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Post by Laurasia on Jan 19, 2008 16:21:05 GMT -5
Here is the where I want members to post any prophecies that they have come across... America and Israel and president BushI read this article at Open Heaven and feel I should share it here. I do not like reading doom and gloom prophecies about Americal falling. But this one was a real eye opener to what the president is doing. I have to say that I don't keep up with the news like I should and president Bush is not the Christian that he made everyone believes he is. I had no ideal that he is trying to make Israel give up their land. Here is the article: Please judge this for yourselfs with time rather America will fall or not. The Burden For America God called me into the prophetic warning ministry in October 1987. He showed me that I failed to comprhend His holiness, and I had no real fear of Him in that He would judge national sin such as abortion and homosexuality. In 1992, God showed me that the United States was under judgment for attempting to divide the land of Israel. God sent numerous warning judgments in an attempt to awaken the Church that the nation was on a collision course with Him, and His wrath judgments were pending from which there is no recovery. When Hebrew prophets spoke of judgment, they often used the word burden. The Hebrew word burden means a prophecy of doom. It gives the mental picture of the prophet in distress giving the prophecy. It is something the prophet must do to warn of the coming judgment from the holy God of Israel: "The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap." Isaiah 17:1 The time to burden for America has now arrived. Since 1991, the three presidents have not wavered in their attempt to divide Israel. The current President Bush has stated over and over that he wants to create a Palestinian State. In July 2000, President Clinton attempted to create a Palestinian State. He brought Arafat and Israeli Prime Minster Barak to Camp David. The attempted agreement was nearly identical to the coming Annapolis meeting. Arafat refused a Palestinian State because he wanted total control of the Western Wall of the Temple Mount. The backdrop for this meeting was record wildfires in Western America. These record fires burned millions of acres. The current President was warned at least three times not to divide Israel as he was provided with a least three copies of my books. My book As America Has Done To Israel was directly given to him by a United States Congressman in December 2006. He has been warned, but refuses to stop pressuring Israel to divide the land. He has become more adamant. Twice I have felt the burden of the Lord for America. The first was just before 9/11 when President Bush kept pressuring Israel to negotiate with the Palestinians when they were sending wave after wave of homicide bombers into Israel. No matter how many Israelis were murdered; the President continued his pressure on Israel. On September 11, 2001, the homicide bombers attacked America. America was now under the same attack as Israel! The second burden came in 2005 when Israel was pulling out of Gaza and parts of Samaria. I was in these settlements just a few weeks before the Jews were forced out. I prayed with the Jews and stood with them. I had a sense of dread for America if the settlers were forced off the covenant land. I watched in horror as the last Jew was forced off the covenant land. Hurricane Katrina literally formed as the last Jew was forced off. It headed into the Gulf of Mexico. I felt the burden for New Orleans and warned friends to flee the city. The United States was the force behind evacuating Jews from the covenant land and destroying Israeli settlements and now hundred of thousands of Americans were forced off their land and cities destroyed. My burden for America is now fearfully strong over the Annapolis conference. President Bush has said on numerous occasions he wants the creation of a Palestinian State. This might be his last chance. His pressure on Israel to divide the land and Jerusalem will be enormous. It is obvious by his attempt to divide the covenant land that the President does not fear the holy God of Israel. He does not regard God's covenant with the Jews over the land. He operates like Israel is just a nation like any other and Jerusalem is a city just like any other. I doubt that the President has one advisor who believes in the covenant. He is surrounded by unbelievers or false teachers. All the false teachings of replacement theology, preterism and all the other doctrines that deny the covenant are coming to a head. God has warned through the Prophet Obadiah that He will judge a nation as it deals with Israel. If a nation tries to divide the covenant land and Jerusalem, that nation can expect severe judgment including the division of its own nation. My burden for America is God may divide the nation. God may be signaling one of the judgments for the Annapolis conference. The President first mentioned the meeting during a speech on July 16. He actually stated it was time for Israel to look beyond the West Bank to the Golan and Negev! What arrogance to make a statement like this. This is what the President stated: "Prime Minister Olmert has also made clear that Israel's future lies in the developing areas like the Negev and Galilee - not in continuing occupation of the West Bank... So unauthorized outposts should be removed and settlement expansion ended." On Monday, the day the President made this speech the Stock Market was soaring. Just three days later, on July 19, the market closed over 14,000 points for an all time high. On Friday, July 20, the Stock Market took a down turn. The following week the mortgage debt crisis hit the market. During this week the market plunged and has been in chaos since. The value of the dollar also collapsed during this time On November 2, Secretary of State Rice left for pre-Annapolis meeting talks in Israel. The day she left the market plunge 360 points and the entire time she was in Israel the market was melting down. The dollar continued its plunge. When the President made his speech on July 16, calling for a meeting to establish a Palestinian State the stock market was heading for an all time high. Just one week later, the market was plunging in chaos along with the value of the dollar. From the timing of the speech and the financial