Word For 2011

The Lord has chosen the people and places for His Glory to dwell in the earth. He is adorning and beautifying those He has chosen (in the Spirit). These are the ones who are full of joy, and who continually praise Him for His goodness, even though much has not yet manifested. However, this company of believers is about to see such an overflow of abundant blessings in their lives, that they will hardly be able to contain all that God will pour out.

There will be such a manifestation of the power and presence of Holy Spirit in these lives, that people will see and be drawn to them. God Himself will make a name for them. No self-promotion will be needed. Wealthy men and women from all nations of the world will be drawn to these believers in the places where God has planted them. There will be no lack of finances for the work of the Kingdom. It will be evident to all that the very hand and favor of God are upon these people, ministries, and churches.

Even though the Lord will make a name for those He glorifies, only God will receive the glory for the miracles, signs, and wonders. As in the early church, these present day disciples will humbly glorify the Name of Jesus, desiring no recognition for themselves or their ministry.

Jeremiah 13:11 - "'For as the waistband clings to the waist of a man, so I made the whole household of Israel and the whole household of Judah cling to Me,' declares the Lord, 'that they might be for Me a people for a name, for praise, and for glory...'"

Jeremiah 33:9 - "And it shall be to Me a name of joy, praise, and glory before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear of all the good that I do for them, and they shall fear and tremble because of all the good and all the peace that I make for it."

Meeting Place

The Lord revealed that He is establishing "meeting places" upon the earth that will be filled with His glory, and that will become known as places to meet and speak with God.

He has always met with believers individually, as we are His temple. Such corporate places as Toronto, Canada, and Pensacola, Florida, have become temporary dwelling places of His glory, where multiplied hundreds of people have been saved, healed, and delivered. However, I believe the Lord is designating many such corporate places in this hour where He will choose to manifest His glory on a continual basis.

Deut.12:5 - "But you shall seek the Lord at the place which the Lord your God shall choose from all your tribes, to establish His name there for His dwelling, and there you shall come."

Exod.29:42-45 - ".... the tent of meeting, where I will meet with you, to speak to you there. And I will meet there with the sons of Israel, and it shall be consecrated by My glory."

This will be evidence of Amos's prophecy that in the last days, God will raise up the fallen tabernacle of David (Amos 9:11; Acts 15:15-18). The Lord desires that "all mankind may seek the Lord", and the Holy Spirit will draw men to the homes, churches, ministries, and buildings that the Lord Himself has designated and chosen to beautify (glorify).

NUGGET OF GOLD: Just as many in the time of Jesus missed the hour of their visitation, let us not be counted among those today. If we're seeking the manifestation of His glory only in our local churches or from well-known ministries, we may miss Him. Let us be alert and watchful in the comning days and weeks, and may we quickly follow Him wherever He may lead us.

The Things Revealed

It is at this time that the Lord is revealing those things that He has prepared for us, His children. There remain secret things known only to the Father, but He is reminding us in this Christmas season that if He has revealed something, it belongs to us!

Deut. 29:29 - "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us, and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law."

What has the Lord revealed through His word, through dreams and visions, and through prophetic utterance? If you've seen it in the Spirit, then the Father wants you to know that it belongs to you.

1 Cor.2:9-13 - "Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him. For to us God revealed them through the Spirit..... Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things freely given to us by God; which things we also speak....."

God wants us to know those things that He has prepared for us in this hour. He is revealing spiritual gifts, material gifts, provision, blessings, creative ideas, and ministries that are about to be birthed into this natural realm. Our part is to freely receive those things that He reveals, and then gratefully and thankfully speak of them.

RELEASE!

As I was awakening this morning, I heard the Lord speak the word "Release!" I immediately knew in my spirit that the King of Kings, Jesus, had issued this command and that His people were now being released from that which has restrained, confined, burdened, and oppressed them. Release also carries the meaning of "discharge from an obligation or a responsibility".

We have come to a Kairos moment in which we are being set free, adorned as royalty, and anticipating the soon command of our King to go forth into that which He has prepared for us from the foundation of the world.

Joseph came to such a time in his life. At the age of 17, God showed him his future inheritance in a vision (Gen.37:5-10), but it wasn't until the age of 30 that he "stood before Pharaoh, king of Egypt", and received his promotion to second in command over all the nation (Gen.41:46). Scripture tells us that while he was waiting, in confinement, the Word that the Lord had spoken was refining him as silver is refined, and testing him as gold is tested in the furnace.

Psalm 105:18-22 - "They afflicted his feet with fetters. He himself was laid in irons; until the time that His word came to pass, the word of the Lord tested (refined) him. The king sent and released him, the ruler of the peoples, and set him free. He made him lord of his house, and ruler over all his possessions, to imprison (bind) his princes at his will.... "

The Lord is granting great authority to the people that He has now released, those who have successfully come through the fires of testing and refining. This authority will be seen in the spirit realm first, and evidence in the natural realm will quickly follow. This is a quick work. Jesus has already issued the command. Our part is to obey that which He has already been speaking to us. It may involve coming out of a job, relationship, or even a ministry or church affiliation, if in that place we have not experienced the complete freedom of the Spirit.

Those who the Lord has released will now bear the Isaiah 61 anointing in great measure, to proclaim RELEASE to the captives, and freedom to the prisoners; to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God!

Captain of the Hosts

Jesus has come now as Captain of the Host of the Lord. His sword is drawn, and He has lifted up His standard over the people who have separated themselves wholly unto His purposes, and at His command. This is the time that we are taking the land of our inheritance, and God's enemies will be removed by force. His mighty angels are joining the people of God in battle to enforce the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven. We know, of course, that only after the Great Tribulation, and during the thousand year reign of Christ, will we see a complete fulfillment of the Lord's Kingdom reign on earth. However, the Lord is now establishing His rule (through His people and according to His promises) in many places in the earth, and He has given us the authority to execute the judgments that are written (Psalm 149:6-9).

Joshua 5:13,14 - "Now it came about when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing opposite him with his sword drawn in his hand, and Joshua went to him and said to him, 'Are you for us or for our adversaries?' And he said, 'No, rather I indeed come now as captain of the host of the Lord.'"

In May of this year, I heard the Lord say that "polarization" had taken place in the body of Christ. This describes a division into two opposites, as opposed to a continuum. I also heard Him say on Memorial Day of this year to "Muster yourselves in troops" (Micah 5:1). This was a clear indication that He was gathering His people together in a new way - with one heart, one mind, and a single purpose. No longer was He allowing mixture in His called out ones.

The Lord said that both His people, as well as the enemy, have been under camouflage. The word "camouflage" means to disguise (esp. military equipment or installations), conceal, hide, or deceive. God's warriors have been largely hidden until this time, but He is beginning to call us forth. At the same time, the Lord will remove the covering the enemy has depended on to mask insincere behavior, trickery, and artifice in the body of Christ.

2 Tim.3:13 - "But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived."

Malachi 3:18 - "So you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him."

NUGGET OF GOLD: Let us be alert and sober minded in this day. These are truly the best of times and the worst of times. It is the church's finest hour, but these are also days of increasing darkness. The devil has "come down to the earth, having great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time." (Rev.12:12). But as Daniel prophesies, "The people who know their God will display strength and take action." (Daniel 11:32)

Unwrap Your Gift!

I heard the Lord say "unwrap", which means "to disclose; reveal; make known". He went on to say that during this Christmas season, He wants to show us those things that we've been asking and seeking Him for with regard to the coming year. Many find themselves waiting upon the Lord, having obeyed His instructions during the past months and seeing many things come to a completion. There's now a question before the Lord, "What's next?" "What will You be doing in the coming year?" "What is the new thing You'll be doing in my life?"

The Lord would say, "Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him. For to us God revealed them through the Spirit.... which things we also speak...." (1 Cor.2:9,10 13)

God wishes to disclose to us what is to come! He is instructing us to press in during this Christmas season to bring clarity to that which He has already begun showing us in dreams and visions, through a word of prophecy, and in the still, small voice of Holy Spirit.

John 16:13-15 - "But when He, the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth, for He will not speak on His own initiative; but whatever He hears He will speak. And He will disclose to you what is to come. He shall glorify Me, for He shall take of Mine and shall disclose it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine....."

Then, we are to proclaim and declare those things which He shows us, before they come to pass. The Lord Himself shows us this pattern in Isaiah:

Isa.48:3-6 - "I declared the former things long ago, and they went forth from My mouth, and I proclaimed them. Suddenly I acted, and they came to pass. I proclaim to you new things from this time, even hidden things which you have not known. They are created now and not long ago."

NUGGET OF GOLD: It is God's desire that each of us know what lies immediately ahead. He's called us to participate with Him in bringing our future to pass. Let us be intentional about seeking His face during this special season, knowing that He has gifts for us that He would have us "unwrap". These gifts include gifts of the Spirit, as well as understanding what the Lord has prepared for us in the days and year ahead.

Time Revelations and Breaking Through Into The Supernatural

Before something comes into existence in the natural, it is first created by the word of faith. It must be declared and proclaimed!

Isa.42:9 - "Behold, the former things have come to pass. Now I declare new things. Before they spring forth I proclaim them to you."

Isa.48:3-7 - "I declared the former things long ago, and they went forth from My mouth, and I proclaimed them. Suddenly I acted and they came to pass... Therefore, I declared them to you long ago. Before they took place I proclaimed them to you.... I proclaim to you new things from this time, even hidden things which you have not known. They are created now and not long ago."

Hebrews 11:3 - "By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible."

The prophetic word has to build mass and momentum over a period of time to come out of the spirit realm into the natural realm.

I believe the Lord revealed that it takes 30 days to create!

Bev Robinson, in her booklet, "Quantum Physics", states, "God has given us the power to create our own world, just as He did. The Lord says, 'I tell you that every word you speak creates your own world.... You begin with words that were first formed in your heart and mind. Consistently speaking those faith-filled words is essential.'"

I believe the Lord has ordained certain pre-determined periods of time that He has designated to accomplish/produce certain results. We see this in the number "40" with regard to trial and break-through. We see this in the 1 hour Jesus designated as the daily time with Him required to strengthen the flesh against temptation (Matt.26:40,41 - "So you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour? Keep watching and praying, that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.")

I recently heard the Lord say, "rarefied atmosphere". The word "rarefied" indicates a condition of being thin, porous, and less dense, requiring minimum pressure to penetrate. I believe God is saying that there is now a very thin veil separating the earth's atmosphere and the atmosphere of heaven/supernatural realm. It now requires much less effort to break through!

NUGGET OF GOLD: Let us purpose to take one or two (or more) of the promises the Lord has quickened to us, and for 30 days declare and decree these things that we're believing for. Instead of waiting passively for the Lord to move, let us join Him as together we create the circumstances in our lives that He has promised!

Manifestation of The Sons of God

The Lord spoke that we are now in a time that He is manifesting His glory in and through the sons He has prepared. He will manifest His glory through miracles, signs, and wonders, and through immediate fulfillment of the prophetic word.

1 COR.2:4,5 - "And my message (word) and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God."

For the past number of years (5-20+), the Lord has been preparing a people for His Glory in the refining fires of His Spirit (Mal.3:3). The remnant that has yielded to this work of the Spirit has been refined as silver and gold. That which He has produced in us has become the "greater weight of glory" spoken of in 2 Cor.4:17. Just as Jesus manifested the glory that was within Him when He changed the water into wine at the marriage feast in Cana, so, too, will we manifest the glory within us through healings, deliverance, signs, and miracles.

JOHN 2:11 - "This beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory...."

Chuck Pierce declared recently that there is a certain moment for manifestation. I believe the Lord has given the authority to His people, as we hear His voice and operate in His anointing, to decree the manifestation in this hour! He is saying, "Behold, NOW is the acceptable time. Behold, NOW is the day of salvation!" (2 Cor.6:2)

NUGGET OF GOLD: Let us step into the hour and the power of the Kingdom, "for the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God!" (Romans 8:19) Let us speak boldly as Peter did in Acts 3:6 -

"I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you; In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene - walk!"

Hope For The Future

The Lord spoke these words, "Hope for the future", and then reminded me of promises that He has made to me over the years. There are three words in particular that He quickens to me on a fairly regular basis. Like many of you, I've maintained my faith and hope in these promises, knowing that "what He had promised, He was able also to perform" (Romans 4:21). However, the Lord showed me that I had actually lost hope for these words, and I found myself crying out for Him to revive my hope!

Hebrews 6:11 - "And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end."

Vines defines this full assurance of hope as expressing the completeness of its activity in the soul (mind, will, emotions). Thus, there's a completeness required of hope in order for it to become the substance of faith in Hebrews 11:1. The Lord showed me that when our promises haven't yet materialized in the natural, there's a remaining work of Holy Spirit in our souls.

When I prayed for the Lord to revive my hope, I was asking Him to cause it to become active again! Hope had become passive in my soul without my even realizing it.

Hosea 6:1-3 - "He will revive us after two days; He will raise us up on the third day, that we may live before Him."

NUGGET OF GOLD: Let us come before the Lord and cry out for Him to revive the hopes and promises for the future that have already been spoken over our lives. Then, fully trust Him who is able to bring these words to pass in our lives in His perfect time.

Two Baskets of Figs

The Lord had me turn to Jeremiah 24 and then spoke a very sobering word. He said that the separation in the body of Christ has already taken place between those who serve Him with a whole heart and those who don't. He said that those who have given Him all of their hearts will now receive ALL OF HIM!

JEREMIAH 24:1-10 - "The Lord showed me: behold, two baskets of figs set before the temple of the Lord! One basket had very good figs, like first-ripe figs, and the other basket had very bad figs, which could not be eaten due to rottenness."

The Lord says in Jeremiah that He will set His eyes on the "good figs" to plant them and build them up. He will fully enter into covenant with those who have completely given themselves to Him. We will have unparalleled access to all that He is and all that He has in a way that has not been available before this time

What's the verdict for those who have not yielded to the gentle (and sometimes not so gentle) nudgings of the Holy Spirit over the past number of years? Following are some of the things I believe the Lord has shown me through His Word:

1. According to Jeremiah 24:8, the Lord will abandon (give up) the bad figs. He will remove His presence and His blessings.
2. According to Isaiah 22:8, He will remove their covering.
3. According to Hosea 4:17, the Lord will "let them alone". Thus, these Christians will be left to their own devices, reaping from the ways of the world and the world system as "darkness covers the earth and deep darkness the peoples" (Isa.60:2).

FIRE and GLORY!

I heard the Lord speak the words, "Fire and Glory", and I knew that He was speaking of a particular work of the Holy Spirit in the season/new year we've just entered. I perceived Him saying, "These are the best of times and the worst of times!"

EXODUS 24:17 - "And to the eyes of the sons of Israel the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a consuming fire on the mountain top."

Over the past months, the Lord has been making "glory deposits" in His people. These deposits have had a purifying effect on those who have submitted to this work of the Holy Spirit to "make ready a people prepared for the Lord" (Luke 1:17).
We're actually being clothed in His glory as we allow the fire of the Lord to cleanse and sanctify us.

MALACHI 3:3 - "And He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi, and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the Lord offerings in righteousness."

This new mantle of Glory will be our protection in the times just ahead. But for the unrighteous (beginning first with the household of God), the fire and glory of His presence will bring judgment and loss. Every work that has not been built according to His Spirit will be revealed (1 Cor.3:10-15). Everything that does not bear fruit will be cut off (Luke 3:9).

MALACHI 4:1 - "For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and every evildoer will be chaff, and the day that is coming will set them ablaze," says the Lord of hosts, "so that it will leave them neither root nor branch."

NUGGET OF GOLD: These are indeed the best of times and the worst of times. The hour has come for those who have been baptized with Holy Spirit fire to shine like the sun. The Lord is sending us forth to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom, with signs and wonders following! He has "clothed us with power from on high" (Luke 24:49), and we are His witnesses. Let us be bold and confident, knowing that His Glory is upon us!

The Prophetic Word

I believe the Lord revealed that we have come to a time when there will be no more delay in the manifestation of the prophetic word! The Holy Spirit is indicating that He has prepared vessels who can be trusted to speak only that which He is speaking, and to deliver the prophetic word only when sent by Him.

2Peter 1:20,21 - "But know this first of all, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God."

Prophecy has the power to move through time and space and to release the thing being prophesied. Faith is the delivery system (Rom.12:6 - "if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith."). The Book of Joel speaks of a time when there will be a restoration of prophecy, accompanied by miracles, signs, and wonders. I believe the Lord is indicating that the body of Christ has now entered into this time and season.

The Lord quickened the following with regard to this new season:

Ezekiel 12:23-28 - "The days draw near as well as the fulfillment of every vision. For there will no longer be any false vision or flattering divination.... For I the Lord shall speak, and whatever word I speak will be performed. It will NO LONGER BE DELAYED, for in your days, O rebellious house, I shall speak the word and perform it. Son of man, behold, the house of Israel is saying, 'The vision that he sees is for many years from now, and he prophesies of times far off.' "Therefore say to them, 'Thus says the Lord God, "None of My words will be delayed any longer. Whatever word I speak will be performed"'", declares the Lord God."

NUGGET OF GOLD: We're living in a time when both the kindness of God and His severity will be seen in the earth, beginning with His people. For decades, the Lord has sent many prophetic words and warnings, but few have heeded His call. We will now see a swift harvest of actions and decisions, with judgment falling on those things that do not line up with the Word of God. The true prophetic word of the Lord will go forth, with almost immediate fulfillment.

