In a dream I recently saw portions of heavenly cloud falling down out of heaven until the earth was covered with a cloud. It was white as snow covering the ground. Then I saw beautiful white turtledoves in small circles scattered in the cloud with flames of fire coming up out of them.
They were somewhat elusive but I was infatuated with this making efforts to put my hand into a group of flaming turtledoves – once I did, it was an amazing experience as my hand was not burnt by the flames. Then I looked further seeing many groups of these turtledoves moving around in the cloud which so beautifully covered the earth.
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 2:1-4
I’m filled with expectancy with what God is starting to do in the earth. I’m even more excited to be a part of it! The cloud of His Presence is coming in greater measures. It will begin with what would seem an insignificant puff of cloud. That’s what it was like in this vision. It was like semi-large puff clouds dropping to the earth until everything was covered. As the thickness of the cloud increased the doves appeared in the cloud with the flames of fire.
(Let me say that clouds of His glory are not always be visible to the natural eye, although we’ve had that happen. Just as angels are always with us even through we don’t always see them with the natural eye.)
Symbolism of Turtledoves
As God’s people join together to engage in worship and prayer, even in surrender to the Spirit, the manifestations of heaven will increase.
After I had this dream I was asking the question, “Why turtledoves?” There are a few things that they signify – peace, love, friendship and in this case unity. These turtledoves were very much “ONE” together. We can see this picture in the verse above in Acts 2 where they were all together “in one accord”.
As I watched the turtledoves in this almost communal state with one another the flames would shoot up out of the these small groups of doves. It was very supernatural as they were spiritual flames of fire. This also reminded me of Psalm 133 where God pours out the oil of His Presence on those who dwell together in unity – even welcoming His Presence and glory!
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
Psalm 133:1-3
For brethren to dwell together in unity!
It is like the precious oil upon the head,
Running down on the beard,
The beard of Aaron,
Running down on the edge of his garments.
It is like the dew of Hermon,
Descending upon the mountains of Zion;
For there the LORD commanded the blessing—
Life forevermore.
The Call to Intimacy with God
For lo, the winter is past,
Song of Songs 2:11-13
The rain is over and gone.
The flowers appear on the earth;
The time of singing has come,
And the voice of the turtledove
Is heard in our land.
The fig tree puts forth her green figs,
And the vines with the tender grapes
Give a good smell.
Rise up, my love, my fair one,
And come away!
God is calling His people, the Bride of Christ, from the noise of the world to recapture the heart of intimacy with Him. He is jealous for our time and desires to have that depth of relationship with us that is more than just superficial but is rather a divine romance through His Spirit. The voice of the turtledove signifies this aspect of the Holy Spirit – where we experience the depths of His love as we engage in communion with Him. As we do, we will also discover the flames of His glory that are released through this most powerful and intimate relationship.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
2 Corinthians 13:14
The Heart of the Spirit
There was such an amazing peace, gentleness and awe-inspired essence of God’s love in this encounter. The intense flames coming from these gentle turtledoves was quite powerful – it was the manifestation of heaven on earth! God is going to pour out His Spirit in a fresh way with fresh fire being released in Holy Spirit communities.
Be encouraged to engage in communion with God, joining others in gatherings of worship and prayer, as God will be pouring out His Spirit in unprecedented ways!