chaos, it appears that God is about to judge the United States' economy. We might be on the verge of a 1929 style depression that leads to no way out. America is again attempting to divide the covenant land. The last time was August 2005 and Gaza. This time it is the Mountains of Israel and Jerusalem. Hurricane Katrina coincided with Gaza. If Hurricane Katrina is a gauge, what magnitude of judgment is in store for even attempting to divide Judea, Samaria, Jerusalem and the Mountains of Israel! America is ringed with massive earthquake faults. The New Madrid fault runs through the center of the country. Forcing Israel to divide the covenant land might cause God to divide America by a massive earthquake. Since 1991, God has warned America every way possible. Whatever the United States attempts with Israel, according to Obadiah the same will happen to America; 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina is all the proof needed. It is time for the Church to rise up in prayer, fasting and repentance. It is time for leadership to confront President Bush with what he is doing with Israel. It is time to stand with the nation of Israel against dividing God's covenant land. If the President goes forward with pressuring Israel, our prayer should be mercy in judgment. My personal opinion about this. I do not believe America will fall until the church is removed and the Antichrist comes to power. In the book of Revelations America is not mention which tells me she won't be here anymore. But for now she will be here for a while. The earth quakes, the hurricanes, the crazy weather is signs that the church will be removed from the Earth soon. I posted this article for everyone to put the article to the test with time. If a prophecie does not come to pasted then the prophet is a false prophet. It is up to you to judge for yourselves if this prophecy means anything or not. I just felt that I should share this. www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=19270&PN=1&TPN=1 |
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Post by Laurasia on Jan 19, 2008 16:24:26 GMT -5
2008 - 2009 prophecy by Junior
2008 and 2009 are inseparable in God's earthly program. Neither year will make entire sense on its own. Though 2008 will be unqiue in certain ways, it will also be dependent on 2009 in others.
2009, NATIONAL DIFFICULTIES
In 2009 and beyond, America will face certain large-scale difficulties. Some cities and regions will be affected more, others less. Some of these challenges will begin and end in 2009, while others will extend beyond it. Other prophesiers have declared similar things, being much more specific and detailed than I will be.
Consequently, in some ways 2008 is a year of grace to prepare for 2009 and beyond. The prayers of the faithful have delayed these difficulties and bought time. God loves people, especially His people, born-again Christians. He reveals certain things to us in advance to alert us and prepare us. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would show us things to come (Jn 16:13). Jehovah has always been a preemptive communicator. Those who have relegated God's voice to a thing of the past cut themselves off from a vital source of protective information and knowledge.
A year of rewards, January and February
2008 will be a glorious year of rewards and compensation for the faithful. It will be a time for God's "trophy presentation". Each believer will be rewarded in 2008 in direct proportion to the tears, troubles, and trials they have faithfully endured for Christ in the past few seasons. It will be a time of great joy, happiness, laughter, celebration, and smiles. It will be an entrance into a "Sabbath-rest" in certain areas where struggle and labor has been intense. Many personal, much-anticipated promises from the Lord will be fulfilled in mass proportions and in very specific ways. Many will experience profound permanent victories over old enemies. Many will reap such extraordinary rewards that their lives will be altered forever. Some will have to relocate and move geographically to accommodate their rewards. Can you believe that? Watch, it will happen.
Those who have not walked closely and faithfully with the Lord over the past seasons will have very little to no rewards this year. It will be a mediocre, even undesirable, year for many Christians who have been unfaithful.
The 2008-rewards will come in two main forms (though there will be other types as well). First, God will grant the deepest desires and requests of many. They will weep with tears of relief and fulfillment as their dreams are finally granted. Secondly, God will grant never-seen-before opportunities to fulfill personal calling and destiny. Golden opportunities, doors, and gates that we never thought would open will open as God says, "Well done good and faithful servant, be in charge of ten cities. Do what you love to do, do what you do best, do what I've designed you to do. Enter the happiness of your Lord and fulfill your calling!"
JANUARY AND FEBRUARY, KEY MONTHS OF REWARD AND BLESSING
See Joel 2:23,24 (NKJV). Rainshowers of tremendous reward and blessing are coming to the faithful in the first months of January and February. There will be breakthroughs, overflows, outpourings, openings, surprises, favors, turnarounds, miracles, wonders, transformations, and opportunities in astounding measures. These rewards will spill into March and April as well, though the bulk of them will appear and begin in the first two months of the year.
2008's REWARDS FOR 2009
The rewards and blessings of 2008 are not only a recompense and celebration for faithfulness in the past, they are also a provision and preparation for 2009 and beyond. Joseph was rewarded for faithfulness with great abundance and wealth when he came to power in Egypt. However, this abundance was also a provision and preparation for the seven years to come of scarcity (Gen 41). In a similar way, the faithful will receive their abundant rewards this year, but a portion of this abundance is intended be a provision and preparation for whatever difficulties come to America in 2009 and beyond.
A year of preparation in three key areas
2008 is a pivotal year of preparation. It is a year of grace and kindness God has given us to reload for the near future. The Lord will urge significant preparations in three key areas: spiritual, relational, and financial/material.