May we be sober and watchful, giving God the Glory!

A Time To Be Opened

I believe the Lord is indicating by His Spirit that we have entered a window of time for things TO BE OPENED to us! By faith, we are to proclaim "opening" to circumstances, finances, understanding, eyes, ears, and even wombs.

Isaiah 61:1 - "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to PROCLAIM liberty to captives, and OPENING to prisoners..."

Here are some of the areas that I feel the Lord has released grace for opening:

OPENING OF EYES TO SEE (Matt.9:29,30)
OPENING OF UNDERSTANDING (Luke 24:45)
OPENING OF GATES/TREASURES (Isa.45:1-3)
OPENING OF WINDOWS OF HEAVEN TO POUR OUT BLESSINGS (Mal.3:10)
OPENING OF DOORS WHEN WE KNOCK (Luke 11:10)
OPENING OF DOOR IN HEAVEN TO REVEAL THINGS TO COME (Rev.4:1)
OPENING OF EARS TO HEAR (Matt.13:16)
OPENING OF WOMBS (Gen.29:31; Gen.30:22)
OPENING OF THAT WHICH IS BLOCKED WITH THE KEY OF DAVID (Isa.22:22;Rev.3:7)

Nugget of Gold: Proclaim opening to that which has been closed! Receive your opening by faith, knowing that God is for you and that He has ordained this window of time for the manifestation of your promises.

Lord, may You confirm Your word, granting that signs and wonders be done in our midst!

The Prophetic Word

True prophecy releases the thing that is being prophesied. These are the words that we hear as we stand in the very presence of God, and then are sent by Him to deliver them.

2 Pet.1:20,21 - "But know this first of all, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men MOVED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT spoke from God."

Prophecy moves through time and space, and faith is the delivery system.

Rom.12:6 - "....if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith."

I believe we have come to a time when the words released by the Spirit of God will have quick manifestations in this natural realm. As Keith Miller announced in a recent conference, "NO MORE DELAY!"

Ezek.12:25;28 - "'For I the Lord shall speak, and whatever word I speak will be performed. It will no longer be delayed, for in your days.... I shall speak the word and perform it', declares the Lord."

Whirlwinds of Fire

At a recent visit of Chuck Pierce to Houston, a prophetic word went forth about "whirlwinds of fire" seen throughout the city. The Lord prompted me to re-visit what He had spoken a year ago about His whirlwind (see blog dated August 24,2009).

Proverbs 10:25 - "When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more, but the righteous has an everlasting FOUNDATION."

1 Cor.3:11,13 - "For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ..... each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it, because it is to be revealed with FIRE; and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work."

I believe the Lord has released His whirlwind! Destruction is coming for those who have built on any foundation other than Jesus. These people, churches, and ministries will suffer loss if they've built according to man's wisdom, which "is foolishness before God". However, His whirlwind will pick up and propel His righteous ones to the place that He has prepared for us! The Lord will reward those who have built according to His Spirit, and it is these "structures" that will go forward into this decade and beyond!

Evidence Of The Promise

The Lord quickened to me that He is releasing tangible evidence of the prophetic promises He has given to us. This evidence of what is soon to manifest fully will be seen by "eyewitnesses", thus leaving no doubt of that which God has spoken.

2 Peter 1:16-19 - "We were eyewitnesses.... And we ourselves heard this utterance.... And so we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place until the day dawns...."

The word "sure" is defined by Webster's dictionary as "reliable; trustworthy; basing of a conclusion or conviction on definite grounds or indubitable (too evident to be doubted) evidence". Until now, the prophetic words that the Lord has given to each of us have stood as "a lamp shining in a dark place". But now, the "day dawns", and that which has been spoken in private will be seen openly.

The Lord recently demonstrated this in our women's ministry through a substantial donation. This money is enabling us to proceed with two projects the Lord had given to us, but is also a clear indication of His pleasure and favor. Thus, the prophetic word concerning the future of this ministry was "made more sure"!

NUGGET OF GOLD: What prophetic promises has the Lord given to you? Is He quickening one or more of them? Be looking for a manifestation concerning your Word, and know that the time of its fulfillment draws near.

Written Words

The Lord quickened the importance of writing down the words that He speaks to us, whether "face-to-face", through a prophetic word delivered by another believer, or in dreams and visions. The significance of the written record is threefold:

1. As a COVENANT with the Lord.
2. As a MEMORIAL before ourselves and the Lord.
3. As a WITNESS

Exod.34:27 - "Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Write down (for yourself) these words, for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel.'"

Exod.17:14 - "Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Write this in a book as a memorial...'"

John 5:39 - "You search the scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is these that bear witness of Me."

A covenant is a written agreement. A memorial is something that keeps remembrance alive, and a witness bears testimony. The Lord would have us know how imperative it is to have a written record of all the words He speaks to us personally and individually, that we may secure our destiny and inherit all that He has appointed for us.

Let us come before the Lord, the Righteous Judge, and remind Him of His words. Let us confirm the covenant He has made with us for our promises, and let us add the testimony of our mouths as we decree His will for us!

God's Timetable

The "times and seasons" of the Lord occur in cycles. A cycle is defined as "an interval of time during which a sequence of a recurring succession of events or phenomena is completed."

I believe the Lord revealed that the Book of Joel represents a key cycle in the Spirit. Although this prophetic book has its ultimate fulfillment in the end times, I believe the body of Christ is currently positioned in Joel 2:18-24.

Joel 2:24 - "And the threshing floors will be full of grain; and the vats will overflow with the new wine and oil."

As we see in the first chapter of Joel, the cycle begins with judgment and devastation...... a total stripping away of that which had existed before the locusts came. In the midst of this desolation, the Lord calls for His people to repent and turn back to Him.

Joel 2:12,13 - "Yet even now, declares the Lord, return to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, weeping, and mourning; And rend your heart and not your garments."

When this is our response, the Lord promises full restoration (vs.18-27), followed by a pouring out of His Spirit (vs.28,29). This is followed by a display of signs, wonders, and miracles (vs.30-32), and the "Valley of Decision" (Joel 3:14) for all flesh.

Have we been looking for signs and wonders? Have we cried out to the Lord for a great harvest of souls? Yes, many in the church are pressing in like never before through prayer, intercession, repentance, and worship. However, we've missed the promise of restoration that comes before such outpourings. The body of Christ, as a whole, has been unaware of the warfare that preceeds and guarantees this restoration. Just as the children of Israel crossed the Jordan into the promised land, only to fight and drive out the giants so that they could take possession of their inheritance, so is warfare required for us to inherit our promise.

When God's people humble themselves and return to Him with a whole heart, He arises as a Man of War to fight our enemies and restore to us our rightful inheritance!

Isa.42:13 - "The Lord will go forth like a warrior. He will arouse His zeal like a man of war. He will utter a shout; yes, He will raise a war cry. He will prevail against His enemies."
Joel 2:20 - "I will remove the northern (demonic) army far from you. And I will drive it into a parched and desolate land, and its vanguard into the eastern sea, and its rear guard into the western sea...."

I believe we are NOW seeing the Lord arise to battle our enemies, as we fight and decree the victory in concert with the Lord of Hosts and the angels! As we complete our travel through the narrow place (prophesied by Chuck Pierce and others), I believe the new year (beginning September 9, 2010) will see the promised restoration, followed quickly by an outpouring of the Holy Spirit such as we've never seen before. This will be accompanied by miracles, signs, and wonders, and God's people will do exploits and win many to Christ.

Nugget of Gold: Hold the course! Victory is at hand! There will be no more delay in our lives as we boldly stand on the promises we've been given! The Lord has formed His new wine skins and filled us with the new wine. He has poured out a fresh anointing, and we are filled with His Spirit!

The Lord's Exiles

The Lord prompted me to turn to Jeremiah 24, and He drew my attention to something that I hadn't noticed in these passages.

Jer.24:5 - "Thus says the Lord God of Israel, 'Like these good figs, so I will regard as good the captives of Judah whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans.'"

Jer.29:4 - "Thus says the Lord of hosts.... to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon...."
vs.5 - "Build houses and live in them; and plant gardens and eat their produce."

An "exile" is one who separates himself from his home. It is someone who is either forced or is voluntarily absent from one's country or home. The Lord speaks very clearly in Jeremiah 24 and 29 that His Blessings and Prosperity are for those who He sent into captivity. These exiles were those who obeyed Him, even though the outward circumstances of leaving their homes and country seemed just the opposite of wisdom. In fact, God pronounced a curse upon those who remained behind and who didn't choose to go into exile with their brothers. The blessing and the promise of a future inheritance in Jer. 29, which is so familiar and so often quoted, was for the EXILES who had obeyed God!

Jesus tells us in Matthew 10:37 - "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me....", and in Matthew 19:29 - "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name's sake, shall receive many times as much, and shall inherit eternal life."

Abraham was told in Genesis 12:1-3 - "Go forth from your country, and from your relatives, and from your father's house, to the land which I will show you. And I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing." What if Abraham had not obeyed God by leaving his country and his people?

Nugget of Gold: God always requires separation from all that is in and of the world, including our loved ones. This separation, or "coming out", is most often in our hearts alone, but sometimes more will be required of us. God will have no other gods/idols before Him. Thus, we are required to place children, fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, etc., on the altar. We are required to leave all to follow Him.

Have we become exiles from the world for His Kingdom?

ALERT!

This morning while in prayer, I felt that I heard the following: "Mushroom cloud"; "Battleship ready"; "Watch port side (left side)"; "Strait of Hormuz".

The Strait of Hormuz is the most strategic passage for oil tankers to deliver oil to the United States, Japan, and western Europe. A disruption in this flow would greatly increase the price of oil and would create a great hardship on this and other nations. As we know from recent history, the Persion Gulf area is one of the most volatile on the planet, and word about an impending attack would not be surprising.

My purpose for recording this is twofold:

1. Have a record of this word in writing, as only time will tell whether or not it is a true Word of the Lord.
2. Urge immediate prayer for this situation, and a continued watchfulness into the future.

Entering The Glory

In the Book of Exodus, God told Moses to consecrate the people and set a boundary around the mountain where He was about to meet with him. Then, Aaron and seventy of the elders of Israel were permitted to ascend to a certain place on that mountain, but Moses alone was able to enter the glory to see God face-to-face.

Exodus 24:1,2 - "Then He said to Moses, 'Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu and seventy of the elders of Israel, and you shall worship at a distance. Moses alone, however, shall come near to the Lord, but they shall not come near, nor shall the people come up with him.'"

Exodus 24:16,17 - "And the glory of the Lord rested on Mount Sinai.... and to the eyes of the sons of Israel, the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a consuming fire on the mountain top."

Psalm 24 gives us an understanding of why only Moses was able to approach God, and this example holds a vital truth for us today.

Psalm 24:3,4 - "Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord (His Glory)? And who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands (body) and a pure heart (spirit); who has not lifted up his SOUL to falsehood."

The Lord is holy, and His word is pure (Psalm 12:6). Only those who have been sanctified spirit, soul, and body may approach Him.

1 Thess.5:23 - "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."

God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29), and the fire of His jealous love consumes all that hinders our walk with Him (Song of Songs 8:6). Ask the Lord to examine your heart AND your soul (mind, will, emotions), to purify your motives, and to bring everything into alignment with His perfect will for your life. Then, we can pray with assurance that our heart is pure, and that we have not "lifted up our soul to falsehood." We will enter His glory realm and experience all that He has prepared for us!

Glory Deposits

I believe the Lord revealed that He has made "Glory Deposits" in the land. These deposits are both supernatural and literal. Much has been reported in recent months about gold "flecks" coming down from the heavens during times of intense praise and worship. Chuck Pierce prophesied during a recent conference that "God is looking for certain places to manifest His glory."

Scripture speaks much of the Gold of Ophir, a region from which both David and Solomon obtained gold for building the temple. It's exact location, however, is a mystery. I believe we have entered a time when the Lord is aligning the heavens with the earth in such a way that His "hidden treasures of darkness" will be released and manifested for His people. The land has always been part of our inheritance, and God is now positioning us and bringing His Bride into a right relationship with the earth.

Isa. 45:3 - "And I will give you the (hoarded) treasures of darkness, and hidden wealth of secret places..."

Manna and The Glory

While at a recent women's ministry meeting, I heard the Lord say "Coriander". I knew this was in reference to the supernatural provision of manna that the children of Israel were fed in the wilderness. The Glory of God was present in the meeting, and I felt led to "gather in" the provision the Lord had for me in that atmosphere of heaven. Several types of provision were called out and received by faith in those present, including the solution to difficult problems and a renewing of youth.

I hear the Lord say that there's grace to gather in this season, which will prepare us for the season (and decade) ahead! He first spoke this word to me on September 1, 2009, as we were about to enter the new year.

Deut.11:10-15 - "For the land into which you are entering to possess it, is not like the land of Egypt from which you came.... (it is) a land for which the Lord your God cares; the eyes of the Lord your God are always on it.... He will give the rain for your land in its season, the early and late rain, that you may gather in your grain, and your new wine and your oil."

On December 22, 2009, the Lord spoke that He was releasing a DOUBLE PORTION for the coming year. I now believe the Lord has revealed both the significance and the necessity of "gathering in" a double portion during this time, in preparation for the season and decade just ahead. The body of Christ will need to walk in the fullness of the anointing, gifts, provision, health, wisdom, etc., that is available to us.

Exodus 16:4,5 - "Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you. And the people shall go out and gather a day's portion every day.... And it will come about on the sixth day.... it will be twice as much as they gather daily."
Exodus 16:29-31 - "See, the Lord has given you the sabbath; therefore He gives you bread for two days on the sixth day.... So the people rested on the seventh day. And the house of Israel named it manna, and it was like coriander seed, white; and its taste was like wafers with honey."

Nugget of Gold: I believe we are in a "sixth day" season, in which the Lord is extending grace to gather what is needed for the seventh day. This can only be accomplished by crossing over into the GLORY REALM of His supernatural provision. In the Glory is everything needed for life, health, and ministry. As those in the world become more and more anxious and dependent on government and the world system, the Lord is training His people to enter His Sabbath Rest. We are to walk with an expectation of miracles, signs, and wonders, supernatural answers to difficult problems, supernatural provision and protection. He wants us to be participants with Him as He unfolds His plan in the days and years ahead!

Phil.4:18,19 - "But I have received everything in full, and have an abundance.... And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in Glory in Christ Jesus."

An Hour A Day

An hour a day keeps the devil away (at bay)!

The Lord quickened to me that we need to be committed to two types of daily prayer - worship and fellowship with Him, as well as one hour of "watchman duty". These are completely separate activities, and may occur at different times of the day. The four watches related in the Bible are: 6 p.m.-9 p.m.; 9 p.m.-midnight; midnight-3 a.m.; 3 a.m.-6 a.m.

Mark 13:35 - "Therefore, be on the alert, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether in the evening (first watch), at midnight (2nd watch), at cockcrowing (3rd watch), or in the morning (4th watch)."
Matt.24:42,43 - "But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into."

Jesus took His disciples with Him to pray the night of His arrest and ultimate crucifixion. He knew what was coming. However, He had to admonish His disciples for not watching and praying for at least one hour with Him. They, too, were about to be tested by the powers of darkness.

Matt.26:41 - "Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Nugget of Gold: Watching for one hour in the Spirit builds up our spirit man, and it also gives the Holy Spirit an opportunity to warn us about planned attacks so that we can come against them in prayer (Matt.24:23 - "If he had known.... he would not have allowed.....").
The Lord has given His body the keys of the Kingdom (Matt.16:19) to bind (forbid) and to loose (permit). Let us be diligent to keep alert in prayer on a daily basis, especially during one of the night watches!

Polarization

I heard the Lord say, "Polarization", and then the following scripture:

Jer.24:1-10 - "The Lord showed me.... two baskets of figs set before the temple of the Lord. One basket had very good figs, like first-ripe figs; and the other basket had very bad figs, which could not be eaten due to rotteness."

The word "polarization" represents a division into two opposites, or a concentration about opposing extremes of groups or interests formerly ranged on a continuum (boundaries blurred).

I believe the Lord is indicating that we have come to the time when the boundary between darkness and the light will become visible. Those with divided hearts, who are serving two masters, will be exposed. Those who do not walk in love will increasingly walk in the flesh (devoid of the Spirit) and in darkness. However, those who walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, will be transformed into greater levels of His glory. Glory deposits will occur on a regular basis. We will be able to feel the weight of His glory and we will be drawn to others in whom the Spirit of God abides in great measure.

I believe we have entered into the beginning of the fulfillment of Isaiah 60:

Isa.60:1,2 - "Arise, shine; for your light has come. And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness will cover the earth, and deep darkness the peoples; but the Lord will rise upon you, and His glory will appear upon you."

Joy Comes In The Morning

I heard the Lord say, "Joy comes in the morning".

Psalm 30:5 - "For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning."

I believe the Lord is saying that it is now time for His joy to be poured out! This has to do with Times and Seasons of the Lord, and I feel the Lord is saying that this release of Joy is both a time and a season for His people. This coincides with the Feast of Pentecost, which we're now in, and which is a time for joy, happiness, celebration, and rejoicing over harvest!

Ecc.3:1,4 - "There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven - A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance."

Joy releases strength (Neh.8:9,10), and it clothes us with the same anointing that Jesus operated in during His time on the earth (Luke4:18). The anointing of the oil of gladness/joy (Isa.61) is the anointing that sets the captives free and allows His body to do the "greater works" that have been prophesied. Joy also releases blessings and provision in abundance!

Psa.126:5,6 - "Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting. He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him."

Nugget of Gold: It is time to remove our graveclothes, our garments of mourning. By faith, step into this time of Joy and reaping that the Lord has ordained. Receive strength from the Spirit of Might and go forth in power to fulfill your destiny!

The Stage Is Set

I heard the Lord say, "The stage is set." The literal meaning of this phrase is that all scenery and props are designed and arranged for a particular scene in a play. What I feel the Lord is saying is that He has prepared us and placed us in our proper positions for what He is about to unfold on the world stage. This moment in time has been preceeded by a call that has gone out to those with ears to hear, and there has been a "window of opportunity" to heed the Lord's call and respond accordingly. The Lord indicated that the Parable of the Marriage Feast is an illustration of the time we are now in.

Matt.22:1-14 - "And he sent out his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding feast, and they were unwilling to come..... Behold, I have prepared my dinner.... and everything is ready.... But they paid no attention and went their way, one to his own farm, another to his business..... There was a man not dressed in proper wedding clothes, and the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, and cast him into the outer darkness; in that place there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' For many are called, but few are chosen."

Nugget of Gold: If there remains an area of our lives in which we have not been quick to respond to the Lord's call, let us be quick to awaken and repent from our disobedience! May the Lord extend grace and mercy before the door is closed to us.

Weapons of our Warfare

I have always believed that the Blood of Jesus is one of the most powerful weapons we have against the powers of darkness. I apply the Blood regularly to myself, my family, my physical home, etc. I understand that as with the children of Israel in Egypt, the application of the Blood creates a legal barrier, over which the demonic cannot cross.

In a recent dream in which I was under attack by the powers of darkness, along with several other believers, the Lord prompted me to take out my oil and anoint each of us. This combination of both the Blood and the Oil proved to be a more powerful barrier against the attack.

1 John 5:8 - "For there are three that bear witness (on earth), the Spirit (oil) and the water and the blood, and the three are in agreement."

Luke 4:1 - "And Jesus (Blood), full of the Holy Spirit (Oil), returned from the Jordan and was led about by the Spirit in the wilderness, for 40 days being tempted by the devil."

Nugget of Gold: It is necessary that we be continually cleansed by the "washing of the water with the word" (Eph.5:26), but also apply the Blood and ask the Holy Spirit for a fresh filling and a fresh anointing daily! In this way we will walk in victory, protected from the powers of darkness who seek to "kill, steal, and destroy."

The Law and Order of Subjection

The Bible tells us that there's both an order and a law of subjection. All things are subjected to Jesus, and Jesus is subjected to the Father. The verb "subject" is defined as "bringing under control or dominion and being governed by the law of the one in authority."

1 Cor.15:24-28 - "Then comes the end, when He delivers up the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet..... For He has put all things in subjection under His feet. And when all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, that God may be all in all."

Because "we do not yet see all things subjected to him" (Heb.2:7-8), our time on earth becomes an opportunity to bring the kingdom of the world (Satan's kingdom) into subjection to the kingdom of God within our sphere of authority. As we ourselves are submitted (to the Lord first; then, husbands to Christ, wives to husbands, children to parents, employees to employers, etc.), we have absolute dominion over the powers of darkness in our home, business, ministry, and all the territory the Lord has given into our hands. It is in this place of being under authority that we are able to proclaim, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven!" (Matt.6:10). We are able to confront the powers and principalities within our sphere of authority, enforce the laws of the Kindgom of God, and decree:

Rev.11:15 - "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever."
Rev.12:10 - "Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come (to my home, to my family, to my business)!"

Nugget of Gold: We must learn to exercise our God-given authority over the powers of darkness in our homes, our families, our businesses, our ministries, and all territory that the Lord has given into our hands. Ask the Lord to clearly define your boundaries. Know your sphere of authority. Paul said in 2Cor.10:13, "But we will not boast beyond our measure, but within the measure of the sphere which God apportioned to us as a measure to reach even as far as you."

You have been given a "measure" of territory to bring into subjection to the rule of the King. Even now, you are being prepared to rule and reign with Jesus in His eternal Kingdom.

Prayer Effectiveness

The Lord is doing a new thing in this season with regard to prayer, especially corporate prayer. I see Him calling together teams of at least 3-4 people for specific prayer assignments and strategies. There is a fresh anointing for these types of God-initiated gatherings, with great authority and power being released in the spiritual realm. In the past, we've been able to identify God's "prayer warriors", and these individuals have carried great weight in the kingdom. However, I believe the Lord is now assembling His nameless and faceless "craftsmen to terrify the demonic horns of the nations" (see Zech.1:18-21).

I recently had a vision in which I saw a car full of people. The driver had started out for a particular destination, but somehow got off course and began wandering around. This carload of people ended up in an open field with two large intersecting runways. Suddenly, huge jet airplanes began taking off and landing right over the top of the car, narrowly missing it. The car scrambled to get out of the way as the jets continued their carefully orchestrated activity.

I believe the Lord was showing me a picture of the prayer activity that He has initiated in this hour. Both cars and airplanes can take us to a particular destination, but the latter is much faster and more powerful. A car is earthbound, while a jet soars in the heavenly places. The type and amount of fuel required is vastly different for both vehicles.

We've all been in prayer meetings where there were many words, but very little power. It's as though these prayers weren't "getting off the ground". This happens when we pray out of our minds and emotions (soul), letting our own experiences and feelings guide our words. However, a person can speak forth the Word, powered by the Holy Spirit, and suddenly the atmosphere changes. All present can sense that God has shot an arrow that has directly hit its mark, revealing His heart, His mind, and His strategy.

Jesus Himself only spoke what He heard the Father speaking. Following the Day of Pentecost, the apostles were all filled with the Holy Spirit, "and with great power were giving witness...." (Acts 4:33). Let us be diligent, therefore, to wait upon the Lord during times of prayer and speak forth what we hear the Father saying!

The Worker is Worthy of Support

For the past several weeks, the Lord has spoken very clearly about those who perform works of service in His Kingdom. The following word is especially true for those who work full time in ministry, whether as a prayer leader, intercessor, ministry leader or worker, pastor, etc.

It is a Kingdom principle, both in the Old and the New Testament, that the "laborer is worthy of his wages." Jesus Himself said in Matt.10:7-10, "And as you go, proclaim, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons; freely you received, freely give...Do not acquire gold or silver... or a beggar's bag for your journey... for the worker is worthy of his support."

1 Cor.9:7-14 - "Who at any time serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat the fruit of it? The plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the crops. If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we should reap material things from you? So also, the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel."

There is a similar Kingdom principle noted in a previous post about the Levitical tithe. The Levites had no inheritance in the promised land. Instead, the Lord was their portion and their inheritance (Numbers 18:20-26). However, in return for their service, the other tribes were instructed to bring their tithe to the Levites in the temple. This was their means of support. Should we expect any less in the body of Christ today?

Many in the church have adopted the attitude that those in spiritual service should expect only a heavenly reward. However, scripture is clear that God highly esteems those who labor among us and that He has made material provision for them. This provision is not to come from the world, but from the body of Christ. May we be quick to give generously, as the Lord leads, and not ever allow His servants to go "begging for bread".

The Great Shaking

I believe the Lord quickened that the prophesies of both Haggai and Zechariah hold keys to what He is doing in the season we have now entered. The word of the Lord came to both prophets in the second year of Darius the king - Haggai in the sixth and ninth months, and Zechariah in the eighth and eleventh months (Zech., chapters 1-6).

The Lord has brought a remnant out of Egypt/Babylon (i.e., the world system). Some of His people have actually been called out of the corporate world, but all of the remnant have allowed the Holy Spirit to do a work of separation in their hearts. This group of believers has heard the Lord's admonition to set their hearts on God's business and put their hands to the work He has mandated for this hour (Haggai 1). The Lord has stretched a measuring line over that which He is building in order to separate the holy from the profane.

Zech.1:16; 2:1&2 - "Therefore, thus says the Lord, I will return to Jerusalem with compassion; My house will be built in it....and a measuring line will be stretched over Jerusalem. Then I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, there was a man with a measuring line in his hand."
Haggai 2:12,13; Ezek.44:23 - "Moreover, they shall teach My people the difference between the holy and the profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean."
Rev.11:1,2 - "Rise and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and those who worship in it. And leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the nations, and they will tread under foot the holy city...."

When we are in this place of separation, in which the work of our hands is "holy to the Lord", then we will see God "shake the heavens and the earth, overthrow the thrones of kingdoms, and destroy the power of the kingdoms of the nations." (Hag.2:21,22) This will bring about the transfer of wealth that we've been eagerly anticipating! Notice, though, that the Lord is releasing His hidden treasures and the great wealth held by Satan's kingdom to His temple and to those who dwell in it. Many in the body of Christ remain in the "outer court" and have not allowed the Lord to "stir up their spirit", nor have they put their hands to that which He is building.

Hag.2:7-9 - "And I will shake all the nations, and they will come with the wealth of all nations; and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of hosts. The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, declares the Lord of hosts. The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former...."

Nugget of Gold: The Lord has declared an end to drought in the lives of His children who are living in total obedience to His voice in this day. He is causing a separation to come between those who truly serve Him and those who don't (Mal.3:18). To the former, He is declaring that we are now in a time of Blessing such as we have not seen before. All the seed that has not born fruit in our lives will now come forth abundantly! (Hag.2:19) Wealth will come as His glory is seen upon us. This beautification of His remnant will give the Father the Glory that is due Him.

Oh, what a Planner! Oh, what a plan! Let us be quick to put our hands to the work of the Kingdom and watch as the Lord unveils His mysteries in these last days.

Individual Ministry

The goal of ministry to an individual is to effect change in the seeker's life. When scripture is merely read or shared, or when examples are given from one's own life, the result is ministry to the soulish area (mind, will, emotions). However, when the Word of God is delivered as that which is "living, and active, and sharper than a two-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12), or as "a hammer that shatters the rock" (Jer.23:29), or as "fire that consumes" (Jer.5:14), then change comes to the spirit of man, with eternal results!

1 Cor.4:20 - "For the Kingdom of God does not consist in words, but in power."
1 Cor.2:4 - "And my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power."
Rom.15:18,19 - "For I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me.... in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit....."

Nugget of Gold: It's not our words that effect change, but the Word of God. When a child of God speaks the Word under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, things happen in the realm of the spirit. Evidence of this can be seen in the natural in the form of changed countenances, changed lives, and victorious living. The Lord has promised that in these last days, signs and wonders will also be seen as confirmation of the Word. So, let us speak boldly, with reliance upon the Lord, who will bear witness to the Word of His grace, granting that signs and wonders be done by our hands!

Crossing Over

April is traditionally the month of "crossing over" in the Spirit. This year, I believe the Lord has spoken that those in the Body of Christ who He has prepared will be crossing over into the Glory Realm. Those who have been qualified by the Holy Spirit have passed the tests of faith He's brought into our lives in recent months and even years.

Following are some of the things I feel He's spoken about the place into which we're crossing:

• This will be a new place of service in His Kingdom
• We are entering into a higher level of operating in the Spirit, including the gifts and callings of God
• The five-fold ministry of the apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher will be in the forefront
• This will be a time of intense training and new equipping for the coming times of war.
• We are to have an expectation of provision and wealth, including the prophesied transfer of wealth.
• We are to have an expectation of miracles, signs and wonders.
• The promises in Exodus 23:20-33 apply to this time: The angel of the Lord is leading us to our new place. God Himself will be an enemy to our enemies as we serve Him. He will bless our provision and remove sickness from our midst. He will fix our new boundaries.

Nugget of Gold: Let us come before Him with a pure heart, having been washed in the Blood of the Lamb. May our eyes be fixed on the Captain of the Hosts of the Lord as He takes us to a place where we've not been before.

Kingdom Principles

Colossians 1:13 - "For He delivered us from the domain (authority) of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son."

The Kingdom of God operates according to a different set of laws than does the kingdom of this world and the world system. In fact, they are polar opposites to one another. The Lord is quickening His people to be Kingdom minded - to make a paradigm shift into thinking and operating in the spiritual principles that govern His Kingdom.

Here are a few of the "ways of the Lord" that I feel He is particularly emphasizing in this season:

1. Supernatural Provision: The Book of Exodus tells us that when the Lord brought the children of Israel out of Egypt, He provided supernaturally for their needs. Manna from heaven came as food, water flowed from the rock that was following them (which was Jesus), and the Lord led them by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Then, forty years later, Joshua led the nation of Israel into the promised land. There, the Lord provided "cities which they had not built, and vineyards and olive groves which they did not plant" (Josh.24:13). When we are in the place that God Himself has appointed for us (church, job, ministry, home, etc.), He will supernaturally provide the material things we have need of! Regardless of whether or not we have a job in the world system, we are no longer to toil under the heavy burden of the taskmasters (Exodus 5:6-11). Instead, we are to look to the hand of the Lord to move on our behalf in our natural circumstances!
2. Giving and Receiving: There's a promise for those who have a lifestyle of giving as the Lord leads (above the tithe, which is expected). Phil.4:15;19 tells us, "No church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone... And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Note that this Kingdom principle applies only to the givers. Do you have need of supply? If you give, expect to receive "abundantly beyond all that you could ask or think"!
3. Levitical Tithe: There is a Kingdom principle that applies to those who are called into full time ministry in the body of Christ (in addition to the pastors). These could be missionaries or others who serve in a variety of ways. In recent months, there seems to be an acceleration in the number of Christians who are being called out of the world system to perform works of service in the Kingdom. The Lord calls these "Levites", and His provision can be seen in the Book of Numbers. Num.18:20&21;24-26: "You shall have no inheritance in their land... I am your portion and your inheritance... And to the sons of Levi, behold I have given all the tithe in Israel for an inheritance in return for their service which they perform." So, we see that provision/support is to come from those in the body of Christ who the Lord prompts to give a monthly gift on behalf of those who labor among us.

Nugget of Gold: At the same time that the citizens of this nation are looking more and more to the government for provision and help, the Lord is requiring His people to look only to Him. This world system is under judgment, and the Lord is calling His people to "Come out of her, my people, that you may not participate in her sins and that you may not receive of her plagues." (Rev.18:4) This work of the Holy Spirit is accomplished first in our hearts, and then in obedience to whatever the Lord requires of us.

Signs and Wonders

I believe the Holy Spirit is telling us that we are in the season of increased miracles, signs, and wonders. Many in the body of Christ have awaited this day with great anticipation and with the expectation of being mightily used by the Lord in these last days. However, we may have missed one of the chief ways God has been preparing us for useful service with His demonstrations of power.

1 Kings 17:24 - "Then the woman said to Elijah, 'Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is truth.'"

How did the widow know that God's word through Elijah was true? It was because he had just raised her son from the dead! This miracle followed another miracle in which "the bowl of flour was not exhausted, nor did the jar of oil become empty, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke through Elijah." (1 Kings 17:16)

So we see that two mighty miracles were preceded by the spoken Word of a man of God. Elijah, a prophet, but also "a man with a nature like ours" (James 5:17), was accustomed to speaking the word of the Lord with boldness and confidence. He had a history with God of hearing God speak, and then delivering the Word to the intended audience. The miracles that followed were a sign that God's word in Elijah's mouth was true!

Since the Bible tells us that the "spirit of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus" (Rev.19:10), we know that each born again believer has the ability to speak forth God's word. The Great Commission assures us that as believers go forth, certain signs will accompany those who have believed:

Mark 16:17,18 - "And these signs will accompany those who have believed; in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues....they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."

Nugget of Gold: The Lord is first training us to boldly speak the things that we hear Him say to those we're ministering to. The operation of the gifts of healings, miracles, tongues, prophecy, etc., are for a sign. He faithfully watches over His word to perform it. Our part is to boldly proclaim the Word, as the Holy Spirit leads. When we are faithful to do this, He will be faithful to perform His word.

Acts 14:3 - "Therefore, they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting that signs & wonders be done by their hands."

Entanglements of Everyday Life

2 Timothy 2:4 - "No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier."

We tend to get "bogged down" in our physical lives here on earth - as parent, employee, ministry and church work, friendships, etc. We can easily find ourselves so caught up in our everyday responsibilities, in news reports, demands of children and family, and demands of our jobs (either in or outside of the home), that days, weeks, or even months can go by without really connecting with the Lord and with what He might be speaking to us.

The word "entangle" means to "make complicated or confused; to get wrapped up in, or twisted together." Does this sound familiar?

Nugget of Gold: Intentionally set your mind on "things above", not things on this earth. Though we must go about our daily tasks, let us practice listening to what the Lord would speak to us in and through our daily lives. Let Him impart His vision and high calling to our spirit man so that we may know the plans and destiny He has for each one of us.

Commands of Our Captain

We are in a time of war. Yes, war is in the gates, and the Lord is issuing His commands to the body of Christ.

