FromtheWall

Not One Stone Left Upon Another

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 10:18:41 GMT

Not One Stone Left Upon Another

I admit I do not often do this, but I have recently felt a need to release a prophetic word that the Holy Spirit gave me nearly ten years ago. I think of the changes that have occurred since the giving of this word on April 18, 1998, chiefest of which, for both America and the world, are the events of September 11, 2001. The emotional and psychological landscape of the globe seemed to change on that infamous day, sparking wars and rumors of wars, changing air travel, affecting economies, devastating and restoring nations, toppling repressive dictatorships and witnessing the ominous rise of others.

Lately, I have been doing much reading in books like Ezekiel and Daniel. These are breathtaking, prophetic books with expansive visions of the world of the future. I found an interesting passage today that I believe parallels the attitude of much of America, the church in America (unfortunately), and the cynical, humanistic, heathen world at large. In it, Adonai (the Lord God) speaks to his prophet-in-exile Ezekiel about his fellow countrymen:

The word of Adonai came to me: "Human being, don't you have this proverb in the land of Israel, 'Time keeps passing, and none of the visions are fulfilled'? Therefore tell them that Adonai Elohim says, 'I will put an end to that proverb, never again will they use it as a proverb in Israel.' Tell them, 'The time has come for the fulfillment of every vision. There will no longer be empty visions or falsely optimistic divinations in the house of Israel, because I am Adonai. I will speak; and whatever statement I make, it will be accomplished. It will no longer be delayed; for in your days, you rebellious house, I will speak the word and accomplish it,' says Adonai Elohim."

Again, the word of the Lord came to me: "Human being, look! People from the house of Israel are saying, 'The vision he sees concerns the distant future; he is prophesying about a time far off.' Therefore, say to them that Adonai Elohim says, 'None of my words will be delayed any more, but the word that I speak will be accomplished,' says Adonai Elohim." Ezekiel 12:21-28

I am often aghast at the numbness of the average American to the situation we find ourselves in as a nation. 9/11 seems to have been virtually forgotten. We live in its aftermath every single day of our lives, whether we're traveling on an airplane, or getting gouged at the gas pump, or walking down the streets of our neighborhood to see an occasional yellow ribbon wrapped around a frontyard tree. We live in its aftermath, but just six years later, we have forgotten how horrific, how world changing and life changing the events of that bright September day actually were. Like Israel, we have been numbed by our shopping, our pleasures, our preoccupations, our sins, so that even the prophetic warning of our day has become overlooked. After all, we've survived these last six years. Nothing like 9/11 has happened since, at least nothing of that magnitude-- at least not here. We develop a false sense of security. We begin to think that these dire predictions of future terror aren't likely to come to pass. We've learned to live with it. It was all much ado about nothing, we think.

I think this was pretty much Judah's frame of mind on the eve of its destruction. The true prophets had been warning for years--but too much time had passed, and people started to find them implausible, if not laughable. The false prophets simpered and soothed, saying "Peace, peace," but there was no peace. The people fell into a deeper stupor, magnified by habitual idol worship, false religiousity and hardness of heart. When everyone was saying "Peace, peace," sudden destruction finally came. Just as the true prophets had said.

Part of the problem, is that we, being human, think in human time, not God time. (A thousand years is like a day to Him!) When we take a look at the scriptures, we see that God typically speaks to his prophets decades, even hundreds of years before the events transpire. God had been warning His people, since the book of Deuteronomy and earlier, what the consequences of not obeying his commandments would be. If they had known the Word of God, and listened to God's prophets, the people of Israel might have repented and avoided tragic consequences, or at least would have been prepared for what happened. But they did notheed, and were left doomed.

God has been warning the church in America for many years through His Word and through His prophets. The scripture says He doesn't do anything unless He first tells His prophets, who in turn warn His people. Jesus warned His disciples of troubles to come so that they would not be afraid. God speaks warnings to us in His mercy, not His anger. In fact, even when He judges He displays His mercy. If He does not judge sin when it gets to a critical mass, there is a chance that righteousness would vanish from the earth altogether. Iniquity only increases if it is allowed to continue--it must be blotted out either through the Blood of the Lamb, or through judgment. This is what happened in Noah's day. If God had allowed the degeneracy of Noah's generation to continue, it might have even affected Noah himself. If Noah had fallen to it, there would have been no righteous person left on the earth, and all humankind would have been destroyed. This was also Judah's situation at the time of her judgment. The generational iniquity had become so severe and imbedded, God had to do something, or there would not have even been a remnant left from which Messiah could spring. We must change our attitude when we read words of warning, admonition and judgment from the true, tested prophets of God. Yahweh warns us in His love. His warnings are our opportunity to repent and be restored. They are Mercy in Action. Bless His Holy Name!

So perhaps the church in America has become jaded with too many prophecies, and has become spiritually sluggish. Perhaps the warnings have gone on for too many years unheeded, and, like Judah, we have developed a callous on our hearts. Our ears have become dull of hearing and our spiritual eyes blinded. This was the situation in Ezekiel's day. This was also the situation in Jesus' day, and much of Israel, including the spiritual leadership, completely missed their day of visitation.

I don't want that to happen to this generation.

What I am saying is that I believe the Lord is saying that these prophetic words which He spoke to me almost a decade ago--years ago--have not only been fulfilled in part, but are destined to be fulfilled in the near future. These words are for now. If you have already heard words like these, then take this as a friendlyreminder. Weall need refreshing in what the Lord has spoken in the past--we forget, don't we? If you need further confirmation, check out the prophecies of other tested prophets. I recommend visiting www.cherylbirchministries.com and reading the many prophetic words posted there. Rev. Cheryl Birch is an anointed prophet and apostle whom the Lord has used to minister prophetically to the Body of Messiah.

Keep in mind that the future shaking of which this prophecy speaks is necessary for the great harvest. Fruit has to be shaken off those trees! Wheat has to be threshed!

For thus says the Lord of Hosts: Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake and make tremble the heavens, the earth, the sea and the dry land: And I will shake all nations and the desire and the precious things of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with splendor says the Lord of Hosts. Haggai 2:6-7

The author of Hebrews quotes this passage and goes on to say:

Now this expression, Yet once more, indicates the final removal and transformation of all that can be shaken...in order that what cannot be shaken may remain and continue... Hebrews 12:27

So don't be afraid of the shaking. It's a good thing! It will purify the church and release the precious fruit of the earth--souls--into salvation. It will be the precursor to the establishment of that which cannot be shaken -- the very Kingdom of God. Oh saints, what glorious times we live in! We will overcome by the Blood of the Lamb, the Word of our Testimony, and not loving our own lives so much we can't lay them down. We are entering the church's finest hour.

Finally, as you read the words of this or any prophecy, line it up with the Word of God. True prophecy should always line up with the Word. Not some man's teaching about the Word, not your personal interpretation of the Word, but the Word of God itself. I don't believe in editing God, dictating to Him what He may or may not say, or that what He says has to fit in with my current theology. You let God be God, and let His Word speak to you as revealed by the Holy Spirit.

In humility I submit the following word. May you be edified, exhorted and comforted.

Ezra Fast Journal

April 18, 1998

There will be a shaking

Everything that can be

Will be shaken.

Things that people have trusted in

Will be taken out from under them

And there will be great distress.

Governments will shake,

Nations will shake,

Mighty institutions will fall

And be subrogated with another.

Climate changes will take place.

I am clearing off the dross and rousing the nations to foment.

Watch.

For like the Great Temple,

Not one stone will be left upon another

In some of these places.

I prophesied this in My day,

And I am prophesying through you today that these things shall come to pass.

I said of my servant Abraham,

Shall I do this thing and not tell Abraham,

My friend, my covenant partner?

For I have called you my friends,

And I tell you what will come to pass

That you might not be frightened

When that day of destruction comes,

And everything around you seems shaken to its very core.

Stand fast, stand firm, be steadfast.

Stand in My anointing and power.

For surely that will stabilize thee in that hour.

Don't be frightened.

Don't be afraid.

For My plans for you are carefully laid.

And I will bring them to pass to be sure.

So remain steadfast and endure.

What is required of thee,

But to love mercy, do justice and walk humbly with thy God?

Do these things and you will live.

Forsake mercy and she will forsake you.

Forsake justice,

And justice will be far from you when you most need it.

Hide these things in your heart.

For I will surely bring them to pass in the latter days.

My Word shall not fail.

My righteousness shall not cease.

My justice shall be satisfied.

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.

Let them proclaim My Name,

Let them rise like a mighty army

And proclaim My Name.

Let them do mighty exploits and exhaust the plans of the enemy.

Let them fight without fear.

For the Battle is already won

And the Lord is drawing near.

The culmination of the ages is near at hand.

Satanis having his "Custer's last stand."

He won't survive this one to pillage some more.

I will, in a figure, "show him the door,"

And he'll exit the stage of history,

No more to be seen,

'Til the thousand years are through.

And then he'll deceive again, but just a few.

Then the Mighty One will strike

With the sword in His hand,

And away shall flee sea and land.

Eternity shall come

With the New Jerusalem,

And the former things will no longer be,

But the new will come:

Eternal fellowship with God

In the light of His Son.

Amen! Come, Lord Yeshua!

Watching the Homefront: Fighting for Dear Life

Mon, 28 Aug 2006 22:59:23 GMT

I recently listened to an excellent radio show on the internet at www.olivetreeviews.org Jan Markel, host, was interviewing David Gibbs, author, who has just written a book on the Terri Schiavo case entitled, Fighting for Dear Life: The Untold Story of Terri Schiavo and What it Means for All of Us. If you want to take a listen, I encourage you to do so. Just click the link above and go to their radio archives. It is the August 12th show, Hour 1.

With all that is going on these days, it is easy for important issues like this one to get lost in the dustbin of wars, rumors of wars, and potential nuclear threats. Being reminded of this case was like being conked in the head with a blunt object. It seems such a small, individual, briefly conspicuous event in light of world matters, but in the moral and spiritual realm it is gigantic. I don’t know if anyone has noticed, but the windows of heaven seem to be closing over this nation. We are threatened by enemies without like never before; we are shaken by enemies within like never before. The favor we once enjoyed among our neighbors seems to have vanished; disasters, natural and otherwise, continue to occur with rapid fire intensity, costing many lives and millions of dollars. I used to look at countries like India with pity, as news story after news story depicted floods, fires, earthquakes, or plagues in that nation, sweeping away multitudes almost on a weekly basis. Now, it seems we are becoming nearly like any other Third World nation. Misery has become an everyday thing. And I don’t know if you have noticed, but we are not winning a whole lot of wars, lately, either.

(Scroll down to my April entry entitled "Wicked Weather or Righteous Rain?" for more information on why our nation may be experiencing these disasters and resultant decline.)

A minister friend of mine said recently that it is imperative for America to repent of her sins and moral failures. And not one of those generic, namby pamby, please-forgive-me-for-I-have-sinned kind of prayers, but a specific request for forgiveness for specific sins. America has quite a laundry list. Indeed, it occurs to me that one of the specific moral failures for which this nation has a need to repent is that of the taking of innocent life, or what the scriptures call "the shedding of innocent blood." One of the hallmarks of a declining civilization whose moral fiber has been undermined by satanic values is that life becomes cheapened. There is a lack of empathy for individuals who are handicapped or are ill. There is an almost obsession with death, and a propensity for a "culture of death," to borrow a phrase. Life begins to lose its inherent sanctity.

The process by which this undermining takes place is always subtle, and it occurs over a long period of time: in our case, a mere generation. The attitudinal change takes place like this:

Stage 1: Some practice so offensive (like abortion, euthanasia) that it can scarcely be discussed in public is advocated by a respected expert in a respected forum.

Stage 2: At first, the public is shocked, then outraged.

Stage 3: But, the very fact that such a thing could be publicly debated becomes the subject of the debate.

Stage 4: In the debate, sheer repetition of the shocking subject matter gradually dulls its effect.

Stage 5: People are no longer shocked.

Stage 6: No longer outraged, people begin to argue for positions to moderate the extreme; or, they accept the premise, challenging instead the means to achieve it.*

Americans are being convinced, and many are already convinced, that Individual Euthanasia is a right which society should protect and advance. But history reveals what a slippery slope this can become.

"Nazi Germany demonstrated that it is a very short step from individual euthanasia to societal support for individual euthanasia to government selection for euthanasia. After the Jewish Holocaust, many Jewish scholars studied German society to discover how the nation of the Martin Luther Christian tradition could turn into one of the greatest mass killing machines in history." ( I must interject here that Martin Luther was a vicious anti-semite by the end of his life, and many of the ideas that the Nazis implemented to persecute the Jews, and the incitement for doing such things, came from Luther’s own writings. But that is a subject for another journal!) "One study, The Nazi Doctors, by Robert Lifton, states emphatically the Nazi Holocaust could never have occurred if the intermediate step of Euthanasia had not first occurred. The individual’s right to die very quickly became the government’s right to kill. German public opinion was molded by films showing incurable people being "helped" by sympathetic physicians. Medical committees were set up in local communities comprised of local physicians to decide whether a person was medically incurable, and thus eligible for euthanasia. German public acceptance for Euthanasia was begun by activist doctors." *

In the case of Terri Schiavo, public acceptance of Euthanasia has been encouraged by activist judges and a judicial system that is tumbling off its crumbling pillars of justice. In light of this, I want to include, in part, an article I wrote for my website last year just after Terri’s death. Although it was written more than a year ago, it still speaks today. In the spiritual realm, this was a huge event in America. I believe we turned a corner as a nation by way of this state sanctioned killing, and I feel, after all this time, it is a corner- turning that has gone almost unnoticed. It is time to bring it back to our attention. Jesus the Messiah said that there is a progression to all things that grow: first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear. (Mark 4:28) Well, the blade of state sanctioned death has just popped through the surface of the soil, and we need to pay attention, because if this is allowed to grow, it can onlyproduce a harvest of death on an unprecedented scale. My job is to help wake people up to what is going on around them. It is so easy in this complacent society to mentally doze off and just continue mowing our lawns and drinking our lattes. Not unlike plump sitting ducks, we leisurely bide our time nibbling, preening and waddling from one place to another until one day, bam! we're on the chopping block. We still have rights in this nation, we still have influence, we have not yet been stripped of it all. Let’s use it, and our influence with Heaven through prayer, to change the spiritual climate of this nation from Death back to Life.

Yeshua of Nazareth made it clear that in the last days the love of many would grow cold. (Matthew 24:12) He was telling us that one of the signs that would immediately precede His coming was that sin and lawlessness would become so rampant, iniquity so multiplied, that it would harden people’s hearts and they would lose "all natural affection" as the Apostle Paul expressed it in his letter to Timothy. (II Timothy 3:3) The fact that our society (with the exception of those faithful and very vocal few) so pitilessly allowed this helpless woman to die her slow, agonizing death (it took thirteen days, remember?) is a clear indication that we are well in to the time of which Jesus prophesied.

A note: The day after I listened to the aforementioned radio show about Terri Schiavo and her struggle to live, I came across an article on AOL news that caught my eye. Mr. Schiavo, Terri’s now ex-husband, is making attempts to enter the political arena with this issue. He claims he is still angry at the government for "interfering" in the court’s decision to terminate Terri's life, and certain left-leaning politicians may endeavor to use this issue and its new poster boy, Mr. Schiavo, as a plank in the platform of their campaigns. Keep an eye on what you see and who is supporting the Right to Die issue. This is going to be a part of our future for years to come, whether we like it or not.

Watching the Homefront April 2005

Look! I am presenting you today with, on the one hand, life and good; and on the other, death and evil...I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have presented you with life and death, the blessing and the curse. Therefore choose life, so that you will live, you and your descendants...On this depends the length of time you will live in the land...

Deuteronomy 30:15,19,20b

As I watched the story of Terri Schiavo unfold before my eyes, it was plain to me, as I know it must have been to many other righteous persons, that if this nation allowed this woman to die by its own hand, we, as a nation, would turn a corner and never come back. Innocent blood stains the hands of not only those directly responsible--the judges, the attorney, the husband--but it ultimately stains the hands of the State. And, like Pontius Pilate, no amount of symbolic handwashing will remove the evidence of guilt. The infamous Roman governor bore the guilt and responsibility for an innocent Man's death as much as those who led Him to the slaughter. Authority always bears ultimate responsbility for whatever happens under its watch. For this reason, I fear for the state of the State of the United States of America.

Do I need to repeat, as I have heard many others say, that the Nazis started out this way? They eventually became experts at killing the innocent. They began with the weak, the infirm, the handicapped, and in time, by incremental steps, graduated to the systematic slaughter of almost an entire race.

Do I need to mention that Terri Schindler Schiavo was Jewish? She lay dying during the Jewish Feast of Purim, a feast that celebrates the deliverance of the Jews from mass extinction by the hands of powerful enemies in the government. Has the spirit of the notorious Haman risen again, as it has so many times throughout history, to annihilate the covenant people of God? Are the Nazis,in a new, more whitewashed, and therefore more menacing disguise, killing Jews again?

Terri lay dying all through Good Friday as well, which happened to fall on the same day as Purim. Terri was also Roman Catholic. It is no accident, I think, that Terri, whose life (and death) was destined to show us the value of life, and Pope John Paul II, one of the greatest advocates of the sanctity of life, and a vocal critic of the "culture of death," died within two days of eachother. This is symbolic, too. Did something die with them? Has the world refused to hear the words of a prophet in their midst, or see the prophetic significance of Terri's death by the hands of sinners? Terri was a living, dying sign to the world of its degeneracy. I can't help but think of the prophets of old--Ezekiel, Isaiah, Hosea--who did not merely speak the word of the Lord, but their very lives became a mute picture of it, a living epistle, available for all to witness. Such was Terri's life. In this sense, she was a prophet to this generation who never spoke an intelligible word.

In my spiritual imagination, I picture both of them, Terri Schiavo and Pope John Paul, in the presence of the Savior. He is saying to them, Well done, good and faithful servants. They didn't listen to Me, and they wouldn't listen to you. They would not receive My testimony, and they have not received yours. You did what I called you to do; now, come, and enter into the joy of your Lord.

In scripture, two is the number of witness:

One witness alone will not be sufficient to convict a person of any offense or sin of any kind; the matter will be established only if there are two or three witnesses testifying against him.

Deuteronomy 19:15

There was Moses, the leader, and Aaron, the high priest. There was John the Immerser, forerunner to Jesus the Messiah. There was also Haggai and Zechariah, whose prophesying to the newly returned exiles waspractically simultaneous. One serves as a witness to verify and affirm the message of the other. Finally, in the closing chapters of The Book, we observe the Two Witnesses, who are sent to the earth to give testimony to the One True God in its final moments of history. (Revelation 11:3-13) Well, the "two witnesses" of our moment in history have just been taken up to their reward before the eyes of the whole world. Their testimony is finished, and the world has been left to its own devices, forsaken by the voice of Mercy.

Then the two [witnesses] heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, "Come up here!" And they went up into heaven in a cloud, while their enemies watched them.

Revelation 11:12

Will the world heed and understand? I cannot predict, but it doesn't seem very likely. The Bible assures us that in the end times, as in the days of Noah, wickedness will wax worse and worse. Nevertheless, a remnant remains, and I am pleased to see that its voice is loud and clear. The righteous remnant is the agent that forced this issue out into the open and made the world pay attention. It is the Dr. Dobsons, the Pat Robertsons, the Tom Delays, the radical crowd outside Terri's hospice holding signs and keeping vigil, it is our precious Catholic brothers and sisters who spoke so eloquently for Life, that have made this issue a controversy in an otherwise disinterested society. Thank God for them.

It is important to keep making noise, to be that voice crying out in the wilderness. We may not permanently change society, or the ultimate course of history, but our cries for the innocent will reach the ears of the slumbering, and wake some of them up. Our cries for the innocent will mingle with the cries of the martyrs in heaven who stand beneath the altar petitioning God for vengeance and a swift conclusion to All Things. Whether our cries for the innocent are heard here on earth or not, they are heard in Heaven. And just as the scripture says, those cries are helping to prepare a way for the Lord.

The voice of him that cries in the wilderness, Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Isaiah 40:3

In this latest moral dilemma, as in others that have occurred before (such as in the case of Roe versus Wade) we, as a nation, have not chosen life. We have not chosen blessing. We have chosen death and the curse that goes with it. Our decision will determine how long we and our descendants will live in this land, and our choice today will determine the quality of life we will experience here, both now and in the future. If life has no value, then there is no value, or quality, to life. I believe the rejection of life and its ultimate purpose and value will only produce more of a sense of existential meaninglessness in our society today and in the generations to come. America, despite the claims of speechmaking politicians, is not on the ascent, it is on the decline--morally, spiritually, politically, socially, and economically. If we do not return to our first love, as a nation, our lampstand may be taken from its place.

But, I have this against you: you have lost the love you had at first. Therefore, remember where you were before you fell, turn from this sin, and do what you used to do before. Otherwise, I will come to you and remove your menorah [lampstand] from its place--if you don't turn from your sin!

Revelation 2:4-5

What is America's lampstand? It is her purpose, her destiny, her witness to the world. She is the beacon of freedom, reason, and hope in the dark, chaotic sea of earth's peoples. Our witness as a nation is slowly slipping away from us, but as the scripture above indicates, there is always hope for reversal, if there is repentance.

The execution by the State of Terri Schiavo has been a terrible defilement of the very moral essence of our country. It is an affront to the freedoms we preach and possess. (Do not the words of our defining document, The Constitution, say "LIFE, liberty and the pursuit of happiness"?) I do not know if we can, or, more importantly, if we will recover. But I do know that we can pray and we can stand for righteousness--no matter what the cost. We may not be able to keep the Titanic from sinking, but by standing in the day of evil, and throwing out the lifeline of saving prayer, we can rescue some.

So take up every piece of war equipment God provides: so that when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist; and when the battle is won, you will still be standing. Therefore, stand!...as you pray at all times, with all kinds of prayers and requests, in the Spirit, vigilantly and persistently...

Ephesians 6:10-18

Footnotes

* From the Cutting Edge Radio Program Transcript of Six Step Attitudinal Change Plan at www.cuttingedge.org

Links to other pertinent articles:

Telegraph | News | North Korea locks up disabled in 'subhuman' gulags, says UN

Bringing Back the Merchandise

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 07:58:23 GMT

Bringing Back the Merchandise

"If I wished to humble anyone, I should question him about his prayers. I know nothing to compare with this topic for its sorrowful self-confessions."

Dean C.J. Vaughan

Story of Rabbi Dov Ber

I read an interesting story recently about a well known Rabbi. He had a friend in another town who also dedicated his life to studying Torah. Once a year, this friend would take a trip to a certain town to trade. This is how he supported his lifestyle of Torah study.

On this man’s annual journey, he decided to stop and visit his Rabbi friend who led a Yeshiva (school). He arrived as the Rabbi and his students were saying their prayers. He noticed that the yeshiva students finished first. The Rabbi, however, took about an hour to finish his praying. The students waited patiently, silently for that entire hour as the Rabbi finished.

Afterwards, the friend asked the Rabbi why he took so long to say his prayers, making his students sit idle while he finished. The Rabbi answered his question indirectly. He asked his friend what he was doing in town and his friend explained he was on his way to another town to trade, just as he did every year. The Rabbi said, "Surely, it would take a lot less time if you only went in your mind! I have a great suggestion for you. Why don’t you just imagine the trip there, the trading, and the trip back with the merchandise instead of actually making the trip? After all, this would allow you a lot more time to learn."

The friend looked at the Rabbi as though he had lost his mind, and responded, "Of course I can’t do that! I’ve got to bring back real merchandise; imaginary goods cannot be sold!"

"Ah," said the Rabbi, "now you can understand why it takes me so much longer to pray! I can’t just imagine making the trip. I’ve got to bring back the merchandise and that takes much longer!"

Making the Connection with God

Whenever the topic of prayer is brought up, most Christians’ eyes will glaze over. They start to yawn and glance at their watches. Fortunately for me, prayer has always been a subject I have been passionate about. You’ll see from the previous articles I have written, that no matter what the subject is, the emphasis eventually comes around to prayer. When there is nothing else that, humanly, we can do, we can always pray! I was called to prayer almost from the moment I turned my life over to the Lord Jesus, and it remains to this day the consistent calling in which I walk, no matter what other ministry hat I may wear!

Yet, I want to make public confession today that I know I don’t walk in the depth of prayer that I could or should. I know many others of you out there feel the same. It is difficult on a daily basis to make that time to meet with the Head CEO of the Universe and transact that necessary business in the spirit called prayer. Many complain they have no time. But I would argue that there are those of us who have the time, and still don’t do enough of it. You can have time and no energy; and even if you have energy and time, you can have no desire.

"When I go to prayer," confessed an eminent Christian, "I find my heart so loath to go to God, and when it is with Him, so loath to stay." *

I have always been a great lover of corporate prayer. There is nothing as dynamic and sweet as God’s children gathering together and "dwelling together in unity" through prayer. By praying together, we receive encouragement, and it seems easier to enter the presence of God. Going to corporate prayer meetings, whether with two or two hundred, has become easy for me. You can go in tired out, done in, worn down to the last tread on your spiritual tire, and leave transformed, refreshed, and ready for the next battle. But the rubber reallymeets the road at the challengeof daily, personal prayer: that "alone time" with God without which no believer, whether babe or prophet, can thrive.

I confess, this is often a struggle, especially as I recognize the need not to pray perfunctorily, or as a mere half hearted pretense. I can’t just imagine I go into the holy of holies, I’ve got to make that connection with God and bring back the merchandise. Imaginary merchandise won’t do–I need the real thing. I need real answers: for myself, my loved ones, and the dying world around me.

The Torah (the first five books of the Bible) tells us in detail about the ministry of the high priest. Once a year, he was required to enter the holy of holies, incense in hand, and make petition for Israel. This was called the Day of Atonement. It was vitally necessary that he follow the proper protocol and make connection with the Divine. By doing so, he was ensuring that Israel’s sins would be forgiven by the Almighty, and their names would remain written in the Book of Life for another year. Souls hung in the balance, as the divinely appointed mediator approached the mercy seat on their behalf. If he did not make the real trip, he couldn’t come back with the merchandise.

The high priestly ministry is an illustration of our priestly ministry as believers and intercessors. If we truly want to stand in the gap for others, shake the world, and see answers to our prayers, we’ve got to take the time to make the actual trip into the presence of God. As I read the book of Esther again recently in observation of Purim (the Feast of Esther), I was struck that she did not immediately rush to the king with her request for the lives of her people, which were being threatened by the wicked Haman. Instead, she invited the king, not to just one, but two, banquets held in his honor. Many times, we rush into God’s throne room, hand extended, begging for something from Him. How much more inclined would He be to give us what we need, if we ministered to Him first, inviting Him to our banquet of worship and adoration before we make our requests? This is what I mean by making the effort to do what is necessary to bring back the merchandise.

True Prayer is Hard Work

Both our Lord and his bondslave Paul made clear that true prayer is not pleasant dreamy reverie. "All vital praying makes a drain on a man’s vitality. True intercession is a sacrifice, bleeding sacrifice,"wrote J.H.Jowett. *

Many a seasoned prayer warrior knows that real intercession is hard work. If you do not believe me, take a look at what the word of God has to say about it:

He [Jesus] offered up both prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears. Hebrews 5:7

Epaphras...laboring earnestly for you in his prayers. Colossians 4:12

I would that you knew how great conflict I have for you. Colossians 2:1

The word for "wrestling," "conflict," is that from which our "agonize" is derived. It is used of a man toiling at his work until utterly weary (Col. 1:29), or competing in the arena for the coveted prize (I Cor. 9:25). It describes the soldier battling for his life (I Timothy 6:12), or a man struggling to deliver his friend from danger (John 18:36).

From these and other considerations it is clear that true praying is a strenuous spiritual exercise...*

This can certainly be one reason why we humans are reluctant to enter that realm of prayer at times. Our reluctance can also sometimes stem from being conscious of iniquity in our own heart. (For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then we have confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things which are pleasing in his sight. I John 3:20-22) At other times, it may be infirmity of the body. (The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41) Sometimes, we face the very real opposition of the adversary who will oppress us in any way to keep us from praying. (For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but principalities and powers, rulers of darkness, wicked spirits in the heavenlies...Ephesians 6:12)

Praying in the Spirit

Whatever the reason for our failure, the Holy Spirit is there to help us with our weaknesses and infirmities. We do not pray in our own power or strength, thanks be to God! (Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities, for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26) Did you know that the Holy Spirit’s assistance in prayer is mentioned more frequently in scripture than any of His other offices? This should be an encouragement to us. We don’t do our praying in the flesh, but in the Spirit. This is effective, fervent prayer:

Both Paul and Jesus teach that effective prayer is "praying in the Spirit." The phrase has been interpreted as praying along the same lines, about the same things, in the same name as the Holy Spirit." *

Also, praying in the Spirit can mean praying in the realm of the Spirit. This is a deeper level of praying that utilizes the body, demands the cooperation of the mind, but moves in the supernatural realm of the Spirit. That kind of prayer transacts its business in the heavenly realm.*

Praying in the Spirit can also mean praying in the power and energy of the Spirit. (Give yourselves wholly to prayer and entreaty; pray on every occasion in the power of the Spirit. Ephesians 6:18 NEB) For the superhuman task of prayer, supernatural power is needed. The Holy Spirit supplies this in abundance. After all, He is the Spirit of prayer and He lives in us, ready at a moment’s notice to strengthen us, teach us, help us, comfort us, lead us.

Praying According to God’s Will

What is the surest way of bringing back the merchandise? Praying according to His will.

And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, he heareth us: And if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him. (I John 5:14)

How do we know what His will is? Romans 8:27 tells us:

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

The Holy Spirit knows the will of the Father and reveals it unto us. Yeshua taught:

When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it to you. (John 16:13-14)

Like anyone else, including the Psalmist David, I have my times when I simply speak out of my soul to God, from my own longings and desires and perspective. I call this just being honest with God. He already knows what is in our hearts, even if it’s not so perfect, but He wants us to talk to Him and express ourselves freely at times, as we would to a dear friend. We need our Friend. But I do not always pray this way, nor should any saint. There are many other forms of prayer other than the lamentation and complaint!

Outside of those times when my soul needs to cry out to God, I have developed the habit of praying the prayers of the Holy Spirit. I do not pray according to my own thoughts or feelings, or according to my limited human understanding, but according to the Word of God and the heart of the Holy Spirit. This requires the development of sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, knowing His voice and being one with His heart. Oftentimes, I am surprised by what He prays through me–it often goes against what my soul feels or wants! But you see, His thoughts are higher than ours, His ways above our ways. (Isaiah 55:8-9) When you pray the prayers of the Holy Spirt as He leads you, and subject your own desires to the will of the Father, you will be astounded at how you pray; you will be amazed at how things change, and ultimately YOU will change because of it. When I go into intercessory prayer, I yield myself to the Holy Spirit-- spirit, soul and body, and I declare that I will pray the mind of the Spirit, and pray the purposes of God into the earth as He wills. If you read the passage on the gifts of the Spirit in I Corinthians 12, you will notice that they do not operate as man wills, but as the Holy Spirit directs. He is the divine orchestrator of the things of God. When we let our flesh get in the way, we can pray things into being that perhaps we don’t want to have!

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4) That is, if you will let Him, the Lord will put in your heart His desires. Out of our hearts flow the issues of life, and out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. (Proverbs 4:23, Luke 6:45) Therefore, if His desires are in our heart, we will pray them out, and lo,the purposes and the will of the Lord for us and for others will come to pass through our prayer because He is praying His desires through us. His Word (or will) is guaranteed to come to pass, for it does not return void, but accomplishes what He pleases and prospers in the thing to which it is sent. (Isaiah 55:11) Therefore, as I John 5:14 says, we have the petitions we desired of Him, because we have prayed according to the will of God. It is so much better to get God’s plan, which is already blessed, and pray it into being, than it is to make up our own plan and pester God to bless it. The work of our own hands can never truly be blessed, but that which originates from Him automatically will be. How much easier is that!

To Sum it Up

Again, in light of all that we have discussed, how do we "bring back the merchandise?" First, we take the time to make the actual trip into the Holy of Holies and make genuine contact with God, from Whom all blessings flow. Then, we pray "in the Spirit," i.e. in the power of the Spirit, according to the Lord’s will as revealed to us by the Holy Spirit and by the Word of God.

There is a dramatic story in the book of Numbers that illustrates the importance of intercessory prayer. A plague has broken out because of the rebellion of the Israelite people. In mercy, Moses intercedes as Aaron the high priest stands between the living and the dead, waving incense. Incense is a type or symbol of the prayers of the saints ( Revelation 5:8). Aaron is the high priest, the appointed mediator, or intercessor, between God and man, whose job is to "make atonement" for the people, or, bring about peace and reconciliation between them and Yahweh through his mediation. As Aaron obeyed the command of Moses, the Bible says that he stood between the dead and the living and the plague was stopped. (Numbers 16:48) Wow, our prayers have the power to halt death and restore life!

We are a kingdom of priests, or cohanim, before God. (Revelation 5:10, I Peter 2:9) It is our privilege and solemn duty to stand in the gap between God and man, the living and the dead, and plead for life. Jesus, our Faithful High Priest, is our example, who continually makes intercession for us at the right hand of the Father. (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25) He is the Head, we are the Body. We have the same intercessory calling as He does. He does it in Heaven, we complete his ministry on Earth. What an awesome thought! As Moses commanded Aaron to stand between the living and the dead, our Deliverer commands us to do the same, offering up prayers as incense before Him for those who are afflicted by sin, sickness, curses and death. And when we obey Him, what mighty miracles we will see, and what glory shall be brought to our Prince of Peace!

If you have grown tired of praying, or have lagged in your zeal because your promise seems to be delayed, lift up your eyes because Redemption is drawing nigh. I pray you will be encouraged in your prayer life by what I have shared, as you rely on the Holy Spirit to empower you and lead you. Do not grow weary in well doing, saint, for in due season you will reap if you faint not. (Galatians 6:9) Keep making those trips to the Holy of Holies, and you will surely come back with the merchandise!

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. (Hebrews 10:35-36)

*All quotes taken from:

Sanders, J. Oswald, Spiritual Leadership, 1967, 1980; Moody Press, Chicago, p. 125-127.

Blowing the Trumpet in Zion

Sun, 28 Jan 2007 08:24:48 GMT

The article below is one I wrote in 2005 during the time just preceeding Passover. The message is still relevant in 2007, perhaps now more than ever; for each day, each passing year the coming of the Lord draws nearer. And as I have been hearing for the past several months, He is not coming as a Lamb again, but as a Warrior, a Judge, and the Lion of the tribe of Judah. The last book of the Bible was originally called the Apocalypse of Jesus Christ. Apocalypse is a Greek word meaning, simply, "the revealing." Jesus the Messiah is about to be revealed to this generation on earth in a new way, and, unfortunately, those in the church who should be expecting His coming may not even recognize Him in this new manifestation, just as much of Israel and her leaders did not recognize Him the first time He came. They expected a king, not a suffering servant. They expected a lion, not a lamb. The church today is very familiar with Jesus as Shepherd, Jesus as Friend, Jesus the Meek and Mild, but they are not as familiar with Jesus, the Captain of the Host (as He was revealed to Joshua) or as the mighty figure who comes out of Bozrah, His garments dipped in blood.

Who is this that cometh from Edom with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, traveling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat? I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me; for I will tread them in mine anger and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment. For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.

Isaiah 63:1-4

The Lord has been speaking to me about the imminent judgment of God since 2003. He has been warning us for centuries through the words of His prophets, both in the Old Testament and the New. It seems God does nothing in the earth without telling His prophets, His confidantes, first, that they in turn might warn others. The eleventh hour prophets are now crying out the message to the Church, because that is where judgment begins, with the house of God.

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God; and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

I Peter 4:17

But God is also preparing to judge the nations ("goyim," meaning pagans or gentiles) of the earth as well. He will use the Church to warn them, intercede for them, and be a witness to them with their lives and, perhaps, the Lord willing, in their deaths. We have entered a new era. A shift has occurred. This sovereign move of God will occur whether anyone is ready or not:

And as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank,they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.

Luke 17:26-30

Yes, this judgment side of Jesus is real, and totally scriptural! It is one of the "revelations" of Jesus Christ. And it is just as much a vital and necessary facet of His Person as His grace and mercy and love. We must accept Him as He is, in all of His manifestations, just as we expect to be accepted, just as we are, when we come to Him. It works both ways!

When we accept this side of God, what becomes birthed in our hearts is a holy and righteous fear of Him. We call it reverence. And this motivates us to lead holier lives.

But we know that, when he shall appear , we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

I John 3:2b-3

Even though judgment is coming, there is "this hope" for every believer. This hope will motivate us toward holiness. As you will read in the following article, there are things we can be doing to prepare ourselves and others for what is to come. Yahweh has provided a net of safety for his righteous remnant in troubled times, and you will find it in Psalm 91. I suggest you meditate on this passage, and get it in your heart. In addition, it is time to prepare the Bride and prepare for battle! The Bride is described in the Song of Solomon as being as beautiful as a bannered host. (Song of Solomon 6:4, 10) The Bride has her army boots on as well as her wedding dress! This is another manifestation of the church that many are not used to, but it is biblical. How do we prepare the Bride and prepare for battle? The preparation is through repentance and leading a holy life. The battle is through prayer. These are Jesus' words to the end time saints:

And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore. and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Luke 21:34-36

At Rosh Hashanah, the beginning of the Jewish New Year (also known as Feast of Trumpets), the shofar is sounded, calling the faithful to a time of repentance that lasts for ten days. This period of time concludes with Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement. These autumn feasts have yet to be fulfilled on the prophetic time table and are a shadow of things to come. Passover has been fulfilled through our Messiah's death and resurrection. Pentecost (the Feast of Ingathering or Shavuot) was fulfilled at the birth of the Church. We have been in the long, hot summer between the feasts, but it is now harvest time. In the heavenly realm, the shofar has been blowing, calling us to repentance. It is time to heed that call, and by doing so, we will prepare the way of the Lord and the Day when He comes to cleanse the earth and make complete its atonement and restoration.

May you be blessed as you receive and understand these words. May Yeshua, the Messiah, be revealed to you in a new and profound way as He draws ever closer. May you be ready and waiting, watching and praying, and always abounding in the work of the Lord till He comes.

Shalom, shalom...

Blowing the Trumpet in Zion

Sun, 28 Jan 2007 07:24:07 GMT

God's Judgments Are Coming Upon Us

What Will You Do?

On December 24, 2004 (two days before the infamous tsunami) the Lord led me to open my Bible to the book of Amos. This is what I read:

For when Adonai gives the order,

great houses will be shattered

and small houses reduced to rubble.

Do horses run on rock?

Does one plow there with oxen?

Yet you have turned justice into poison

and the fruit of righteousness into bitter wormwood.

You take pleasure in worthless things,

You think your power comes from your own strength.

Amos 6:11-13

Then the Holy Spirit spoke to me that God's judgments are coming upon us, America included. He asked me, "What will you do? The judgments will affect you, too."

He answered His own question by leading me to this subsequent passage of scripture in the book of Amos:

Here is what Adonai Elohim showed me: he was forming a swarm of locusts as the late crop was starting to come up, the late crop after the hay had been cut to pay the king's tribute. While they were finishing up eating all the vegetation in the land, I said,

"Adonai Elohim, forgive -- please!

How will tiny Israel survive?"

So Adonai changed his mind about this. "It won't happen," Adonai said.

Next Adonai Elohim showed me this: Adonai Elohim was summoning a blazing fire to consume the great abyss, and it would have devoured the land too. but I said,

"Adonai Elohim, stop -- please!

How will tiny Israel survive?"

Adonai changed his mind about this. "This too won't happen," said Adonai Elohim.

Amos 7:1-6

What was the Lord showing me? There are disasters decreed for this season of judgment we have entered. These judgments have been decreed because of our Pride and Idolatry (see Amos 6:13). There is a lot of differing opinion out there about the judgment of God. Theories differ and theological arguments abound. What the scripture does say clearly is that the wages of sin is death. (Romans 6:23) Whether you think God alone brings judgment or that all bad things that happen are the result of the activity of the Adversary, the truth is that sin brings its own judgment. For everything that is sown, there must be a reaping, whether good or evil.

Many of the prophecies in the scriptures have to do with judgment. Nations, including Israel, were judged based on their behavior. God's mercy prevailed for a time, usually for a long time, but then a Day came, a Day of reckoning that could not be avoided any longer. We have entered such a season on God's divine time clock; nations are hanging in the balance (including our own). We must stand in the gap and intercede like never before.

"Why pray?" you may ask. "Aren't the judgments decreed by God set in stone? " Apparently not, according to this passage in Amos, and others like it. We often hear the phrase that prayer changes things. But really, in cases of God's impending judgment, it is repentance that changes things. According to Amos 7:1-6, even though God has decreed disasters, if we pray, it is possible that He will relent and change or reverse some of these judgments. What do we pray for? We pray that people REPENT, and turn from their wicked ways, that God may hear from heaven and heal their land. (II Chronicles 7:14)

I have often said that things do not change until we change. The very definition of repentance in the Greek language (metanoia) and in the Hebrew (teshuva) means to turn or change and go in another direction. God has set the course of human history; we are on a trajectory that was established before the foundation of the world. The only way to possibly change the direction of that trajectory is to change our direction, and turn back to God. We draw near to God--He draws nears to us.

There are so many examples of this in the Bible. Those of us schooled in the stories of scripture can think of many: the repentance of Nineveh, a great imperial city, or of Nebachadnezzar, a great king. We think of those who repented too late, and too insincerely, like Esau or King Saul. I recently came across the story of an unlikely candidate for repentance. His name was King Ahab.

We know what God' s opinion of this ruler was. He was considered a very bad character who did evil in the sight of the Lord. He was an idolator and a scoundrel. There is one nasty deed of his that is particularly odious, and is recorded in the 21st chapter of I Kings. We may know it well. He coveted a vineyard owned by an Israelite named Naboth. Ahab's wife, Jezebel ,conspired to have Naboth falsely accused and put to death, whereupon Ahab took the opportunity and siezed Naboth's vineyard. God sent Elijah the prophet to rebuke Ahab and declare to him the resulting judgment that was coming upon him for these deeds.

Here is what Adonai says: In the very place where dogs licked up the blood of Naboth, dogs will lick up your blood--yours!...Here, says Adonai, I am bringing disaster on you! I will sweep you away completely; I will cut off from Ahab every male, whether a slave or free in Israel. I will make your house like the house of Yarov'am the son of Nebat and like the house of Basha the son of Achiyah for provoking my anger.

I Kings 21:19b, 21-22

Ahab's reaction to the word of the Lord is surprising:

Ahab on hearing these words, tore his clothes, put sackcloth on himself and fasted. He slept in sackcloth and went about dejectedly.

I Kings 21:27

The Lord's reaction to Ahab's behavior is equally amazing:

Then the word of Adonai came top Elijah the Tishbite: "Do you see how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Since he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring this evil during his lifetime; but during his son's lifetime I will bring the evil on this house."

I Kings 21:28-29

Here God chooses not to reverse, but delay His judgment upon the house of Ahab in response to Ahab's show of humility. Do you have a"tough cookie" that you are believing for? Someone that you cannot imagine ever humbling himself under the mighty hand of God under any conditions? Well, be encouraged by this story. The Bible says that "truly there was never anyone like Ahab...he gave himself over to do what is evil from Adonai's perspective. His behavior in following idols was grossly abominable..." and yet, he repented, and the Lord showed mercy to him. There is hope for any loved one, any nation, any leader you may be praying for!

Yet even now," says Adonai,

"turn to me with all your heart,

with fasting, weeping and lamenting."

Tear your heart, not your garments;

and turn to Adonai your God.

For he is merciful and compasssionate,

slow to anger, rich in grace,

and willing to change his mind about disaster.

Who knows? He may turn, change his mind

and leave a blessing behind him...Joel 2:12-14

I believe our merciful God is willing at any time to change His mind regarding disaster. Recall the story of Israel's sin in worshipping the golden calf that they had made. The anger of the Lord blazed against them, and if you read the passage of scripture in Exodus 32, it appears God was pretty determined to wipe them out! It was the fervent intercession of Moses that caused Adonai to relent, turn from His own anger (which was justified), and change His mind about the disaster He had planned for His people. History was forever affected by the prayers of one humble man who knew his God as a man knows his friend. I believe it was because Moses knew the Lord as well as he did that he was so successful in appealing to His merciful nature. He knew His holy character and His loving heart; he knew that God was not a harsh Person who would reap where He did not sow, but that He was a compassionate, benevolent Father, with a big soft spot in His heart for His people. I don't think God could resist the heartfelt appeal of His close friend, or ignore that determined pull on the apron strings of His mercy.

We must know our God in this hour to pray effectively. We must understand His severity and His mercy. (Romans 11:22) Like the tribe of Issachar, we must understand our times, and have wisdom from the Lord about what to do and how to pray. I believe that what I am telling you is a nugget of that wisdom from the Lord that we so desperately need in our unstable times.

I have noticed that in the book of Revelation, Heaven is constantly giving God praise, and rejoicing in His judgments. I don't see much rejoicing in God's judgments in the church today. I think it is because we do not understand the purpose of the Lord's judgments upon mankind. His chastisement is meant to eventually produce the peacable fruit of righteousness. (Hebrews 12:11) The judgment God spoke over Ahab was meant to lead him to repentance--and it worked! God's hand of discipline accomplished more with this intractable king than all the many times the Lord had extended mercy. Sometimes, when God is merciful and puts off judgment, it really is not mercy at all. Human behavior tends to worsen the longer there are no consequences to that behavior. Consider how the predeluvian world waxed worse and worse as God's mercy was extended throughout Methuselah's lifetime, until His Spirit could no longer strive with man. Consider how Israel and Judah's prosperity deluded them into thinking that everything was all right. God will not send judgment, but peace! they thought. Their idolatry and sin multiplied. And then, when they least expected it, swift judgment came upon them because they did not heed the warnings of the true prophets.

The turmoil that is happening in this world is a harbinger of the Lord's coming. We should rejoice, and look up, for our redemption is drawing nigh. But as we gaze into His face, and watch for His coming, let us also cry out to him for mercy on the souls of this earth who yet need to know their Messiah. Let us seek the Lord while He may be found and call upon him while he is near, praying for the repentance of nations, tribes peoples and kings, that disaster might be averted and judgment perhaps delayed or deleted. It is the time for the determination of national destinies. Will they be sheep nations or goat nations? That depends on their response to God and our response to the Spirit of the Lord to pray.

Much of the church is asleep in this hour. They are oblivious to the times we are living in. Will you rouse yourself? Will you become that mighty warrior on the wall who will not keep silent until God moves? We have shifted into a new season. We have shifted into "he who endures to the end shall be saved." (Matthew 10:22) Different times require different measures. God is calling us higher. These times will require our endurance. Are you ready?

The Blood is our Protection

Even as I call out the alarm, the question comes to my mind: What are the godly to do when the Lord judges their society? As we begin to see things crumbling around us, as we begin to see God's hand of judgment pass over our land, our cities, even our churches and families, what are we to do? The Word says that the righteous shall live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4). The Word says that in the time of trouble, the Lord is our refuge and stronghold (Joel 4:16). The Word says that he who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1). Thousands of years ago, the Lord sent the death angel to the land of Egypt to carry out His judgment against that land. But He told the Israelites to slaughter a lamb, andput its blood on the doorposts of their homes. He told them, "When I see the blood, I will pass over you." No plague (not even the ones that God decreed) could overtake them because they were covered by the blood of the lamb. It is time to huddle under the wings of El Shaddai, the God who is more than enough, and apply the Word of God and the Blood of the Lamb to our lives.

We are now entering the season of Passover, when we commemorate those days in ancient Egypt and the miracles of judgment God did there to win the heart of Pharaoh. We also commemorate the Lamb of God who was slain from before the foundation of the world to redeem a people to Himself. We have been spared the brazen judgment of God, because One took our place. Trust in that sacrifice in this hour. Meditate upon the cross and what the blood has purchased for you. With that revelation you will go forth in these trying times that will vex men's souls with a peace that is not of this world, and that in itself will be a sign to others when everything we know comes crashing in all around us.

Please, saints, prepare your hearts. Put on your "endurance training" gear, that armor of Light, and begin to run the race that is set before you. We are almost at the finish line, where the Author and Finisher of our faith awaits us with open arms. Remember, it's not how you start, it's how you finish. May we all run in such a way as to merit those gracious words, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant!"

* All scriptures quoted from Complete Jewish Bible

Are You Being Compromised? Deception in the Church - Part Two

Fri, 05 Jan 2007 05:03:21 GMT

Part Two

(For part one of this article, please scroll down.)

All who are born of His [God’s] Spirit are one in Him. In contrast, there is no genuine unity between Christians and the world. Yet, God’s enemies delight in using God’s words in ways and contexts that twist their meanings and deceive God’s people. At first, those deviations may seem so subtle that they escape notice. But with each compromise and distortion of truth, discernment lessens and the paradigm shift toward apostasy accelerates.

Berit Kjos

The Diabolical Dialectic Process

One of the tactics the enemy uses, through his agents, to deceive many is the humanistic concept of truth by consensus. It is based upon the hegelian dialectic invented by Georg Hegel, a transformational Marxist social psychologist. Also known as TQM (Total Quality Management) it is used by governments, corporations, education systems, the United Nations and other organizations around the world to develop "group think" and unity within the corporate entity. Through gradual means, by way of group consensus over a period of time, you can transition and change people’s thinking away from their absolute Truth to a compromised or another "truth." This is the method the communists used in the Soviet Union and China to transition (brainwash) the people into accepting communist ideology.

During the last century, this dialectic process based on George Hegel’s occult philosophy was embraced by Marx, Lenin and other socialist leaders. Today it’s the centerpiece of all the world’s management systems. Its purpose –which is not to nurture God’s people– is to conform all minds to a global pattern for uniform "human resource development" in schools, business, governments, and churches around the world. ¹

From what I understand from my research, this same method, used in the secular world, is now being applied in thousands of evangelical churches, wherein people are encouraged to join small cell groups for "dialogue." These groups are designed to attract the non-believing, so, naturally, there are some non-Christians in the group mix. A predetermined conclusion to this guided discussion is already formulated by the facilitator of that group who has had "leadership training" in this method. Dialogue is encouraged on a topic or issue, and the group is required to reach a consensus (agreement) on that topic. This means that each party must compromise a bit of his truth in order to reach an agreement with the other. If you have a mix of believers and unbelievers, what does this mean? In order to move the unbeliever from his position, the believer must move a little bit from his. Thus, the believer is moved from the absolute truth of the gospel to a compromised "truth." Once that group consensus is reached, it is pretty much established. When they get together to meet again, the group will pick up where it left off, and this new, compromised truth is now an established point from which they will continue. Therefore, step by incremental step, the believer is moved away from the black and white of the gospel to the gray area of politically correct group think.

Now, before you get alarmed about your bible study group, let me make it clear that there is a difference between the discussion format that we usually use in our home bible study groups or congregations, versus the dialogue method employed by these kinds of humanistic programs that are being implemented in church cell groups. Here is a good explanation of the important difference between the two:

Difference between discussion and dialogue:

"In discussion, an individual’s perspective is presented with the objective of persuading the rest of the group...In dialogue, an individual offers his or her perspective or assumptions for examination by the group. The object of dialogue is to allow others to see what you see and why you see it, not to convince them...."A good discussion relies on facts and logic...to present a logical argument that might persuade others that something is true or right. But such a didactic discussion clashes with purposes of the dialectic group, which trains diverse minds...to ignore offensive truths for the sake of unity...²

One of the hallmarks of our youngest generation is their predilection for group think. They have been so hovered over by parents and so over scheduled all their lives, that they do not develop a normal sense of independence or autonomy. They tend to follow the group mentality. No doubt this is also a result of the above dialectic method (TQM) being utilized in the educational system over the years. Marketers have grasped on to this and have changed their strategy for advertising to this younger generation. For this generation will be more highly influenced by word of mouth from their peers than slick ad campaigns.

A generation like this is perfectly set up for the antichrist spirit. Spock, a character on the series Star Trek, has a well known Vulcan philosophy which he expresses often: The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the one. Although seemingly altruistic, there is a sinister side to this philosophy. As I have said, one of the strategies used in the hegelian method is the small group. Over time, the member of the group becomes so ensconced–his identity, his social relationships, his activities, his sense of purpose and commitment–in essence his whole life revolves so much around being part of the group that it becomes quite difficult to disagree or separate from the group. In such environments, the human relationship (horizontal) can become more emphasized than the personal relationship with God (vertical).

As people learn to empathize with each other within the diverse groups, the members gradually learn to set aside their old Bible-based assumptions, boundaries and divisive absolutes. The diverse members join their hearts, thoughts and feelings as one. They commit themselves to each other. This new, exciting oneness feels good. It also prompts the Christian members to ignore God’s solemn warnings concerning compromise, conforming to the world, and being "yoked together with unbelievers..." There’s no final goal other than ongoing and unhindered transformation and conformity–i.e. continual change. And each part of the group or community must be so focused on the coveted carrot (with its offer of personal gratification) that together they embrace whatever new "mental model" (new world view, paradigm, or way of seeing reality) the facilitator or leader presents. The group or collective must learn to think and follow as one. ³

Unity is wonderful, but unity around what? Unity in the Body of Christ must always be based on the Truth, the Word of God. Change and transformation can be good, too, but into what? The Word says we are to be conformed into the image of God’s Son, not conformed to this world. Moreover, we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds to His Word. (Romans 12:1-2)

Once again, the Kingdom of God does not operate anything like the Kingdom of the World (Man). It is not an orchestrated process designed by man or based on man made principles. The kingdom of God is a completely different "animal" than the kingdom of this world. It operates on principles that are completely contrary and upstream from the principles of this world; it does not operate according to them. Jesus said that no one comes to Him unless God the Father draws him. (John 6:44) You don’t "lure" people to Jesus through programs and humanistic manipulative practices. You don’t bring them to the Truth by getting them to accept little half-truths. You don’t unify by compromising your fundamental beliefs that are based on the Word of God. This all seems terribly obvious to me, but when I see tens of thousands flocking to leaders and churches who apply these methods, it seems apparent that this is not obvious to everybody.

There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Proverbs 14:12

Ultimately, then, what am I saying? I am saying that the New World Order has already begun to accomplish one of its main goals: infiltration of the church of our Lord Jesus Christ. They have done so by introducing this hegelian approach in thousands of evangelical church cell groups around this nation. Many unsuspecting minds are slowly being "conditioned" to continual change toward a new world view that is not based on the Bible. This new world view is based on humanistic, communistic, and satanic principles, which are being employed for the purpose of creating a new "global" way of thinking in all sectors of our society--education, government, corporations and churches. All of this is to create a prime environment that is ripe for the eventual appearance--and acceptance--of the antichrist leader and his system.

In Conclusion

I must make it clear that this is not meant to be an indepth study (Refer to the links I’ve provided for more detailed information.) I have not purposely provided the name of anyone in this article. I believe there are times and places that are appropriate to mention names. The apostle Paul did so. (II Timothy 4:14) It has become necessary for some to name names at this time, I think, because of the gravity of the situation: multitudes are being deceived. They are being led into a fowler’s snare (a hidden trap). Sometimes, speaking in generalities is not helpful enough to warn those who are walking into a trap that they do not even see–that they cannot see. For this reason, I am adding links to the websites of ministries that actually have a calling to name the names. I say calling, because I perceive that the motive of these individuals is not to divide or attack, but is one of deep concern for the Body of Christ, and a sense of alarm at what they consider to be a crisis of faith within it. They have researched these subjects much more thoroughly than I have. I encourage you to visit these sites and see the evidence for yourself.

Jesus commends one church in the book of Revelation for not giving in to false doctrines or teachings. (Revelation 2:6) We are also encouraged in the Word not to condone, but to expose, the works of darkness.

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

Ephesians 5:11

My intention is not to criticize. I know that but for the grace of God, there go I. However, we must pray for these leaders, whether they are of our particular camp or not. They are our brothers and sisters. We can pray according to Psalm 91:3 that these leaders and the individuals they lead will be protected from the fowler’s snare, and according to Ephesians 1:17-18 that they have the eyes of their understanding enlightened, and that they begin to walk again the narrow road that leads to eternal life.

In addition to praying for them, it is important to "know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord." (I Thessalonians 5:12) Paul said in his letter to Timothy, "You have fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith..." ( I Timothy 3:10), and to the Thessalonians, "...You know what manner of men we were among you for your sake."( I Thessalonians 1:5) Watch who you are following. Don’t follow every wind of doctrine or new program or trend no matter how popular it may become. The scriptures exhort us:

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.

Ephesians 4:14

The passage goes on to say that we are to "speak the truth in love that we may grow up into Him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ (the Messiah)." (Eph. 4:15) What distresses me the most about the deceptions that I see beginning to grip the Church is that all of them are taking the focus away from pure devotion to Jesus Christ, who is the Head, and placing it on something else, whether it be a simple saint, like Mary, one another, our feelings, or even good works. This is no less than idolatry. Our King is coming for a Bride without spot or wrinkle, who has eyes only for her Master and Bridegroom. Are we ready to face Him? Are we paying attention to Him? Or have we been distracted by the deceitfulness of this age? Each person must answer this for himself. Each must have his own lamp filled, his own wick trimmed.

Thus, in our journey to the end of the age, we come full circle, here, at the ancient commandment which Yeshua said was the first and greatest of them all, the one that sums up the entire Torah: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your strength. If you will endeavor to do this simple thing, you will escape the deception that is coming upon this world and be ready to be received up into glory.

I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye salve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore and repent. Behold I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.

Revelation 3:18-20

¹ Spirit Led or Purpose Driven Part 3, Small Groups and the Dialectic Process ,by Berit Kjos, March 2004

² Spirit Led or Purpose Driven Part 3, Small Groups and the Dialectic Process ,by Berit Kjos, March 2004

³ Spirit Led or Purpose Driven Part 3, Small Groups and the Dialectic Process ,by Berit Kjos, March 2004

Links

For article quoted in this blog entry click below:

http://www.crossroad.to/articles2/04/3-purpose.htm

Other sources:

www.olivetreeviews.org

Want to test how strong your biblical world view is? Take this exciting test. If you score high, you get a certificate!

http://www.worldviewweekend.com/test/register.php

Are You Being Compromised or Are You Being Wise?

Are You asleep, or will you open your eyes?

For the devil comes as a lion

eager to devour

Against his serpent ways

there is only one Power

Gird yourself about with Truth

And abide in the Light

Do not call night Day or day Night

Know Him in Whom you have believed

And be persuaded that He is able to keep you in that Day

Yes, the Day of temptation which shall come upon the whole earth

Walk in the Way, the Truth and the Light

And be not like the heathens, who walk in the folly of their own minds, pursuing darkness

For you are children of the Day

So live like it and walk that way

And I will keep you from the fowler’s snare

Your foot shall not slip

The path of the upright shines brighter and brighter unto the noon day

So walk in that way

And you will not fall into darkness