Five-Fold Today - The Spirit of AntiChrist - Overcome the Strategies of The Enemy - A "holy" War? - The Temple Mount - Gideon's Army - Days of My Power - Times and the Season - Let my People Go - The Next 60 Days - The Runners and the Race - Co-workers, Not Competitors

October 24, 2000

THE SPIRIT OF ANTICHRIST

by Jim Rinker

The job of Jezebel or the religious spirit is to introduce her god baal into the land as a substitute provider or husband for our Lord and husband Jesus Christ. Jezebel "builds" the platform upon which antichrist will sit. In this world there is a movement toward making government God.

The main topic of discussion in the debates is how will the president use government to protect (military), provide (social programs), enlighten (education), and heal (healthcare) those who submit to it and entrust in it. We know the ultimate "fulfillment" of this will be when you must commit yourself unequivocally to "baal" by taking a mark in your right hand or forehead to reap the blessings of antichrist as husband or provider.

This is a "foreshadow" of what is rising up in the body of Christ for it's a picture in the natural of what is happening in the spiritual within the church. I will be as blunt as possible. The religious spirit is introducing her god (baal) into the land. That god is "government" and is manifesting itself in the form of "apostolic government". It is coming to be your "mediary" between God and man and "substitute" itself for the Lord Jesus Christ making itself supreme authority or God's "delegated authority" on earth.

Sounds like the pope. Well the pope is only a "type" of this greater manifestation which is already upon us. This government is demanding submission to it and in return it is promising provision (blessings) for for your "obedience" by submission.

Matthew 24:5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

Many are claiming to be "Christ" or "anointed ones" and promise "peace and prosperity" if only you will submit to their authority (Daniel 11:21). The promise of provision for you comes in exchange for loyalty or submission from you as your trust shifts from Jesus as provider to a governmental system in which blessings flow from submission to authority. All this sounds "biblical" and "spiritual" but Jesus clearly said:

Matthew 20: 25 But Jesus called them [unto him], and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Thus the "definition" of government that is being spewed forth by those demanding your "allegiance" is not the same as that spoken of by Jesus for Jesus "government" will not demand allegiance but will serve you to make sure that your salvation is sure. They will serve you and not you them. As Paul said "the children do not lay up inheritance for the parents but the parents for the children".

In Ephesians 4 is says:

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

So the purpose is to see the bride raised to maturity. Then we as a body will then begin to "feed" one another BY THE SPIRIT that the whole body would EDIFY ITSELF.

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ:
16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

The flow is NEVER top down as in from "anointed ones" to the "masses below". The flow is from the LORD HIMSELF to whom the WHOLE BODY is joined. It's thus a direct connection. Those who are called to serve "plant and water" but it is the Lord who gives the increase. Their focus is simply on doing those things that will mature the body so it is capable of EDIFYING ITSELF which simply put is being able to recognize the Spirit of Christ and manifest gifts in one another and draw from them to be edified by the Lord Himself.

When we are ministered to by another it is the Spirit of Christ or Lord Himself ministering to us and when we minister to "one of the least" of our brothers and sisters in Christ we are ministering to the Lord Himself.

Hold and consider these things for the time of trouble is upon us when all those things written shall be fulfilled. Praise to the Lord that He is able to preserve us through this hour of trouble and temptation.

In His Love.

Jim Rinker
rinker@3dp.com
Website: http://landru.myhome.net/cmjhburl/rinker.html

Overcome the Strategies of The Enemy

Teresa Seputis

This may not sound like good news, but I believe the Lord wants to alert us to what the enemy is up to lately. Then we can press in and get God's strategy to thwart the enemy's plans.

The Lord has been showing me that recently the enemy has begun to release a spirit of contention and division on the Body Of Christ. The enemy is causing miscommunications, and offense is being taken where none should be. And the goal of this season is to destroy the unity that the Holy Spirit has been buiding in the body. Just about every church and ministry I am personally incontact with of has been seeing a higher level of offenses, striffs and miscommunications this past month than at any the the whole year preceeding it. This is because the enemy has released a strategic plan against the Body Of Christ.

