, I was suddenly thrust into another realm; it was as if there were another “version” of myself, kneeling in fervent, intense prayer in some unknown location. I now believe that what the Apostle John describes as being “in the Spirit” is what seemed to be another version of myself (Rev 1:10). I was kneeling between two tall men whom I could not turn my head to study, but whom I saw out of my peripheral vision. They were standing resolutely on either side of me; I somehow knew that they had been interceding for me for hours and that because of their faithful and lengthy prayers for me, whatever I asked for in prayer at that moment would be instantly granted. My physical body was still lying on the bed, but I was more connected to the part of me that was kneeling between the two men.

I was praying with a desperation and intensity that I had never come close to praying in “real life,” where my prayers were at best, emotional, and at worst, lifeless. I knew that the moment I asked, it would be granted to me, but I had no decision-making capability as to what I should ask for. The prayer just burst out of my mouth, without premeditation:

“Oh, Lord, come to me!”

The second those words left my lips, He immediately answered them. His Presence came over me like a powerful cloud, surrounding and filling my mind and body with a thick and weighty euphoria that was completely unknown to me in the nineteen years I thought I had known Him. The effect on my body was wonderfully ecstatic and utterly unfamiliar and continued to increase in strength for what seemed like many minutes. For a while, I welcomed this Presence and prayed for more but as it grew, it began to frighten me with its relentless intensity. At some point, I felt my flesh “dissolve” under the power, and my legs seemed to turn to jelly.

During this period of time, I was aware of God communicating knowledge to me directly. I will attempt to convey in words the knowledge given to me while under this Presence:”

 

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From Chapter 4: “It is important to understand the difference between the enjoyment that flows from God’s heart to His children and the counterfeit, sensual pleasure which comes from the adversary. The Lord is not in a competition with the enemy to see who can give us a more satisfying experience. The delight we sometimes feel in God’s Presence could be viewed as a benefit of His Glory, Love and Power. The Lord’s primary purpose is not to give us “good feelings,” but to intimately commune with us. The love that flows between beloved friends or the intimacy which finds expression between a husband and wife, produces a flood of joyful chemistry. (Song of Solomon 1:2, 4:10) The Scriptures tell us that there is joy in His presence and “pleasures at His right hand forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11)

Satan, on the other hand, will use any tool, including pleasure, to accuse, shame and discredit God’s people. At times he is granted by the Lord temporary and limited permission to send a deceptive enticement or fiery trial upon those whom he wishes to seduce, attack and lead away into destruction. (Job 1:11-12, 2:6, 1Pet 5:8)”

 

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From Chapter 8: “The Lord has begun to speak to me about a terribly hard reality we will all have to face. Lawlessness will come upon our way of life, and His children will suffer intensely as a result of this oppression, injustice and violence. It should not seem strange to us. Large numbers of His beloved children are suffering at the hands of lawless and brutal men, as well as merciless and cruel governments, at this very moment in other parts of the globe. Likewise, His people have suffered this way throughout the pages of the Bible, and these sufferings are documented in much historical literature since the New Testament was written.”