Diamonds - Unconquerable

Last night a prophet laid hands on me and prophesied over me as a diamond. One who has been thru pressure and heat and yet has come out of the fire hardened and whole. But, most important, despite all that he said by the Spirit of God, You are Unconquerable. A diamond.

I looked it up. Here's what I found.

ABOUT DIAMONDS

Diamonds have been a source of fascination for centuries. They are the hardest, the most imperishable, and the brilliant of all precious stones. The word "diamond" comes from the Greek word adamas, meaning "unconquerable".

I know many of the people who are the most prophetic, many of whom are diamonds, who have been thru the fire, who have been hardened, who are unconquerable. There are a couple other features of diamonds that fit this as well. They are hidden. They look like every other rock. When split and polished they begin to shine, reflect and become what they always were....Diamonds.

The church of Jesus is somewhat like this. Not everything the Church does is diamond-like. I am like Spurgeon, I hate the idea that some people don't take the whole gospel at face value and instead pick and choose doctrines they like and hold them up as diamonds ignoring the covered true diamond truths buried in the earth. They aren't diamonds. I think you have to let the whole text tell the story. Spurgeon had it right.

Be well instructed in theology, and do not regard the sneers of those who rail at it because they are ignorant of it. Many preachers are not theologians, and hence the mistakes which they make. It cannot do any hurt to the most lively evangelist to be also a sound theologian, and it may often be the means of saving him from gross blunders. Nowadays we hear men tear a single sentence of Scripture from its connection, and cry 'Eureka! Eureka!' as if they had found a new truth; and yet they have not discovered a diamond but a piece of broken glass." - Charles Spurgeon

A Call to Careless Living

Last night we heard Pastor Brad talk of not caring. That we must cast our cares on Jesus. He cares for you. You are to live Careless.....Consider the birds of the air, not sowing not reaping. Provided for.

Brenda Craig has a great thought today that goes with it:

Beloved, never be afraid or concerned. Don’t count yourself as unworthy, nor figure someone else will do it. If all is left to what you consider to be Super-Christians, much will be left undone. I desire you and the fulfillment of all I call you to be in the earth.

Therefore, breezes of My presence have come and will continue to come to expose and blow away all chaff in this day among My beloved ones and this includes you. I am blowing the dust away and clearing the air with new winds of restoration and change.

This is your day of visitation and you have already come farther than you know. In order for you to see enough and enable you to come up here with Me, I must not push or exert My wind against your back but come around about and meet you face to face. Lift your face; lift your heart to the mountains from whence your help comes. Your help comes from Me. The wind is blowing.

It is a new day and those with their faces set like flint and turned into the wind will hear the voice of Holy Spirit saying, “Turn right, turn left.” The nuances of My presence and diversity of gifts have become and will continue to become manifest (Isaiah 50:7). Without revelation you perish. Turn your face into My wind; I have set vision before you this day.

For, there is no other who can do what you do in the way you do it. You see, Beloved, you are indeed a piece of My DNA—an expression of My heart no one else will ever be able to duplicate. You are truly one of a kind—the rarest of all gems fashioned to radiate a unique matchless demonstration of My heart. Yes, you must rise and face the wind and it will surround you, carry you, advance you and propel you into the manifestation of all vision

This may not be the year of living dangerously, but it may be the year of living carelessly.

Disconnection or noise on the line to God

Yesterday I was in the Spirit. Hearing from heaven. It was great. Downloads from the throne. Seeing visions.

Now, don't get excited, not every vision, not every download is book of revelation stuff. Sometimes it's encouragement from Him that I need to hear. It was that.

Suddenly I was interrupted in my reverie by a phone. Cell phone. It was a friend. He was calling to talk a little politics. I shouldn't have answered it. But I did. Big mistake.

We talked for a few minutes and God hung up. No he didn't hang up. I did. I put Him on Hold.

When I came back on the line, there was lots of noise - static. It took a while to even get back to the conversation, and I never really did. It's not him. It's me. I let the cares of the world crowd him off the line.

Who knows what Father had to say? Cure for cancer, healing for the nations?

I did get this before the connection was broken:

In this time of re-ordering, of justification, the people of God will be presented with unprecedented opportunities they never had before. Whole strip malls. Vacating radio frequencies and stations for the choosing, newspapers, empty big box store buildings for almost nothing, services provided by ready armies of believers because companies no longer can or will and it will cause a revenue flow, economic small business malls that give believers the opportunity to create enterprise. The church of Jesus not just caring for the poor and underprivileged, but lifting them by vision and faith to step into a future they couldn't have dreamt about without the Spirit of God alive in their lives.

I did get this warning, this re-ordering, this adjustment, this justification will mean that many churches, many supposedly good well established churches will go away, bankrupt. Close. These are churches that were already spiritually bankrupt and already closed. The world will not miss them. The Kingdom won't miss them because they were not in the kingdom.

This will offer the last great opportunity during this time of Re-ordering. Good men and women of God will be led to acquire these empty buildings and capture the promise made by the founders sometimes a hundred years or more before. It will cause Life in God to come back into these empty places. New people will be brought into the kingdom.

This re-ordering is important. It's time. Kairos time.

What does this mean?

QUOTE: "We have to recognize that we've created the system that we loathe. I don't think the reason 15 percent serve is because 85 percent are lazy. We've created a system that glorifies the clergy and marginalized the laity. We got the outcome we created programs for. We've become ‘clergified.' There's a three-tiered structure: laypeople, clergy and missionaries. ... All religions tend to create a class of people who are above others so 1) they can revel in that and 2) the rest of us can say it's their job. Christianity was started without any of those structures, and ended up like so many false religions do when they create a ministry caste structure. When we see real movements of God take off, they happen when people are free." -Lifeway Research director Ed Stetzer [rev.org, 2/09]

60 Trends that will Emerge with the Full Restoration of Apostles and Prophets

A man I respect and admire has written a great article. I am tacitly connected with him and his ministry. I wish I were more closely connected. He's a good man. Read this whole thing:

John Eckhardt:

"60 Trends that will Emerge with the Full Restoration of Apostles and Prophets"

It is imperative that apostles and prophets come into their appointed positions of leadership in the Church. These are governmental gifts that have tremendous authority to execute the plans and purposes of God. In order to do this they must be identified and released.

When apostles and prophets come into their place, the Church will experience great blessing. Individuals must begin to walk in these callings with confidence and boldness. They need to know the functions of their offices in order to execute them faithfully. Clarity and understanding of these gifts and callings will help them to walk in them fully. This includes planting, activating, imparting, and demonstrating the Kingdom of God.

These gifts need to be confirmed and strengthened. The Church will advance and experience great breakthroughs as a result of these gifts coming forth. The saints will experience a new level of perfecting, maturity and release. Fear, ignorance and unbelief will hinder these gifts from coming forth fully. Overcome fear with courage and boldness, overcome ignorance with knowledge and revelation, and overcome unbelief with faith. Apostolic alignment is important in this hour. We must align ourselves with the apostolic and prophetic movement.

The following are 60 trends that I see emerging in the Church with the full restoration of apostles and prophets.

60 Trends that will Emerge with the Full Restoration of Apostles and Prophets

1. A greater emphasis of the importance of signs, wonders, and miracles (especially deliverance). This will prevent the Church from depending too much on rational, intellectual ways of approaching ministry (see 2 Corinthians 12; Matthew 10). Greater demonstrations of the power of God (see 1 Corinthians 2:4).

2. A greater release of revelation and insight into the mysteries of God. Many portions of Scripture will come alive and be relevant for this end-times move (see Ephesians 3; 1 Corinthians 4).

3. Continue to expand the vision and outreach of the Church in order to break complacency, apathy, and limited vision. This includes expanding into new nations and territories. The release of a pioneering (proton) anointing (see 1 Corinthians 12:28).

4. The raising up of new leaders and ministries, confirming, ordaining, and activating new gifts and callings. This will assure a continual supply of new ministries for the expansion of the Kingdom. Increase of emerging apostles and prophets mentored by more seasoned apostles and prophets (see 2 Timothy 2).

5. Enforcement of Biblical standards for leadership, including elders (bishops). This will help to stem the tide of immorality and bad character in leadership. Standards concerning marriage, family, and divorce will be once again emphasized as a standard for leadership (see 1 Timothy 3).

6. Establishing the Kingdom into new regions and territories through church planting. This includes the release of apostolic, church planting teams. Raising up of Antioch churches that will have a sending and releasing mentality (see Acts 13).

7. Greater emphasis on spiritual warfare, including binding and loosing. Greater authority over territorial strongholds, including principalities and powers (see Matthew 16, 18).

8. Release of greater grace to handle increased persecution and suffering of the Church worldwide.

9. Release of greater boldness to press forward in spite of suffering, persecution, and increased opposition to the message of the Kingdom of God.

10. Release of greater resources for Kingdom advancement, including finances and human resources. Greater release of missionaries, both long-term and short-term, for the expansion of the Kingdom. This includes Kingdom businessmen and marketplace apostles (see Acts 4:34-37).

11. Strengthening of existing churches and confirmation of new churches. This will greatly strengthen the Church worldwide (see Acts 14:22, 15:32).

12. Releasing and maintaining an atmosphere of liberty in the churches that will be conducive for the moving of the Holy Spirit and operation of the gifts of the Spirit, including prophecy (see Acts 15:10).

13. Contending with heresy and doctrinal divisions that keep the Church separated and divided. Defending the truth and preventing apostasy from infiltrating the Church.

14. Releasing the saints into their individual destinies and purposes. Releasing churches into their corporate destinies and purposes. Activating Believers into their callings and empowering them to do the works of Jesus Christ.

15. Releasing the spirit of faith in Believers and assemblies for Kingdom exploits. Apostles and prophets help us to believe for supernatural breakthroughs. As power ministers they often operate with the gift of faith and release the spirit of faith. They help destroy and overcome the spirits of doubt and unbelief that hinder the saints from operating in faith. Warning the Church against the dangers of unbelief (see Acts 13:40-41).

16. Releasing the fear of the Lord for greater reverence and respect for the things of God (see Acts 5).

17. Greater release of the spirit of prayer and intercession. Increased burden for prayer and intercession. The release of prophetic prayer warriors for regions and territories. Restoration of all night prayer, citywide prayer, watch of the Lord, and corporate prayer (see 1 Timothy 2).

18. Encouragement of fasting that releases humility and greater grace (see 2 Corinthians 11:27).

19. Encouragement of individuals and churches to embrace a global vision and sending mentality (see Acts 13:47).

20. Emphasis on foundational and important truth that establishes Believers in the faith and prepares them to go to perfection (maturity). Rejection of teachings and any emphasis that are not important and do not matter. Bring redefinition to terms and doctrines that have been taught erroneously.

21. Encourage the baptism of the Holy Spirit as the doorway into the supernatural realm and Spirit-filled living. Emphasize the importance of utterance, including tongues and prophecy, along with impartation and release of these things through the laying on of hands (see Acts 2, 8, 10, 19).

22. Upgrade of churches and regions into present truth (see Acts 19).

23. Creation of new wineskins to receive the new wine that is being released from Heaven. Renewing of old wineskins, including denominational structures and churches (see Mark 2:22).

24. Bringing reformation and change. Establishing and releasing new models for ministry (see Hebrews 9:10).

25. Helping the churches transition into new moves and patterns for ministry. Apostles are raised up during times of transition (see Joshua 1).

26. Help interpret new moves and validate them Scripturally (see Acts 2).

27. Changing and shifting spiritual climates over regions and territories, causing a new receptivity to the Gospel and the things of the Holy Spirit.

28. Relieving and helping the poor, orphans, and widows. A greater release of good works (see Acts 11; Titus 3:8).

29. A greater release of angelic activity through worship to God, prayer, and utterances, including apostolic decrees and prophetic declarations (see Acts 12:5-7).

30. Redigging old wells. Reestablishment and restoration of truth that has been neglected or under-emphasized (see Genesis 26:18).

31. Greater release of judgments against immorality and sin both within the Church and society. Pronouncement of judgment upon wicked rulers, wicked governments, and wicked religious, economic and political systems (see Acts 12:23, 13:6-13).

32. Release of greater peace and grace in churches, especially persecuted and suffering churches (see Ephesians 1:2).

33. Release of greater favor for churches with local governments (see Acts 2:47).

34. Greater multiplication and church growth through evangelism and discipleship (see Acts 6:1,7).

35. Pulling down of strongholds and ideologies, including humanism, that have kept people from receiving the truth (see 2 Corinthians 10:4).

36. Greater acceleration of the purposes of God worldwide, including the fulfillment of Bible prophecies and prophetic utterances (see Jeremiah 1:12).

37. Greater manifestation of God's glory in the Church, including the manifest presence of God and the restoration of the tabernacle of David (see Acts 15; 2 Corinthians 3:8).

38. Greater release of the prophetic, including personal prophecy, corporate prophecy, prophetic teams and companies, prophets, prophetic worship, arts, dance, banners, and prophetic teaching and preaching. Apostles will encourage the prophetic in local churches and regions (see 1 Corinthians 14).

39. Greater clarity and understanding of the purposes of God, including the Great Commission (see Isaiah 14:24-27; Matthew 28:19-20).

40. Greater unity and cooperation between leaders and ministries in localities (see Ephesians 4:3).

41. Greater release of women and minorities into ministry and authority. Destruction of spirits of racism and sexism in the Church. Smaller nations and people groups being released into their destinies and redemptive purposes (see Acts 2).

42. Greater release of small groups through cell structure, releasing more Believers to share their gifts with the Body (see Acts 2:46).

43. Greater testimony released in the earth, including martyrdom (see Revelation 12:11).

44. Greater impact and breakthrough into Jewish and Muslim people and those who have been historically resistant to the Gospel. Historical and generational rebellion will be confronted by apostolic leaders (see Acts 7:51).

45. Greater breakthroughs into media for the promotion of the Gospel, including Hollywood.

46. Greater manifestation of demons, hardness of heart as the demonic realm reacts to the advancement of the Church and increased breakthrough (see Acts 16).

47. Restoration of proper government in the Church, including the restoration of governing presbyteries of apostles, prophets, and teachers. Challenging false government, including congregational and episcopal control (see 1 Corinthians 12:28).

48. Greater emphasis on holiness and righteousness in the Church. This will help stem the tide of worldliness and carnality (see 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7).

49. Greater impartation through the laying on of hands and prophecy. This will accelerate people into their callings and giftings (see Romans 1:11; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6).

50. Greater unity and team ministry. This will be especially true of apostles and prophets working together to build, plant and break through. Greater understanding of these gifts will help Believers walk in them accurately and bring greater blessing to the Church. The result will be the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry and the edifying of the Body of Christ as all five ministries are released and work together (see Ephesians 4:11).

51. Establishment and recognition of spiritual gatekeepers and gateway churches that operate in apostolic authority in cities, regions and territories (see Lamentations 5:14).

52. Increase of knowledge and breaking of spiritual ignorance and darkness, including superstition and idolatry (see Daniel 12:4).

53. Greater breakthroughs in inner cities and areas that have been neglected and abandoned (see Isaiah 54:3).

54. Greater emphasis on justice and righteousness in society. Dealing with unfairness, inequality, racism, and discrimination (see Isaiah 56:1, 59:4).

55. Greater emphasis on outreach, street ministry, prayer walking. Greater visibility outside of the four walls of the church (see Acts 5:15).

56. Greater encouragement to sell all and forsake all for the sake of the Kingdom. More radical conversions and commitment from the saints (see Matthew 19:27).

57. Greater release of youth and children in salvation, gifts of the Spirit, and ministry (see Isaiah 44:3).

58. Greater release of apostles and prophets, and more ministers step into these callings, being inspired to move into these gifts because of others who have preceded them. The fear and unbelief that have prevented many from walking in these callings will be overcome. The restoration of these gifts means that an abundance of these gifts will be seen in the end-times Church. Multiplied thousands will come forth in different cities, regions, and nations (see Deuteronomy 1:11).

59. The Church will begin to contend for the faith that was once delivered unto the saints (see Jude 1:3).

60. Continuous revival and refreshing released to the Church (see Acts 3:19). This is a result of repentance that comes from the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and this will precede the coming of the Lord (see Acts 3:20). Restoration of all that has been spoken by the prophets (see Acts 3:21).

John Eckhardt
IMPACT Network
Email: cmimpac@aol.com

About John Eckhardt: Gifted with a strong apostolic call, John Eckhardt functions in the office of apostle and overseer of Crusaders Ministries located in Chicago, Illinois. He has ministered throughout the United States and overseas in more than 70 nations. Apostle Eckhardt founded the IMPACT Network (International Ministries of Prophetic and Apostolic Churches Together) as a vehicle for global apostolic reformation. His vision, as a passionate minister of the Gospel, is to see the Church become truly apostolic by developing the saints for ministry and Kingdom living through teaching, training, activation and demonstration.

He has authored more than 35 books, many having been translated into several languages. He is also founder of the Apostolic Institute of Ministry (AIM), and is part of the faculty of the Wagner Leadership Institute (WLI) and a member of the Board of Directors for the International Coalition of Apostles (ICA), both under the leadership of Dr. C. Peter Wagner. He also holds a Doctor of Ministry Degree. Apostle Eckhardt resides in the Chicago area with his lovely wife, Wanda, and their five beautiful children.

Hearing from God - Just YOU and HIM

I was sitting with a dear Pastor friend of mine. I love this man. He has been told by God to go away to get something from the Throne. For several weeks. Alone. Hearing.

I've done this. I do this. Think it's critical. It's solitary. It's hard to hear from God without a silence.

I humbly made the suggestion that he go apart with just a couple gallons of water and a notebook. Then sit and wait for God to speak. He will.

I suggested he not even take his Bible. He is my senior in age and maturity. He has forgotten more about Jesus than I'll ever know. His reaction was that he wouldn't go anywhere without his Bible. I know what he means. I understand.

Sometimes God wants nothing but spirit to Spirit contact. Yes, his word is his Spirit in many ways. Still, in hearing from God, sometimes even having something to read, something to refer to, something to study can cause us to crowd out what the Lord is saying Spirit to spirit in the silence. Sometimes the very book itself can become a prop instead of a sword.

When we go into the bridegroom's bedchamber and he whispers in our ear the word we need to hear we may have to leave our sword just outside the door. We know it's Him because we have studied Him. We know his voice. We have heard him say these things to us before in his love letters. Now, we wait, we listen. We lay our head on His chest and hear the thump thump thump of his heart. Right then, in the quiet, is not the place to read or study. It's the place to remember and write down every precious word of Love the Bridegroom whispers in our ear. It takes quiet to hear him. Silence. You can hear Him breath. Ruauch. Still small and yet mighty wind

That's the point.... Psalm 119:11
"Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against You".

It does not say, "thy word will I carry along with you in a big black book when I come to meet with you". Sometimes he wants just YOU and HIM. That's all. In the quiet. In the Secret place. He's whispering. Can you hear Him? Behind the lattice. He's looking at you. Gazing. Can you feel his gaze? Quiet now... He comes to you.

Chronos and Karios in Prophecy

I can't define how others prophesy. I do know that when I read the OT prophets I often see layers and layers of prophetic application. Particularly when it has to do with Messianic Prophecy.

I know that sometimes when I am given a word from God it becomes time determinate. I won't spend any time trying to give examples, but it has happened several times. It has happened when I have received a picture and a timetable. A year ago the Lord told me of something that would happen the middle of March and last 6 weeks. It did. Once when I was warned of a man in ministry who was out of line with God I prophesied to him that his ministry would die in less than 60 days. It did. Once when a friend of mine was at short ends financially, the Lord showed me that he would come into a new job and a new venture in a week. He did. I received a prophecy in January of last year that I didn't understand where the prophet prophesying over me told me something that would happen in less than a year. It did. A friend of mine was prophesied that he would receive a new house in a few weeks (by the same prophet). He did.

So, I love prophesies that have time in them. They are great for people of little faith. Even for me. On the other hand, God doesn't use his prophets to prophesy Chronos time Prophecies as often as he does, Kairos timing Prophecies. Kairos is in the fullness of time.

For anyone reading this who doesn't know the difference, there is a good explanation of both there. Read it and you will grasp the difference.

The Bible is Packed with Kairos Prophecies. Not many Chronos Prophecies. When Jesus was born it was in the fullness of time. Karios

Most prophecies I get are chronological but Kairos. What I mean is, first this must happen, then that, than this, than that etc. How long this will take for the prophecies to be fulfiled in full I have no idea. I just know that this must happen first and then this is second. It's part of the reason why God gives me insight into what is going to happen in certain economic things. I can tell you what, just not when. I believe this is a protection for me. If he gave me when I might use it to enrich myself. I have learned that knowing what is all I need. I have stopped giving a time unless I am instructed to do so. I'm mostly NOT instructed to do so.

That's the way God is giving me an opening as I seek him for a glimpse of the earthshaking events about to take place in the world in the economy, the Church and in our culture. I am asking the Lord for wisdom and understanding to encourage his church in these things. We must use prophecy for the purpose God gives it, to encourage, to edify, to build up.

Not to create fear and despair.

Even Paul when Agabus prophesied his bondage was not despairing of it. He looked forward. So should we all.

The ultimate Prophecy regarding the return of Jesus is a Kairos Prophecy of the first order. He won't return until "These things be". When? All the prophets in the world don't know and won't know. Soon. How soon. Every one who had to this date fixed a time has been made a fool. I know when a prophecy is Kairos and when it is Chronos. I will provide what the Lord gives me and not what man demands that may not be what the Lord intends.

I hope this helps. We are going to need the prophetic word of victory now more than ever. Man shall not live by bread alone, but by EVERY WORD that proceeds from the mouth of God.

If you don't believe in me as a prophet, go find one you can believe in. I'm not offended. But, test him or her. Measure. Judge. Does what they say line up with the word of God or not? Start there, you'll never go wrong. You WILL need a Rhema fresh word from God. He will use the most crude, rude and unqualified apparently to deliver it to you. He does that so you are not enamored with the prophet but rather the Word he brings. Believe me, the prophet God uses is not going to at all like you think he will be. I know several true proven prophets of God. They are to a man and woman not qualified as a man would qualify. But GOD......

God uses offense to reveal the heart. That was Naaman's problem with Elijah.

A Prophecy by Joni Ames regarding our Economy

Jan 31 2009 12:00AM

GRAB HOLD OF THE HORNS OF THE ALTAR - NOW!!!

by Joni Ames

Dear Friends,

As most of you know, the Lord spoke to me over a year ago that some seriously hard times were about to come on the world. He said that it was important for us to downsize our financial obligations, to be in the proper geographical location that He had for us to be, and to be near family so that we would be able help one another. Therefore, in Feburary of last year (2008), I moved to West Virginia to be near my daughter and grandbabies.

This year and last, I've continued to say this, as well as have been spreading the word as I travel that, in these tough economic times, one of the things the Lord is going to teach us to do is to pool our resources. Many families and/or friends may need to move in together in order to make ends meet. In that, we will have to learn how to get along, for sure!

I believe the Lord gave me an understanding as well that we are in a time similar to when Daniel interpreted the dream for the King and let him know that hard times were ahead. Again, I've had the same sensing for the world, only stronger.

I feel at this time that from now through Spring time will again be a "kairos window of opportunity" for many to get into position. Do not get lulled into a financial sense of security at ANY time with ANY thing. Be SMART. Now would not be a time to LIVE LARGE, unless you just want to have that experience as a memory for the days to come. Now would be the time to put yourself into position to be secure for the next seven to ten years.

I feel that great unrest is ahead for America, and we need to get back to the basics, even in the Church, or this nation as we have known it will no longer exist.

For years, even since I was a child, I've had dreams that America was no longer a large, free, and prosperous nation. Then when I saw the movie, "The Postman" with Kevin Conner, it was like seeing all of those dreams on the screen. However, it was a prophetic picture as to how God will use the Church in days ahead. - As a "postman" with messages of hope for others. And those messages of hope would cause her to, once again, become a great nation.

For the past two years, I've had the term, "Boston Tea Party" spring up in my spirit. In that, I've had a sensing that, just as the Boston Tea Party of 1773 ignited the series of events leading to American independence, so God is calling forth the Church in this time to do exactly that once again. The Church of America WILL be the catalyst for this. First will come revolution and then reconstruction. Because of all the "bail outs" and "friendly fire" against America by those Her people have trusted in and supported, we are about to see a revolution of awakening in America that will make the Boston Tea Party look like a siesta.

I believe the book of Hebrews is important for us in these times. Truly, like a tea bag steeped in boiling water, the Church WILL arise in this time to be the Church that HE BREWS! - And we will be a sweet smelling savor and taste to those who truly desire Hope and Freedom. - And even as it says in Romans 8 - the very earth itself is groaning for the Sons (& Daughters) of God to take their rightful seat of authority in the Earth!

There is warning here. We must not allow the enemy to cause us to conquer ourselves through the use of violence or mayhem, but to do things decently and in order, and thus be used to bring chaos into captivity.

We must seek God and change our own mindsets and lives. Additionally, the Government has refused to stay out of our business, so why should we stay out of theirs? David didn't. Realize that, just as David was used as prophet, priest, and King, there are many Christians God has called "for such a time as this" to arise into government. Back them. Encourage them. Support them, even financially. Attend your local and regional government meetings. Question legislation. Hound your lesiglators. And pray for them.

I encourage you to go to the Intercessors for America website at http://www.ifapray.org/ and download their prayer guides. They are a great help in providing guidelines to pray for those in government as directed by God in 1 Timothy 2:1-4.

I also encourage you to get Josh McDowell's book called "The Last Christian Generation." It will cause you to see where America is at. We must have rapid divine intervention.

Additionally, the Church is going to have to stop trying to be a circus, where "in this corner" is this or that new fad or supposed manifestation, and they will need to learn to be Jesus to the lost, hurting, and needy. Jesus said that what we do to the least, we do to Him, and describes TRUE ministry in Matthew 31. This chapter is so rich for this particular time! In it, Jesus talks about how we are to (1) be like the Wise Virgins and get our own oil, (2) USE our talents, NOT hide them, and (3) He reminds us that TRUE ministry is to give food to the hungry, water to the thirsty, help to house those who need it, give clothes those who need that, and visit those who are sick or in prison.

One of the reasons Soddom was destroyed was pride, and another was for ignoring the plight of the poor and needy, even though they had plenty: "Look, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy." (Ezekiel 16:49)

We are at a serious crossroads in America. We must wake up and do as they used to say in the church, "Take hold of the horns of the altar!" - In other words, get hold of God, hang on, do NOT let go, pray this through, and DO what we are called to do in this hour!

Our God has need of YOU! In Eph. 4:16 it says that when every part of the Body does it's share, it causes growth in the Body. It's time! Time for us all to awake, arise, and do our share!

Don't let anything start stopping you, for it will never stop stopping you!

"Rise! Shine! Your light has come! And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you! Although gross darkness covers the earth, HIS light and HIS glory will rise and shine upon YOU!!! (Is. 60:1 & 2)

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PRAYER

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Lord, help us to keep focused on You and walking in Your Truth and Light. We love You, Lord. Send your Holy Angels to surround and protect us, our families, and our Nation in this time. Empower and cause us to arise and take back the Land! In Jesus' name, Amen
- Joni Ames

JONI AMES
P.O. Box 99
Elkview, WV 25071
JoniAmes@aol.com
Main website: http://www.joniames.org
Newsletter website: http://www.joniames.net
Joni's Ministry calendar: http://www.joniames.com/calendar.htm

Buried under the Snow

This morning we received a pretty good shot of snow. Inches. Then the wind is going to blow.

I got an impression that this is a picture of our recent economic conditions in the world. We just came thru a summer, it seemed like we would live in summer forever.

Then the cold came, then snow, then blizzard. It seems like it will never end. That the cold, snow and wind would never end.

It is going to take a wind, a good sized wind and sun and heat to dissipate the overburden of the snow.

This is going to be a tough thaw, things will be better afterwards, the sun will shine again, things will grow.

It's going to be a long cold spring. It is already.

Dancing as a Bride with her Bridegroom

Kelly has written one of the most beautiful images of passion in Jesus. She is a gifted artist. When I read this I wept. It touched me deeply. She writes at a level of intimacy I know, but don't live in as much as I want to. The world and my fleshly rebellion keeps me from going there sometimes. I want to be THERE. I will go anywhere to get THERE. There is in the heart place. The spirit and truth place. The reality of Jesus place. Take me there - into the holy of holies.

Kelly writes:

There I was, entering His presence with a song of my own, from deep in my spirit. Such a sweet presence of God. But still not all the way where I wanted to be. Deeper, deeper still.

Then the pastor said, "I see a vision. The Lord wants to dance with us". (I know her pastor, Barbra Yoder.)

Still a sweet presence, going ever deeper. Then we got the banners. So hard to wave with the presence of the King descending or arising, which ever, just permeating. Perhaps that is a better description, permeate. Within, without. The silk whispers over my face as I move slower and slower singing to him my song. Then I go into a vision.

I was on a dance floor and it was all dark except the spot light. Me the bride perfect in white with sequins and lace. And the groom. Does he ever cease to be the bridegroom? Our husbands become naturally commonplace yet loved in real life, do we do this with the Lord? Yet is it His portion to ever be the bridegroom with the excitement of a new union.

We dance and He is so fine. I sense I can see his face if I looked. I was shy, almost afraid to look. Because if I looked into His eyes I would be undone. It was so clear, one of the clearest of visions. Here I was face to face with Him and I was afraid to look. I could feel Him looking at me as we danced. Perfectly led. In perfect balance and He was looking at me and said “Look into my eyes”.

I could not, I would be undone! But isn’t that what we seek? What we pray for? To see his face? Show me your face Lord we cry and here I was, able to see His face and afraid to look. Yet I did. I did melt and He never missed a beat and I sung to Him looking into His eyes. Oh the smile of God. Overwhelming pleasure. So holy.

He began to speak to me and said, you have me and I have you. I began to understand that He is affected the same way by us as we are by Him. God! Oh that we would overwhelm Him! He spoke to me about how we are all individuals made uniquely, not one the same. Our voices each made with a frequency of it’s own. Our song, our song touched Him, overwhelms Him like no one other song does. He needs our song. Our love and longs for our voice as we long for His.

At this moment in time I completely understood the synergy of God and man. His need and our need. I could not comprehend God needing me, wanting me. I had really thought it was just a figure of speech but as I was before Him, I knew. I shook Him like He shook me. I was undone.

Can you imagine, the God of this universe, He who is who was who is to be desires us so. I knew this we a modicum of head knowledge but tonight it went so deep into me I went where I had not gone before.

Each of us has our own frequency of voice, of tone, of love song. And He desires this song to be complete. Yet He is all in all, complete within Himself. I am undone.

Unless you know what there looks and feels like, unless you have experienced God at this level, it's hard to take people THERE. You can't impart what you don't posses. You can't give away what you haven't yet received. My prayer today is that every person who reads this will ask the Bridegroom to come and romance their heart until they are undone. To surrender to Him.

Only then can true worship be released. Take me there.....

How Prophets see the Future

Prophets see the future as a 2-D. We see mountains as if they were one. We are able to tell you what will happen first, then next and then after that what will happen. But we see it as one picture. I have come to the conclusion that putting a time line on a prophetic utterance is not good prophecy.

I have found my prophetic utterances to be accurate, just not timely. I have to learn to understand the time line.

A Prophetic Dream worth Reading

Mike Bickle of the IHOP in Kansas City is a man I respect. His prophetic revelation is worth considering (and testing).

You should read it here. I am praying about what this means, if anything. I take seriously Paul's admonition:

1 Thessalonians 5:19-22

¹⁹ Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. ²⁰ Do not scoff at prophecies, ²¹ but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. ²² Stay away from every kind of evil.

NLT

Why the Prophetic is so critical in this time (updated)

People are going to go thru hard times. People will become discouraged. Some will despair.

It will seem hopeless. They will need ministry. Proper ministry.

• Teaching them 5 ways to keep up your attitude won't help.
• Telling them that you feel sorry for them and crying with them won't heal their broken spirit.
• Instructing them, even commanding them to not feel that way won't change how they feel.
• Telling them that they need to get saved (again) won't mend the brokenness they feel.

You will see that the above are four of the Five Ministry gifts, Teacher, Pastor, Apostle and Evangelist. Each of the four gifts have a purpose. What's missing is hope.

Hope comes from promise. Promise comes from the prophetic word of God. A prophet will provide promise and hope from God. Christian communities who fail to embrace and engage the prophetic with their people will fail their people.

The prophet must be heard or people's hearts will fail them for fear. Nothing else will do.

UPDATE:
Ron McKenzie wrote Advice to a Prophet today. It's good, and I invite you to read my supplemental comments. We need to learn to understand and embrace this gift, especially NOW!

A worship song that haunts me ---- you need to get this in your Spirit Man

Grounded F-16 Churches

Ron McKenzie of Blessed Economist has written an insightful post about the Church and the Economy. He paints a pretty bleak picture of what much of the American Church will look like when the economic disaster hits.

Many Christians assume that the economic crisis will turn people back to God, but this is not inevitable. The escapades of the Christian Right have turned many Americans off the church, so they will be more like to turn to alternative religions in time of need. Many people are now so secularised, that God does not even cross their minds when troubles come. Church is not even on the radar. Troubled times might benefit the religions more.

Modern people look to the state when things go wrong. If Obama can kick start the economy, that faith will be further boosted. A worse crisis will just turn people to the state. People in Africa and South America know that government leaders are crooks, who will look after their mates, so their only hope is in something supernatural. Americans have gone the other way. They see the church as crooks, looking after their mates. They will look to the state when troubles come.

To experience a harvest in times of trouble, the church will have to demonstrate a life that is viable, while all others are failing. In an economic collapse, pastor-centric, building-centric churches will be too busy worrying about their overdrafts and mortgages to be able to reap the harvest. Their members will be to busy struggling with their own hire purchase payments and credit card debt to reap a harvest. Non Christians who are struggling with debt will not take seriously churches and Christians who are stuck in the same sinking boat.

To reap a harvest during economic troubles, you will need a model of church that can bring life and hope to where people live. The point of the Commando Vision is that an economic crisis cannot produce a harvest, unless radical Christians get ready to function through tumult. The reason is that most modern churches will be wiped out by the crisis and will not be in a position to help others. I expect that the American church has too many F16 Christians and not enough commando Christians to bring in a harvest in troubled times. Therefore, I doubt that the Lord will put his church through a real economic crisis, because the risk of disaster is just too great.

I will be speaking to the body at Faith Center on this topic in a few weeks in the evening service. It's a hard word. I met with the Pastors and we discussed if what was about to be shared was too difficult for the people. It is difficult and we certainly don't want to be fear mongers. But, these are mature people ready to hear the truth. I'm not certain I would bring this to every church. We will see. Things are changing and only the churches that are ready will survive this. I don't agree with Ron that the Father will hold back the disaster to protect the church, I believe he will allow it to refine and reveal. There are enough commando Christians on the ground to make a worthy assault. The F-16 Christians and Churches will run out of fuel, be grounded or destroyed. Some of those high fliers will become commandos as they realize that it's their only hope.

I hope. If we can offer enough insight we can help them enter into this without surprise. That's part of my job.

Becoming a Fresh Manna Aficionado

The manna in the desert was only good for the day (except on the sabbath). If you tried to hold it over or store it up it would rot.

We need to have fresh manna every day to stay healthy. Eating rotten manna will make us sick and disgust us. There is no substitute.

I have a sense that God is calling his people back to a place of daily dependence on him so we learn to discern, even enjoy only fresh manna. We are to become Manna connoisseurs. Aficionados.

When we pray, "Give us this day our daily bread" it will become real. Not a 401K but a Psalms 40:1 from the King of Kings. We will need to hear from God daily with a fresh word of encouragement and hope. Each man and woman will be responsible for gathering. The manna will be free but you will have to go out to the place where it is.

The manna is the word of God spoken and alive in our hearts to offer us another day of hope. If we try to live and prosper on yesterday's word we will find it bitter and spoiled. Find Manna.

It's all around us. And it's free. It will sustain you. Without it you will starve and die.

A forehead like Flint

Last night (late) over pizza we considered this passage from Ezekiel 3

⁴ He then said to me: "Son of man, go now to the house of Israel and speak my words to them. ⁵ You are not being sent to a people of obscure speech and difficult language, but to the house of Israel- ⁶ not to many peoples of obscure speech and difficult language, whose words you cannot understand. Surely if I had sent you to them, they would have listened to you. ⁷ But the house of Israel is not willing to listen to you because they are not willing to listen to me, for the whole house of Israel is hardened and obstinate. ⁸ But I will make you as unyielding and hardened as they are. ⁹ I will make your forehead like the hardest stone, harder than flint. Do not be afraid of them or terrified by them, though they are a rebellious house."

The context is about Israel, but it fits our day and time. There is an obstinate people, in and out of the media, culture and church.

If we are to prophesy to this people, we must have a forehead like flint and never fear them. Criticism and bad news must not cause God's prophets to back down or back off.

I promise not to.

Anointing Trumps Talent

This morning a young man, Jarrett, sang a song in Church. He is not a great singer. But he really loves Jesus. As he sang I was once more reminded that talent is nothing without the anointing, but Anointing will overcome any deficit.

Not by might, not by power, but by my spirit says the Lord. KJV

I can do all things thru the anointed one and the power of his anointing who strengthens and gives me the ability. Philippians 4:13 (Gene version of the Bible)

Those truths were in full on mode as this young man sang about "He Knows My Name". I teared up. It was that good. Not good in song.... Good in Anointing.

The best singer in the world can't fake the anointing. I know, I have Christian songs sung by unbelievers, unbelievably well, even excellent and they are empty vessels.

Somehow I don't think the Holy Ghost is fooled. 1 Corinthians 13 is still true.

Not Hearing From God even when you ASK

I had one of those subjective prophetic moments this week. A man I know is going thru some hard times. I have been where he is now. He asked my experience and opinion. I gave him good counsel. Not based on what I know, based on what I have lived.

Anvil of Experience type of information.

He sat, talked, listened a little, filtered it, didn't measure it and then decided to go his own way.

His life is a mess. I wanted to help him. The information was accurate and would be helpful if he decided to use it. I had his best interests at heart.

Yet, he ignored it, he didn't hear what I had to say. He is a very proud man and some of what I advised him to do would have required that he reposition himself to survive.

So, he will once more go down the drain. His family will suffer. He will feel victimized. He will blame government and everyone else. The truth is his troubles are all because of bad choices he keeps making. Like we all have.

Now, it's over.

I hear the Lord say, " I have your best interests at heart, I have experienced everything you have, I know pain, if you lack wisdom I will give it to you when you ask, If you will stop telling me what to do I will be your counselor."

Yet all we like sheep have gone astray, everyone his own way.

We need to heed his voice and we would prosper - If we could get past our pride.

Love Song for Jesus

A lot of people are critical of music that is pejoratively labeled "Jesus is my Boyfriend" that is on the market today. Some would say, this is new. It's not. I picked this up from Prophezei.

What most people that read this don't know is this poem is used in the Opera "Dr Atomic". When I read this I immediately recognized it.

When we have passion for Jesus we express it from the heart. I'm not offended by deep love for Him. If it sounds boyfriendly I wonder what is wrong with that? We have too little passion for Jesus, not too much.

John Donne HOLY SONNETS. XIV. Batter my heart, three-person'd God ; for you As yet but knock ; breathe, shine, and seek to mend ; That I may rise, and stand, o'erthrow me, and bend Your force, to break, blow, burn, and make me new. I, like an usurp'd town, to another due, Labour to admit you, but O, to no end. Reason, your viceroy in me, me should defend, But is captived, and proves weak or untrue. Yet dearly I love you, and would be loved fain, But am betroth'd unto your enemy ; Divorce me, untie, or break that knot again, Take me to you, imprison me, for I, Except you enthrall me, never shall be free, Nor ever chaste, except you ravish me. Source: Donne, John. Poems of John Donne. vol I. E. K. Chambers, ed. London: Lawrence & Bullen, 1896. 165. Lucas Cranach, the Elder. The Trinity. From CGFA.

A Word on Wealth Transfer

I have heard for years that the wealth of the wicked was laid up for the Righteous. I think as a Christian I always assumed that somehow it would just happen. Boom. The wicked would just write the Righteous a check.

Doesn't seem like that's how it's going to happen. I have been contemplating Biblical accounts of righteous people coming into great wealth. Mostly that's Old Testament stories.

I won't even TRY to account them here, but it never happened without crisis. Without collapse. Without disaster.

Not Judgement, reordering. Transfer.

We as Christians who understand this principle need to see the hand of God in all that is going on around us and look for the places where God is saying, time to go in and gather the spoils. There will be spoils.

I am starting to see the Plans he has for us, to prosper us. But it won't be what we think. And it can't happen without the changes we see all around us.

If you read this with eyes of faith you will see that this is about Christians and the economy

The Wind, The Rain And Wings To Fly

Beloved, sometimes the earth can be hard. It can be unyielding and cling to the place where it was first established. It can cling to the thing it is attached to, refusing to move or be shifted in the gentle breeze of the day. This is not good so I send a stronger wind and it moves without any resistance.

Sometimes I send gentle rains to soften and warm sun to softly dry in order to make the earth less resistant to change. There are times I send floods in order to move massive amounts of richness found upriver to the valleys below. I simply do what is necessary in any given situation to bring about My intended purpose. You see, I know best how to set you free to live and move…to have your being in Me. I look on the motive of your heart and help you to bring all other aspects of your life into alignment according to your true heart’s desire, Me.

Likewise, My Spirit…My rivers come to flow through your life to deposit the rich treasures found in the deep places of My heart. They come and fill the valleys of your life until they are like a rich fertile plain. Today is no exception. I am pouring Myself into every valley of your physical, emotional and spiritual places in your life. I am moving and shifting the dust and earth of your life from one place to another as I transform it as I once transformed something common into something uncommon and beautiful; Adam and then Eve.

My transformative and creative abilities have never ceased to flourish. They are in a constant state of being. They are in a constant state of creating something out of nothing even as it was in the beginning. I am the self-existent one who turned the vacuum of space… the nothingness of endless voids into an ever-growing container you call the Universe. I created it all out of nothing to hold all the worlds and the starry host of Heaven…to make a habitation for you.

You see, I know best how to set you free to live and move…so you will have your being in Me. I look on the motive of your heart and help you to bring all other aspects of your life into alignment according to your true heart’s desire, Me. I breathe life and speak light into the voids of your life today. Will you receive My life and light without reservation or fear of somehow not becoming all I already say you are?

The power of agreement is a persuasive tool when operated with a heart of faith. Beloved, I do not grow weary, nor do I get tired; so. lay all your burdens and cares upon Me today. Let Me infuse you with My faith, My strength, My hope, My promise…let Me give you all that I am so you can fly with ease as you wait on Me. Renewed strength is yours today if only you will lay all your burdens and cares down and fly.

The POWER of our WORDS

Yesterday I caught myself saying something stupid. A magazine subscription salesperson called and tried to talk me into re upping the subscription I have to a magazine we get.

"They are raising their rates and there is this one time offer for preferred subscribers".

Just so you are aware, that's the same as a car salesman letting the cat out of the bag when you visit an auto dealership today, When the sales person says, "We are overstocked and the boss is out of town". We can make you SUCH A DEAL.

I had some fun with the telemarketer and in the end told her that the subscription to the magazine was good until well into the next decade.

Then I said something I immediately repented of and rebuked seconds after I hung up the phone. I said, "I'll be dead before that magazine subscription runs out".

I was being funny. Except that's not funny. The words we speak reveal our heart and prophesy our future. Particularly when we use words like death and kill.

I believe God allowed me to retract the words I spoke, but I have to get control of a tongue that sometimes runs wild. Particularly as I become aware that the very words I speak come to pass. It's the burden of a prophet when you know that words spoken, even casually are counted as command in heaven. Jesus was speaking particularly to Prophets when he said:

"But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment." Matt 12:36

God will bring to pass what true Prophets speak for his names sake. Let's be careful out there.

The JESUS VIRUS

This morning I got a picture of how as Christians we are to be carriers of Jesus like sometimes we are of the common cold.

Some people we come in contact with because of their circumstances are more susceptible than others to catching it. They have to be in a condition that is receptive and perhaps not as resistant as others.

On the other hand, there are people who grew up in the church who won't hear about Jesus because they have been inoculated. That's a Hebrews 6 condition and is nearly always eternally fatal.

The Jesus virus is unusual because instead of causing sickness and death it brings health, life and well being.

It's the best thing in the world you can pass on. Some churches are places where a full fledged contagion could take place if we could overcome some of the long term resistance to the virus. If a real infection took place it would become a new living Church. Some people use masks to keep from catching Jesus in the church. It prevents them from contagion. They stay asleep in the light and still dead in their sins. Untouched by the virus.

I have been accused of trying to fundamentally change the churches I attend. To make them more like the Church I want to see. OK. Guilty as charged. I'm a carrier. I'm virus laden. If I hang around very long you can count on catching the virus. I hope you do.

We were sent out into the world to be carriers, to infect the world, our families, our churches, our friendships, our communities.

The world is dying and we carry the virus that cures the disease. Let's spread it around. Sneeze Jesus on the world around you. They need to be infected so they can live. It's an upside down kingdom and an upside down virus. One that when they catch it, they get better. I'm for that. So's Jesus, I asked him this morning and he said YES.

Even in our own lives - the light of Holiness is revealing all sorts of things

Every day the news is filled with stories of people being caught, exposed, revealed and outed for sin and corruption.

It's not an evil plot by the media.

The bar has been raised. For all of us. "Get the sin out of your life", the Lord says. Cling to me. Run to me. Hide in me. I'm all your righteousness.

You will be exposed if you hide it. Be Holy as I am Holy. Set apart for Me.

I know you know this, but if you read a newspaper, a blog or watch the news you see what I'm prophesying to you right now. What you see all around is driving back the territory of corruption and sin formerly held by the enemy.

See what God is doing and partner with him. That's the only safe place.

I stumbled

Sometimes a stumble is a prophetic sign.

Yesterday I did. I heard something come out of my own mouth I couldn't believe. I realized I had been hanging out with the wrong people. I had been influenced.

It was a warning shot across my spiritual bow to hear myself say what I did.

I'm going to lay hands on myself and cast that demon out of me. Said with a smile and a sadness at my own humanity.

Rick Joyner's Prophetic Analysis of where our Economy is right now

I have great respect for Rick Joyner of Morningstar. He is a true prophet with prophetic insight the rest of the world only wishes it had. His little book on the revival called "Final Quest" turned my world upside down some years ago. If you haven't read it, I commend it to you.

His analysis of the economics is long, but if you are willing to be instructed and if you are a prophetic leader of a ministry or denomination you owe it to yourself to at least grasp what is being said here.

That is the word of the Lord.

Rock of Ages, Cleft for me, Let me HIDE myself in thee....

What does it mean to HIDE.

I asked, He answered.

It's more than faith. It's more than trust. Both are good, but you can have faith that the newspaper will come and mostly it does, you can trust your neighbor to watch your place when you are out of town.

BUT

Reliance, total unequivocal reliance is faith and trust on spiritual steroids. If I don't get it from you, Lord, I will die.

That's hiding ourselves in him. Read the text of the whole Hymn.

Those things in the Dark are being brought to light

Every day something someone somewhere did is being exposed. A bright light is being shown in dark places. Dark places that no longer are hiding places.

This is the bright light of righteousness, the flood of God.

Thank God for his light.

Two GOOD Words to face the future

One I just received from Nicki Pfeifer is a really good admonition to all of us. This is the word of the Lord given to her for 2009.

It's worth reading. Peggy and I considered it carefully. I commend it to you.


The other is a word that I embrace and pray for us all. We must stay centered and intentional in this time:

Cindy McGill:

"We Must Be Intentional About the Things of God"

There seems to be some things God is directing us to pay close attention to. As times and seasons shift, we have a tendency to be anxious in our efforts to find clear direction. There are many things that would capture our attention and take us off on rabbit trails, going down paths that seem good, but we lose sight of the real focus which is Jesus. Our foundation must be steadfast on the solid Rock and Chief Cornerstone, and when that is secure, we will act and not react when shifting circumstances occur in our lives.

"This is what the Almighty LORD says: I am going to lay a rock in Zion, a rock that has been tested, a precious cornerstone, a solid foundation. Whoever believes [in Him] will not worry." Isaiah 28:16

We Must Be Intentional About Our Love

Our first heart tug is to love the Lord with all of our heart. This is elementary. If we first love the Lord, then other things won't capture our attention and uproot our anchor. From this place, every other thing flows. We cannot love others if we do not know how to love God. As we are intentional about learning to love God and spend time with Him, He instructs us and transforms our hearts to beat with His.

Many things are revealed to us when our focus on Him is first. Things become very clear and defined. When we submit to God, we can then resist the devil and he will run away from us (see James 4:7). The plans of the devil will not work out when our lives are submitted to God who is love and we are clearly handed the victory.

Secondly, we are to be intentional about our love for each other. When we purpose to love each other, it reflects the love of God to a world who is watching. It is the very DNA of the Kingdom of God.