First and foremost, I hear Him saying over and over, "Awaken......Arise!"
Eph.5:14 - "Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
Judges 5:12 - "Awake, awake, Deborah; Awake, awake, sing a song! Arise, Barak, and take away your captives...."

There are many in the church who are slumbering. Just as in the days of Noah, most are going about "business as usual", not discerning the movements of the enemy and the banner that the Lord is raising in this hour. Like the sleeping virgins (Matt.25), these will not be aware of their visitation until it is too late. But for those with ears to hear, the Captain of the Hosts is issuing commands to His warrior bride.

• Jesus is extending His scepter and commanding us to "rule in the midst of Thine enemies". (Psa.110:2)
• He is calling the Deborahs to arise and take their rightful place at the gates. There they will receive God's strategies for war and will empower the Baraks to go with them into the battle. There is a particular and powerful anointing that the Lord is now pouring out on His company of "Deborahs". They may have husbands, as Deborah did (Judges 4:4), but they will occupy a unique place in the Body of Christ. They will arise as "mothers" and will understand times and seasons, as did the Sons of Issachar.
• On December 31st, I heard the Lord say, "STRETCH". I believe this pertains to our inheritance, over which the Lord is stretching a measuring line. We have come out of the wilderness and, after a time of consecration, have entered the promised land of our inheritance. However, there are giants in the land!
• ADVANCE! This was the next command I heard from the Lord on January 28th. Advance means to "move forward; accelerate progress; stresses effective assisting in hastening a process or bringing about a desired end." I believe the Lord is commanding us to move in the direction that He's revealed to us, knowing that He goes before His people to secure the victory.
• ACTIVATE! At the first of March, the Lord clearly spoke that we are to operate according to the higher laws of the Kingdom of God. This requires a paradigm shift in our thinking. So, instead of looking for ways to toil and work for the taskmasters to get out of debt, etc., we are to activate the Kingdom law that says, "The Lord will provide. In the mount of the Lord, it will be provided!" (Gen.22:14). "Give, and it will be given to you....." (Luke 6:38). Instead of accepting the natural law of degeneration of our physical bodies, we are to activate the LAW OF REGENERATION, according to Titus 3:5. When sickness or death is working in our bodies, we are to activate the LAW OF THE SPIRIT OF LIFE, which will always triumph over the Law of Sin and Death (Romans 8:2)!

Nugget of Gold: The Lord is doing a new thing in the earth, and we must be aware of it. Chuck Pierce, prophet to the Body of Christ, proclaims that we have entered a new 7-year period of war. But, it's a different war from that which we've known in the past. The Lord has new strategies and new weapons. He has a fresh anointing. The old ways and anointings won't bring the victory in this season. So, let us awaken and be alert. Let us be quick to obey the Captain of the Hosts and assume our proper position in His army. For our battle is not with flesh and blood, but with "the rulers, the powers, the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." (Eph.6:12)

Extreme Weather

Matt.16:2,3 - "But He answered and said the them, "When it is evening you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.' And in the morning, 'There will be a storm today, for the sky is red and threatening.' Do you know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but cannot discern the signs of the times?"

The Lord is speaking to His church through nature and recent weather events, and we need to both understand and heed the signs.

On September 7th of last year, I had a dream in which I was traveling to be with my family. When I arrived, the weather was calm and peaceful. However, when I left a few hours later, I found that it had snowed so much that everything was literally buried in the snow, with snow drifts so deep that you could easily drive into them and be lost. It was treacherous. I then got into a small boat to cross a body of water. The seas, which had been calm, were now churning with huge waves and a great storm over the waters.

The Lord reminded me of the above dream/night vision, which takes on new significance in light of the recent record-breaking snow this country has seen in various states. He prompted me to review a more recent night vision, in which I saw approaching storm clouds. I remarked that the conditions looked ripe for a tornado to form. Others in the house scoffed at my observation. Suddenly, a huge tornado formed and headed directly for us. I tried to get the people in the house to the basement where I knew we would be safe, but they were mesmerized by the sight of the tornado and couldn't seem to move. I thought we would be hit, but the tornado turned away from its path at the last minute and we were spared. I declared that God had given us a warning that we would have to heed the next time.

The Lord quickened to me that we tend to "spiritualize" many of the things that He shows us, and so we are not prepared for very real circumstances that can come into our lives. However, we have entered a time of increased "birth pangs" in which natural events are increasing in frequency and intensity as the time grows near.

The Lord warns His people in dreams and visions, through His prophets, and in a still, small voice. I believe we will see the following natural calamities in our nation this year:

• One or more major hurricanes that will strike our U.S. coast(s), with devastating results.
• Tornadoes in diverse places that will cause greater destruction (and possible loss of life) than ever seen before.

Nugget of Gold: The Lord has a place of safety for His people (as depicted by the basement), but we have to heed His warnings. I believe the Lord is calling His people into a heightened state of watchful prayer and alertness, and He has planted us in His body, the church, to be in close fellowship with one another.

1 Thess.5:6 - "So then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober."

Manifestation of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the manifestation of the Godhead on the earth today. He both discloses what the Father and Jesus are saying and doing, and He implements or manifests those things in this physical realm.

Webster's Dictionary defines manifestation as "that which can be outwardly perceived by the senses, especially sight; also, materialization, or the assuming of physical/bodily form."

Thus, we see the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove at the baptism of Jesus (Matt.3:16); tongues of fire on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:3); a pillar of cloud and a pillar of fire in the wilderness (Exodus 13:21). He was also with God at the creation, manifesting that which was spoken by the Father.

Gen.1:1-3 - "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep; and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. Then God said, 'Let there be light'; and there was light."

Prov.8:22-31 - "The Lord possessed me at the beginning of His way, before His works of old. From everlasting I was established, from the beginning, from the earliest times of the earth. When there were no depths I was brought forth. When there were no springs abounding with water.... Then I was beside Him, as a master workman....."

Nugget of Gold: The Lord is calling His church to walk in a much higher level of awareness, understanding, and cooperation with the Holy Spirit. We are to actively engage the Holy Spirit in everything we do for the Kingdom, expecting to see and experience His manifestation in our presence. Just as in Genesis, He is still creating that which is spoken in Heaven by the Father. That which is spoken by the Father will be disclosed (revealed) by Jesus and then manifested upon the earth by the power of the Holy Spirit, as we walk in proper alignment with the Lord.

1 Cor.2:4,5 - "And my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God."
1 Cor.12:7 - "But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."

These are the days of miracles, signs and wonders. It is the activity of the Holy Spirit that produces such demonstrations of power in our midst, so let us be quick to acknowledge Him, thank Him, depend completely on His presence, and walk in constant fellowship with the Spirit of the Living God.

It Will Be Given!

As I was talking to the Lord today about provision, I began to seek Him regarding the activities and work He would have me put my hands to. I was looking for the ways that He would have me go out and get the money that is needed. Suddenly, these declarations rose up in my spirit, and I began to proclaim them:

IT WILL BE GIVEN;
IT WILL BE PROVIDED;
IT WILL BE SENT;
IT WILL COME TO ME!

Luke 6:38 - "Give and it will be given to you....."
Gen.22:14 - "In the mount of the Lord, it will be provided."
Joel 2:19 - "Behold, I am going to send you grain, new wine and oil, and you will be satisfied in full with them."
Isa.60:5 - "The wealth of the nations will come to you."

The Lord began to show me that we are in a new paradigm (pattern) of His provision for those who are walking in obedience and in covenant with Him. He has brought us out of Egypt and we have entered into the inheritance He has for us, into a land "flowing with milk and honey".

Deut.11:10 - "For the land into which you are entering to possess it, is not like the land of Egypt from which you came, where you used to sow your seed and water it with your foot... "

We are to walk in the "Blessings of Abraham", which include His favor and goodness, life, health, fruitfulness, riches, and plenty.

Deut.6:10-12 - "Then it shall come about when the Lord your God brings you into the land which He swore to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you great and splendid cities which you did not build, and houses full of all good things which you did not fill, and hewn cisterns which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant, and you shall eat and be satisfied..... "

Nugget of Gold: We are no longer in "the house of slavery" in Egypt where we are subject to hard toil and labor at the hands of the taskmasters (Satan and the world system) in order to earn a living and provide for our needs. The Lord has brought His church into a place of freedom and blessings, but it requires a completely different mind set in order to receive all that He has for us in this season. May our minds be renewed to the new thing that God is doing in our midst!

The Father's Blessing

The Lord is calling forth a generation of "fathers" in this season, mature believers who have His heart for the two generations that follow. For those who answer this forerunner mandate, He will release the spirit and the power of the prophet Elijah.

Luke 1:17 - "And it is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers back to the children, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

I believe we are living in the days that will see the return of Christ to the earth. There are always at least three generations alive at one time (sometimes a fourth will overlap these for a short time). God reveals Himself as the "God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob" (three generations). The blessing is given by the fathers to release both the plan of God and His covenant provision to the subsequent generations.

Genesis 48:9 - "And Joseph said to his father, 'They are my sons, whom God has given me here.' So Jacob said, 'Bring them to me, please, that I may bless them.'"

Genesis 49:1 - "Then Jacob summoned his sons and said, 'Assemble yourselves that I may tell you what shall befall you in the days to come.'"

We see Jesus Himself, who was a Son, releasing His Father's blessing to the children:

Mark 10:13-16 - "And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them ..... And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands upon them."

Nugget of Gold: These are the "days of Elijah", the days of the forerunner generation. God sees "fathers", "young men", and "children", according to 1John 2:13,14, regardless of gender or age. It is the fathers who will be anointed with the "mantle of Elijah" to prophesy to the young men and children, with power and signs following, in order to prepare the Body of Christ for the soon return of the Lord.

Even so, come Lord Jesus!

Life and Health

3 John 1:2 - "Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers."

I believe the Lord is releasing abundant grace this year and this decade to heal and restore life, not only to the body of Christ, but also to a fallen world. He is releasing knowledge and wisdom for new cures. He is also bringing a fresh revelation of His ways and the spiritual principles that will bring health and healing to our bodies, when applied by faith.

• REGENERATION: While praying last October about a constantly aching knee, I heard the Lord say, "regeneration". Vines Bible Dictionary defines this word as "new birth; bringing about new life by the operation of the Word of Truth and the Holy Spirit." Titus 3:5,6 - "He saved us, not on the basis of deeds, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit." The Lord was revealing an effective way to pray for bodies and body parts that were in need of new life: arthritic hands, feet, joints, etc., as well as other degenerative effects of living in our natural bodies.
• STASIS/HOMEOSTASIS: As I was asking the Lord about a general feeling of being tense and not at peace, I heard Him say "stasis", and then, "homeostasis". I had to look these words up, and found the following: Stasis indicates a slowing or stoppage of the normal flow of a bodily fluid, or the slowing of the current of circulating blood. Homeostasis indicates a return to a stable state. Here's what the Lord quickened me to pray: "I command my body's electrical, magnetic, and chemical systems to come into alignment with the Word of God. I command my blood to flow without obstruction throughout my body, in accordance with God's perfect design."
• Bless the Lord, O my SOUL: The Holy Spirit quickened to me that I needed to repent of "not judging my body rightly" (1 Cor.11:29). I was guilty of judging something that He was not judging. Once I repented, I then commanded my SOUL (mind, will, emotions) to Bless the Lord and proclaim all of His benefits!

Psa.103:1-5 - "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.....And forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities; Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit; Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compasion; Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle...."

Nugget of Gold: The Lord is revealing the way to prosper in matters of life and health. There will come a time when we will not be able to rely on the current medical system, and He is extending grace to "wean" ourselves off of our extreme dependence on a world that is increasingly coming under His judgement. May we heed His voice in this hour and walk in the truth of His Word!

Be Ready

The Lord is both exhorting and warning His people to "Be Ready" in this new year. Being in a state of readiness implies both mental and physical preparedness for some experience or action.

Matt.24:42-51 - "Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. For this reason you be ready too; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will....... Blessed is that servant whom his master finds so doing when he comes."

Of course, the above is referring to the Second Coming of Christ, but it also has application on another level. What are the times and seasons that the Lord has revealed for 2010? Has the Holy Spirit impressed on you that you will see a particular event, relationship, ministry, etc., come into your life this year? If so, what are you doing to be ready for it?

Nugget of Gold: I believe the Lord desires to give us specific "action items" in order to prepare for what's coming into our lives - both personally and corporately. Just as Esther had 12 months of preparation with oils, spices, and cosmetics, so too are we being shown the particular ways in which the Holy Spirit will make us ready for the blessings and favor He has appointed for His bride this year. However, we must be quick to obey and diligent to do those things He reveals to us. Then, when He comes, those who are ready will enter in to the promise; but to those who have not prepared, the door will be closed and the opportunity lost. (Matt.25:10).

Rich Toward God

Luke 12:15-21 - "Beware and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.... So is the man who lays up treasure for himself (on earth), and is not rich toward God."

At the outset of this new year, the Lord seems to be talking a great deal about true riches and wealth. He's certainly not opposed to Christians having money; in fact, He loves to bless His children. It was said of Abraham that the Lord greatly blessed him, "so that he became rich and was given flocks and herds, and silver and gold, and servants and maids, and camels and donkeys." (Gen.24:35) Isaac "became rich, and continued to grow richer until he became very wealthy." (Gen.26:13) The Lord "restored the fortunes of Job when he prayed for his friends, and the Lord increased all that Job had twofold." (Job 42:10)

Scripture tells us that the prerequisite for being entrusted with "true riches", though, is faithfulness with money usage:
Luke 16:11 - "If therefore you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous mammon, who will entrust the true riches to you?"

Faithful use of mammon includes tithing (ten percent), generous giving above the tithe, and Godly stewardship of the money entrusted to us. For those who argue that the tithe is a product of the Law, and therefore, the Old Covenant, I would point out that the New Testament actually establishes sacrificial giving and being totally sold out as the new requirement. We see this in Jesus's words about the widow's mite (Mark12:41-44), the parable about the rich young ruler (Matt.19:21), and the Book of Acts.

Acts 4:34,35 - "For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales, and lay them at the apostles' feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need."

Nugget of Gold: I believe the Lord wants to bless His people with increased wealth this year. However, He is looking for people who are rich toward God. Are we in that number? We can answer "yes" if we are growing in our relationship and knowledge of Him. We can answer "yes" if we are diligently pursuing love, "yet earnestly desiring spiritual gifts" (1Cor.14:1); if we are "disciplining ourselves for the purpose of godliness" (1Tim.4:7,8); if we are pursuing God's wisdom, which is more profitable than silver, gold, or precious jewels (Prov.3:13-16).

May our testimony be that we are rich in the things of the Spirit, with an abundance to give to the work of the Kingdom in this hour!

Return On Investment

In December of 2006, while praying with a ministry team, the following vision was reported:
A chalkboard with a completely clean slate was seen, when suddenly, a hand came down and wrote a formula: D = 32. We were made to know that this was a new formula that nobody knew. Then, the scene shifted to an office building with a statue of a huge bronze bull out front. We knew this was the icon of a company. I walked up to the statue and pushed it over.

Of course, since this vision, we have seen the "crash" of Wall Street and the downfall of many business icons formerly on the world scene (especially here in America). Can anyone doubt that the "hand of God" has orchestrated the events of the past year? Thirty-two is the number for "covenant". I don't yet have revelation on the letter "D" (perhaps "decade"?). However, I believe the Lord is instructing His church in the matter of "the power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant with us." (Deut.8:18)

Many Christians have been wise in the ways of the world and the world system, but either ignorant or foolish in the ways of the Kingdom. God's people are going to and fro, seeking the best "return on investment" and wondering how to keep their money safe. Most realize that things have irrevocably changed and that the old "status quo" will never come again. I believe we have entered a decade when the Church can no longer profit according to the wisdom of the world, but will have to employ God's principles in order to prosper and even survive in the coming months and years.

Following are three principles in God's economy

1. Giving and receiving a return: As discussed in a previous post, the practice of cheerful giving is fundamental to the Christian walk. Luke6:38 - "Give and it will be given to you....For by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you in return."

2. The principle of "Two": There is great multiplication of effect (return) when two or more people are walking together and praying in agreement.

Ecc.4:9 - "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor."

Deut.32:30 - "How could one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight...."

3. Principle of the Talents: In the parable of "The Talents" (Matt.25:14-), the Lord admonishes the slave who hid his talent instead of going out and doubling His investment. In fact, that slave lost what he had and was cast "into the outer darkness".

What is the "talent"? I believe the Lord revealed that the talent represents His Word.

Matt.25:26 - "You wicked, lazy slave, you knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed."

Luke8:11; 18 - "The seed is the word of God." "Therefore, take care how you listen, for whoever has, to him shall more be given; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has shall be taken away from him."

John 17:8 - "For the words which Thou gavest Me, I have given to them; and they received them...."

Nugget of Gold: What have we done with the Word of God that has been revealed to us over the months and years? Have we received the Word implanted into our hearts, allowing it to change and sanctify us? How faithful have we been to share those things that the Lord has revealed to us with others, regardless of our ministry platform? Those who have been faithful with the Word have seen a steady increase in authority and responsibility in the Kingdom. The Lord has regularly said to these, "Well done, good and faithful slave; you were faithful with a few things. I will put you in charge of many things...." (Matt.25:23)

It is these believers for whom the Lord has prepared "things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man....." (1Cor.2:9) for this year and this decade!