SPIRITUAL PREPARATION
Now is the moment for Christians to wake up and prepare! Uncommited, lazy, apathetic, disobedient, and backslidden Christians...wake up! Remember what national challenge 9/11 presented to us. What would've or could've been different, before and after, if the many sluggish American Christians were spiritually sharp and filled with the Spirit? Keep this in mind: Scripture says God is NOT obligated to protect any Christian who is not walking faithfully with Him (Pr 15:10, Eze 3:20,21, 1Co 10:1-22). The umbrella of His protection is held by the handle of our faithfulness. Those Christians who enter 2009 spiritually sharp, obedient, and tuned into the Spirit will enjoy much protection and provision.
RELATIONAL PREPARATION
The Lord will form new relationships for us in 2008, and reinforce old ones that need maintenance and renewal. These relationships, associations, and alliances will become highly relevant beyond 2008. Many Christians' protection and provision in 2009 and beyond will come from these relationships! Perceive and follow God's hand reconstructing your relationships this year.
FINANCIAL/MATERIAL PREPARATION
The Lord is moving on us this year to prepare financially, materially, and practically. These preparations will be unique to each individual and family. Each one must perceive from the Spirit exactly what preparations need to be made and how. Many will experience a surplus of finances and resources this year. Be wise and hear the word of the Lord! Egypt enjoyed seven years of surplus, but a portion of this surplus was to be stored for the seven years of coming famine (Gen 41). So also, those blessed with a surplus this year must store and accumulate a significant portion for 2009 and beyond.
A year to gain important momentum
Similar to preparation, this year God is touching many with a special "momentum motivation". 2008 is critical to gain momentum and velocity in important, yet sluggish, areas! It will be much harder to do so in 2009 because the spiritual conditions will not be quite as favorable. These areas will be different for many Christians. Some need to build momentum in their sluggish relationship with God. Some need to build momentum in their pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. Some need to build momentum in their sluggish physical health, fitness, and nutrition. Some need to build momentum in key relationships. Some need to build momentum in new endeavors God has opened to them. Many need to build momentum in their ministries. This year God will move and motivate with higher intensity for Christians to get the ball rolling and rolling fast in important, yet sluggish, areas of their life.
A year to be established in the new thing
Many began a new thing in the final quarter of last year (October-December)--this year you will be established in that new thing. Your legs have been wobbly and unsure in the new thing; truly it has been a new thing. You've had trouble finding your footing, your groove, your rhythm. You've struggled to get "settled in". This year, the Lord will help you in key ways to do just that. Every crooked place will be made straight and every rough place will be made smooth so you can walk on level solid ground on this new path (Isa 40:3,4). Forget the uncertainty and anxiety; this year you will be comfortable and confident in the new thing, established in your newly conquered land (Pr 12:3, Isa 54:14).
A year of openings
2008 is a year of openings of all types...open windows, open doors, open gates, open eyes, open ears, open minds, open hearts, open heaven. What has been closed will open this year. What has been closed to you? Where have you been trying to enter? What have you been trying to access? God? His Word? A person? An opportunity? This is a year of openings...God will open heaven this year for openings of all types on earth. As another prophesier declared, "That which you could not obtain, you will obtain. That which you could not perform, you will perform." It will be opened to you.
A year of major changes
A lot will be rearranged and restructured in 2008. It will be a year of significant changes, of all types and on all levels. There will be an unusual endowment of divine grace specifically for change. Those that have struggled to change certain character sins, deficiences, patterns, and cycles will see transformation this year, especially in the first four months (January-April). Major structural changes and rearrangements will happen in government and politics, unnerving some, rejoicing others. Watch the news and witness certain world governments topple, tumble, and fall this year. Many families will see remarkable positive changes as the Spirit blows in a fresh breeze of His presence. A blessing will descend upon fathers to arise and lead their families in a new way...into a Promised Land. Major changes of all types and shapes are coming this year.
CHANGES IN AMERICAN CHRISTIANITY
Churches of all denominations will see quite a bit of alteration, modification, and reorganization. Because of this, there will be much movement of people from one denomination to another, one church to another. Attendance and membership will fluctuate greatly in some places, hindering congregation-building. However, this is necessary for future congregational development--pieces must be moved out, pieces must be moved in. This is also necessary because it is God's round-about way of unifying His church, especially for the years to come. Pastors, don't resist the rearrangement, this must happen! It is the Lord's work, not the enemy.
The "relationship-centered, Spirit-filled church" will gain great headway, victories, and momentum this year over the "religious, legalistic, form-but-no power" segment of Christianity. God is cleaning His house of religious and legalistic spirits. Many churches will close that need to. Many leaders will step down or be removed, to be replaced by authentic, Spirit-filled, passionate leaders. Many churches wavering between relationship and religion will break through into relationship with her First Love for the first time. Legalism will suffer a tremendous blow this year as leaders speak boldly against it in mass. Prayer and fasting groups, teams, pockets, and events will pop up in greater numbers everywhere, further driving the stake into religion/legalism. Many religious structures within Christianity that oppose the Spirit's move, presence, and voice will crumble or be restructured altogether.
"Worship wars" will die down and start to end this year. The American church has seen much internal conflict in this area, consequently, she has grown quite a bit concerning the true meaning of worship. Worship will increase and become more pure in American Christianity this year.
AMERICAN CHRISTIAN MUSIC
American Christian music will be greatly anointed, favored, and elevated by the Lord this year in strategic ways. He will use it as a key aspect in His strategy to both change and unify the church on a large scale. Denominations of all shades will rally harmoniously around the heavenly sounds and words coming from certain American Christian songs. Rifts and separations within the body will be mended and restored because of them. Key discussions and dialogues will open up because of them. Songs of colossal spiritual magnitude and global influence will appear, similar to that of "Shout to the Lord" and "Days of Elijah". Christian musicians, arise and take your land! This is your year!
NEW WAYS FOR NEW DAYS
This year not only signifies new days on God's calendar, it also signifies new ways. There will be many changes in strategy, approach, procedure, and methodology. God is granting many "new ways" this year. New ways to overcome in our personal life...new ways to have fulfilling relationships...new ways to minister effectively...new ways to succeed at our jobs...new ways to create financial capability...new ways to remain joyful. As we seek the Lord, we will experience unusual streams of thought-flow streaming in new strategies to flourish.
A year of new prophetic voices and faces
This year many new, unrecognized prophetic voices and faces will emerge. The Lord is unveiling and promoting an entirely fresh batch of prophesiers who have spiritually graduated. Not one or two, but an entire crop will be given public (or more public) ministries. They are an emerging remnant, possessing unusually high levels of personal maturity and prophetic authenticity. They will advance into broader spheres of influence, authority, and credibility. Like John the Baptist, their preparatory solitude in the desert is over; now they will be "revealed to Israel" (Lk 1:80).
This will happen in all the denominations, even in ones that have shunned or distanced from prophetic ministry. These denominations will not refer to them specifically as "prophets" or "prophetic", but they will admit--because of their verbal power, relevancy, and accuracy--that God has unusually anointed their words.
CHANGING OF THE GUARD
Some of the present prophetic voices and faces will begin to be replaced by this new batch this year. This is because many of these voices have lost prophetic authenticity and objectivity. Some have diluted the pure word of the Lord with worldly self-help philosophies. Some have diluted the pure word of the Lord with materialistic extremism. Some have diluted the pure word of the Lord with critical and condemning overtones and wording; they have used their prophetic anointing to punish others for personal reasons. Many existing prophetic voices have become diluted for a variety of reasons.
The Lord is not throwing these voices away, but He is shifting His eye of favor upon a newer and purer batch, a batch that has been developed with the strictest and severest preparation. Some of these existing voices will maintain their public ministries, yet they will suffer a noticeable loss of power, blessing, credibility, and constituency. Some will lose their ministries altogether, as God exposes secret agendas and sensitive information. Some will wisely observe all these things, take it to heart, repent, restore their personal and prophetic purity, and be exalted to higher levels than before--they will be known as "fathers" and "mothers" of prophecy. God will reward their humility.
NEW PROPHETIC VOICES AND 2009
This new prophetic batch will find their ultimate purpose in 2009 and beyond. America and the American Church will need an unprecedented level of prophetic precision for the coming days. She will need unusually specific, unusually relevant, unusually timely, and unusually practical prophetic words. These emerging prophesiers have been trained and prepared in the most unique of conditions to meet this need fully. They will have many joyful "full circle" moments in 2009 and beyond as they understand why they had to endure such harsh preparations.
A year to possess the high places
2008 is a year to possess the high places. The high places refer to positions of leadership and authority. There are high places in government, education, media, sports, business, and every sphere of society. Whoever occupies the high place sets the spiritual direction of that entire sphere! God has commanded--yes, commanded--His people to possess and occupy the high places. We are the head, not the tail; above, not beneath (Deu 28:13). We are kings and priests on the earth, not helpless destitutes (Rev 1:6 NKJV). We are the city on the highest hill that lights the whole world (Mt 5:14). We are the Lord's house on the highest mountain that all nations will run to (Isa 2:2).
This year, especially the first half (January-June), there will be leadership openings everywhere for Christians to step up into the high places of authority. Watch! Mediocre and ungodly leaders will be vacated in mass. Some will resign, some will retire, some will accept other jobs, some will be forcibly removed, some will fall sick, some will pass on. Christians, watch! Watch! Watch! Watch! This is your sunrise opportunity to possess the high place and set a new kingdom direction in that sphere. This year a crucial anointing is being outpoured for Christians to pursue, conquer, possess, and occupy places of authority and rule.
POSSESSING THE HIGH PLACES AND 2009
Our possessing the high places in 2008 is one of God's strategies to protect and provide for His people in 2009 and beyond. During a time of national difficulty, who do you want making the decisions...a capable, Spirit-filled Christian or a capable unbeliever? Who will support and look after God's people and God's agenda during a crisis? Remember Esther! God's people were delivered from total extermination because she possessed the high place as queen of Persia. Remember Joseph! God's people were delivered from famine because he possessed the high place as prime minister of Egypt. What high place is the Lord calling you to possess this year?
In difficult days to come, many American Christians will be delivered and blessed because of high places that were possessed by fellow Christians in 2008. It is not that God is uncaring toward the unsaved; He is concerned for all (Jnh 4:11). Rather, His priority is His people first. Wait and watch for openings in high places this year (especially January-June); then go, possess and occupy.
A year of vindication for fallen ministries
2008 is the year the Lord has determined to vindicate and re-honor certain ministries that have suffered past falls and failures, on a small and large scale. He has supervised their restoration, rectification, and renewal, and this year they will be rewarded publicly. Many bad feelings and antagonism toward these ministries will be washed away, and replaced with gratitude that God can restore the fallen as He does. God will do for these as He did for Manasseh (2Chr 33). In Scripture, circumcision took place on the eigth (8th) day, and is related to rolling away reproach (Jsh 5:1-9). So also, in this year 2008 many past-fallen ministries will see their shame cut and rolled away. It will be a very good year for humble ministries seeking public redemption.
VINDICATION OF FALLEN MINISTRIES AND 2009
The Lord is vindicating many fallen ministries this year for specific reasons. One is to reward their humility and rectification, since this is God's year of reward. The second reason pertains to 2009. God is raising the credibility and authority of His American church in preparation for the difficulties of 2009 and beyond--this includes the public redemption of His fallen ministries. He wants His American church to enter 2009 with new degrees of credibility.
Degrees of healing for Alzheimers
This year many will see their saved loved ones with Alzheimers experience degrees of healing and memory-restoration. The Lord is saying: "I am restoring the memories of my people. I have heard the prayers of my people concerning their loved ones with Alzheimers. I am restoring key memories that will restore intimacy with their afflicted ones."
Healing for Restless Leg Syndrome
This year many with Restless Leg Syndrome will be healed. Psalm 127:2, "...He gives His beloved sleep". Proverbs 3:24, "...you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet." The Lord has heard the prayers, seen the sleepless nights, and felt the pain. There is an open heaven this year for the healing of Restless Leg Syndrome.
Canada...a great move of God
In 2008, Canada will see remarkable and widespread movements of God's presence and power. What she has experienced thus far has only been to condition her to the supernatural. This year, the divine volume and intensity will be increased. Many leaders will say, "What is this new blessing that has come to our land? Surely the Lord has come to us with an awesome visitation!" Canada, prepare for the Glory of the Lord!
CANADA, USA, AND 2009
Interestingly, this blessing that is coming to Canada will also bless the USA. In 2009 and beyond, many Americans will flee to Canada, some to relocate permanently, some only temporarily. Just as the Bible contained "cities of refuge", Canada will be a "nation of refuge" for many Americans. Just as Elimelech fled to Moab (Ru 1:1,2), Joseph and Mary fled to Egypt (Mt 2:13-15), David fled to Philistia (1Sam 29:1-3), so also the days are coming in 2009 and beyond when Americans and American Christians will flee to Canada. There they will enter a cloud of Glory, be transformed, and bring back to America what they attained.
Caribbean Islands...a great move of God
In 2008, the Caribbean Islands will also see remarkable and widespread movements of God's presence and power. The result will be that many new ministry training centers will be opened to develop and train new converts into leaders and ministers. A great amount of financial resources will be sent to the islands for kingdom purposes. Even the educational systems will improve because of God's move.
ARUBA
Aruba will be in the news once again, but this time because of God's move and the positive changes that will enhance the island. The Lord will wipe away her shame, and bring in a fresh blessing of His favor to the people. His heart is moved with profound compassion and desire for her. He longs to favor her and show His love to her this year in an unusual way. His heart has something special and unique for Aruba! God has scheduled many good things ahead for Aruba.
THE CARIBBEAN ISLANDS, USA, AND 2009
The Lord will use the islands in a very similar way as Canada. In 2009 and beyond, many Americans and American Christians will relocate there. Some will relocate permanently as they sense destiny and calling to develop the kingdom there. Some will stay only temporarily. The Glory of the Lord will cover the islands, and the Americans who go there will be enraptured in it. They will see amazing supernatural things. They will be changed forever. The Lord will kiss the islands and those who go there.
"Exalt the name of the LORD, the God of Israel, in the islands of the sea...in his law the islands will put their hope...sing to the LORD a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who live in them...let them give glory to the LORD and proclaim his praise in the islands...listen to me, you islands...the islands will look to me and wait in hope for my arm...surely the islands look to me."
--Isaiah 24:15, 42:4,10,12, 49:1, 51:5, 60:9 (NIV)
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What portion(s) of this word beats with your heart and seizes your attention? Seek His face in prayer and worship...tell Him you embrace the word...obey whatever He impresses on your heart. Don't miss your prophetic appointments and blessings!
Junior
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Post by hadassah on Jan 26, 2008 23:47:00 GMT -5
January 24, 2008
Todd Bentley : "Prophetic Directions for 2008"
In this extensive prophetic report titled: Prophetic Directions for 2008, Todd shares twelve crucial directives He received from the Lord for 2008. Each one is significant, yet, when combined, the full force of what's in store for 2008 is sure to launch you into an amazing year, as well as prepare you for the years that follow! Be greatly blessed as you press in for these appointed directives to be established in your life.
"Where there is no vision (no redemptive revelation of God), the people perish…" Proverbs 29:18 (Amplified Bible Version)
I take the above-noted proverb seriously. Each New Year, not only wanting, but also needing a clear commission from the Lord concerning direction for the year, I always seek Him about what lies ahead.
With that purpose, recently, I asked my friend Bob Jones (a gifted, mature seer-prophet) about what God was saying to him concerning 2008. In a nutshell Bob said that he had not received a clear directive from the Lord yet. He was still praying about it but he did say this: "I know what the Church needs in this hour. We need a clear clarion trumpet call and we need a clear voice!"
Yes, every word that proceeds from the mouth of God--the living word, the now word, revelation, fresh manna--are absolutely vital. That's why it is imperative that we take the necessary time to listen to God and to hear His voice, His every word.
In fact, a great opportunity comes before us every morning to hear from the Lord. Look at what the prophet Isaiah wrote about why spending quality time with God in the morning marks us for accomplishing God's strategic purposes: "The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to hear as the learned" (Isaiah 50:4, emphasis mine). Church, this year is the year to take Isaiah's word to heart!
Yet there is something more that will mark you. It involves a certain shift that has come to pass concerning the secret place. Namely, there is a whole lot more involved in the secret place than just coming into God's presence to rest, soak and marinade, as good as that is. We're shifting! In fact we need to shift; and it's into something much deeper...being transformed...to the point that we actually become a resting place for the Lord. We become like a landing strip for the presence of the Holy Spirit; a place that holds an atmosphere where God doesn't just come in moments of visitation, but He comes in habitation. As a resting place for the Lord, we're in the best position for hearing the clear clarion trumpet call and God's clear voice. Actually, it's when I'm in that spiritual position that I receive revelation for the New Year.
So here are twelve prophetic directions for 2008. My hope and prayer is that each point will help you both gain and maintain a successful year, one that will launch you into the future strong and full of faith and Holy Ghost power!
1. 2008 IS A YEAR TO DISCERN WHAT IS BEST
"That which is good is the enemy of what is best," said Bob Jones.
Good things will keep Christians in 2008 from the best if they think that when they're "doing what's good" it is "the blessing" of the Lord. I say that because in the midst of doing good things there is often an attitude of complacency. So the challenge is not to settle for, or just be content with, what is good.
Furthermore, unlike any other year, 08 is a year wherein somehow you "determine the bar" and this determination is connected to "you get what you say." By that I mean--the bar will go as high or as far as you set the expectation, as well as by what you say--and God wants you to know that you can't go too high. So why settle for what's good when you can go higher!
Therefore, 2008 is a year to really press in and not look back at yesterday; as good as it might have been, like it's some kind of grid that reflects all that God wants to do tomorrow. The challenge will be to live like the Apostle Paul said in Ephesians 3:20: "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think…" dream or imagine "according to the power that works in us."
Think and walk in an "exceedingly abundantly" mindset because God will do exceedingly abundantly according to the power that works within you! Great faith will establish this in your life. So press in!
2. 2008 IS A YEAR OF ADVANCEMENT AND VICTORY
The Lord said to me that He is going to cause us to triumph, to have victory, not defeat--it's a prophetic decree, it's a prophetic declaration--founded upon this scripture: "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith" (1 John 5:4). Real victory comes out of real faith and God is going to breathe again on what the meaning of real faith is. The only way we are going to overcome is by faith, and there is going to be a supernatural release of faith.
Faith is going to be energized! The level of faith will be so great this year that many impossible things will break through tremendously. So seek the Lord about faith. It's time to walk in solid faith. Great faith! Understand everything that you can about faith and how faith works--to gain your victory. Truly, it's in the simplicity of going back to foundational understanding about what real biblical faith is and how faith works that the most incredible anointing, revelation, and powerful miracles will be released. It's because the Captain of the host is coming on the scene!
We're going to see that the battle truly belongs to the sovereign Lord! Whatever battles you are entering into--battles that you have been fighting for years, battles in your family, financial battles, battles in your body--they're going to be won. This is a year of victory--a year in which the very thing that has defeated you and has been a continual thorn in your side--will be overcome. That's God's promise! You've got it! You've already won because it's a time of triumph--"Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14).
Claim--"This year is the year of victory!" Pay attention to what you say and be confident in the Lord. Expect victory!
3. 2008 IS A YEAR OF STARTING OVER, COMPLETION, AND NEW BEGINNINGS
No matter how it's been in the past, this is the year that God is breathing out of Heaven saying, "It's the year of starting over, completion, and new beginnings!" For God is going to give us the opportunity to do again what we failed to do before. This is the year of starting over in your business, or in your marriage, ministry, church, and more. You're not going to keep going around the same mountain. That season is over! Completion! It's a year of opportunity and grace. You're going to get it right this time! You're going to find something new happening in your life!
So, once again, don't settle or be satisfied with those things that are "good" in your life. There is so much more. Be hungry; be desperate. Take it to the next level. Set a goal. Crank it up to the next level in your goals, in your ministry, in reaping souls, in your faith, in your vision. Remember, every time you go higher God will meet you there. That's His promise!
4. 2008 IS A YEAR OF THE DOUBLE PORTION
Last year God asked me an unusual question: "Todd, are you ready to pray for people to receive a double portion?" Then, as I sought the Lord for direction in 2008, He brought that question to my remembrance as He said: "2008 is the year of the double portion"--
"Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, and instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; everlasting joy shall be theirs" (Isaiah 61:7).
Instead of shame, it's double honor! Listen. If you have any shame it's going to leave because of restoration; God is going to release miraculous restoration! You're going to have double honor. Honor is favor, esteem and respect. Instead of confusion you will rejoice in your portion. As you live in the land, it's double joy!
What's more, did you know that every first born son, biblically, had the inherited right to receive the double portion? Here's how this applies to you and me.
Since Jesus Christ is the first born, raised from the dead, and you have been made a joint heir with Him, you have the first born right to double portion. You actually have the right to "make a demand" on your Heavenly Father to restore and bring forth double portion inheritance and blessing in every area of your life. You have the right to live in blessing, in double honor, in double joy, and double goodness. You have the biblical right in Christ to receive the double portion blessing of the Father.
When the patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, released the first born inheritance, all they did was release the blessing, speak the word, give the impartation, and God made sure it manifested in the life of their first born heirs. I want you to understand, when there is a prophetic decree of double portion, it is God's responsibility to bring it forth. He will be the one that commands whatever He needs to command in your circumstances to bring you the double.
5. 2008 IS A YEAR TO STRENGTHEN YOURSELF IN THE LORD
In the natural, if you want to lift four hundred pounds then you need to exercise, build yourself up and strengthen the little supporting muscles so that your whole core is strong enough to lift heavy weights. Likewise, in the spiritual, if you want to prophesy, see miracles, signs and wonders happen through your life, go into the nations, preach--then you need to exercise and strengthen your core. You need to take in spiritual calories through prayer, devotion, worship, praying in tongues, staying plugged in at church, abiding in the vine, so that you can go the distance.
You are only as strong as your core, and if you want to manifest the dunamis power of God it's going to depend on the strength of your inner man. (Dunamis is a Greek word from which we get the word dynamic; it means great power, strength, and ability to accomplish something. See Luke 9:1.) That's why it's important to build yourself up in your most holy faith through prayer, getting up early in the morning to pray, meditating on the word day and night-- those simple acts. Yet they are the most important ones to do!
David, during one of his most difficult trials, strengthened himself in the Lord (1 Samuel 30:6). He went into the secret place, called for the priest and asked for the ephod (holy garment). Ultimately, he wanted to seek the Lord, and in the secret place he received God's counsel as he strengthened himself--"Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all" (verse 8).
6. 2008 IS A YEAR OF JUSTICE
God told me that 08 is a year of justice. I'm talking about the kind of justice that comes out of Heaven. It's not about revenge being justice. God is going to establish His justice; He is going to breathe on and bless justice. We're going to see this. The media is going to prophesy, government is going to prophesy, kingdoms are going to prophesy. Laws will change. We're going to make a demand on Heaven and we're going to see God's justice this year, and we're going to see Him bring it forth out of His Kingdom.
Remember, in the spirit, the anointing of justice and moving in justice goes hand in hand with the kingly anointing. It's the kingly anointing that establishes God's judgment and justice. For example, when David reigned as king over all of Israel, he administered judgment and justice to all the people in his kingly anointing (2 Samuel 8:15).
Therefore, hold the ground in the "sphere of influence" that the Lord has given you. It might be for your work place; it might be for your city; it might be for the widows and orphans. Then take it a step further--advance His Kingdom--take more ground for the cause of Christ's justice. As you do, you are walking in your kingly anointing. You are affecting the world around you for the glory of God!
7. 2008 IS A YEAR OF FOCUS
My focus is two more years of greater glory in God's presence--supernatural giving, debt cancellations, miracles, signs and wonders, double portion, build. But don't miss this. No matter what your focus is, when you get something from the Lord this year, when you know the kind of season you are in, be like a pit bull and dig into it. Don't allow any distractions, trials, or even things that appear to be good to creep up on you. If they aren't in line with your mandate, then don't give them any attention. Declare the season you are in, stay the course and don't let it go. See it through until God makes a change.
8. 2008 IS THE YEAR OF THE NATIONS
This is the year to "Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession" (Psalm 2:8). There is something about asking in the right season. We can ask any time, but then there are times when God urges us to ASK NOW!
Today, God is looking for those who will ask Him for the nations, because this is a God-ordained hour when Heaven is breathing on the nations--open doors, opportunities, and acceleration for reaping souls. God is breathing on His beloved, giving us authority over the nations. Listen. God saw Reinhard Bonnke, his passion for the harvest, and He is giving him a nation in Africa!
Nigeria is his nation! For about the last eight years Reinhard Bonnke has spent more time in Nigeria than any other nation. Why? The answer is because he has received God's authority to take Nigeria for Christ. God gave it to him in 2000, and he said that until he reaps a harvest, he's not concentrating anywhere else like he is in Nigeria. What about you?
For those of you who are pressing in hard for taking nations, I have a word for you. You are going to receive from God--the inheritance, the authority, the favor, and the resources--for taking your nation. You will experience quick advancement and you might even see God do more in this twelve month period than He's done in the last eighteen years. And no matter what, it's going to come by double portion! It's "Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations…" and you're going to break through so that you can take it to the next level. Watch, it's going to explode! So pack your bags and go!
9. 2008 IS THE YEAR TO BUILD
Look at what Nehemiah said: "The God of Heaven Himself will prosper us; therefore we His servants will arise and build" (Nehemiah 2:20). Build! That's the season Fresh Fire is in. After the dark night of the soul I received a word from Heaven. God asked me, "Do you know what time it is?" Then He answered, "Greater glory" and "Build! Build! Build!" We've got God's word and so we're focused, we're building, and we're building fast.
Listen. If you're going to plant anything, build anything, launch out into any kind of ministry this is the year to do it. This is the year to create! It's time...there's oil on it! It's a season in which God is fulfilling apostolic visions and dreams. So we need to be like Nehemiah. That means we need to know the season we are in, be focused, have a sword in one hand, and a hammer in the other! Like Nehemiah we need to be aggressive in order to go all the way--"The Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force" (Matthew 11:12).
10. 2008 IS THE YEAR TO CONSULT THE SPIRIT OF WISDOM
ABOUT ANY DECISIONS
I was just having time with God in conversation when I received His caution--"Don't make any major decisions without consulting the Spirit of wisdom, first." Now I know that's the word of the Lord all the time, but for some reason God wanted to emphasize it for 2008. He said this is the year to be extra careful with everything you do and plan; that you need to commit your works to Him; that the preparations belong to Him and He will establish your steps (Proverbs 16:9).
So look for the Shepherd that leads. He does so with the spirit of wisdom. In fact, in the Book of Proverbs, the first eight chapters are about wisdom. "She," wisdom, was right there and the Bible says to exalt her, love her, honor her, and embrace her.
Know everything that you can about the gift of the word of wisdom. The Lord said that in 2008 there is going to be a provision of the supernatural word of wisdom and that He is going to give people, mantling them with the gift, the spirit of wisdom.
11. 2008 IS A YEAR OF GREAT ANOINTING
Leviticus Chapter 8 describes the time of consecration of Aaron and his sons, the seven days of holiness--"And you shall not go out of the door of the Tent of Meeting for seven days, until the days of your consecration and ordination are ended; for it will take seven days to consecrate and ordain you" (verse 33, Amplified Bible version).
What happened on the eighth day? Aaron and his sons were ready, they met God's requirements, and they were anointed to perform certain priestly duties on the eighth day (chapter 9:1–4). You want the anointing? You want to be anointed? Then there are certain preparations--purification and consecration--then comes your "eighth day."
God said that this year, in 08, He is going to release a greater anointing; that it's going to be a year of great anointing. I believe it's going to be released into the lives of those who are prepared. Are you prepared through intimacy with Jesus Christ, the Anointed One? Are you a holy living sacrifice unto the Lord?
Leviticus Chapter 9:6 and 23 says that after Aaron and his sons did the things God commanded them to do (that they were anointed for), the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people. The anointing and the glory of the Lord go hand in hand! There is going to be a double portion--anointing and glory--for those who hunger after God, who walk uprightly and who honor the anointing!
12. 2008 IS A YEAR OF GREAT DELIVERANCES
David cried out to God and he saw great deliverances--"I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth--praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the LORD" (Psalm 40:1–3).
God heard David's cry and He hears your cry! God told me, "Todd, there is going to be an anointing for people to cry out and be delivered. I'm going to release that sovereign anointing which is going to come in an instant, and people are going to be set free." Freedom from whatever it is that's bound you!
"There is coming an authority in 2008," said God, "when we are going to see great deliverances, spontaneous deliverances, instantaneous deliverances by supernatural intervention." One moment God will break through and in that moment somebody will come into their instantaneous freedom!
Todd Bentley
Fresh Fire Ministries
Email: info@freshfire.ca
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