We Must Be Intentional About Our Walk

We must be determined to walk the walk of faith. It is a most certain path that is ordered, bringing us into the very plan of God. We must train our eyes to see what God sees, our mouths to say what God says, our actions to do what God does and live a determined life of honor and preferring someone over ourselves.

Galatians 5:16 tells us that if we walk in the Spirit, we won't carry out the desire of the flesh. When things come up in our lives, we can learn to get God's view on the situation. We can ask God what He thinks and what His plan is for the very thing we are dealing with. We learn to live by the Spirit and not by the things we see. A focused, determined walk will give us open doors, increased anointing, favor, clear direction and make us visible lights in a dark world.

We Must Be Intentional About Our Prayers

Declarations have power. When we pray, believing what we pray with expectancy, God honors our prayers and He answers. Faith-filled prayers that line up with God's Word and plan can bring radical change to situations. God actually looks for these kind of prayers.

Second Chronicles 16:9 says, "For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His."

The authority Jesus gave us, when used in prayer, is unmatched in its transformational power. Spoken, declarative, faith-filled words have creative power. Power to heal, deliver, resurrect, loose, bind, create, prophesy and provide avenues for God's will to be done here on earth like in Heaven. Glory and heavenly manifestations accompany such prayers.

We Must Be Intentional About Our Unity

We must choose to gather ourselves together in unity to pray, eat together, share truths, worship and live our lives. The early Church did this very thing in Acts 2:41-47, and God did mighty signs and wonders in their midst and added to the Church daily those who were being saved.

"So then, those who had received His word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.

"And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved." Acts 2:41-47

It is refreshing when we can all live together in unity of heart and spirit. When we can let down the walls, drop offenses, and choose a heart of gladness and simplicity. The whole atmosphere changes when tensions cease and we choose to love each other. The fact is, none of us know it all. Only God knows it all, and when we humble ourselves and come together in unity, it creates an atmosphere where God will command His blessing (see Psalm 133).

We Must Be Intentional About Our Worship

We are created to worship. Our spirits cry out to worship the One who is so worthy to be worshipped. As we enter a worship time, if we will prepare our hearts to fully surrender to the Lord in worship, our lives are transformed with revelation light. Our worship is breath to God and it is where He chooses to make His address (see Psalm 22).

When we worship God with all of our hearts, it is revolutionary. Divine exchanges take place and our hearts are softened and healed. Anger, bitterness, hurt, depression and the like have to leave when we are in a place of true worship. Deep calls unto deep and our spirits connect with the Holy Spirit. We discover more clearly what we are designed for and our love for Him increases as He pours His love back on us.

Worship is essential for growth in God and our spiritual walk. To the degree we fully abandon ourselves to worship God, we find true freedom from all kinds of heaviness and bondages that try and keep us imprisoned. Someone once said, "We become like the thing we worship." Let's worship God and become like Him.

We Must Be Intentional To Live in the Peace of God

The God of peace crushes satan beneath our feet (see Romans 16:20). Peace will lead us and guide us safely. The only real peace we have is our assurance that God is in complete control. God said He would keep us in perfect peace when our minds are fixed on Him (see Isaiah 26:3). Peace is a major weapon of our warfare. Being anxious for nothing, we can fully trust that God who started a work in us is certainly able to complete it (see Philippians 1:6).

"Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

These may be uncertain times, but God is with us and on our side. There are more with us than those who are against us. If God is for us and fights our battles, then we don't need to fight the torment of fear. Staying in peace and trust delivers a great relief and allows us to keep our focus.

There is much to do in the days ahead. It's truly the Church's finest hour. People are searching for answers and we possess the ANSWER, Jesus. Prodigals returning, people coming to know the Lord, healings, signs, wonders, fresh revelation, mysteries being revealed, new visitations from Heaven are all a part of the coming days.

Let's remain INTENTIONAL in purpose as these new days approach.

What Life is Like when GOD puts his Crosshairs on YOU

In April of 2005 God thru his prophet Kim Clement proclaimed that his sights were on two people. Rappers.

Fifty Cent and Eminem. I know if you read this blog you will think that this is strange to bring up. Where's the prophetic you ask? It's just been amazing to me to watch this all happen. When God announces that he has targeted a specific person, as he did in the case of King Nebuchadnezzar, he will turn your life upside down and all around to bring you to himself and to glorify his name among the people.

I happened to see this article today. God's hand is all over this mans life. And Fifty's.

Fifty and Eminem will either respond to his voice and bow the knee or HE will take them out.

Either way they will bow the knee.

Isn't it all so amazing how God will use a public platform a man has to bring people to himself.

Maybe that's how he will use Barack Obama. I'm praying for him. I don't YET have a word about him in this regard. My flesh is still in the way. But, it's just like the father to bring a man of influence to the place where he publicly declares the truth of God and his absolute sovereignty. Full of the Holy Ghost and power he would rule Righteously. I pray.

One other thing, the KORN part of the Prophecy from Prophet Clement has already taken place. The man so identified has become a voice for Jesus. Isn't Jesus amazing?

The spirit of Korah will destroy a Church

I became impressed to expose the sin of Korah for what it is. Many teachers will tell you it was ambition. Or rebellion.

All that is true. But what is the spirit behind the sin of Korah? It is denial of God's gifts among the people of God. It's a refusal to accept and embrace those who bring what God wants to send.

Like the Pharisees of Jesus day, the Korah spirit tries to kill and silence the gifts of God in the church. They do it thru tradition. They do it thru structure. They do it by denomination. They do it by theologies that deny God's ability to ordain certain people to do what he calls them to do.

It begins by people saying, what does he or she have that I don't have spiritually. Since they come up short, they deny that the person God has ordained is bringing something new and fresh.

"I can do that", they say. Or, as a freind of mine said, "we are all called of God". Yes, and NO. Korah was called of God, to support Moses. But he believed that he was called, destined to be more.

The Korah spirit led 15,000 to their deaths. The Korah spirit is leading many in the church today to their spiritual deaths. A lack of recognition of the gifts of God in the church of Jesus causes a spiritual castration to take place. It will look like church, but something is missing.

And when the time for multiplication comes, it will be impotent. I don't often say this, but this IS the Word of the Lord.

"Stop the neutering the Body of Christ with the spirit of Korah. Remove the Korahs from your midst and silence them. They will destroy many leading them into the pit".

A Vision from Heaven by Faith

In my quiet time I considered the death of a cousin of mine last week. He was my age. Died suddenly. Unexpected. Truly no man knows the day nor the hour.

It has caused me to think. I'm actually a little older than he was.

While just thinking and praying this morning I had a vision of him smiling down from heaven. The same smile he always displayed on earth. Tonight when I was writing a note to his brother, I found myself becoming emotional. That picture came to my mind once again.

I know that theologically this is just silly. I understand that. But, perhaps the Holy Spirit allowed me to see him as I believe him to be, in the presence of Jesus.

Maybe it was a gift of faith from the throne that opened my spiritual eyes for a brief moment.

1 Corinthians 12:
7Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,^[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.^[b] 11All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.

He is the great comforter. I was comforted. I hope you will be as well when you need to be.

I do know this, when I change worlds and step following him from time into eternity, I will see his again.

That is the Blessed Hope of Glory. Thank God for Eyes of Faith.