But God is showing us the enemy's stratgy so we can defeat him, and so that God's plan will prevail instead of Satan's. Satan is not nearly as powerful as God and he less resources than God does. Satan was counting on a sneak attack where we don't know what hit us when the stuff comes at us and we get overwhelmed and don't think to fight back (against Satan's strategy). But God is showing us Satan's strategy to diffuse his plans.

So now we need to each individually seek the Lord and ask Him for our personal strategy and marching plans to keep the enemy from gaining any ground in this "all out attack". We need to guard our marriages, our families, our relationships at work and at church. God will show us how to do this because He wants to really embarass and frustrate the enemy. And God's strategy is to empower us to walk even closer to Him and each other than before. His strategy is for us to walk in the POWER of His love.. the love by which all men know we are Jesus' disciples. God's strategy is to see His glory come forth in His church and His kingdom advance. And He wants to accomplish this strategy through us, His people.

So put on your marching boots. Get ready to do some foot stomping and trampling on the plans of the enemy. But be sure to go to God, hear Him, and get your directions from Him. Assume that any offenses that come you way are not personal, but are the general strategy of the enemy. So defeat him by refusing to become offended or angry at the person. Instead, rebuke the demonic attack. If we do this, Satan's strategy of contention and division will not stand. If we look to the Lord and walk in His power and in His love, God's strategy will prevail and our enemy will be once again defeated.

So, rise up as VICTORIOUS, because God has already given you all you need to be an overcomer. RISE UP, O mightly man and woman of God. This is your time to take some ground for God's kingdom. You have already been given the victory and the strategy. Now go out and appropriate it!

teresa@godspeak.org

A "holy" War?

by Mary (Koons) Wattenford

Psalm 91:7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; [but] it shall not come nigh thee.

Have I not said I would come to you in the early hours of the morning My Child - when you sought My face? Truly I AM a GOD that "KEEPS!" His word. My WORD is the same yesterday, today and forever!

You question My leading, but I say unto you I "HAVE!" gone before you and prepared a way for you. Though the world erupts in turmoil, keep your heart and your mind STAYED ON ME! I prepare those who you will meet along the way - and tell them of your coming; for you come not in your name - but IN MY NAME! I AM that I AM is sending you. I AM that I AM is bringing you forth.

Truly the enemy is roaming about seeking "WHOM" he may devour, but if you keep your eyes on ME, you have nothing to fear. FEAR NOT! I SAY.. FEAR NOT!

For I will bring you through all of the struggles, all of the trials, all of the tests that lie ahead. Though a thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand - NONE will come nigh thee! Bring your focus unto MY PERFECTED WORK.. Bring your mind and your thoughts in line with MY WORD and you will move ahead on the "prepared path" quickly.

Bend your will.. subject YOUR WILL to MY WILL! Lean not upon your own understanding in this day - for I AM is doing a "new thing!" A wonder to all who will STOP! gazing upon world events but LOOK at what I AM is doing in the midst of them. For though many have fallen and will fall - they are not lost to Me.

Are not even the hairs upon your head numbered? Do I not know when a sparrow falls? Those who have fallen are not lost.. Nor forgotten by your God. Their families grieve but those who have been "lost to them" ARE with Me in paradise. If those who grieve will look unto Me - I will surround them and comfort and walk with them THROUGH the "Valley of the Shadow of Death."

I will apply the Balm of Gilead to their hearts---I will uphold them and sustain them - bring them the OIL OF GLADNESS to replace what the enemy has taken from them. He is defeated - but they SHALL ARISE VICTORIOUS!

They ask and wonder - "HOW could GOD allow this to happen?" So many questions, so many fears, so many looking at the problem, instead of looking to "THE SOLUTION!"

Where sin reigns, death reigns. Loss happens when the enemy has found a foothold and entered in. Those who commit such atrocities have "sin" residing within them, and love not their enemies.. But seek to bring death and destruction in the name of a "cause," for reasons they, themselves, do not even understand.

But "sin" brought forth Ishmael! Unbelief was at the "root" of his conception. Yet, I "blessed" him and made of him a great nation - a great people, but a people who today claim to know ME, yet deny who I AM! How can ANY understand ME unless they are willing to come before Me and sup with me, REST in My Presence? How can they DENY MY SON-SHIP, but acknowledge that the power of MY NAME is such that they refuse to allow MY TRUE WORD entrance within their borders?

How?? