JDM Prophetic Ministries
Perceiving Heaven's Frequency
Prophetic Words
There is Good News...A New Day Dawns (Mar 4, 2010)
Burning Eyes, Baylor University, Tri-cities, & Two Sisters (Feb 13, 2010)
Three Prophetic Insights for 2010 (Feb 5, 2010)
The Spirit says, "Come closer." (Aug 30, 2009)
Generational Mandates (June 20, 2009)
Ten Strange Callings of the Future, Pt 2 (June 6, 2009)
Ten Strange Callings of the Future, Pt 1 (May 31, 2009)
Prophetic Word: The Northwest (May 22, 2009)
5 Months of Demarcation & Dispossession (Apr 13, 2009)
Blood Diamonds (Feb 25, 2009)
Prophetic Word: Australia & Apostleship (Jan 20, 2009)
5 Months of Repositionings (Oct 28, 2008)
Pathetic Prophetic (May 27, 2008)
The Lord says: "How can I show you my love?" (May 15, 2008)
Movies, Movie Theatres, & Ministry (April 23, 2008)
God says: "I want to take you to the other side" (April 10, 2008)
America's Economy (Feb 20, 2008)
The Clash of Denominations (Feb 6, 2008)
Prophetic Word for Nigeria (Jan 10, 2008)
There is Good News...A New Day Dawns
The incarnation of the Messiah dawned a much-awaited new day. Matthew, quoting Isaiah the prophet, said of Jesus' arrival (Mt 4:15,16, underline added): "Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles--the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." Zechariah, in his prophetic celebration of John the Baptist, spoke similarly (Lk 1:78,79, underline added): ...the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death.
Jesus, the Morning Star, was dawning the New Testament era. Notice the providential metaphor...He resurrected at dawn (Lk 24:1-3), and birthed the church in the morning (Ac 2:15).
Isaiah and Hosea prophesied a new day would dawn for Israel, a day when the Lord would relent from His judgments against her and restore her completely. Isaiah 30:19-26 is the entire passage with several promises, but notice the illustration used in verse 26 (underline added): The moon will shine like the sun, and the sunlight will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven full days, when the LORD binds up the bruises of his people and heals the wounds he inflicted. Hosea foretells likewise. The entire passage is Hosea 6:1-3, but once again, notice the illustration used in verse 3 (underline added): Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.
The dawning of new days can also be personal. David said weeping would last throughout the night season, during the momentary anger of the Lord. However, joy would come "in the morning"--when a new season dawned--and that favor would last a lifetime (Ps 30:5).
Hezekiah, in the midst of his agonizing illness, said (Isa 38:13, underline added): I waited patiently till dawn, but like a lion he broke all my bones; day and night you made an end of me. After eating some boiled figs, he recovered miraculously and his new day dawned (v21).
Song of Songs refers to Solomon's bride as a "sunrise". Song of Songs 6:10: Who is this that appears like the dawn, fair as the moon, bright as the sun, majestic as the stars in procession? The friends could see that her presence in his life was a brilliant sunrise to him. She dawned a new day for Solomon.
The Lord God is a sun, dawning new days of shielding, favor, honor, and good things for those who walk blamelessly with Him (Ps 84:11). He is the Morning Star (Rev 22:16), and that very nature demands that He manifest as a sunrise somewhere. Will you be that somewhere?
Brothers and sisters in Christ, from the depths of my heart, I assure you this message is not prophetic rhetoric, spiritual sensationalism, Charismatic mesmerism, or trending/fadding. This is not a bandwagon prophecy. I have enjoyed several enlightening experiences the past few weeks that verified the Lord is truly revealing the dawning of a new day. A giddy excitement has filled my heart as this hope trickles down into my core!
In writing this, the Spirit urged me on joyfully from Isaiah 40:1,2: Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins.
For those of us who thought/think our warfare would never give way to a new era, the Lord cries from Isaiah 66:9, "Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?" says the LORD. "Do I close up the womb when I bring to delivery?" says your God.
The Ending of Heavy Warfare
The day is coming when many will no longer look over their shoulder for fear of the enemy's flood. The bullride will be over. It will be a day of peace from war, a day of rest on every side, a day when mega-seasons of brutal warfare have resulted in victory and subjugation of the enemy. David entered this era personally (see Psalm 18, the caption).
In that day many will quote the following scriptures (Ps 9:6 NKJV, 18:37,38, 46:9): O enemy, destructions are finished forever!...I pursued my enemies and overtook them; I did not turn back till they were destroyed. I crushed them so that they could not rise; they fell beneath my feet...He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. Their prayer from Psalm 7:9 will finally be answered: Oh, let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish the just.
A Time to Build
The circumstancial peace will allow for settling down and the development of God-inspired projects. The enemy's resistance will be minimal and quickly manageable. It will be a time to focus energies not on warfare, but on building. Important progress will be made and God-dreams will become reality.
In that day many will have the experience of King Asa and Judah (2Chr 14:5-7): He built up the fortified cities of Judah, since the land was at peace. No one was at war with him during those years, for the LORD gave him rest. "Let us build up these towns," he said to Judah, "and put walls around them, with towers, gates and bars. The land is still ours, because we have sought the LORD our God; we sought him and he has given us rest on every side." So they built and prospered.
In that day many will sing from Joel 2:19,26,27: The LORD will reply to them: "I am sending you grain, new wine and oil, enough to satisfy you fully; never again will I make you an object of scorn to the nations...You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the LORD your God, who has worked wonders for you; never again will my people be shamed. Then you will know that I am in Israel, that I am the LORD your God, and that there is no other; never again will my people be shamed.
Fearless and Sure, Finally
Insecurity and hesitation are pandemic in God's people. Heaven and earth are overwhelmed by the opportunities missed, relationships passed up, expressions suppressed, destinies delayed. This new era will be one of great inner strength and confidence, where insecurities and hesitations no longer restrain the faithful from the risks and adventures of the Christ-life. The faithful will assert and initiate in ways that terrified them before. Fear of rejection will be replaced with fear of missing the blessing.
In that day these once-fearful ones will praise from Psalm 65:5 (NKJV): O God of our salvation, you who are the confidence of all the ends of the earth.
Unexpected Vocational Reordering
Work will be reordered in a major way. Many will be surprised, even shocked (pleasantly), at the unexpected new tasks and projects the Lord appoints them to. Major portions of many destinies have been kept carefully concealed until this time. This has been for both lofty and practical reasons. The dawning of this new day will dawn abrupt and unforeseen work assignments that will reorder many Christians' vocational lives completely.
Expansion of Personal Liberties
The Lord will be greatly expanding the personal liberties of many in this new day. The demarcation lines of their conscience will widen into a broad place (1Co 8:7-12, 10:25-29, Ro 14). Many who were under divine "restriction" and testing will be released from seasonal prohibitions. Many who were legalistic in certain areas will be illumined to the overstrictness of their convictions. A widespread relaxation from divine permission is dawning.
In that day many will say (Ps 16:6,11, 84:11, Ro 14:17): The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places...with eternal pleasures at your right hand...no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless...For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
New Leadership for the Next Mega-season
We are on the brink of a new mega-season in God's plan, corporately and individually. Corporately, God is establishing new spheres of authority that will remain untouched and unchanged for many years to come. This is why we have seen the deaths and public exposures of many previously-established leaders. (If this is happening on a global scale with the highest leaders, imagine how much more at the regional and local level!) "Musical Chairs" is being played, authority seats are being rearranged and reset, and God is establishing His leaders in crucial new seats for the new era.
Rebuilding the Ancient Ruins
The chastisement of both the lukewarm and religious church is fast approaching. Conversely, the rebuilding of authentic, first-century, New Testament churches is already underway. However, this new era will see church growth explosions in the spirit of Acts, as the kingdom and the church finally reunite in that magnificent first-century precedent.
In that day the brethren will run with the inspiration of Isaiah 58:12: Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.
Burning Eyes, Baylor University, Tri-cities, & Two Sisters
Hello listening church!
Our God is a communicating God, and He will be even more so as the clock of world history races to a redemptive consummation. Listen for His voice! Listen for it in Bible study. Listen for it deep in your inner being. Listen for it in other Christians, in conversation and ministry. Listen for it in prophetic messages. Listen for it in providential circumstances and events. Our overcoming depends on hearing and following well the Shepherd's voice.
The Lord says, "My eyes burn..." "I see you on the street, yet you walk by unconcerned. Even your walk displays the agitation that comes from a hungry soul. I follow you just steps behind, to and fro throughout your day, yet you still do not hear me for the clamor of your thoughts. Suddenly you notice and turn, yet you choose to look the other way as your eyes burn with tears. Do you fear the look in my eyes? Do you not know the burn in my eyes will burn the chaff in your soul? Is this why you look the other way? You are afraid to look into my eyes to protect your precious. "But know this: it is the burn in my eyes that will lift your hanging head. Who has not noticed your hanging head and downcast eyes? Who has not noticed your burning eyes restraining a mighty torrent of tears? So I speak and declare this in your ears: do not resist me. My eyes burn for you and it must be this way. My work on your cross was more trying than my pursuit of your heart. I did not relent until I cried out, "It is finished!", nor will I relent until I become the only seal upon your heart. Open your heart to me and I will give you the love you wander here and there searching for. Open your heart with the key I give you. A key is appearing, a key I give you. Use it to open your heart to me and your wandering will subside. |
Baylor University "I have noticed Baylor University in my survey of the earth. Much incense has risen from that place, it has become a tabernacle to me for pleasing aromas. Many worshipers! Many singers! The musicians of the Most High! The skilled musicians in this place will awaken the dawn! A great light! A brilliant light! The glory of the Lord and the day of His people! Lead my people, O singers, lead them in songs of unity from your campus! "I have watched intently as this man and woman resist my plan in your midst. If they knew the thoughts I think toward them surely they would plead with you before the time of distress. I will remove them, yes, I will depose them. Do not fear their threats my singers, for I will remove them. In the evening you will be afflicted by them, and in the morning they will be gone before you awake. |
Tri-cities "Would you set your intention on one city only? I will give you the tri-cities and you will see that your city alone falls short of my purpose. In one city you will find refuge and that which is pleasant, in the next city you will find training you must complete for the next allotment, and in the final you will see vision for times to come. Prepare your chariot! You will drive much with me in days to come. |
Two Sisters "I remember the day of your wickedness, the day you sat in my ephah and flew away to your beloved Babylon with unclean wings. You set my ephah in a vile place, and you determined to build a resting place there, in Shinar, far from the place where I longed to establish you. There, in a land of detestable idols, you set my ephah. (Note: The Lord's allusion here is to Zechariah 5:5-11) "Yet you became short of breath in my basket. When you raised your head for air, the lead covering hindered your rising. Even my angel with his strong hand kept you from the freshness of air. Time and time again my angel's hand rested heavy on the lead covering, and you become faint in my ephah. "When the measurement of time reached its fullness, I called to you. I called to you in your shortness of breath and you heard me from within my measuring basket. From the dark confinement of my ephah you heard me, yes, you and your sister together. You called upon me with one voice and I heard you. And though you departed from me through the wings of a stork, I brought you and my ephah back to a good land on the wings of an eagle. I took you out of my ephah and gave you a meadow to dance in. I strengthened your legs once again and I gave you coolness of air to restore your breath. I washed away your impurities and I gave you back your fields of sunflowers. You sang to me once again and I was pleased by your fragrant offerings. "Now listen to my words: you are no longer sisters in a basket! I have torn off the wings of the stork that carried you far away. I will watch over and strengthen the wings of an eagle I have given you. Your meadow of dancing is safe, together with your sunflowers, for I have surrounded them with a ring of fire. "You are no longer sisters in a basket! You are no longer sisters in a basket! The time of your rebellion has past and I am preparing a tree for you to eat from. See, if you look to the left, you will see a tree I am preparing for you. You have looked right long enough and my tree is not there. Look left! Look for the desires you have left behind! Look for the conversations you left unfinished! Look for the strange desires you left on my altar! Look left! "My tree for you is not on your right. I have heard the insufficient counsel of your counselors, and they keep turning your eyes to the right. My tree is not right to them. The way they advise seems right, but in the end it will lead to your frustration. Hear me and obey when I cry out from your left! My tree is left! To the left! |
The Lord says, "You will eat from the same tree" "Do you think it strange that I will nourish you from the same tree? Is the tree that I have planted, watered, and grown to fullness lacking in fruit that you cannot share? I tell you no! I have prepared this tree especially for you! My hands, my very hands, have tended it carefully because I am set upon its flourishing. "Do you think I have tended to this tree only? You also have been carefully tended. Have I not guided your whisperings about this? Did you think my ear was dull to hear? I inclined my ear to hear you, now incline your ear to hear me: you will eat from the same tree, and as you are nourished by its ripening fruit, you will find rest for your souls leaning on its massive trunk. |
"And the roots?" "And what of the roots? Who would speak of its roots? I have known your fears concerning this thing. Change your worry to laughter, the roots go down three times deeper than you know! "You will be surprised at this tree I have prepared. Its root system will puzzle you and you will ask, 'How could a root system be so excellent in every way?' "I will laugh and reply, 'Have you not read that I once planted a garden, that I made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground, trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food? Why then, will you be amazed when I show you such magnificent roots? I am skilled in planting trees pleasing to the eye and good for food!' "I have secured your tree by favoring its roots with a triple blessing--blessed to reach deep into the earth's hidden rivers, blessed to spread far and wide across various soils, and blessed to nourish one another through endless connections.' |
"Yes it is strange, but it is sanctified" "Do not call impure what I call clean. Do you wish to be approved before me? I will quiet your conscience that condemns you unfairly. My will is pleasing and acceptable, therefore, let my strange be strange yet sanctified as clean in your eyes. Did my people not ask of the manna, 'What is it?' It was strange to them, yet it was the bread of their blessing. Did they not ask of the Christ, 'What is he?' The Promised One was strange to them, yet sanctified as clean only to a remnant. And what about the serpent of deliverance? Was it not strange to find my help from a serpent on a pole? It was strange to all, yet sanctified as clean to those who believed and were preserved. Let my strange be strange, yet sanctified as clean in your own eyes. |
"My secret counsel and the strength of two" "Come close and hear this word from my mouth you sisters! Sisters in the Lord, sisters by purpose, sisters by experience, sisters by blood, sisters by name, sisters from the womb: I have entrusted secret plans to you. They declared time and time again that your closeness was strange, but it was sanctified as clean by the judgment of my Spirit. You will bear great secrets that require the strength of two to conceal. I have yoked you together with iron bands that cannot be broken. The loyalty you have known is from a high and holy place. I have even set a line of protection that many spirits cannot cross. What I do with you I intend to be a mystery to many. I desire the excellent glory of concealing a matter in plain sight! You fellowshipped in my sufferings, now you will share in this glory. Who will conceal a matter for me? Two sisters? My eyes range to and fro searching for two sisters fully devoted to me!" |
Three Prophetic Insights for 2010
A Year to Finally Become Balanced Of all the neat things God intends to do this year, near the top of His burden list is accomplishing balance in His people. All who walk consistently with the Lord this year will see significant moderation tempering out-of-balance areas of their life. Living and behaving in extremes has injured us in serious ways till now. For many, the bleeding will finally stop this year. A Year to Finally Live a Sabbath a Life Though many people, situations, and projects will court our attention this year, there is one we must attend to immediately--the voice of the Lord of the Sabbath. This voice is renewing an ancient call, a call to live a Sabbath life. The Sabbath Spirit is turning on His lamps, inviting us to come sit awhile and be illumined in Sabbath ways...and you will find rest for your souls (Mt 11:29). A Year to Finally Be Released from Prison The Lord has pressed three scriptures on me pertaining to this. Psalm 68:6 (NASB): He leads out the prisoners into prosperity. Psalm 146:7 (NIV): The Lord sets prisoners free. Job 36:16 (NIV): He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food.
Balance
Balance is the equal distribution of weight, with no one part or side being too pronounced or too deficient. Balance is so fundamental that God designed the human body with two balancing sides as an illustration: two hemispheres of the brain, two eyes, two ears, two nostrils, two lungs, two hands, two arms, two legs, two feet, two, two, two. It couldn't be more obvious.
Other realities also illustrate the primacy of balance. Romance and reproduction: male and female. Ministry: Jesus sent the evangelists two by two. Biblical truth: the Old Testament and the New Testament. Direction: up and down, left and right. Human beings: inner man and outer man. God Himself: unique, yet relational, holy, yet merciful.
When we live and behave in extremes, we defy a very basic divine institution--balance. Ecclesiastes 7:18 (NIV): It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. The man who fears God will avoid all extremes.
Become Balanced!
Here are a few key ways I've noticed the Spirit intensifying to balance out His people this year:
Being Spirit-filled and truth-based simultaneously Some Christians polarize to charismania, while others to legalistic orthodoxy. The Spirit now intensifies to make many Spirit-filled, yet truth-based...truth-based, yet Spirit-filled.
Being emotional and intelligent simultaneously Some Christians are overly emotional and unstable, while others are overly brainy and unfeeling. The Spirit now intensifies to make some more emotional, some smarter, everyone more balanced.
Being eaters for pleasure and eaters for health simultaneously Some Christians eat for pleasure and comfort, while others eat deprivationally and legalistically. The Spirit now intensifies to remove both gluttony and deprivationism from the eating habits of many. (NOTE: This would naturally exclude those in the fitness industry, i.e. bodybuilders, fitness models, pro athletes, etc., where meticulous eating habits are critical for success.)
Being true to our gender and apt in both gender traits simultaneously Some Christians are hypermasculine (like Saul or Jezebel), while others are hyperfeminine (like Ahab or the weak-willed women of 2Timothy 3:6). The Spirit now intensifies to create well-rounded and comprehensive Christian men and women.
Being merciful and discerning simultaneously Some Christians are overly merciful pushovers, while others are overly judicious and suspicious. The Spirit now intensifies to join both mercy and discernment into a healthy coexistence.
Being honest and compassionate simultaneously Some Christians are brutally honest, while others are appeasing. The Spirit now intensifies to accomplish that classic ideal in many, "speaking the truth in love" (Eph 4:15).
Being generous and prudent simultaneously Some Christians are loose and indiscreet with their resources, while others are stingy. The Spirit now intensifies to unify both generosity and prudence in many.
Being prosperity-minded and modest simultaneously Some Christians are prosperity-obsessed, while others idealize/spiritualize barely enough, even poverty. The Spirit now intensifies to rid many of materialism and opulence, and many of financial mediocrity and poverty.
Though the Spirit will be doing more than just these, this is where I have seen Him flaring up as we move into 2010. We can no longer negotiate with our extremes. Become balanced!
Our great Jehovah has never lied, is not lying, and will never lie (Deu 32:4, 1Sam 15:29, Ro 3:4, Heb 6:18). His promises of "perfect peace" still remain (Isa 26:3, Heb 4:9), though it is possible, even as a born-again Christian, to never experience them (Heb 4:1,11). Our wanting emotional-mental life can only be attributed to our own misunderstanding or misapplication of God's restorative ways. Our King has not failed our hearts. His Word has not failed our hearts. Psalm 73:26: My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
This year the Holy Spirit is illuminating and renewing an ancient call to His people. A call to rest, peace, and contentment. A call to live a Sabbath life, everyday, in every way. If you've longed to enter a Sabbath-rest (Heb 4:1,9), consistently experience perfect peace that surpasses all understanding (Isa 26:3, Php 4:7), and enjoy deep contentment in any circumstance of life (v11,12), this is the year to call on and commune with the Sabbath side of God. He is intensifying His presence to Sabbatize our life completely. Go to my home page ( www.juniordesouza.com ) for the first three Sabbath teachings.
This year the Lord intends to release many from significant prisons they are confined in. He has shown me two types in particular (but not exhaustive).
Literal prisons Many who are incarcerated, justly and unjustly, will be surprised by another chance at life in society. This is not the typical your-sentence-is-up release from prison. God will be intervening dramatically in cases, judges, juries, and legal systems to release certain prisoners.
We often see only crimes committed (like Moses' murder of the Egyptian, or Saul's murder of Christians, or Nebuchadnezzar's evil against the Hebrews), but God sees much more. This does not mean He gives people a "pass" on wrongs committed. Of course not, He is the God of justice (Job 8:3, 34:11,12, Ps 45:6, Isa 30:18). Realize though, God can mete out perfect justice in a variety of ways, not all of which include incarceration. Justice is multidimensional, as is God's execution of it. Above all, He seeks to redeem a criminal life, and in so doing, prevent many more from ever beginning.
Relational/Social prisons Many who are trapped in imprisoning relationships and social situations will see release. The Lord has highlighted young Joash, how he was "imprisoned" and confined to the temple for six years while Athaliah ruled Judah (2Chr 22:10-ch23). In the seventh year, however, Jehoiada staged his revolt, brought Joash out of hiding, and coronated him openly as king. He was released from his prison.
The Lord has also highlighted Abigail's imprisonment to her wicked husband Nabal. She remained faithful and respectful to the end, and eventually God struck him dead (1Sam 25). She was released from her prison and became the wife of David.
Why is the Lord so touched with compassion for prisoners? Because He Himself was a prisoner when He incarnated to accomplish our redemption. The God who dwelt in parameter-free omnipresence and omnipotence chose to confine Himself to a human body, to a three-dimensional world of time, space, and matter, to a restricted existence in almost every way. He knows the depressing frustrations of prisons and prison situations. He really can relate, and He will let it be known this year to many.
The Spirit says, "Come closer."
The Spirit says, "Come closer." "Come closer to hear it. The answer you seek has already been whispered. Have I not said to draw near? Would you approach me in vain? Come closer. As surely as troubled waters are stirred before me, I see you restless in my sanctuary. Do not strive in vain to hear my words. Does a young child labor to hear his father's voice? Does he not speak even before he is heard? "Observe and consider faithful ones. I am skilled in whispering, but are you skilled in coming close? I am a craftsman in preparing your answers, but are you a craftsman in finding them? Will you learn the arts of the Most High? Only come closer. Do I have pleasure in closed ears? Am I not the One who fashions ears that hear? I will heal the deafness of my people. I will remove from them the spirit of dizziness that they might understand my thoughts plainly and walk steadfastly with assurance. "Now then, hear the word from my mouth concerning the prayers and tears you have poured out before me: be still and come closer. My whispers have already left my lips, yes, long before you washed my altar with your tears. My wind around you is filled with my words, the cloud above you is heavy with my replies, but I call you closer to hear it. Wean your soul before my face and your ears will pop open to hear! Is your accusation against me and my tongue? Is it my mouth that relents from uttering? Did not David my servant draw near with an instrument of praise, crying aloud the wonders of his God? |
The Lord says, "I know." "Who has ever counseled me or showed me knowledge? Show me a man to teach me the pathways of wisdom! Surely you can find him! Is any secret hidden from me? Can any insight prevail against me? Who is clever enough to oppose me? Set him before my face! How long will you be dull? When will you believe that I know? My hand settles upon you to be still and also know. "I know how to whisper, and I know how to speak with the voice of many rushing waters. I know where to touch you, and I know where to pass over. I know when to embrace you, and I know when to only stand beside you. I know when to convince you, and I know what to leave obscure. I know how to hasten time and perform my word for you, and I know how delay it and form my handiwork in you. I know what I am forming in you, and I know the intentions of my Spirit. I know how long until my handiwork is complete, I know where you need to be, yes, I know who I will use. Understand just ones, I am the One who knows, who knew, and who always will know. "I know all the roads and pathways you look to with a wandering eye. I know the road to relationships you desire and I know the pathway to your pleasure. I know the road that leads to green pastures and I know the pathway to mountains that drip with oil. I know the road to hidden riches buried in the sand and I know the pathway to silver and gold carefully concealed in enemy basements. Are my feet not calloused from walking these roads? You may seek them, but I know them. |
The Lord says, "Out of nothing at all." "But now I hear you say, 'How Lord? How will you make a way for me, my hope has dried up and I am only a withered branch?' "I will perform my good promise toward you out of nothing at all. At that time you will laugh in my tabernacle saying, 'Where did this blessing come from? It came from nothing at all!' See, your branch will come alive. I will nourish your roots in a time of rain, and I will command the earth beneath you to drink the abundant showers I send. Again your roots will be strong and blossoms will appear on your tree. Your leaf will flourish once again and you will rejoice in a lively and fruitful branch. At that time you will be called Strong Branch, one the Lord has revived by his own hand. You will rejoice loudly in the hearing of those around you saying, 'I was withered and fallen, but the Lord helped me. He watered me in a time of rain and I was made strong out of nothing at all.' |
The Lord says, "Will I not send a boat?" "I have been watching you. The savor of your thank offerings has turned my face to look upon you. You need me to look upon you because I have determined to win your life. I know what you need, I know what lacks and I know how to make it right if you only rest your head on my breast. "Can I introduce you to my way? Can I show you the other side of life you have not been seeing? I will show you where it is and I will show you how to get there, but you have overlooked my boat. Time and times over I have sent a boat to carry you to the other side of life, but you turned away because my boat looked strange and undesirable. Will you know my boat this time? Every time you miss my boat you multiply your hardships. Am I not the merciful One? Will I not send a boat until you see me in it? "Should I not have good intentions for you as a father? My gospel is good news for every side of your life, beginning with the saving of your soul. I approached you for a good and expected end, offering my will that is good and pleasing. Search now, search from the book of the Lord, is your inheritance not delightful? Should your boundary lines not fall in pleasant places? "But now you are cast down because of the sins of others. Am I too small for this? Watch my handiwork and see how I build your future upon the sins of your brethren. Stand and be amazed as the iniquity of your neighbor becomes your first sign of strength. You who are cast down, you whom they call Destitute and Forsaken, I have known your pain. I see the shame that is hindering your every step, and I have sworn by myself that I will cut down the load that is upon your shoulder." |
Generational Mandates
Noah's generation was to preserve a remnant from the Flood and begin a new, post-Diluvian world (Gen 7:1). David's generation was to conquer the Gentile world militarily, establish Israel as the head of nations, and through the spoils amass wealth to finance the temple's construction in the next generation. Solomon generation was to foster peace with the previously conquered world, create international alliances that would further bless Israel, and construct a magnificent temple that would attract even Gentiles. Peter's generation was to birth the church and inaugurate the New Covenant administration. Martin Luther's generation was to exodus the church out of Romanized Christianity and return it to its basic, biblical foundation.
All of our Christianizing is worthless, a mockery of Christ, if we marginalize the desperate meaning of it all: Jesus came to seek and save what was lost (Lk 19:10). If our Christian stuff is not saving lost sinners racing to a very real lake of fire, we have merchandised holy things for common gain. Woe to us! Mandate #1 for this generation: marginalize the "Christian clutter", recentralize the pure gospel of salvation that can save sinners still under the wrath of a holy God.
Luke 9:23: Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." Philippians 3:7,8: But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ. Galatians 2:20: I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.
Though self-death be true, Scripture equally celebrates God's will as good, pleasing, and perfect (Ro 12:2), a delightful inheritance (Ps 16:6), a Father joyfully giving good gifts to His children (Mt 7:11), a God who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment (1Ti 6:17). However, we can never feast on this promised blessedness until we have first lost ourselves to find Him, first died to our reality to be resurrected in His (Mt 10:39). In doing so, God often returns those very things back to us that we have faithfully sacrificed to Him. On the return though, we are matured with new intentions to use that thing for His glory and purpose.
The civil war continues to this very day. It continues in websites, blogs, YouTube uploads, articles, books, sermons, denominational fortresses, parking lot arguments, church splits, bitter feelings, and on and on. On one side we have the "Spirit" Christians. They emphasize the mystical side of Christian spirituality, often using mystical rhetoric along the lines of spiritual gifts, revelations, power, miracles, manifestations, experiences, encounters, visions, and so on. These Christians champion the Spirit's active and vocal presence.
On the other side we have the "Truth" Christians. They emphasize the intellectual side of Christian spirituality, often using intellectual rhetoric along the lines of orthodoxy (in a positive sense), doctrine, teaching, education, study, counseling, Christian duty, practical service, and so on. They champion Scripture's authority and sufficiency.
In the middle are the spiritually keen who have discerned the contest, and have concluded, wisely, that a child of God must come forth with both. Ecclesiastes 7:18: It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. The man who fears God will avoid all extremes. Jesus, the author of the Spirit-Truth paradigm, said true worship only happens when a person approaches the Father with both. John 4:23,24 is one of the most important statements Jesus ever made, one of the most important passages in all of Scripture. Every Christian and Christian group is situated somewhere on this Spirit-Truth spectrum.
Admitted, it is a daunting mandate, but one we can fulfill with His never-failing grace and a heavenly amount of humility. Our generation is charged with the task of ending this civil war once and for all, and reunite Spirit and Truth into that remarkable, first-century balance.
While some Christian leaders are buying their fourth, two million dollar house, some under their care can't even pay their medical bill. While some churches are fundraising to build their next ecclesiastical Eiffel Tower, some of their very members are sleeping on a cold floor with an empty fridge. Tell me brothers and sisters, how can we bask in our unnecessary opulence when our own people are suffering lack? Which is more important, lives that are magnificent or buildings that are magnificent? How about selling that $10,000 Rolex and giving the money to the single mother raising three kids who barely has a working car to get to work! We should be horrified by the opulence, greed, and materialism that has infected parts of Christianity.
When the great apostle Paul met the great apostle Peter and the others for the first time, did they tell him to squeeze every drachma and denarius out of God's flock, buy three or four beach houses on the Mediterranean next to Ceasar, three or four luxury Roman ships for his ministry team, and a fleet of fifty of Rome's finest horses for ground transportation? Here's what Peter said, Galatians 2:10: All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do. What has happened to us I cry.
Is it a sin to have ministerial facilities? Of course not. Is it a sin to have nice things in moderation? Not at all. As long as primary New Testament financial obligations are met first. In the majority of cases I have witnessed, a few bucks are thrown at the poor while the multi-million dollar building campaign goes on. An occasional check is sent to an orphanage somewhere in Romania while more and more luxuries are accumulated almost indiscriminately. Saints, our generation is mandated by Heaven to remove this materialistic curse from God's people and return to the biblical operations of prioritizing, educating, and rescuing our poor.
Why have we venerated the church building as a Christian temple, pedestaled with Mosaic terminology like "the sanctuary" and "the altar" and "the house of the Lord"? Because it is easier to manage and control. It makes Christian consolidarity structural, associated with the building, geographical, associated with a specific location, and clerical, associated with a priest-like pastor who is perceived as the high priest of the building (some pastors even live with the building, in parsonages or apartments on site).
When a congregation meets often in home groups, true spiritual consolidarity becomes critical. The consolidarity is intangible, invisible, and cannot be faked. More leaders are needed to facilitate and shepherd, making leadership development essential, not optional. With house churches, the structural hangup is minimized by the multiplicity of structures (houses), the geographical hangup is minimized by the multiplicity of sites (various neighborhoods), and the clerical hangup is minimized by the multiplicity of shepherds.
Once again, is it wrong to have a church building or ministerial facility? No; let's not go beyond Scripture. It is our generational mandate, though, to decentralize church life away from the "Christian temple", taking kingdom realities to the setting where they are needed most--the home.
If the human stewards of a divine move do not fully embrace and enforce this intention, sadly, the move eventually dissipates. God then schedules another move, in another season, with the same intention. This cycle will repeat itself until the move has been successfully integrated into the true, cross-denominational church, and a new level of corporate maturity has been reached. For example, the Protestant Reformation brought about a tremendous move of the Spirit concerning salvation by grace through faith alone. We have not seen any more significant moves along these lines because the corporate church, for the most part, is established and mature in this area.
Ten Strange Callings of the Future, Pt 2
(6) Jesus Gangs
The word gang, in its negative sense, refers to a group of people who define themselves contrary to societal norms, usually in ways defiant, hostile, or outright criminal. Gangs come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. In 2007, the US alone had an estimated 30,000 gangs and 800,000 gang members. Some are simply territorial hoodlums, selling dope, stealing, and posing triumphantly on pet street corners. Others are more developed, involving themselves in high-profile drug trafficking, illegal arms purchase, and prostitution rings spanning multiple cities.
The Russian Mafia, for example, gained significant worldwide power after the dissolution of the USSR. They are one of the driving forces behind the overwhelming sex trafficking industry. The Japanese Yakuza, also a force in human trafficking, is one of the largest criminal organizations in the world. The Italian Mafia, notorious for producing "criminal celebrities", infiltrates entire communities, setting up pseudo-legitimate business operations as a cover to racketeer with politicians, officials, and other businesses. Criminal as they might be, the identity, acceptance, and hedonism provided by gangs is difficult for the hungry heart to resist. Proverbs 27:7: ...to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.
Gangs vs Jesus Gangs The body of Christ and gangs have this in common: they both reject mainstream norms. The church peacefully, yet vocally, refuses to be conformed to the pattern of this world, choosing instead to be a peculiar people (1Pet 2:9 KJV). In years to come, overcoming churches will look more and more like gangs, and will be sarcastically labeled "Jesus Gangs". Their distinction from the mainstream will be very obvious, and their distinction from institutionalized Christianity will be even more obvious. Restless hearts will find a true identity, acceptance, and Christ-centered hedonism in such fellowships. Many will be rescued from gang lures because the Jesus Gangs will have overcome to provide a realistic alternative.
Entire communities will be infiltrated by Jesus Gangs. They will set up ministry operations of all types, countermeasures and battle standards uplifted by the Lord against overwhelming gang presences. Small bands of witnessing Christians will increase, boldly approaching street gangs on their "turf" with Bibles, hugs, smiles, medical supplies, food, love, and salvation. These bands will also become known as "Jesus Gangs" themselves. Though outreaches to gangs have always existed among the courageous, the coming Jesus Gang advance will surpass them all. Not only will many street gangs be awakened to Christ, but also many in the mob, mafia, and supergangs. God has drawn His bow and aimed His Spirit at this humungous segment of the kingdom of darkness.
(7) Bodybuilding Ministers
Bodybuilding is the practice of maximizing the physique's muscle volume, definition, symmetry, and overall appearance for competitive or non-competitive purposes. It did not exist until the late 1800s (Prussia, Eugen Sandow), and it broke into American culture in 1904 with a bodybuilding competition in New York City's Madison Square Garden. The sport has evolved greatly since then, producing Herculean celebrities such as Arnold Schwarzneggar (Terminator) and Lou Ferrigno (The Incredible Hulk). On a non-competitive level, men and women of all ages have practiced bodybuilding to test their limits, develop mental strength, ensure great health, and maximize physical appearance.
Samson once again The Lord loves strength. He loves beauty. He loves hard work. He loves symmetry and balance. He loves discipline. All these elements of Himself define bodybuilding. Once again Samson will be seen on the earth. He will be seen in weight rooms, on competition stages, in fitness magazines and websites, in health food stores. But He will also be seen stirring in the Spirit. He will also be seen tearing apart the roaring lion. He will also be seen provoking and smiting Philistine setups on the earth. He will also be seen crying out to the God of Israel, declaring His praises and deliverance. Professional and non-professional bodybuilders with the spirit and power of Samson will appear in greater and greater numbers in the coming years, bringing the Lord Jesus Christ to a physically strong, but spiritually weak and needy, people group. The Power Team is a spiritual ancestor of this coming move.
(8) Hard-core Street Basketball Evangelists
If you've ever played street basketball, you know the difference between "streetball" and "hard-core streetball". The latter is meaner. Less rules. Rough and raw. The winner is, at times, the survivor. Streetball has gained popularity in recent years, especially as a deterrent to juvenile crime. Leagues have been formed, money poured in, communities improved, and lives rescued. However, there are those who prefer to stay behind and play hard-core streetball. They prefer the rawest, purest expression of basketball possible. For many reasons I'm sure, they prefer an experience without boundaries, where raw man can be challenged by raw man in a quasi-fight on the blacktop. Winner walks away with nothing but court pride.
From the basketball court to the courts of the Lord The Lord wants the ones who stayed behind. Remember David's pursuit of the Amalekites in 1Samuel 30? Six hundred men were with him, two hundred were too tired to go on. Yet, after David overtook the army and plundered the spoils, even the ones who stayed behind got an equal share with those who pressed on and fought. The Lord says, "Even the ones who stayed behind will have spoils. I am sending evangelists to you. I am sending them. They will meet you on your courts and reveal to you a new game. You lagged behind, but I am just ahead of you. You refused the opportunity, but I will come to you. I will meet you in your courts and bring you into mine." Hard-core street basketball evangelists coming in mass.
(9) Skateboarding & Apostleship
Everything is not "apostolic" and everybody is not an "apostle". The term is used with excessive flippancy, ignorance, and showmanship these days (as is the term "prophetic"), kinda like "dude" when I was in middle school. You can have faith friends, that if I employ the designation I have thoroughly measured it against the plumbline of authentic apostleship as modeled and canonized in the New Testament Scriptures. For a popular and widely-circulating article I've written on apostleship go to http://www.juniordesouza.com/teachingsii.htm .
I was jogging to the place where I have my soccer training, when I saw a skateboard on its side in the middle of the road. "Odd position for a skateboard to be in, even odder in the middle of the road," I thought. I went to my training and thought nothing of it. During training, strong winds blew, the kind that makes it hard to walk (and run).
After training I starting jogging back home. The Lord told me to walk, and, to "turn right" and go home a different route. About a block down the new route, I saw another skateboard in a person's yard, this one upside down, wheels up. I kept walking, and a street or two down I saw the same original skateboard in the middle of the road, but this time it was right side up (the new route looped back to my original route). I knew God was speaking. In what seemed like a millisecond, understanding came to me: Many skateboarder's lives are turned sideways and upside down. But strong winds from the Spirit will blow in the skateboarding community, and when they do, these lives will be turned rightside up again. Praise the Lord!
Skateboarding and apostleship Major divine initiatives are coming to the skateboarding community. The works and results will be truly apostolic. Skateboarding church planters will be called to launch in creative ways and locales that successfully bait fellow skaters. They will develop leaders from within to help shepherd these fellowships, though some will launch churches themselves in other skateboarding contexts. Skateboarding ministries will be pioneered by churches new to this frontier. Some skate parks will be entirely conquered, with Bible study groups meeting just yards from the ramps, 360s, and kickturns. Buildings will be constructed or purchased or rented next to these parks where church gatherings, other outreach recreational activities, prayer/counseling rooms, kitchen facilities, and even temporary lodging quarters will be. The tremendous hunger in this community is reaching a fullness. Many fish will be won from this pond in days to come. Much new territory, and more importantly, strategic territory, will be conquered and occupied. There is an awesome landing of the kingdom coming to the skater dudes.
(10) Wholesome DJs
After Christ captured my heart, I thought my partying days were over. I was handed an invisible list by certain church people telling me I could not do this, go there, drink this, smoke that, dance like this, and on and on. In my novice naivete, I complied like a good little church boy. I went to my discipleship classes, memorized all the verses, and even invited my lost friends to church. I was the poster child of a pagan pro soccer player turned Mr. Rogers. The legalists loved me. I was all the proof they needed that simply coming to church all the time was the "new life in Christ". I even started dressing like a nerd--a sign of true spiritual maturity I heard.
After a while I thought, "Is this all there is? Going to endless Christian meetings? Where's the fun? The adventure? Life more abundantly?" My salvation was real and I was hungry, but this version of Christianity was killing me softly.
After some time I was invited to a wedding. Two prayer warriors I admired greatly were making it permanent. A cynical part of me was like, "Great...another Christian gathering...except with more food, a few love songs, and two people making it okay to do you-know-what." I went and almost had a heart attack. They had loud music--and a DJ! And the songs didn't have thees, thous, and prostates! And dancing (or attempts at dancing)! And the pastor, who was the closest thing to Christ Himself I had ever seen, was dancing! I was ecstatic that some Christians weren't boring. This really helped me out.
Something was very different. The atmosphere was clean. It felt light and innocent, almost playful and childlike. The dancing was never immoral. The dress was decent, but stylish. The songs were a mix of Christian and secular, but carefully selected to have only positive or neutral messages. I never thought fun and holy could be in the same room. I was shocked...then impressed...so I joined the party.
The DJ As I later reflected on the event, the Lord highlighted the DJ. He showed me how the DJ paralleled a pastor, in that he set the tone of the event through his oversight, song selections, comments, and tasteful humor. I was fascinated. That one man was the captain who steered the entire wedding reception into a fun, yet wholesome, experience for everyone.
I forgot about the whole experience until several years later the Lord asked me, "What if there were wholesome DJs everywhere in the church? How could it restore fun to my people? What could it do for evangelistic outreach?" We will found out soon.
Ten Strange Callings of the Future, Pt 1
Jesus' fishing illustration is outstanding (Mt 4:19). Though I'm not a fisherman, my dad was. I remember him catching flounder at the beach, catfish at the lake, and other types I don't know. I was, and still am, intrigued by how he used different baits, hooks, colors, and methods for different fish. If his approach was irrelevant to the fish, it would be a long day on the water.
The Lord is renewing His tackle box and fishing supplies, preparing Himself for fishing expeditions in strange waters. He is after exotic fish, the kind that are especially hard to catch. He is calling specific men and women to join him, Christians silently restless for this predestined divine adventure, risk, and exploit. The following reveals ten strange callings, ten burdens of the Lord, of Christianity-future. The call? Catch exotic fish in strange and dangerous waters.
Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world, reaching epidemic proportions just within the last decade. The term encompasses not only forced marriage, sex slavery, forced prostitution, and illegal pornography, but also forced labor, forced fighting (child soldiers), and general servitude. It is the third largest criminal industry in the world, second only to arms and drug trafficking, and gaining fast. The problem is deeply global, as numerous countries (including the USA) work harmoniously in true Tower of Babel unity to create a monstrous international supply-n-demand. Human trafficking taunts the global conscience, boasting a jaw-dropping $42.5 billion annual market. And the patrons? Travelling businessmen, military, expatriates, tourists, illegal porn subscribers, wealthy individuals, and corrupt government officials able to secure the transnational traffic.
The Lord responds Has the Judge of all the earth fallen asleep? How does He respond? He says through a rhema-Scripture, Isaiah 42:14: For a long time I have kept silent, I have been quiet and held myself back. But now, like a woman in childbirth, I cry out, I gasp and pant.
Though advocacy groups and political countermeasures exist, Jehovah has His own strategy in mind: Anti-Sex Trafficking Special Forces...Spirit-led. The Lord has been revealing elite, covert, transnational teams of anti-sex traffickers, however, they will be led by commanders and supervisors who integrate hard facts, intel, and the Spirit's guidance to find and destroy trafficking operations (identical to Christian military leaders who do the same already, openly or privately). Even those decidedly nonChristians will be unknowingly "borrowed" by the Spirit (like Cyrus Isa 45:1-5, or Caiaphas Jn 11:49-52). Their right hand will be blessed to find the enemy (Ps 21:8 NKJV).
These teams will be organized and funded by several governments, as God works through certain Cyruses (Isa 45:1-5) to implement His strategy. In addition, contributions from wealthy persons, celebrities, advocacy groups, Christians, and other supporters will lend social momentum to the initiative. Behind all of this is the God of the needy. Spirit-led Christians called to this mission will understand fully. Team members, slaves, and even traffickers will be saved and redeemed.
The sex industry, which includes human trafficking, but extends beyond it into legal pornography and adult entertainment, becomes more and more a primary burden of the Lord. In 2006, the total revenue of the porn industry totaled $97 billion--larger than the combined revenue of Microsoft, Google, Amazon, eBay, Yahoo!, Apple, Netflix, and Earthlink. How many people does that include? Millions, if not billions! Many in the industry claim they would exodus out if they had a reasonable alternative. Though some remain for purely selfish or sensual reasons, there are those who remain as embittered hollow shells, despising what they do and dreaming of a better life. Tina Turner's hit song, Private Dancer, says it well (to listen: http://www.imeem.com/richie726/music/Lwr4sRnO/tina-turner-tina-turner-private-dancer/ ). The Lord is preparing deliverers Oh yes friends, God has sent His Spirit to brood over that dark industry, waiting for set times to declare, "Let there be light!" (Gen 1:3, 2Co 4:6). His redemptive power will abruptly snatch out whosoever is willing to exodus. Like Israel, God is preparing deliverers: Sex Industry Comprehensive Rehabilitators.
Very few sex industry rehabilitators exist that are Bible-based and Spirit-filled--yet comprehensive. These precious ones need much more than memorizing Philippians 4:13 and a God-will-reward-you fortune cookie. They need ongoing spiritual discipleship and nurturance, a loving family-type, thorough biblical counseling, measures of deliverance, social restructuring, financial support, enjoyable and realistic career alternatives, temporary housing possibly, medical attention possibly, and so on. As victims are liberated from the sex slave trade, and as adult industry workers reach the exodus point, they will need immediate placement into such environments. God is preparing them.
Word from the Lord and intercessory point concerning the sex industry: Obadiah 21
The divine comedy No, not the work of Dante, but the words of the Spirit using comically-oriented Christians. How sneaky of the Lord to reach into people's hearts while their mouths are open laughing! God made many people to be funny. Natural comedians. In this case, supernatural comedians. The Spirit of prophecy will prompt them with the right punchlines, at the right time, about the right subjects, as a rhema-message to the listener. A brilliant mixture from a brilliant God: comedy and prophecy. Coming soon in much larger quantities.
What if the Spirit knew something--and He does--resulting in the upper hand, the winning move, greater quality, quantity, and bottom-line profits? The business world has not seen the best of CEOs, because it has not seen the best of Spirit-led CEOs, because it has not seen widespread Spirit-led CEO coaches. Such mentors will help the business-oriented people of God achieve market conquest, share domination, and wealth acquisition for Christ's kingdom.God and gold It's simple and biblical...God wants the money of the wicked. He equips and blesses reliable, godly people to dispossess it (Job 27:17, Pr 13:22, Ecc 2:26). Money helps politicians win power and enables world-changers. Money sustains sex trafficking or builds sex industry rehabilitation homes. Money creates websites for preachers or pedophiles. Money clothes the poor or pays bar tabs. Money feeds a single parent family or a bad habit. If you were God, who would you want swiping the debit card?
The financial promise is for the overcoming people of God, and in this context, through successful business and entrepreneurship. Scripture speaks often and specifically about this in Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, the Gospels, and several other books in differing degrees and styles. Does God promise and not fulfill, does He speak and then not act (Num 23:19)? He is advancing upon the wealth of the wicked to dispossess it. The coming years will see a greater volume of business world apostle-types, who possess high aptitude in combining information, intuition, imagination, and illumination to achieve market conquest. Their call is to help Christian executives do the same.
The Lord will send Davids and Samsons God loves cagefighters. Jesus died on the cross with every one of their bloody faces on His mind. How will He reach them and tell them this? Through cagefighting fishermen. David and Samson were the anointed fighters of their day. Some of their heroic victories are astounding. David opened up a can of serious beatdown on an entire Philistine military company (2Sam 23:9,10) and Samson brought a Holy Spirit smackdown on thirty Philistines (Jud 14:5,6,19). These are not ancient myths, these are divine manifestations. Pro Boxer Evander Holyfield, NFL star Reggie White, and even myself (soccer) testify of the Spirit's manifestation and assistance in the middle of sporting contests. God is calling His fierce fighters to enter the octagon, receive manifestations of His power, and smack down Philistine opponents...then share the tender love of Christ with them at dinner. Don't be offended when you see the bloody face and cauliflowered ear giving glory to the Lord Jesus Christ after choking out his opponent. God wants cagefighters in heaven, and He is sending David and Samson to speak their language and bring them in.
Prophetic Word: The Northwest
The Lord says, "A force is mounting in the Northwest, yes, a great force, vigorous and ready. A political army assembles--man upon man, woman upon woman, they come together like soldiers in your territory Washington. And in you Oregon, her sister beside, I will base my fortresses to plot my victories in your government. And you, Olympia, once called 'the mountain of the gods', you will see a new political mountain raised in your midst. "And you, mighty Washington D.C., how can I pass you by? Would you be jealous when the gaze of this nation turns to Washington, even Olympia? Should I not contend with you? Should I not set the two Washingtons upon opposing hills? Should I not set West against East? I will establish you Northwest, but I will shake you Northeast. I will choose! This time I will choose. I will choose between law and law, between man and man, and I will show myself in your nation's politics. Should I be the God of Zion, but not of Washington? Should I reign in the highest heaven, but not on the earth's high places? I will tread them and you will see me in places of rule in this land once again.
"Well done my watchmen! You have prevailed! A breach has been created and a breakthrough has been accomplished before my face. The enemy is forced to restructure and his strength wanes. Reinforcements have been beckoned, but to no avail. My ministering spirits are shuffling about and readying themselves to release four political winds blowing as one. Even the market is readying itself; the silver and gold are changing hands to find rest in the treasuries of my political force. I have already sent people of influence to hasten my word, and I will send more.
5 Months of Demarcation & Dispossession
Demarcation 101 All of life includes boundaries, borders, and limits. The waters of the earth have a boundary, a limit they cannot cross, lest they swamp terra firma (Ps 104:9, Pr 8:29, Jer 5:22). In fact, all of nature has God-set boundaries (Ps 74:16,17, Job 26:10). Nations distinguish, protect, and expand themselves through demarcation lines, better known as borders (Deu 32:8, Isa 10:13, Nah 3:13,14). Governmental laws are simply the behavioral limits of a people group; strong cultures are both fair and just with such limits (Pr 8:15,16), while decadent states are not (28:12,28). Individuals who live balanced lives have learned to set limits on personal desires, opinions, and behaviors; those who live erratically and extreme have not. Wholesome relationships have certain boundaries the involved persons cannot cross; relational dysfunction does not. It is easy to see that demarcation--the setting of boundaries, borders, or limits--is a comprehensive phenomenon and necessity in the created order.
Things get very sticky, though, when we go a step further: Who is the "demarcator" and who is the "demarcated"? A world of difference exists between the one authorized to set boundaries and the one subjected to boundaries set. Think about it, which would you rather be, the pencil or the paper? God wills for His people to be the pencil of a ready Writer (Ps 45:1), drawing demarcation lines of divine order in every situation.
Jewish demarcation Scripture shows demarcation is fundamentally a Jewish blessing. 1Chronicles 4:10(NASB): Now Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, "Oh that you would bless me indeed and enlarge my border...And God granted him what he requested. Isaiah 26:15: You have enlarged the nation, O LORD; you have enlarged the nation...you have extended all the borders of the land. Isaiah 49:8: ...I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land and to reassign desolate inheritances. Isaiah 54:2: Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. Micah 7:11,12: The day for building your walls will come, the day for extending your boundaries. In that day people will come to you from Assyria and the cities of Egypt, even from Egypt to the Euphrates and from sea to sea and from mountain to mountain.
As long as Israel listened to Jehovah, He promised to grace her and her individuals with a demarcating authority, or the ability to determine one's own borders, and even those of others (as opposed to others having this power over them, as in Judges 15:11 and John 11:48). Because Christians are nourished by the Jewish root (Ro 11:17,18, Gal 3:14), demarcation is a blessing available to the faithful ingrafted branches today (Ro 11:17-21).
Five months of demarcation (April-August) Those who were perceptive and faithful to last season's repositioning requirements will be rewarded in this five-month season with demarcation blessings, in one or more of the following areas.
Personal demarcation If this is you, this means you will establish certain boundaries, borders, and limits for yourself (instead of someone setting these for you). You have shown the Lord you can be trusted with degrees of independence, and therefore, certain desires of yours will be granted, and, you will manage these personal privileges and freedoms with divine endorsement. David spoke of the pleasantness of personal demarcation (Ps 16:6), and Jabez prayed intensely for it (1Chr 4:9,10).
Relational demarcation If this is you, this means you will set boundaries, borders, and limits in certain relationships you are in. You have shown the Lord you can be trusted with other people's feelings and well-being, and therefore, certain stressful relationships you've been in will begin to "tip" in your favor. You will be graced with the Spirit's power to better define and demarcate those relationships according to wholesomeness and divine order. Little by little the house of David gained relational demarcation over the house of Saul (2Sam 3:1).
Social demarcation If this is you, this means you will set the boundaries, borders, and limits in certain social circles you frequent. You have shown the Lord you can be trusted with groups of people, that you are both fair and just. Therefore, social favor and magnetism will be given you to better define and demarcate one or more of these groups. Joseph was given social demarcation in Pharaoh's circle (Ps 105:21,22).
Vocational demarcation If this is you, this means you will set certain boundaries, borders, and limits in a work setting. You have shown the Lord you can be trusted with work-related responsibilities, and therefore, you will be given either influence or position to better define and demarcate a work environment, your present one or a new and better one. Joseph was given vocational demarcation in Potiphar's house (Gen 39:4-6) and in prison (v21-23), as was David in Saul's army (1Sam 18:5,12,13).
Financial demarcation If this is you, this means you will set the boundaries, borders, and limits of financial traffic. You will dictate where money/resources will and will not go, and how much. You will be augmented financially, and better able to allocate, manage, and demarcate your own resources.
Rejoice and be glad! Your faithful repositioning last season has resulted in demarcating privileges this season.
Dispossession throughout Scriptural history Dispossession has been a highly coveted ability since the Fall. As war ensued between the seed of God and the seed of Satan, possession and dispossession became an increasingly critical chess match. People and spirits conflicted over the occupation of four values on earth: (1) persons, (2) positions, (3) possessions, and (4) power.
Immediately after Genesis 3, the two kingdoms began staking their claims. The satanic kingdom prevailed for a time, possessing an overwhelming share of these values and creating an unimaginable global debasement (Gen 6). After divine judgment via the flood, Nimrod sought to reassert the dominance of the evil kingdom, building Babel, Babylon, and Nineveh (Gen 10,11). Shortly afterwards, though, God's timing and move had come. He called Abraham and his descendants into a covenant with Himself that included the promise of possession, more appropriately, dispossession (Gen 12:1-3, 13:14-17, 15:12-21, 17:1-22). Thus, from Abraham/Israel to the church, God's people have warred with some success for the possession of people, positions, possessions, and power (Isa 49:24,25)--yet without the indwelling Spirit, but by the political sword (Ps 149).
With the completed atonement of Christ and the birth of the Spirit-filled church, God's dispossessing initiative has taken on new substance and success. No longer is dispossession by the sword, but by the power of Spirit and truth working internally and invisibly (Lk 17:20,21, Jn 4:23). This is far superior cosmic weaponry than Old Testament militancy, which can only produce embittered compliance at best. Isaiah, Micah, and Hosea foresaw a globally victorious last-days church (Isa 2:2, Mic 4:1, Hos 3:5), and this means a church that has understood and actualized her dispossessional calling.
From demarcation to dispossession Dispossession flows from demarcation, as Isaiah 54:2,3 show: Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes [demarcation]. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities [dispossession].
Dispossession is the next logical progression after demarcation, as Isaiah comments to Israel. One authorized to establish boundaries, borders, and limits in a certain setting will naturally be authorized to dispossess, possess, and occupy the elements within that same setting.
Five months of dispossession (April-August) Those who were perceptive and faithful to last season's repositioning requirements will be rewarded in this five-month season with dispossessing advancements, in one or more of the following areas.
Persons If this is you, this means the Spirit will remove certain persons from a present relationship or circumstance, and relocate them into your care. This can be tough meat for some Christians to digest, but it is a biblical reality. All of Saul's wives and personnel were handed over to David for his faithfulness (2Sam 12:8). When he was unfaithful, though, the very same thing was done to him (v11,12; Deu 28:30-32, Isa 39:7). Elijah dispossessed Shaphat of Elisha (1Ki 19:19-21), and Saul dispossessed David's family of him (1Sam 16:21,22). Jesus said the faithful would possess the people of "ten cities" (Lk 19:17) and "five cities" (v19). God desires to dispossess the unfaithful of those in their care and transfer them to those who are pleasing to Him.
Positions If this is you, this means the Spirit will oust certain persons from their high place, and, the high place will be granted to you. This pertains mainly to vocational and structural settings where position matters. The promise to both Israel and the Gentile branches is, "So your enemies will cringe before you, and you will tread upon their high places" (Deu 33:29 NASB), and, "I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob" (Isa 58:14). On the other hand, because of Israel's failure to bear kingdom fruit, the Gentile church has temporarily dispossessed her of God's kingdom expression on earth (Mt 21:43).
Possessions If this is you, this means the Spirit will somehow transfer tangible resources, goods, and monies over to you. The wealth of all nations is promised to Israel (Isa 60:5-9), and the wealth of the wicked promised to the righteous (Ecc 2:26). This is not that greedy, materialistic, self-consumed, hyper-prosperity message. It is simply biblical truth in prophetic season. On the other hand, unfaithfulness in God's people leads to being dispossessed of possessions (Isa 39:6).
Power If this is you, this means the Spirit will sway certain "power struggles" in your favor. Power struggles can happen in any area of life, but are often most frustrating and stressful in relationships. When spiritually-emotionally unsound people have the upper hand in a relationship, the result is a demonized cycle of volatility, extremes, and childishness. When the Spirit-led mature have the upper hand, the relationship can be gently shepherded into divine order--green pastures and still waters. In this season, many faithful will dispossess the dysfunctional of their relational monopoly.
Blood Diamonds
The past twenty years have revealed the existence of "blood diamonds", or diamonds mined in war zones, in typically inhumane conditions, and sold to fund violent insurgency, war efforts, or warlord activities. The practice came into sharp public focus through the 2006 release of the Academy Award nominated movie Blood Diamond, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Several African nations including Angola, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, The Democratic Republic of Congo, The Republic of Congo, and Zimbabwe have either been sanctioned, implicated, or monitored by the United Nations, the World Diamond Congress, and the World Diamond Council for diamonding under such conditions.
Dear friends, I urge you to read carefully. The Holy Spirit is brooding to speak about diamonds, both spiritual and physical.
The Diamonds of the Lord You and I, Christians, are potential diamonds of the Lord. Like the blood diamonds, every single day warfare is waged over us. The enemy seeks to control our movement and destination, and profit his insurgency against God thereby. The Lord God, on the other hand, also seeks to control our movement and destination, and profit his glorious, lifegiving agenda thereby. A vicious conflict ensues over the potential diamonds of the Lord. Let's look at this closely. The Diamonds of Scripture Passages of Scripture are also diamonds, dispersing light in numerous directions. Take a psalm for example, Psalm 22. It is about David's personal sufferings (light sparkling in his direction); it is also prophetic about the Messiah's sufferings (light sparkling in that direction); it also speaks to us in our personal struggles when we read it with the Spirit (light sparkling in our direction). More so, every time we read it a brand new insight, or light, might sparkle to us. How many times have we gotten "something new" out of the same scripture? This is only possible because the Bible is a treasure chest of diamonds, each one capable of sparkling light in any direction at any given time. Prophetic word: Diamonds in the Atlantic Ocean The conflict over diamonds will extend beyond certain nations in Africa. Diamonds will be discovered in the Atlantic Ocean, drawing new nations into a new type of diamond struggle. Aggravating the issue, rogues and marauders will seek their share, and the Atlantic waters will become turbulent for a season. People will say, "How did we not know about this great treasure?" They will say, "How did these diamonds find their way into the heart of the sea?" 
Unbreakability The Greek word for diamond is adamas, meaning "untamed or unbreakable". It is the hardest known naturally occurring mineral. The enemy knows that if a Christian becomes fully matured by the Spirit, he will be untamable and unbreakable like a diamond--an indestructible spiritual force (Ps 125:1).
Superlative properties Diamonds are renowned for their superlative physical properties, making them useful for jewelry and industrial applications. A Christian fully matured by the Spirit will become known for his/her superlative spiritual qualities, making him useful for adorning God's kingdom and purpose (Tit 2:10).
Engraving Diamonds have such hardness they were ideal for writing and engraving in ancient times. The diamonds of the Lord are used by Him to permanently etch His will on people's hearts and minds (2Co 3:2,3). They have a lasting influence. Their words resound and resurface. They produce fruit that remains. They are diamonds that engrave by the hand of God.
Dispersion of light Diamonds are capable of multidirectional dispersion of light, giving them a radiance from any angle looked upon. Christians fully matured by the Spirit also disperse light, spiritual light, in multiple directions...at home, at work, at school, on the playing field, at church, in appearance, in recreation, in social life, in finances, in the pulpit...every angle of their life radiates and refracts divine glory (Isa 60:1)!
Polish retention Diamonds can only be scratched by other diamonds and three or four other things. Consequently, they hold their polish extremely well. Likewise, the diamonds of the Lord maintain their spiritual polish, or character, extremely well. Very few things can "scratch" their Christlike attitudes and reactions (Ps 125:1).
Formation Diamonds are formed deep within the earth from very high temperatures and very high pressures, and they surface in volcanic pipes where they are mined and extracted. The diamonds of the Lord, those Christians utterly matured by the Spirit, are formed through pain in the deepest and darkest places of life. High "temperatures" and "pressures" from the depths of suffering have forced an ideal chemical reaction between Spirit and truth in the soul of the Christian, producing a crystalline character that eventually surfaces in their personality and life.
Diamonds & positioning Because a diamond sparkles light in many different directions, the particular sparkle that catches our eye depends on where we are positioned. If I'm positioned on this side of the diamond, this particular light will sparkle at me. If I reposition myself to another side of the diamond, another light will sparkle at me. As we keep in step with the Spirit repositioning us inwardly and outwardly, new light from the same diamond will sparkle at us. In other words, we will see the same truth in "a different light". Scripture has a profound multiplicity of dimensions, angles, and sides to address every dimension, angle, and side of life! Keep walking around the diamonds of truth God gives you.
The Lord says it will be a sign, a sign that His diamonds are being discovered and revealed. Many faithful and luminous Christians have been hidden and seemingly forgotten at the bottom of a sea. Many have been tucked away in strange places, places far and foreign to their personality and calling. They are like the diamonds resting among the corals of the Atlantic. But they are the diamonds of the Lord. They are the diamonds explained above. The discovery of the physical diamonds will be an assurance that God's timing has come for a vast quantity of human diamonds to be revealed and mobilized to shine in all their brilliance. Many battle-weary Christians will see their bitter war sway entirely in their favor when these things happen.
Prophetic Word: Australia & Apostleship
...are leaders of leaders (Paul-Timothy, Paul-Titus, Peter-John Mark, Barnabas-
John Mark, John-Polycarp; Ac 14:23, 2Ti 2:2, Tit 1:5).
...are church developers, whether planting and establishing new churches (Ac 8:14,
...are ministerial pioneers, innovating projects that supply what is lacking in a
...are capable mobilizers, skilled at organizing and inspiring groups of people to fulfill
...are translocal networkers, connecting and unifying churches, ministries, and
...are supernatural dispensers, ministering with remarkable power to accomplish
...are good sufferers, possessing a special grace to sustain unusual suffering to
accomplish their apostolic goals (Ac 8:1, 1Co 4:9-13, 2Co 1:8-10, 7:5, 11:23-33).
Australia is an apostolic nation, she will be prominent in the manufacture and distribution of apostles. The seeds of apostleship are many, yet dormant, all over the country inside multitudes of Australian Christians. But these seeds will germinate. A major apostolic arousal is coming over the next few years, disposing her to fully express her identity as an apostolic nation.
Obviously, there is an apostolic workforce presently operational. However, the good news is, there is a more massive apostolic army still sleeping, soon to awaken, still seminal, soon to germinate, still hidden, soon to be made known, still raw material, soon to be assembled.
She will be an apostolic airport. Concerning this the Spirit said, "I am sending you apostles, and I am sending apostles from you." The nation will see an enormous amount of apostolic arrivals and departures. The departures will be primarily to Asia and Africa, where awesome apostolic exploits will be done. Many Australian apostles will find their God-greatness and inheritance in these two continents.
She will be an apostolic factory. A factory is a place where goods are manufactured on a large scale. From the raw materials of their personal life, Australia will manufacture some of the most potent last-day apostles. She will gather, mature, educate, train, resource, and distribute them.
She will be an apostolic model. Australian apostolic ministry will ascend a high mountain, the global church to see. The older will serve the younger, the Spirit said. The U.S. and other long-established nations will learn from her.
She will have apostolic results. Bona fide apostolic ministry produces exceptional results: lives are drastically changed, groups are spiritually mobilized, climates are totally reversed, new frontiers are secured, the kingdom clearly prevails, and all this fairly speedily. From germination to maturation, Australian apostleship will see intensifying apostolic results. In the area of church development, church after church will effervesce like bubbles surfacing in water. For many, it will seem easy to plant/develop churches.
She will have apostolic authority. Not canonical authority (adding to the completed Scripture, explicitly or implicitly), not absolute theocratic authority (commandeering those under their care), and not interpersonal authority (dictating the personal choices of others).
Authentic apostolic authority is super-relational (1Th 2:6-12, 2Co 1:24, 7:2-4), not patronistic or lordly. It is validated by the seven marks of an apostle (above), by apostolic results, by the persuasion of the Spirit deep in the hearts of those called to be under his oversight, and by his obvious power in the spiritual realm. In the next few years, Australian apostleship will experience a surge of this genuine authority. The Lord will be walking back and forth all throughout the land, reordering everywhere He goes through genuine apostles carrying genuine authority.
(2) AUSTRALIA WILL BE A GLOBAL SAFE HAVEN
Australia--certain parts--will be a refuge and safe haven for many people fleeing from domestic or international crises. Many will embrace the guidance of the Spirit leading them to move there or stay there a while or plan a prolonged vacation--to be protected and even blessed. Certain cities, towns, villages, and neighborhoods will be blessed in wonderful ways as God's canopy covers them for a season in favor of His incoming people.
(3) AUSTRALIA, CHINA, & GOD
Australia's relationship with China will become increasingly paradoxical, mirroring a codependent human relationship. Publicly, China will obviously be the stronger and "independent" party, especially as she continues to swell economically and militaristically. Less noticeably though, she will come to desperately need Australia. Why?
According to the Australian Embassy in Beijing, Australia is currently China's 9th largest trading partner. In days to come, however, she will fly as high as China's 4th or 3rd largest partner. This is because God's hand will descend on Australia's exporting industry to China, greatly augmenting her economic relevance and consequence. In fact, God has already begun blessing--Australian service exports to China have grown an average of 20% annually in the last five years. Moreover, to sustain its economic growth, China needs and will need increasing access to Australian materials, services, and technologies. God will continue blessing Asia-relevant sectors of Australia, tricking China into His regional plan.
And what is that plan? To maximize Chinese dependence on Australia, and therefore, make her less protestant to Australian Christian influences, specifically apostles and evangelists. Australian Christians will have unique ministry opportunities and fruitfulness in China, opportunities closed off entirely to Christians from other nations. Many windows, doors, and gates will crack open for Australian saints called to China.
Prophetic Word: 5 Months of Repositionings
Our journey with God will require ongoing repositioning. Part of this is because God must rearrange our incorrect life arrangements, arrangements He did not inspire or initiate. This is the sanctification or transformation process whereby we are gradually being conformed to Christlikeness in every area. Another reason is because of our destiny's multi-dimensionality. Our calling possesses different features and depths, and therefore, requires our ongoing repositioning to successfully actualize these dimensions.
Though our entire lives will be marked by repositionings, there are key seasons where God initiates major, high importance repositionings that have significant consequence potential. These are landmark seasons in our life and calling, personally and corporately, and are more crucial to recognize than the typical repositionings we continuously experience simply by being a Christian.
Protection 2009 will see difficult days in certain aspects of America. Isaiah 3:10,11 and Psalm 37:18,19 have glorious assurances, though, for the truly faithful Christians: Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds. Woe to the wicked! Disaster is upon them! They will be paid back for what their hands have done...The days of the blameless are known to the LORD, and their inheritance will endure forever. In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.
In 2009 and immediately beyond, Christians will flourish significantly or struggle significantly to the degree they are properly positioned in each area of their life. Of course, this principle is true always. However, as already mentioned, there are situations and seasons where proper positioning has much greater consequence, for better or worse. 2009 and immediately beyond is such a time. Faithful adjustment in the next several months will result in supernatural protection, provision, prosperity, and power thereafter.
Spiritual repositioning Some (I'm sure many) will be led to reposition spiritually. This means key adjustments need to be made in their relationship with God. Some have been prioritizing ministry and giftedness over intimacy with God, like Martha (Lk 10:38-42) and the Corinthian church. Ministry will not bring the supernatural favor or deliverance that intimacy will, as Psalm 91 emphasizes. Some individuals, ministries, and churches will be led to adjust their priorities and procedures to circulate everything around intimacy with Him.
Some have been prioritizing good behavior and "godliness" over intimacy with God. The Ephesian church had a "Godliness Resume" more impressive than many of our churches today, yet Jesus called them backslidden-fallen from a great height-for abandoning intimacy with Him (Rev 2:1-5)! Goodness and "godliness" without intimacy will not bring the necessary divine favor or deliverance for the coming seasons. Remember Psalm 91!
These are among the most common misarrangements Christians and Christian groups have in their spirituality. If the Lord grips your heart concerning one of these, make the adjustment!
Emotional repositioning Some will be led to reposition emotionally. This means key adjustments need to be made in their emotional life. Some are emotionally set in shame and need to be reset in innocence. Some are set in a stained feeling and need to be reset in a pure feeling. Some are set in fear and need to be reset in confidence. Some are set in habitual feelings of frustration and need to be reset in feelings of progress and momentum. Some are set in rejection and need to be reset in acceptance. Some are set in invalidation and low self-esteem and need to be reset in value and worth. Some are set in depression and need to be reset in joy. Some are set in aggression and need to be reset in kindness. Some are set in ongoing feelings of confusion and need to be reset in feelings of clarity. Some are set in powerlessness and need to be reset in felt power and capability. Some are set in abandonment and need to be reset in "cared for". Some are set in hopelessness and need to be reset in hope.
Do not get overwhelmed by this list. We are all maturing emotionally into Christlike emotions. Simply ask and wait for the Spirit to illuminate the emotional cross-over He wants you make, then go from there. Psalm 147:2,3: The LORD builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the exiles of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Our current emotional settings CANNOT go with many of us into the coming seasons. Throbbing and negative emotions can lead us to misinterpret the Spirit's leading, make foolish decisions, stray doctrinally, and link up with inappropriate or unhelpful people. Some ministries and churches will be led to create more emotional restoration opportunities, in the pulpit or in procedure.
Intellectual repositioning Some will be led to reposition intellectually. This means key adjustments need to be made in their opinions and logic. The possibilities here are endless, so I'll be general. For some, your opinions (about whatever) will be the death of you. Change now! Good and bad things will happen, and both will be magnified in coming days, but only the Christian who has adequately repositioned himself in his mind will be able to detect the supernatural interpretation of such things. Romans 12:2 and 1Corinthians 2:10-16 are phenomenal passages concerning this. Remember, revelation comes from the Spirit/our spirit into our mind-the Spirit of wisdom and revelation enlightens our understanding (Eph 1:17,18 NKJV). Therefore, our mind must be prepared and positioned so that incoming revelation is not bypassed or discarded as a meaningless thought or imaginative residue or demonic suggestion. The Christian's logic must be entirely Scriptural and spiritual.
Again, do not be overwhelmed. You do not need a perfect mind going into the coming seasons, only a repositioned mind in the opinion(s) God brings to your attention. Ask and wait with all willingness, then jump the fence and cross over to the other perspective when He shows you.
Doctrinal repositioning This is related to the previous section, though it is more specific. Some will be led to reposition doctrinally. This means key adjustments need to be made in what they believe (and therefore, practice) about certain biblical subjects. Incorrect, partial, or watered-down doctrines on certain subjects will prove costly in the coming seasons. God knows this, and is illuminating His cross-denominational church with greater understanding of biblical truth.
This is not a denominational thing, or a "movement" thing-this is a Bible thing. The Spirit will be repositioning many Christians' doctrinal settings so that it will favor and deliver them in time to come, not trap and trip them. Some "Church of Christ" or "Charismatics" might become more "Presbyterian" or "Methodist", while some "Baptists" or "Catholics" might become more "nondenominational" or "Charismatic" or "Church of Christ". And vice versa and on and on.
The Head of the body is converging and integrating the faithful, Bible-believing, Spirit-led body parts for the coming seasons and final seasons. The God of heaven and earth could not care any less about our man-made, man-centered, man-glorifying denominations. He cares about His Name, His Bible, His kingdom, and saving sinners, and whoever else cares about these things will find themselves in one and the same mighty rushing River! So be humble and compliant to whatever doctrinal adjustments the Spirit convicts you to make. It might just save your neck and bless your family in ways you could never foresee.
Relational repositioning Some will be led to reposition relationally. This means key adjustments need to be made in their relationships and social life. Some will be led to sift or redefine their inner circle, or closest relationships. Some will be led to sift or redefine their outer circle, or social affiliations. Some will be led to adjust specific relational patterns that are crooked and unhealthy. Some will be led to distance or cut off completely from toxic people. Some will be led to restore or intensely cultivate certain connections. Some ministries and churches will be led to rearrange their networks, partnerships, or financial supports.
Relationships are always huge, but they will be even huger in coming seasons. It is not only about avoiding toxic people, or not overinvesting in unhelpful or unfruitful individuals/groups, it is also about recognizing the "keyholders" and "hand-ups" that God sends. If He touches your heart concerning relationships, adjust whatever He points to.
Ecclesial repositioning Some will be led to reposition ecclesially (church and church-related). This means key adjustments need to be made in the area of church. Some might need to leave their present congregation, for positive or negative reasons. Some might need to reposition themselves where they are at (new place of service, new small group, more/less responsibility, more/less time investment, different ministry style, etc...). Some might need to plant themselves, and I mean truly connect and invest, in a solid Bible-based fellowship.
This section is closely related to the previous one. Our relationship with Christians can and
will make or break us. Ongoing isolation and separation from God's people is considered a divine punishment (Num 15:30,31, 1Co 5:1-3,11-13), even demonic (Mk 5:2,3). On the other hand, much-needed favor and deliverance also comes through His people (Ps 20:2, 101:6, Jas 5:14-16).
Vocational repositioning Some will be led to reposition vocationally. This means key adjustments need to be made in their job and career. Some will be touched to change jobs completely, while others will be led to simply change their emphasis or responsibilities in their existing job. Some will be moved to work more (jobs or hours), some to work less. Whatever the adjustment, God will be touching many to take small or gigantic steps toward their life calling, to move more and more into work that satisfies their unique design (Ps 139:13-16 NKJV).
The Spirit will touch some ministries and churches to better synchronize their workers' responsibilities with their unique design. Leadership structures will be reorganized and reset. Some leaders will be added, some released. Follow the Spirit repositioning your organization's personnel and task distribution.
Pathetic Prophetic
Prophetic Ministry in 2009
(1) the imagination-revelation mix
(2) sensationalism
(3) prophetic individuation
(4) education
The Lord says: "How can I show you my love?"
Come and open yourself to me. What can you hide from me? Do I not know the depths of your heart? Do I not dwell inside you? Come and open to me. Nothing you express will make me love you less. Let your tears run like a river. Cry and be healed. Acquaint yourself with the pain you carry, for it is time to heal your heart! Is the darkside a stranger to me? Come in and we will walk together. Invite me into your pain, take me into your darkest hour, and watch me blow the festering boils into smooth skin again. Have you not carried these welts long enough? "You have asked me, 'What do you want Lord?' I want one moment. One moment for you to be brave and naked at my side. My beloved, undress yourself of pretentious garments, and let my soothing gaze fall upon your bare soul. Have I not been made full of appearances? Is it appearances that I look upon with desire? Give me one moment with the gem of your soul. I look for something special, deeply sacred, in your eyes. If you give me this moment, you will hear me say it can be forever.
"Will you never understand me? How long must I wait for you? But I know you. This is all you wanted, something special, deeply sacred, in my eyes too. Greet me with the eyes of a little one. Greet me with vulnerable eyes. What more have I to do with false lovers? I am the Lover to be brave at your side. Your happiness is buried in me. Come, burrow into my love and we'll be happy as one. I will make your eyes shine. I will make you strong. You will radiate with the excellency of my love. No longer will the oil of your face dry up. No longer will the perfumes of my presence disappear from your gown.
"Can you put your hand in mine? I know it is small, but mine is big, and able to scoop every part of you into my palm. You will nestle your head comfortably in the grooves created by the nails. Is my love a crime that I suffered a criminal's death for you? Would you commit the same crime and love me in such a way? Would you be forsaken as a criminal to be favored in my eyes?
"How can I show my love to you? Whatever you ask for, that is what I will be! Am I I AM? Surely I AM! I will be the sea in your desert. I will be the bread in your hunger. If you thirst, thirst for me. If you hunger, hunger for me. Then you shall not want. I will open your mouth and fill it with good things. You will lack nothing, and I will withhold nothing. You will see fullness of joy with eternal pleasures beside. I will rouse myself, even at midnight, and give you as much bread as you ask for. Whatever you ask for, that is what I will be, for from me, through me, and to me are all things. I am the Alpha and Omega of your fulfillment.
"When they laughed as you cried, I did not laugh. 
When they lied, I provided the truth. When they forsook you, I stood by. When they trampled your dreams, I made them come true. When they ladened you down, I gave you wings. When your tears washed my feet, I gave you joy. The wrongs? How many wrongs have I made right for you? O that you would count them before me! When you stumbled in weakness, I strengthened your bones. Did I not preserve your life? When you could not reach, I lifted you with my precious wind. Even your enemies marveled as you rose high above their heads. When you were mute with fear, I put my voice in yours. When you could not believe, I gave you faith from on high. I will be your stepping stone when you need to advance, yet I will be your stumbling block when you need to be brought low before me. Am I not the sun in your sky? Will I not tan you and leave my mark on you for all to see?
"But now my Spirit is grieved as some turn away. But I 
will not cast these off. My love will lead you back to my arms, little lamb. In time we will be together again, for you belong in my arms! One day soon you will look for me and find me. I will hear your cries again, and you will say how you miss me. I know rebellion is not in your heart, but a tender confusion about my ways. Soon you will find green pasture and lush surroundings to rest your soul. You will find the pathway back as my love follows you even to the uttermost parts, even to the place of filth where sows wallow. As sure as the stars shine for my approval, so also the glory inside you will always search for its Maker."
Movies, Movie Theatres, & Ministry
Movies Movies could be the greatest open door we have into people's hearts. Everybody watches movies. For 120 minutes, viewers can process a storyline and its suggestions in the privacy of their own heart. Movies are safe. People know this, and often bury themselves in the two-hour world the movie creates. On a more serious level, some watch movies specifically for guidance and solutions. The church may seem too unfamiliar, a counselor may seem too threatening, a friend may be safe but unhelpful, but a good movie might do it. Why? Because most people realize intelligent people make movies. Their scripts often contain helpful ideas and insights. Also, some feel that movie personalities somehow have answers us non-celebrities don't. It's the whole pedestal phenomenon. God, being the Master Strategist He is, loves to meet people where they're at. Just like He met the lepers in their caves, or the Pharisees in their temple courts, or Matthew in his tax collector's booth, He will meet the movie-watchers in their movies. Godly films will increase, wrapping their divine message in kingdom ideas and storylines. Just as God anointed Moses' rod, Elisha's bones, Peter's shadow, Paul's handkerchiefs, so He will anoint these movies. Godly filmmakers will increase, possessing a visionary prowess to create movies that answer many silent questions. Secular Hollywood will stumble over its righteous competitor. It will be hostile and fight, but God's movies will go on changing lives. Churches will take these movies and run with them! And they should. They will incorporate them into services and ministries. Some churches will boom. Some will struggle, though, with the old-new tension. Leaders and churches that overcome and cross into the new will lead their flocks into a broad place. Not only will numerical growth happen, but people will hunger to give financially in favor of M & M & M. Some leaders will have their egos bruised, asking "Is my preaching not good enough? Was I not able to make this ministry grow without movies, movie clips, and movie ministries?" These will be tested and humbled. Certainly God will always use teaching and preaching--always. Many scriptures make this certain: 1Timothy 4:13,14, 2Timothy 3:16-4:2. However, God will use absolutely anything to meet people where they're at, touch them, and open them to where they can finally embrace teaching, preaching, counseling, prophesying, and other direct forms of discipleship. |
Movie Theatres Wealthy Christians and churches will purchase entire movie theatres, operative and abandoned, and turn them into kingdom centers! Can you believe it? How awesome this will be! What a glorious work that will result. Smaller churches and church plants will "rent" a theatre room at low costs and have church there. Some churches will possess all the rooms, dividing them up among their various ministries. Some churches will rent a theatre room specifically for a "movie ministry". Some will rent occasionally for certain programs and projects. Even more things than these will happen. How incredible this is. God is brilliant friends! These once-theatres will become bustling kingdom centers, helping Christians and churches left and right. Why movie theatres? First, and most importantly, God will use these kingdom centers to force interaction between different Christian groups. He is unifying His church, and this is one way He is "tricking" different leaders and churches into intersection and fellowship. Second, these movie theatres already possess ideal seating, multiple rooms, and kitchens. God made the wicked do the hard work that Christians would plunder! Instead of spending time, energy, and money on building a church building and going through the numerous hassles, God will lead many to simply purchase these theatres, move in, and get right on to kingdom business. They will come across great deals. Third, as America moves into difficult times in 2009 and beyond, these kingdom centers will use their kitchens and space to feed and care for Christians first, the lost second. In more than one way will these centers be places of refuge and provision for the church. God is looking ahead! Some even now are contemplating purchasing an operative or abandoned movie theatre. The Lord speaks, saying, "Purchase! My kingdom has need of your intention." Some are contemplating some other idea related to M & M & M. Again the Lord speaks, saying, "Advance! Possess this land I've set before you. How long will you wait?" |
Movies, Movie Theatres, & Ministry...M & M & M M & M & M landed with The Passion. It will be increasing. It will be accelerating. God is sanctifying this trinity for His purpose. The triad is coming together. The triangle is forming to triangulate His will! |
God says: "I want to take you to the other side"
America's Economy
The Clash of Denominations
The time is coming when Christian denominations in America will clash. Bible-believing and Bible-practicing denominations, organizations, movements, and churches will advance upon those that have/are defecting from the true biblical faith. There will be a pursuit in an attempt to recover and redeem, and where recovery is not possible, there will be a relinquishing of these groups to a state of apostasy. Some of these groups will resist and retaliate, while others will be won over gloriously. Watch for unusually bold and unprecedented initiatives, projects, policies, actions, and statements from biblical denominations to confront foundational heresy and apostasy. Listen for the clashing of the swords! It is coming!
THE CLASHING AND THE MEDIA Much of this clashing will be played out in the media. The Lord desires that this be public, and why? Because the interest of many unchurched people will be awakened as to the meaning of "true Christianity". They will watch and listen. They will think and reflect. They will dialogue with friends and co-workers. Then...they will search. In their searching they will find and be found. Some will go to church for the first time in years, and there be intercepted by the Holy Spirit. Some will open their dusty, unused Bibles, and there God will appear with a timely personal verse. Some will call a trusted Christian friend, and there God will befriend them into the kingdom. He will use this coming denominational collision to reveal Himself "to those who did not ask for Him" (Isa 65:1, Ro 10:20)..........The average unchurched American is not literate in what defines a biblical versus unbiblical Christian denomination. And since they will not invest time and energy investigating the topic, God is bringing the truths and facts right into their own home! The Holy Spirit will hijack the media for a season as TV, radio, newspapers, and magazines will unfold this denominational drama to every home in America. God is zealously and shrewdly pursuing souls as the clock ticks closer and closer to the end of the age..........Many in the media will snidely think they are publicizing strife and division in the church. Their reporting will exude an aroma of triumph. But oh how tricked they will be! Rather, God is borrowing their communication systems to publicly sift and tag apostasizing groups and publicly define true biblical Christianity! The media will soon be suckered and booby-trapped by the Spirit. As crafty as the media thinks it is, God is craftier. He relishes the chess-match of those wise in their own eyes: To the crooked you show yourself shrewd (Ps 18:26)...He catches the wise in their craftiness (1Co 3:19). How the media will show the works of God in coming days.
THE MELTING OF DENOMINATIONS As I said, some will interpret the clash as "strife" and "disunity" within the church. This is not the perspective of God. He is unsheathing a sword to drive out apostate squatters from His beautiful land, recover and redeem the willing, and stimulate unity among remnant denominations. Believe it or not, these remnant denominations will melt their walls and unify, for the essence of authentic biblical Christianity in America will be at stake. Christians will see strange happenings as opposite-fence denominational leaders advance together. Trans-denominational worship times, prayer gatherings, outreach efforts, and other kingdom endeavors will increase greatly. Two key leaders will break open the way and the others will follow. Some will even say, "A movement to end denominations has begun! Could it be? Surely we are seeing strange things in our day."..........In time, the outside world will see that this clash only served to consolidate the true church. They will be confounded, then convicted, then drawn in great numbers into the church. Jesus' words in John 17:23 will be experienced in awesome ways.
THE BAPTIST DENOMINATIONS WILL BE VINDICATED The Baptist denominations, generally known as champions of biblical authority and sufficiency, will be vindicated. As the threat of apostasy grows with the ending of the age, many denominations will lean towards their Baptist brothers. Not only will this consolidate the numerical force of staunch Bible guardians, it will also blow in a fresh wind of the Spirit into the Baptist culture. Many non-Baptist Christians will transfer into Baptist churches, bringing with them a broader kingdom experience that will enlarge the Baptist wineskin. Baptist churches and organizations will see revival in many places, ways, and dimensions. They will enjoy that long-awaited marriage between Scripture and Spirit, between exegesis and experience.
THE METHODISTS AND PENTECOSTALS WILL FORM POWERFUL ALLIANCES The Methodists and Pentecostals will draw close to each other. They will form incredibly powerful alliances that will make long-standing, highly-exalted principalities stand up and notice. Satan himself will turn his head and shift his battle-front. Fear will engulf the enemy's upper management as major ancient strongholds are scheduled for demise at the hands of these alliances. Lofty demonic thrones that never thought they would be dislodged will be overthrown quickly, in some cases in a single day. The enemy will always be back-peddling before these divine alliances. They will not and cannot be stopped, for they are central to God's last-days victorious church. They will accelerate Isaiah 2:2's fulfillment...........A revolving door will be set up between the two houses, much like the doors that connect two adjacent hotel rooms. The Lord is re-establishing the borders of each denomination, and they will include one another. Visions will be joined. Ideas will be shared. Resources will be pooled. Anointings will be doubled. Trust will seem to come easy, as the typical "ministry suspicions" are divinely kept at bay and withheld. A strong Samson is rising to his feet--one foot is Methodism, the other Pentecostalism. A two-edged sword is being prepared against the enemy--one side is Methodism, the other Pentecostalism.
PURIFICATION IN CERTAIN PENTECOSTAL GROUPS Certain Pentecostal groups and sub-groups will experience purification. Sensitive information and inappropriate agendas will be exposed publicly, causing many to leave their churches and affiliations. Unbiblical Pentecostal splinters will be pursued in a recovery effort; some will resist and be tagged as apostate, while others will be redeemed and re-grafted into the Bible-based Pentecostal tree..........The Pentecostal tree will remain strong, as solid "root" leaders lead the way in rectification. Powerful voices of temperance will emerge, and the consensus will follow their voices. Because of these things, Pentecostalism as a whole will be slightly rearranged and reordered. Clearer lines will distinguish biblical groups from drifting ones. Tougher safeguards and accountability measures will be implemented; this will cause "free-floaters" and "accountable-to-no-ones" to flee and form underground pockets. Though some will join them, their folly will not go far and their false energy will die out quickly...........Prophetic "schools", training centers, and developmental initiatives will be a major part of the reforms. The prophetically seasoned and reliable will take greater involvement in developing the less experienced prophesiers. They will address and deal with the growing number of prophetic, but novice, Christians attempting to use their gift. Because of this, we will see an expansion of healthy and accurate prophesiers. Authentic prophecy will regain important ground and credibility..........In years to come, the "prophetic movement" as it is now known will lose steam. The reforms within Pentecostalism will draw its constituency away into much soul-searching and truth-searching. A purer and more authentic prophetic ministry will result. This will produce noticeable progress and unity among Pentecostal denominations............Put simply, the Lord's purifying hand will cause Pentecostalism to run a much tighter ship. Well-known Christian media outlets like Christianity Today and Charisma Magazine and others will praise the reforms. As a result, much-needed healing will come to those wounded or offended by spiritual abuses in the movement.
HOW CAN ALL THIS BE? Some of these things will take place with no obvious catalyst other than God's working. However, some will happen as a result of major difficulties coming to America, especially in 2009 and beyond. Local, regional, and national crises will force truly biblical denominations to abandon their gray-area hostilities in pursuit of a higher purpose. That purpose being, the contention for biblical Christianity in America (Jude 3). Gladly, denominational leaders will join forces to protect, preserve, and prosper what's most important to us Christians: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God (Eph 4:4-6).