by André Lefebvre
(written Jan ‘05)
The profile contours of a new breed of prophets is starting to be recognised. When I say this, I don’t mean they bring something which never existed before, but rather that it’s easy to forget or be oblivious to them due to the type of church culture we have, stage/pews, even in the prophetic/charismatic movement.
Their existence is a collective force we have to recognise, embrace, validate, affirm, mentor, nurture and cherish, because it is a breed of believers which touches ground zero in terms of an incarnated prophetic lifestyle, a much needed model for everyone.
Many of them are survivors of tragedies and traumas, have difficult issues with their health, physical and emotional, and don’t fit in the present paradigm of mainstream ‘ministry’ types. However, they are like hound dogs hitting the prophetic trail, joined by kindred hearts, running in the direction they feel the Lord leading them, scouting the land for those coming behind.
They love God with a consuming passion. Seasoned through trials and tribulations, they walk a path of eagerness to know more of Him. They journal, write on forums, have their own blog, support and pray for ministries and people, in fact, the Internet is their preferred vehicle. They spawn virtual communities all over the world. Their ministry of encouragement is outstanding and their compassion runs deep.
They recognise each other when they meet, and form spiritual friendships anointed with a fierce passion to share blessings and discoveries, working tirelessly to mentor each other and witness the establishment of spiritual revival at a level never seen before. They are usually recognised for having visions much bigger than their own lives, visions that can’t be beaten into smaller packages to fit the mainstream ‘box’ paradigm. They speak of heaven as if it’s next door, pray and intercede for strangers with dedicated passion, they worship with tears and usually can be prophetically ministering art deeper levels than any counsellor could expect to reach, all this without even knowing it!
Some dream of bigger ‘ministries’ but what they mostly mean is that they would like to see their lives be a greater blessing to many. They can’t flow as well within the boundaries of rigid religion, but will find patches of sun anywhere they can. They give sacrificially, long for meaningful spiritual fellowship, dream big dreams and often live a hidden, almost anonymous life. But they are giants. We have heard it said in many ways that praying mums may be of greater stature in heaven than 100 great preachers on earth. These are chips from the same block.
Their destiny is the Bride’s. Their song is for the Bride to awake and walk in her prophetic stature and maturity; Jews and Gentiles united in Christ; purity in the media and in our cities; unity in the Body of Christ; daily signs and wonders on a very, very large scale; power and miracles through faith-based prayers; no-nonsense leadership in our churches and government; prophetic understanding of social and international events, and subsequent prophetic strategies applied to specific tasks in response to the Lord’s guidance and assignments, etc.
Most of these people don’t have a secular day job, a huge number of them are women, many mostly home during the day, some are ’stay at home’ mums, many are people living with a disability, dealing with debilitating conditions. But if you try running with them, you could end-up out of breath! They tirelessly read, pray, minister, worship, all the while tackling difficult life situations. Yet, they grow by leaps and bounds, cross-pollinating through the vast international network of home-based communications that the Internet has become, creating a new breed of anointed ministers who are, to use a prophesied term: “the nameless and faceless.”
I call them “Bathrobe Prophets.” I don’t use the term ‘bathrobe’ in a derogatory way, like in ‘couch potato.’ I use it because at times, that’s what many would wear most of the day, due to their condition.
They write tons of dreams and miles of prophetic words, thirst for the Presence of the Father, and hunger to see the Kingdom of God be all it can be. They love to speak words that bring life and healing, encouragement and truth, they are ever learning about proper prophetic ‘etiquette’ so they walk in love and not arrogance, and will astound many with their tireless scribing activity and vibrant need for fellowship.
There are so many prophetic ‘ministries’ today, and our attention will usually be solicited by the most noticeable and loud ones. These are more like Mary Magdelene, the apostle John, Daniel and many others, loving God’s presence, and fellowship with Him as friends is their utmost passion.
If you recognise yourself in this, blessed are you. You have not been overlooked, passed by or ignored by God. You simply may be part of one of His secret armies. Your prophetic life is not barely lived on a stage before thousands, or addressing a limited number of issues relevant to the latest prophetic fad. Your life is a rich and glorious prophetic canvas where God is weaving the words of His heart as they resonate and transform your daily life. You are not ignorant of the enemy’s fire and brutal attacks on your life, but you still pursue God’s fire.
Healing is in His wings, and you believe it, yet, as broken and disabled as you are, you do not give up, trusting with a robust, unpretentious and unadorned faith that He will come through some day. Many of you believe that your sicknesses or conditions are used by the Lord as intercession material, and so it is. We know little about how much we are carrying in our bodies the prophetic assignment of intercession for His Body on earth…
A voice of one calling:
“In the desert prepare
the way for the Lord;
make straight in the wilderness
a highway for our God.” (Isaiah 40:3)
Prepare a way. For the Lord. As you are in the desert. A highway (huge and faster traffic). Not just a trail. In the wilderness. Isolation. Barreness. The pace can increase full speed on a highway. Multiplication. We are to prepare this highway for the Lord. Not ourselves. Making straight a highway so we won’t have to make detours. In the desert, detours can cost you your life if water is not present.
I just can’t keep from thinking: “Bathroom Prophets of the world: UNITE!”
1 Cor 12:14-18, “Now the body is not made up of one part but many. […]” But in fact God has arranged the parts of the body, every one of them, just as He wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
1 Cor 14:5, “I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.”
1 Cor 14:24, “But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you!”
Tuesday, 29 June 2010
Thursday, 24 June 2010
Intimacy
by Moya Boardman
I feel like someone who has been dying of thirst & suddenly is given a drink of water. It tastes so incredible that I sip & savour each mouthful - but then it is taken away. There is such longing & searching.
Tonight God drew near to woo us, to pull us close to Himself. To allow Him to gaze on us tenderly & with passion. I saw what seemed like huge petals gently swirling round & dropping slowly down, each one softly draped over someone & God said He was covering us as He was our nearest kinsman. He was taking the burden from us, taking responsibility for us.
Where we thought everything in life had been taken from us & was dead to us He saw that we had followed Him. He said He had covered the past and that He was taking us into our (His & your) future.
There was such a sweetness of God, He was tenderly passionate with us, it started to become intoxicating but some were unaware, some uncomfortable and unconsciously maybe stepped back from yielding totally & just being in His presence. They could not yet stop & “be”.
He was gentle & said “This is not a first date” meaning - ”Don’t feel awkward”. I remember my first date, my first kiss; I thought “Well that’s nothing much” however….
In a very dark time of my life God started talking to me about intimacy & I said “The only intimacy that I know is physical, the powerful intimacy of sex. God I don’t want to mix my sexuality with intimacy with you”. He told me to hold that lightly and to go to the deepest feeling I’d know & then to go beneath that because as “the way of a man with a women” is a mystery & a picture of God & man so he was going to show me & help me to experience that spiritual intimacy. It is what truly satisfies. Lust is never satisfied but God’s love is always fulfilled & fulfilling.
Can you picture yourself face to face with Jesus, looking deeply into His eyes, can you see the love there can you let Him “kiss you with the kisses of His mouth” Have you ever been spiritually kissed? Sometimes our flesh does get in the way & we don’t want that but in pulling back we pull away from God. It is possible to separate the two - our fleshly response & our spirit’s rising to the one who made us. It is like learning to tune an instrument - you have to train yourself to hear - you thought you knew how but as you persist you are amazed at how many more sounds there are than you thought - don’t give up, ask God to teach you. God first & foremost made us for connection with Him - the world, the flesh & the devil try to steal that.
Cross the line you have not crossed before because it will bring life to you. Can you imagine being that close to Jesus & being sick? Being consumed by Him and being in pain? Actually if you are able to think about yourself than you haven’t got there yet.
In the natural when you are that close, yielded to each other you are totally unaware of anything else, what a beautiful picture of worship - how can anything else cross our minds when Jesus is so close you can feel His breath? When all that fills you is Him, how wonderful He is, how kind, gentle, funny, accepting - you forget everything else but Him. Wow - true worship A faint reflection of the love that consumes Him for us, for the world.
All over the world the opposite is happening, people use people to fill their needs, songs are sung to the idols of sex, money - mostly sex. The idol of self is raised up & people defiled. What if the world was filled with the “true worshippers” that the Father seeks?
How do you see what happens in a small hall in Radstock in God’s global plan? Do you see how significant what we do is - how pure worship, connection, intimacy has an effect in creation. We effect creation as it groans, we raise a light in a dark world, it joins with the other lights. God wants us to burn for Him.
Intimacy with God is like the axis of a wheel - get it in the right place & things run smoothly & you don’t have to work so hard. (rest in His peace) Take it out & you have a rough time. (Striving)
I feel like someone who has been dying of thirst & suddenly is given a drink of water. It tastes so incredible that I sip & savour each mouthful - but then it is taken away. There is such longing & searching.
Tonight God drew near to woo us, to pull us close to Himself. To allow Him to gaze on us tenderly & with passion. I saw what seemed like huge petals gently swirling round & dropping slowly down, each one softly draped over someone & God said He was covering us as He was our nearest kinsman. He was taking the burden from us, taking responsibility for us.
Where we thought everything in life had been taken from us & was dead to us He saw that we had followed Him. He said He had covered the past and that He was taking us into our (His & your) future.
There was such a sweetness of God, He was tenderly passionate with us, it started to become intoxicating but some were unaware, some uncomfortable and unconsciously maybe stepped back from yielding totally & just being in His presence. They could not yet stop & “be”.
He was gentle & said “This is not a first date” meaning - ”Don’t feel awkward”. I remember my first date, my first kiss; I thought “Well that’s nothing much” however….
In a very dark time of my life God started talking to me about intimacy & I said “The only intimacy that I know is physical, the powerful intimacy of sex. God I don’t want to mix my sexuality with intimacy with you”. He told me to hold that lightly and to go to the deepest feeling I’d know & then to go beneath that because as “the way of a man with a women” is a mystery & a picture of God & man so he was going to show me & help me to experience that spiritual intimacy. It is what truly satisfies. Lust is never satisfied but God’s love is always fulfilled & fulfilling.
Can you picture yourself face to face with Jesus, looking deeply into His eyes, can you see the love there can you let Him “kiss you with the kisses of His mouth” Have you ever been spiritually kissed? Sometimes our flesh does get in the way & we don’t want that but in pulling back we pull away from God. It is possible to separate the two - our fleshly response & our spirit’s rising to the one who made us. It is like learning to tune an instrument - you have to train yourself to hear - you thought you knew how but as you persist you are amazed at how many more sounds there are than you thought - don’t give up, ask God to teach you. God first & foremost made us for connection with Him - the world, the flesh & the devil try to steal that.
Cross the line you have not crossed before because it will bring life to you. Can you imagine being that close to Jesus & being sick? Being consumed by Him and being in pain? Actually if you are able to think about yourself than you haven’t got there yet.
In the natural when you are that close, yielded to each other you are totally unaware of anything else, what a beautiful picture of worship - how can anything else cross our minds when Jesus is so close you can feel His breath? When all that fills you is Him, how wonderful He is, how kind, gentle, funny, accepting - you forget everything else but Him. Wow - true worship A faint reflection of the love that consumes Him for us, for the world.
All over the world the opposite is happening, people use people to fill their needs, songs are sung to the idols of sex, money - mostly sex. The idol of self is raised up & people defiled. What if the world was filled with the “true worshippers” that the Father seeks?
How do you see what happens in a small hall in Radstock in God’s global plan? Do you see how significant what we do is - how pure worship, connection, intimacy has an effect in creation. We effect creation as it groans, we raise a light in a dark world, it joins with the other lights. God wants us to burn for Him.
Intimacy with God is like the axis of a wheel - get it in the right place & things run smoothly & you don’t have to work so hard. (rest in His peace) Take it out & you have a rough time. (Striving)
What’s Brewing in America?
by David Robinson
Folks, do pray for the USA. The “land of Freedom” and the “defender of democracy” has a constitution for a reason! Please pray it’s voice is heard over the confusion and assignment against it. The Lord has need of this great nation yet. It’s not over by a long shot!!! Regarding the Church there? To quote Ronald Raygun, (sorry couldn’t resist it, only joking) Ronald Regan “You ain’t seen nothing yet!”
This is not meant to be hype, in fact there’s a maturity coming to, and out of, the true US church, to go out to the world with a sober, brave and powerful heart, with the Gospel of Jesus. Armed, in Jesus name, only with God’s love and word in the Holy Spirit. A Berean discernment is offered to it too! It will need it! (Nb. Update 27/5/2010: A teaching in that very good practice of true, non-cynical discernment, will be imparted to their hearers too - in fact, encouraged!!! As they encounter faith in Jesus, by whoever will receive them, real Signs & Wonders will FOLLOW them. The Lord will back, HIS choice)
Dear America, have a spiritual tea party; throw over-board all lies, unbiblical traditions, false religions (regardless of their claims of pedigree) and secret societies. You have a light that is now kindling into a maturity you really haven’t seen in your history. May Jesus name be glorified! Represent Him well.
Folks, do pray for the USA. The “land of Freedom” and the “defender of democracy” has a constitution for a reason! Please pray it’s voice is heard over the confusion and assignment against it. The Lord has need of this great nation yet. It’s not over by a long shot!!! Regarding the Church there? To quote Ronald Raygun, (sorry couldn’t resist it, only joking) Ronald Regan “You ain’t seen nothing yet!”
This is not meant to be hype, in fact there’s a maturity coming to, and out of, the true US church, to go out to the world with a sober, brave and powerful heart, with the Gospel of Jesus. Armed, in Jesus name, only with God’s love and word in the Holy Spirit. A Berean discernment is offered to it too! It will need it! (Nb. Update 27/5/2010: A teaching in that very good practice of true, non-cynical discernment, will be imparted to their hearers too - in fact, encouraged!!! As they encounter faith in Jesus, by whoever will receive them, real Signs & Wonders will FOLLOW them. The Lord will back, HIS choice)
Dear America, have a spiritual tea party; throw over-board all lies, unbiblical traditions, false religions (regardless of their claims of pedigree) and secret societies. You have a light that is now kindling into a maturity you really haven’t seen in your history. May Jesus name be glorified! Represent Him well.
God is Looking
by Daniel Chuter
God is looking for people who will worship Him. Within our region in the UK, (Bath area), He longs to open the wells of true worship expressed in many forms such as art, drama, dance, singing.
But we are discouraged and often feel bitter… (Genesis 4:4) “and Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering. But unto Cain and to his offering he had no respect. And Cain was very wroth and his countenance fell. And the Lord said unto Cain, why art thou wrath, and why is thy countenance fallen. If thou do the right thing, shalt thou not be accepted? And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shall rule over him”.
In the book of Hebrews we see a similar concept… (Hebrews 12:14) “Follow peace with all men and holiness without which no man will see the Lord. Looking diligently lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you and thereby many be defiled.”
So God seems to respect or honour what is offered under His parameters, which is the saving sacrifice of Jesus that was offered as a lamb in our place… that he died and shed his blood for our deliverance but much more he was raised unto new life that we may live a new life. He offers this gift but wants our humility and brokenness. His desire is to quench our deepest thirst… He knows our pain when no one else does… (John 4:11) “the well is deep” But like the woman at the well we know only He can help. (John 4:19) “Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet”.
He must be known as King and deserves our “everything”. (Revelation 4:10) “the four and twenty elders fell down before Him that sat on the throne, and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever and cast their crowns before the throne saying “Thou art worthy, O Lord to receive honour and power; for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created”. But He came down into our darkness in the form of a servant and is with those who are humble. (Isaiah 57:15) “For thus says the High and Lofty One that inhabits eternity, Whose name is Holy; I dwell in the High and Holy place with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite ones”.
The effect of what He offers can only be expressed in new and powerful forms, weapons in the hearts and mouths of an army that God is raising up in these days, who will not compromise or settle for the same that many of us have; having “been in the field” for too long! (Luke 15:28).
God is looking for people who will worship Him. Within our region in the UK, (Bath area), He longs to open the wells of true worship expressed in many forms such as art, drama, dance, singing.
But we are discouraged and often feel bitter… (Genesis 4:4) “and Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering. But unto Cain and to his offering he had no respect. And Cain was very wroth and his countenance fell. And the Lord said unto Cain, why art thou wrath, and why is thy countenance fallen. If thou do the right thing, shalt thou not be accepted? And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shall rule over him”.
In the book of Hebrews we see a similar concept… (Hebrews 12:14) “Follow peace with all men and holiness without which no man will see the Lord. Looking diligently lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you and thereby many be defiled.”
So God seems to respect or honour what is offered under His parameters, which is the saving sacrifice of Jesus that was offered as a lamb in our place… that he died and shed his blood for our deliverance but much more he was raised unto new life that we may live a new life. He offers this gift but wants our humility and brokenness. His desire is to quench our deepest thirst… He knows our pain when no one else does… (John 4:11) “the well is deep” But like the woman at the well we know only He can help. (John 4:19) “Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet”.
He must be known as King and deserves our “everything”. (Revelation 4:10) “the four and twenty elders fell down before Him that sat on the throne, and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever and cast their crowns before the throne saying “Thou art worthy, O Lord to receive honour and power; for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created”. But He came down into our darkness in the form of a servant and is with those who are humble. (Isaiah 57:15) “For thus says the High and Lofty One that inhabits eternity, Whose name is Holy; I dwell in the High and Holy place with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite ones”.
The effect of what He offers can only be expressed in new and powerful forms, weapons in the hearts and mouths of an army that God is raising up in these days, who will not compromise or settle for the same that many of us have; having “been in the field” for too long! (Luke 15:28).
“It’s all Greek to me”
by David Robinson
Having returned from Munich in Germany recently, it was fascinating to see how a sequence of unchallenged events created an environment that had someone like Adolf Hitler welcomed into power.
In the late nineteenth century King Ludwig II, was declared insane and then, according to suspicion, assassinated. Ludwig’s death allowed the establishment of an office of power known as the ‘Kaiser’. The Kaiser’s of course were the kingpins in Germany’s expanse into Europe in the early 20th Century. They also led Germany into World War I.
The defeat of Germany led to a set of war reparations that crippled the nation, financially. This led to the environment that made someone like Adolf Hitler and the Nazis a welcome option; to make all the problems “go away”… but at the price of democracy and the individual in society.
There was also a lot of occult activity in Munich, in the 1920’s and on through World War II.
Riots seem to happen a lot in Greece lately. (Reminded also of Paul in Ephesus) There is great trouble brewing there, at the moment of writing this.
A little known fact is that in the capital, Athens, during September 2008, dozens of Greek pagans defied police presence and a thunderous downpour, to huddle near the Parthenon in Athens. They were holding a protest prayer for a museum being built at the foot of the sacred site.
The Greek Culture Ministry had forbade ceremonies of any sort at archaeological sites. But the pagan revivalists used a second century temple of Zeus in Athens to stage the first known ceremony of its kind in 1,600 years.
Athens-based group, called “Ellinais”, an acronym in Greek for “Sacred Society of Greek Ancient Religionists” was campaigning to revive the ancient religion. The group defied Culture Ministry bans on holding prayers at several ancient temples. Then, about 200 people, by the leader’s estimate, prayed to Olympian ‘Athena’, patron of ancient Athens, to protect the 2,500-year-old site and spare the city “from harm”.
“Is it a coincidence that rain started falling when the ceremony started and ended at the same time as the ceremony? I think not,” said the groups leader at the time. Personally, I don’t think The Lord was giving them a complement, by sending a storm. Police made no effort to disrupt the 20-minute convocation. There was no consequence or action, from the Government Authorities.
Orthodox Christianity is the official religion of Greece. Christianity took hold in Greece in the 4th century. Roman Emperor Theodosius wiped out the last vestige of the Olympian gods when he abolished the Olympic Games in 394 A.D.
The Parthenon, built between 447-432 B.C. at the Acropolis as a temple to Athena, was converted into a Christian church in the 5th century A.D. It became a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Athens in 1456 and is now a museum.
“This was the first prayer ceremony on the Acropolis since Parthenon was converted into a church,” the pagan group smugly said in 2008.
One month later, massive riots broke out across the capital, for over two solid weeks. The nation has financially gone downhill ever since then, to the point that the EU is currently bailing out the country from bankruptcy. To quote the Pagan group above, “is it a coincidence”?
Firstly, there is a consequence, when governments do not follow the ways of The Lord and allow the occult to prevail. (There’s a warning for us all) Secondly, a spiritual and financial environment, such as this, was created in pre-war Germany. Therefore please pray for the nation and people of Greece on all levels. Lest it happens again.
Having returned from Munich in Germany recently, it was fascinating to see how a sequence of unchallenged events created an environment that had someone like Adolf Hitler welcomed into power.
In the late nineteenth century King Ludwig II, was declared insane and then, according to suspicion, assassinated. Ludwig’s death allowed the establishment of an office of power known as the ‘Kaiser’. The Kaiser’s of course were the kingpins in Germany’s expanse into Europe in the early 20th Century. They also led Germany into World War I.
The defeat of Germany led to a set of war reparations that crippled the nation, financially. This led to the environment that made someone like Adolf Hitler and the Nazis a welcome option; to make all the problems “go away”… but at the price of democracy and the individual in society.
There was also a lot of occult activity in Munich, in the 1920’s and on through World War II.
Riots seem to happen a lot in Greece lately. (Reminded also of Paul in Ephesus) There is great trouble brewing there, at the moment of writing this.
A little known fact is that in the capital, Athens, during September 2008, dozens of Greek pagans defied police presence and a thunderous downpour, to huddle near the Parthenon in Athens. They were holding a protest prayer for a museum being built at the foot of the sacred site.
The Greek Culture Ministry had forbade ceremonies of any sort at archaeological sites. But the pagan revivalists used a second century temple of Zeus in Athens to stage the first known ceremony of its kind in 1,600 years.
Athens-based group, called “Ellinais”, an acronym in Greek for “Sacred Society of Greek Ancient Religionists” was campaigning to revive the ancient religion. The group defied Culture Ministry bans on holding prayers at several ancient temples. Then, about 200 people, by the leader’s estimate, prayed to Olympian ‘Athena’, patron of ancient Athens, to protect the 2,500-year-old site and spare the city “from harm”.
“Is it a coincidence that rain started falling when the ceremony started and ended at the same time as the ceremony? I think not,” said the groups leader at the time. Personally, I don’t think The Lord was giving them a complement, by sending a storm. Police made no effort to disrupt the 20-minute convocation. There was no consequence or action, from the Government Authorities.
Orthodox Christianity is the official religion of Greece. Christianity took hold in Greece in the 4th century. Roman Emperor Theodosius wiped out the last vestige of the Olympian gods when he abolished the Olympic Games in 394 A.D.
The Parthenon, built between 447-432 B.C. at the Acropolis as a temple to Athena, was converted into a Christian church in the 5th century A.D. It became a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Athens in 1456 and is now a museum.
“This was the first prayer ceremony on the Acropolis since Parthenon was converted into a church,” the pagan group smugly said in 2008.
One month later, massive riots broke out across the capital, for over two solid weeks. The nation has financially gone downhill ever since then, to the point that the EU is currently bailing out the country from bankruptcy. To quote the Pagan group above, “is it a coincidence”?
Firstly, there is a consequence, when governments do not follow the ways of The Lord and allow the occult to prevail. (There’s a warning for us all) Secondly, a spiritual and financial environment, such as this, was created in pre-war Germany. Therefore please pray for the nation and people of Greece on all levels. Lest it happens again.
Word for South Africa
by Glenice Mills
I am mindful the world’s eyes are on South Africa at this time with the football World Cup. The reality is God is highlighting South Africa because it is on His heart. Eighteen months ago the Lord spoke to me some things He is doing and wanting to do in this nation. At different times since, He has also shown me His heart. As a prophet, there are times to be quiet and watch, and then there is time to speak. The time to speak and to share what the Lord has shown is now.
I have a particularly strong alert and concern for South Africa. This is what the Lord shared with me concerning South Africa:
You are a nation of leaders, leaders of many ages - old and young. Now is the time for key leaders in Government and in the church to arise, both male and female, young and old!! It is time to take a stand! To take a stand for justice against the injustice taking place in many African countries! The Lord showed me Zimbabwe: leaders must speak up at this time and confront the evil taking place in this nation of Zimbabwe. It is time to arise, to speak, to raise a cry of injustice, injustice, injustice!! Now is the time, do not hold back, do not sit back, make a stand, make a stand now!
I sense a real alert, that if they do not, there will be repercussions for South Africa. Some of what is happening in Zimbabwe will come on South Africa, there will be renewed unrest, lawlessness will increase, there will be an increase of famine, hardship and pestilence that will hit like never before. It is not a time to tarry, but a time to rise up. The Lord says come away from your former shame, this is not who you are as a nation now! You are to forerun, to go ahead, to be instruments of change in Africa, to be ones that other nations will look to lead the way forward.
The Lord says to South Africa and to its leaders:
Isaiah 53: 2-8
2 - Enlarge the place of your tent, And let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings, Do not spare; lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes.
3 - For you shall expand to the right and to the left, And your descendants will inherit the nations, And make the desolate cities inhabited.
4 - Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed; Neither be disgraced for you will not be put to shame; For you will forget the shame of your youth, And will not remember the reproach of your widowhood anymore.
5 - For your maker is your husband,The Lord of hosts is His name; And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel; He is called the God of the whole earth.
6 - For the Lord has called you like a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, Like a youthful wife when you were refused,” Says your God.
7 - For a mere moment I have forsaken you, but with great mercies I will gather you.
8 - With a little wrath I hid My face from you for a moment; But with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you” Says the Lord, your Redeemer.
Again, now is the time to come away from your former shame.
South Africa, arise from the ashes, arise from the ashes, arise from the ashes!!! Arise, Arise, Arise!!! Take your stand as a forerunning nation, break through the hardship, poverty, and class divisions.
Apostles of South Africa come out of the dust, out of your hardship, out of the constraints put upon you because of race. Break out! Break out! Break out!!!
Prophets of South Africa it is time to speak, time to declare truth, time to be in position to arise to your call and destiny. Don’t hold back. I come against all lies of the enemy that says you are less than. Lord send your living water on a dry and thirsty land, on a dry and thirsty people, who need your sustenance, who need your life giving power. You are a nation where bloodshed and injustice ruled and it is now time to take your place as a leading African nation. It is time to fight for justice, to speak justice - to those who do not have a voice - as you did not have a voice.
Speak out justice - time for justice for other African nations who need a voice where they are unable to speak. Arise out of your shame, time to come out of your shame. Lord move by your Holy Spirit - move your breath upon the dust and bring that which is dead to life.
Ezekiel 37:4-6
Again He said to me, ‘Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! Thus says the Lord God to these bones:
“SURELY I WILL CAUSE BREATH TO ENTER INTO YOU, AND YOU SHALL LIVE. I WILL PUT SINEWS ON YOU AND BRING FLESH UPON YOU, COVER YOU WITH SKIN AND PUT BREATH IN YOU; AND YOU SHALL LIVE.
THEN YOU SHALL KNOW THAT I AM THE LORD.’’
Lord I declare these words over South Africa!!!
There are many apostles and ones holding leadership positions who are sitting on the fence. Now is the time to get off the fence and speak. Do not be silent, speak!! The Lord is going to expand many leaders into uncomfortable places, a place that is vulnerable and unknown which will require great faith. It is a time of faith, to step out of the boat and onto the water. The Lord will be with you, He will lead you and guide you.
For some apostles in South Africa there is coming a time when your leadership will bring a challenge to the status quo and will place many people in uncomfortable situations. It is time to stir up ones who hold positions of authority who have sat back and allowed evil to take place, who have agreed with compromise, who have not wanted to rock the boat. Now is not the time to be complacent.
It is time to take off old thinking, old mindsets, for the Lord wants to increase your vision, He wants to open up opportunities and divine encounters that will bring about radical changes of direction for many.
There are apostles who now need to arise and come into key positions of governance both in this nation and also in local areas of influence. Now is the time to influence. You are positioned to influence, to bring change for the better to bring renewed righteousness where sin has abounded.
The enemy will be ruthless but take heart, you are serving the King of Kings. He will anoint you, He will enable you. You will see Him move on your behalf. You will see divine encounters, divine miracles taking place before your eyes. You will see God rescue you from great danger, you will see Him come and intervene so His purposes can be outworked in South Africa and other African nations.
It is time for the women of South Africa to arise. I see young women even now quietly being voices of influence, working away often unnoticed. They are confronting the corruption and lawlessness that is ripping people off and holding them in poverty and in great bondage. They are confronting issues of abuse of children, abuse of women and injustice where these abuses are hidden and justice is not being served. Be encouraged, the Lord is with you.
The Lord is wanting to bring a divine coming together of the women of America, Australasia (Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands) and South Africa. The Lord is highlighting you women and there is something He is wanting to do to bring us together. There is something about us arising together.
Lord I see what you want to do so Lord I ask that you will fulfil all you plan and purpose for this to come about. Position us ready for the call to come together. Prepare the hearts of those you want to stand together to be an active part of your army of women that you are raising up at this time.
South Africa, you are a nation that will shine brightly as an example to other nations. You are vibrant, full of colour, full of the joy of the Lord. This is infectious and will impact and bring other nations which have known great sorrow to come to a place of great joy.
So speak up, speak up, speak up!!!!
I am mindful the world’s eyes are on South Africa at this time with the football World Cup. The reality is God is highlighting South Africa because it is on His heart. Eighteen months ago the Lord spoke to me some things He is doing and wanting to do in this nation. At different times since, He has also shown me His heart. As a prophet, there are times to be quiet and watch, and then there is time to speak. The time to speak and to share what the Lord has shown is now.
I have a particularly strong alert and concern for South Africa. This is what the Lord shared with me concerning South Africa:
You are a nation of leaders, leaders of many ages - old and young. Now is the time for key leaders in Government and in the church to arise, both male and female, young and old!! It is time to take a stand! To take a stand for justice against the injustice taking place in many African countries! The Lord showed me Zimbabwe: leaders must speak up at this time and confront the evil taking place in this nation of Zimbabwe. It is time to arise, to speak, to raise a cry of injustice, injustice, injustice!! Now is the time, do not hold back, do not sit back, make a stand, make a stand now!
I sense a real alert, that if they do not, there will be repercussions for South Africa. Some of what is happening in Zimbabwe will come on South Africa, there will be renewed unrest, lawlessness will increase, there will be an increase of famine, hardship and pestilence that will hit like never before. It is not a time to tarry, but a time to rise up. The Lord says come away from your former shame, this is not who you are as a nation now! You are to forerun, to go ahead, to be instruments of change in Africa, to be ones that other nations will look to lead the way forward.
The Lord says to South Africa and to its leaders:
Isaiah 53: 2-8
2 - Enlarge the place of your tent, And let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings, Do not spare; lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes.
3 - For you shall expand to the right and to the left, And your descendants will inherit the nations, And make the desolate cities inhabited.
4 - Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed; Neither be disgraced for you will not be put to shame; For you will forget the shame of your youth, And will not remember the reproach of your widowhood anymore.
5 - For your maker is your husband,The Lord of hosts is His name; And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel; He is called the God of the whole earth.
6 - For the Lord has called you like a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, Like a youthful wife when you were refused,” Says your God.
7 - For a mere moment I have forsaken you, but with great mercies I will gather you.
8 - With a little wrath I hid My face from you for a moment; But with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you” Says the Lord, your Redeemer.
Again, now is the time to come away from your former shame.
South Africa, arise from the ashes, arise from the ashes, arise from the ashes!!! Arise, Arise, Arise!!! Take your stand as a forerunning nation, break through the hardship, poverty, and class divisions.
Apostles of South Africa come out of the dust, out of your hardship, out of the constraints put upon you because of race. Break out! Break out! Break out!!!
Prophets of South Africa it is time to speak, time to declare truth, time to be in position to arise to your call and destiny. Don’t hold back. I come against all lies of the enemy that says you are less than. Lord send your living water on a dry and thirsty land, on a dry and thirsty people, who need your sustenance, who need your life giving power. You are a nation where bloodshed and injustice ruled and it is now time to take your place as a leading African nation. It is time to fight for justice, to speak justice - to those who do not have a voice - as you did not have a voice.
Speak out justice - time for justice for other African nations who need a voice where they are unable to speak. Arise out of your shame, time to come out of your shame. Lord move by your Holy Spirit - move your breath upon the dust and bring that which is dead to life.
Ezekiel 37:4-6
Again He said to me, ‘Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! Thus says the Lord God to these bones:
“SURELY I WILL CAUSE BREATH TO ENTER INTO YOU, AND YOU SHALL LIVE. I WILL PUT SINEWS ON YOU AND BRING FLESH UPON YOU, COVER YOU WITH SKIN AND PUT BREATH IN YOU; AND YOU SHALL LIVE.
THEN YOU SHALL KNOW THAT I AM THE LORD.’’
Lord I declare these words over South Africa!!!
There are many apostles and ones holding leadership positions who are sitting on the fence. Now is the time to get off the fence and speak. Do not be silent, speak!! The Lord is going to expand many leaders into uncomfortable places, a place that is vulnerable and unknown which will require great faith. It is a time of faith, to step out of the boat and onto the water. The Lord will be with you, He will lead you and guide you.
For some apostles in South Africa there is coming a time when your leadership will bring a challenge to the status quo and will place many people in uncomfortable situations. It is time to stir up ones who hold positions of authority who have sat back and allowed evil to take place, who have agreed with compromise, who have not wanted to rock the boat. Now is not the time to be complacent.
It is time to take off old thinking, old mindsets, for the Lord wants to increase your vision, He wants to open up opportunities and divine encounters that will bring about radical changes of direction for many.
There are apostles who now need to arise and come into key positions of governance both in this nation and also in local areas of influence. Now is the time to influence. You are positioned to influence, to bring change for the better to bring renewed righteousness where sin has abounded.
The enemy will be ruthless but take heart, you are serving the King of Kings. He will anoint you, He will enable you. You will see Him move on your behalf. You will see divine encounters, divine miracles taking place before your eyes. You will see God rescue you from great danger, you will see Him come and intervene so His purposes can be outworked in South Africa and other African nations.
It is time for the women of South Africa to arise. I see young women even now quietly being voices of influence, working away often unnoticed. They are confronting the corruption and lawlessness that is ripping people off and holding them in poverty and in great bondage. They are confronting issues of abuse of children, abuse of women and injustice where these abuses are hidden and justice is not being served. Be encouraged, the Lord is with you.
The Lord is wanting to bring a divine coming together of the women of America, Australasia (Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands) and South Africa. The Lord is highlighting you women and there is something He is wanting to do to bring us together. There is something about us arising together.
Lord I see what you want to do so Lord I ask that you will fulfil all you plan and purpose for this to come about. Position us ready for the call to come together. Prepare the hearts of those you want to stand together to be an active part of your army of women that you are raising up at this time.
South Africa, you are a nation that will shine brightly as an example to other nations. You are vibrant, full of colour, full of the joy of the Lord. This is infectious and will impact and bring other nations which have known great sorrow to come to a place of great joy.
So speak up, speak up, speak up!!!!
Wednesday, 23 June 2010
Year to Endure
by Glenice Mills
At the beginning of the year when seeking the Lord about this coming year, He said it was a year to endure. I didn’t have an understanding of what that would look like and what it would mean until now. Even as the year unfolds I can say I am still learning what it means to endure. Many have spoken about this year being different and for a lot of us it has meant a real pushing into God to just get by. However, the Lord does not want us to just get by. He is doing a foundational work. For many of us who have walked with the Lord for many years this does not make sense. However it is about foundations going in because of the new positioning the Lord is requiring of us. As we go higher and further with the Lord there is a greater requirement and responsibility that comes with this. As with any foundation, it is not seen, but as builders will tell you, it is the most important part of the building. It is time consuming, exacting work. It can be frustrating at times because there is no opportunity for error. It is a time when a builder has the clear vision of the end product but this foundation stage is about enduring the trials, the difficulties, yet still holding onto the vision of the completed building. There are stages in the foundations of a building that can be equated with our lives. Following are some key aspects of laying a good foundation using a building analogy.
1. Setting out where the building is to sit:
Perhaps this could best be described as being positioned exactly where the Lord wants you to be. For many it is a time of fine tuning, like tuning into a radio station. You have to be dead on, if not the sound is distorted and you can’t hear clearly. If a building is not positioned where it should be the consequences are disastrous. It is about precision work. The building plans have to be followed to the tiniest degree for there can be no margin for error.
2. Setting out the string lines:
The string lines place the boundary of the house and exactly where the foundations have to go in. It is crucial these lines are dead straight, particularly the positioning of each corner. This could be equivalent to knowing the boundaries of what we are to endure and not going into areas we are not meant to. Again this is exacting work, and if it is rushed, and any corners cut, the long term affect can be devastating. This can be a time consuming part of the foundation. So often at this time it is easy to rush in, skip the process by cutting corners and moving before we are meant to. If the boundary string lines are inaccurately placed and cross into an area they are not meant to, the long term problem takes a lot of rectifying.
3. Digging of the foundations:
This is when the really hard physical work takes place. You don’t know what you will strike until you start digging. Many a building project has been seriously delayed because of striking hard rock, or a creek bed. This means going over the plans again,
redoing engineer calculations and finding other ways of putting the foundations in.
This usually requires more steel work, deeper holes being dug, and a lot more concrete going in to strengthen the foundation. It can be a messy, often muddy, expensive part of the foundations. It frequently takes longer in time, it incurs greater expense and the inconvenience can be very frustrating. Again it is unseen, but crucial to the end product being held up. It is a stage of true endurance, of pushing through, of learning patience and perseverance. No corner can be cut. It is about the deep work being done central to holding the building up. Like our walk with the Lord, this is our time where the Lord is doing a deep healing work, and a deep character work.
There are many tests at this stage to see if we are strong enough to take the weight of the anointing. In this building process there are many inspections by the building inspector to check everything is being followed according to the plans and engineering requirements. This is like us passing tests the Lord brings along our path to see what we will do in certain circumstances. Again it is not seen but it is critical to the final product being all it is meant to be.
The depth of the foundation of a building often depends on the weight of the structure of the house. Perhaps it could be said the greater the call of God on a person’s life the deeper the foundations must go. This means the work will be thorough with no margin for error. Interestingly foundations are always bigger on a building than what’s needed, so the weight can be spread.
4. Steel work and concrete go into the foundations:
The steel is what gives strength and holds everything together. The concrete protects the steel from rusting but together they make the foundation strong. The grade of concrete provides the right strength in the footings. The concrete takes time to dry and cannot take the weight straight away. As concrete dries it strengthens. The steel and the concrete work together as the steel ties the house to the foundation and the concrete strengthens across the foundation and floor of the building. This steel is like our vertical relationship with the Lord, and the concrete is like our relationship with one another. We can’t have one without the other. When the concrete floor is poured covering over the foundation it lays the platform for the structure of the house to be built on. It appears superficial, however, it covers all the work that has gone into the foundations and is the base for the growth of the next stage, the building of the house.
We are all in process but like the building it must be built upon the rock, Jesus Christ.
The deep work is unseen, however, it is what defines us and equips us ready for what the Lord wants in bringing us to fulfilling our calls. The truth is we cannot escape from the dealings of God, and endurance is a part of the building of fortitude into our lives. Sadly many have abandoned their destiny or tried to short cut what the Lord is doing because it got too hard. For many, we have gone around the mountain a few times but to endure is to actually be prepared to navigate and climb directly up the mountain with the help of the Holy Spirit and the ones the Lord has given to help us along the way. A while ago a word came to us at Forerunners about climbing up the mountain and the way we needed to be tied together following Lynne as she leads the expedition. As you near the top of the mountain greater energy is needed for it is often the steepest part of the climb. When we think of endurance, perseverance and patience, they are often mistaken as meaning the same or similar. However they are quite different.
To endure means to undergo pain. It is an ability to withstand prolonged strain. It is to tolerate, to bear, to last, remain and to suffer.
To strain is to press to extremes. It requires exertion.
To suffer means to experience pain, or grief or discomfort.
The meaning of persevere is to continue steadfastly, persist in and to maintain effort.
Patience is calm endurance of hardship, pain and delay. When I think of patience it is more passive where as to endure requires exertion, it requires effort, it is more active.
It is interesting to note that where the King James Version of the Bible has the word endure, it is found in the NIV and other versions as patience. However, the difference in meaning between these two words is quite profound. When we think of endure it does require suffering, strain, discomfort and exertion. They are words that are not so ‘user friendly’, however, if we are honest, for many who are in the process of enduring the true meaning of endure best describes what we are feeling.
Many are going through a time of transition. There is a sense of change of season but what is to come hasn’t quite been released yet. It is a waiting on God time, a time to endure when nothing seems to be happening. It feels uncomfortable and it is especially designed to build muscle to our faith. It is having our faces set like flint keeping our eyes fixed on the prize. There can be no wavering.
It is interesting going through Scripture to see the areas where there will be enduring.
Following are some areas the Bible tells us we must endure.
1. Hated for the Lord’s name sake:
Matthew 10:22 - ‘And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake; but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.’
This verse says about enduring even when family rise up against us when we make a stand for the Lord. People will hate us and for what we stand for but to endure this brings salvation.
2. Bearing tribulations, persecution and enduring afflictions:
2 Thessalonians 1:4-7 - ‘So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God for which ye also suffer: Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you.’
It is sobering to think that our endurance is about being counted as worthy of the Kingdom of God. We should not be surprised then when we suffer persecutions and afflictions.
3. Enduring hardship
2 Timothy 2:3 - ‘Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet he is not crowned, except he strive lawfully.’
We are quick to picture ourselves as soldiers in an army however we forget that a soldier at war has to endure much. We must remain single minded, never forgetting the crown which is ours, It is dependent upon choosing not to get caught up in the cares of our day to day lives. Easier said than done I think.
4. Enduring afflictions
2 Timothy 2:9,10 - ‘Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.’
We are sinners and we will all suffer troubles. It is how we endure our troubles that is the test. It is about our attitudes, how quickly we repent, and the choices we make to walk in His righteousness. Perhaps it can best be described as outworking our salvation with fear and trembling. That is a day to day experience and we are each accountable for how we do this.
5. Endure chastening:
Hebrews 12:7 - ‘If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?’
Whether we like it or not the Lord disciplines those He loves. We all have areas in our lives that the Lord is adjusting and correcting and that means enduring these areas of discipline. It is about being willing to be trained in the things of God so we would be true examples of ones with Godly character. This requires day to day choices. Choosing God’s way instead of our own is not always easy, however, to endure these disciplines grow us up into Him.
6. Endure patience:
James 5:10,11 - ‘Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heart of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.’
In these days and times it is hard to equate suffering affliction with blessing. We so often moan and groan when things are going wrong forgetting that it is the Lord bringing the circumstances to test us to see if we will endure. This is in fact a blessing of God, a thought not often easily aligned with our day to day experiences. However it is a way of God. We live in a society of the here and now, of instant gratification so to endure with patience flies in the face of what is happening in our world today.
It is interesting to note that prophets are mentioned as ones who must endure patience.
If you are called as a prophet one of the tests will be endurance. It is part of the requirements of the training of a prophet.
7. Endure unjust suffering:
1 Peter 2:19,20 - ‘For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? But if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, for this is acceptable with God.’
There are times in our lives when we are placed under harsh leaders in the work place or in an environment where we are to submit ourselves to ungodly governing authority. This releases the favour of God as we pass these tests of character. It is about suffering for right when you know things are wrong. It may require quietly yielding to this authority or it may require speaking out. No matter which way it will mean attracting the favour of God on your life.
8. Endure for the promise:
Hebrews 6:13-15 - ‘For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, Saying, surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.’
This is the place many of us are at. We see the promise, it is out there, however, it is about enduring for the perfect timing of God for His release of the promises to us.
Everything is in the timing of God and it is a good thing to endure for the promise for multiplication will come if we faithfully endure.
9. Endurance brings faith:
Hebrews 11:27 - ‘By faith Moses forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.’
Moses was an example of a man of faith, who stood his ground before the king believing God would come through for him. He believed in an unseen God, just as we do. This increases the faith in our lives.
10. Endure temptation:
James 1:12 - ‘Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him.’
This is about overcoming every temptation that comes our way. Temptations will come, but it is what we do with them that is the test. The choice is ours.
11. Love endures all things:
1 Corinthians 13:7 - ‘Love beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.’
Ultimately for us to endure it is about love, - that is the love of God toward us and our love toward each other. Love will get us through every trial. That is why we need the Lord and each other. We cannot do it alone. We were never meant to do it alone that is why we have our church family.
It is interesting to note that with every verse on endurance there was always good coming IF we pass the test of endurance. These included salvation, being worthy of the Kingdom of God, receiving the crown, eternal glory, the Father’s love, blessing, acceptance, promises to us and an increase in faith, favour and the multiplication in the fulfilment of the promises. It brings everything into context and reminds us that it is not only about us here at this time on earth but it is also about our destiny and spending time with Him in eternity.
If we endure, there are rewards for us, such is the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. Life is a journey, endurance for the race can only come from the Lord.
We are graced this year to endure and we can do it with the Lord’s help!
At the beginning of the year when seeking the Lord about this coming year, He said it was a year to endure. I didn’t have an understanding of what that would look like and what it would mean until now. Even as the year unfolds I can say I am still learning what it means to endure. Many have spoken about this year being different and for a lot of us it has meant a real pushing into God to just get by. However, the Lord does not want us to just get by. He is doing a foundational work. For many of us who have walked with the Lord for many years this does not make sense. However it is about foundations going in because of the new positioning the Lord is requiring of us. As we go higher and further with the Lord there is a greater requirement and responsibility that comes with this. As with any foundation, it is not seen, but as builders will tell you, it is the most important part of the building. It is time consuming, exacting work. It can be frustrating at times because there is no opportunity for error. It is a time when a builder has the clear vision of the end product but this foundation stage is about enduring the trials, the difficulties, yet still holding onto the vision of the completed building. There are stages in the foundations of a building that can be equated with our lives. Following are some key aspects of laying a good foundation using a building analogy.
1. Setting out where the building is to sit:
Perhaps this could best be described as being positioned exactly where the Lord wants you to be. For many it is a time of fine tuning, like tuning into a radio station. You have to be dead on, if not the sound is distorted and you can’t hear clearly. If a building is not positioned where it should be the consequences are disastrous. It is about precision work. The building plans have to be followed to the tiniest degree for there can be no margin for error.
2. Setting out the string lines:
The string lines place the boundary of the house and exactly where the foundations have to go in. It is crucial these lines are dead straight, particularly the positioning of each corner. This could be equivalent to knowing the boundaries of what we are to endure and not going into areas we are not meant to. Again this is exacting work, and if it is rushed, and any corners cut, the long term affect can be devastating. This can be a time consuming part of the foundation. So often at this time it is easy to rush in, skip the process by cutting corners and moving before we are meant to. If the boundary string lines are inaccurately placed and cross into an area they are not meant to, the long term problem takes a lot of rectifying.
3. Digging of the foundations:
This is when the really hard physical work takes place. You don’t know what you will strike until you start digging. Many a building project has been seriously delayed because of striking hard rock, or a creek bed. This means going over the plans again,
redoing engineer calculations and finding other ways of putting the foundations in.
This usually requires more steel work, deeper holes being dug, and a lot more concrete going in to strengthen the foundation. It can be a messy, often muddy, expensive part of the foundations. It frequently takes longer in time, it incurs greater expense and the inconvenience can be very frustrating. Again it is unseen, but crucial to the end product being held up. It is a stage of true endurance, of pushing through, of learning patience and perseverance. No corner can be cut. It is about the deep work being done central to holding the building up. Like our walk with the Lord, this is our time where the Lord is doing a deep healing work, and a deep character work.
There are many tests at this stage to see if we are strong enough to take the weight of the anointing. In this building process there are many inspections by the building inspector to check everything is being followed according to the plans and engineering requirements. This is like us passing tests the Lord brings along our path to see what we will do in certain circumstances. Again it is not seen but it is critical to the final product being all it is meant to be.
The depth of the foundation of a building often depends on the weight of the structure of the house. Perhaps it could be said the greater the call of God on a person’s life the deeper the foundations must go. This means the work will be thorough with no margin for error. Interestingly foundations are always bigger on a building than what’s needed, so the weight can be spread.
4. Steel work and concrete go into the foundations:
The steel is what gives strength and holds everything together. The concrete protects the steel from rusting but together they make the foundation strong. The grade of concrete provides the right strength in the footings. The concrete takes time to dry and cannot take the weight straight away. As concrete dries it strengthens. The steel and the concrete work together as the steel ties the house to the foundation and the concrete strengthens across the foundation and floor of the building. This steel is like our vertical relationship with the Lord, and the concrete is like our relationship with one another. We can’t have one without the other. When the concrete floor is poured covering over the foundation it lays the platform for the structure of the house to be built on. It appears superficial, however, it covers all the work that has gone into the foundations and is the base for the growth of the next stage, the building of the house.
We are all in process but like the building it must be built upon the rock, Jesus Christ.
The deep work is unseen, however, it is what defines us and equips us ready for what the Lord wants in bringing us to fulfilling our calls. The truth is we cannot escape from the dealings of God, and endurance is a part of the building of fortitude into our lives. Sadly many have abandoned their destiny or tried to short cut what the Lord is doing because it got too hard. For many, we have gone around the mountain a few times but to endure is to actually be prepared to navigate and climb directly up the mountain with the help of the Holy Spirit and the ones the Lord has given to help us along the way. A while ago a word came to us at Forerunners about climbing up the mountain and the way we needed to be tied together following Lynne as she leads the expedition. As you near the top of the mountain greater energy is needed for it is often the steepest part of the climb. When we think of endurance, perseverance and patience, they are often mistaken as meaning the same or similar. However they are quite different.
To endure means to undergo pain. It is an ability to withstand prolonged strain. It is to tolerate, to bear, to last, remain and to suffer.
To strain is to press to extremes. It requires exertion.
To suffer means to experience pain, or grief or discomfort.
The meaning of persevere is to continue steadfastly, persist in and to maintain effort.
Patience is calm endurance of hardship, pain and delay. When I think of patience it is more passive where as to endure requires exertion, it requires effort, it is more active.
It is interesting to note that where the King James Version of the Bible has the word endure, it is found in the NIV and other versions as patience. However, the difference in meaning between these two words is quite profound. When we think of endure it does require suffering, strain, discomfort and exertion. They are words that are not so ‘user friendly’, however, if we are honest, for many who are in the process of enduring the true meaning of endure best describes what we are feeling.
Many are going through a time of transition. There is a sense of change of season but what is to come hasn’t quite been released yet. It is a waiting on God time, a time to endure when nothing seems to be happening. It feels uncomfortable and it is especially designed to build muscle to our faith. It is having our faces set like flint keeping our eyes fixed on the prize. There can be no wavering.
It is interesting going through Scripture to see the areas where there will be enduring.
Following are some areas the Bible tells us we must endure.
1. Hated for the Lord’s name sake:
Matthew 10:22 - ‘And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake; but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.’
This verse says about enduring even when family rise up against us when we make a stand for the Lord. People will hate us and for what we stand for but to endure this brings salvation.
2. Bearing tribulations, persecution and enduring afflictions:
2 Thessalonians 1:4-7 - ‘So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God for which ye also suffer: Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you.’
It is sobering to think that our endurance is about being counted as worthy of the Kingdom of God. We should not be surprised then when we suffer persecutions and afflictions.
3. Enduring hardship
2 Timothy 2:3 - ‘Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet he is not crowned, except he strive lawfully.’
We are quick to picture ourselves as soldiers in an army however we forget that a soldier at war has to endure much. We must remain single minded, never forgetting the crown which is ours, It is dependent upon choosing not to get caught up in the cares of our day to day lives. Easier said than done I think.
4. Enduring afflictions
2 Timothy 2:9,10 - ‘Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.’
We are sinners and we will all suffer troubles. It is how we endure our troubles that is the test. It is about our attitudes, how quickly we repent, and the choices we make to walk in His righteousness. Perhaps it can best be described as outworking our salvation with fear and trembling. That is a day to day experience and we are each accountable for how we do this.
5. Endure chastening:
Hebrews 12:7 - ‘If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?’
Whether we like it or not the Lord disciplines those He loves. We all have areas in our lives that the Lord is adjusting and correcting and that means enduring these areas of discipline. It is about being willing to be trained in the things of God so we would be true examples of ones with Godly character. This requires day to day choices. Choosing God’s way instead of our own is not always easy, however, to endure these disciplines grow us up into Him.
6. Endure patience:
James 5:10,11 - ‘Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heart of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.’
In these days and times it is hard to equate suffering affliction with blessing. We so often moan and groan when things are going wrong forgetting that it is the Lord bringing the circumstances to test us to see if we will endure. This is in fact a blessing of God, a thought not often easily aligned with our day to day experiences. However it is a way of God. We live in a society of the here and now, of instant gratification so to endure with patience flies in the face of what is happening in our world today.
It is interesting to note that prophets are mentioned as ones who must endure patience.
If you are called as a prophet one of the tests will be endurance. It is part of the requirements of the training of a prophet.
7. Endure unjust suffering:
1 Peter 2:19,20 - ‘For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? But if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, for this is acceptable with God.’
There are times in our lives when we are placed under harsh leaders in the work place or in an environment where we are to submit ourselves to ungodly governing authority. This releases the favour of God as we pass these tests of character. It is about suffering for right when you know things are wrong. It may require quietly yielding to this authority or it may require speaking out. No matter which way it will mean attracting the favour of God on your life.
8. Endure for the promise:
Hebrews 6:13-15 - ‘For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, Saying, surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.’
This is the place many of us are at. We see the promise, it is out there, however, it is about enduring for the perfect timing of God for His release of the promises to us.
Everything is in the timing of God and it is a good thing to endure for the promise for multiplication will come if we faithfully endure.
9. Endurance brings faith:
Hebrews 11:27 - ‘By faith Moses forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.’
Moses was an example of a man of faith, who stood his ground before the king believing God would come through for him. He believed in an unseen God, just as we do. This increases the faith in our lives.
10. Endure temptation:
James 1:12 - ‘Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him.’
This is about overcoming every temptation that comes our way. Temptations will come, but it is what we do with them that is the test. The choice is ours.
11. Love endures all things:
1 Corinthians 13:7 - ‘Love beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.’
Ultimately for us to endure it is about love, - that is the love of God toward us and our love toward each other. Love will get us through every trial. That is why we need the Lord and each other. We cannot do it alone. We were never meant to do it alone that is why we have our church family.
It is interesting to note that with every verse on endurance there was always good coming IF we pass the test of endurance. These included salvation, being worthy of the Kingdom of God, receiving the crown, eternal glory, the Father’s love, blessing, acceptance, promises to us and an increase in faith, favour and the multiplication in the fulfilment of the promises. It brings everything into context and reminds us that it is not only about us here at this time on earth but it is also about our destiny and spending time with Him in eternity.
If we endure, there are rewards for us, such is the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. Life is a journey, endurance for the race can only come from the Lord.
We are graced this year to endure and we can do it with the Lord’s help!
Sabbath Rest
by Belinda Jabore
I felt that God wanted to give a warning to those who have an ear to hear what the Spirit of God is saying in regard to the Sabbath rest. Apostle Lynne Hamilton got instructions from the Lord that we, as an Apostolic Prophetic Forerunning church needed to implement the Sabbath rest: from sunset Friday (approximately 5.30pm) to sunset Saturday (approximately 5.30pm). Following/obeying the 4th Commandment (as you could imagine) provided all sorts of challenges for us corporately as a church, and personally as a couple.
My husband Jesse and I had many adjustments we needed to make. As we knew this was Gods command we began to obey what was required of us. We both had to adjust our work with employers. As a musician Jesse found this difficult at first but we knew God was adamant about this. Gigs booked from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset he could not do. This did take a while to turn around and God in His grace, kindness and mercy allowed this for him. Due to previously booked gigs the band had to keep their word to do these, but it got to a certain point when God was requiring complete obedience in this. Jesse also has a job in the tourism trade, it also was a challenge, but as we made the adjustments God gave us favor throughout it all. This continually challenges us in our work and we as a couple need to keep on saying no to any paid work on the Sabbath.
As we have done this we have found how tired we really were and that God clearly is insisting on this sabbatical rest. This really is such a blessing to us and we are finding God is recharging our batteries. It is also making us realize how important this 4th Commandment is - Exodus 20:8. It is also giving us the endurance and sustainability for the future. He is so faithful to refresh us and keep us on track, this providing something of a safety net for us.
Mostly, though for us, obedience is the key and we then find that by Gods grace we are able to endure and accomplish all that’s required of us. 2010 is a year of trial and testing. Do we follow His commandments or not? This is the question we must ask ourselves?
For I the Lord am the Lord of the Sabbath, and I will fill you and refresh you as you come away from the things that take you away from Me says the Lord, as I am a jealous God and I require this of you. Come to Me and I will give you rest for your soul and if you come I will fill you with a refreshing of My Spirit that will sustain you and keep you safe for what is coming ahead.
Obedience moves My hand and I will teach you to hear My voice of understanding. Walk in the fear of My word, who I am, and My commands. If you love Me, you will keep My commandments and you will come in and enter My rest.
Come away from your burdens and your work load, for I will give you rest from your anxieties, stress, tiredness and busyness. My son and daughter, I long for you to make this time holy and give your time and communion to Me say’s God, as this will be a safety net for you and a safe place of strengthening, healing and love. I will bring the fullness of My promises for you and to you.
I warn you of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, dwell in My presence and worship Me. I will part the seas of anxiety, stress and tiredness and strengthen and prepare you for what lies ahead. I will release to you life, and life abundantly, and healing to your soul.
Do not concern yourself with tomorrow for I am tomorrow, and I will take care of all your concerns and cares. When you are weak I am strong in you. Weakness is a conduit to My strength and My ways. I the Lord will do it as you come deeper into obedience and love for Me. For I am bringing you into a safe place. A place where you can cease from the cares and worries of this world .
Come to Me, be with Me, rest in Me - I love you and I care for you.
I felt that God wanted to give a warning to those who have an ear to hear what the Spirit of God is saying in regard to the Sabbath rest. Apostle Lynne Hamilton got instructions from the Lord that we, as an Apostolic Prophetic Forerunning church needed to implement the Sabbath rest: from sunset Friday (approximately 5.30pm) to sunset Saturday (approximately 5.30pm). Following/obeying the 4th Commandment (as you could imagine) provided all sorts of challenges for us corporately as a church, and personally as a couple.
My husband Jesse and I had many adjustments we needed to make. As we knew this was Gods command we began to obey what was required of us. We both had to adjust our work with employers. As a musician Jesse found this difficult at first but we knew God was adamant about this. Gigs booked from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset he could not do. This did take a while to turn around and God in His grace, kindness and mercy allowed this for him. Due to previously booked gigs the band had to keep their word to do these, but it got to a certain point when God was requiring complete obedience in this. Jesse also has a job in the tourism trade, it also was a challenge, but as we made the adjustments God gave us favor throughout it all. This continually challenges us in our work and we as a couple need to keep on saying no to any paid work on the Sabbath.
As we have done this we have found how tired we really were and that God clearly is insisting on this sabbatical rest. This really is such a blessing to us and we are finding God is recharging our batteries. It is also making us realize how important this 4th Commandment is - Exodus 20:8. It is also giving us the endurance and sustainability for the future. He is so faithful to refresh us and keep us on track, this providing something of a safety net for us.
Mostly, though for us, obedience is the key and we then find that by Gods grace we are able to endure and accomplish all that’s required of us. 2010 is a year of trial and testing. Do we follow His commandments or not? This is the question we must ask ourselves?
For I the Lord am the Lord of the Sabbath, and I will fill you and refresh you as you come away from the things that take you away from Me says the Lord, as I am a jealous God and I require this of you. Come to Me and I will give you rest for your soul and if you come I will fill you with a refreshing of My Spirit that will sustain you and keep you safe for what is coming ahead.
Obedience moves My hand and I will teach you to hear My voice of understanding. Walk in the fear of My word, who I am, and My commands. If you love Me, you will keep My commandments and you will come in and enter My rest.
Come away from your burdens and your work load, for I will give you rest from your anxieties, stress, tiredness and busyness. My son and daughter, I long for you to make this time holy and give your time and communion to Me say’s God, as this will be a safety net for you and a safe place of strengthening, healing and love. I will bring the fullness of My promises for you and to you.
I warn you of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, dwell in My presence and worship Me. I will part the seas of anxiety, stress and tiredness and strengthen and prepare you for what lies ahead. I will release to you life, and life abundantly, and healing to your soul.
Do not concern yourself with tomorrow for I am tomorrow, and I will take care of all your concerns and cares. When you are weak I am strong in you. Weakness is a conduit to My strength and My ways. I the Lord will do it as you come deeper into obedience and love for Me. For I am bringing you into a safe place. A place where you can cease from the cares and worries of this world .
Come to Me, be with Me, rest in Me - I love you and I care for you.
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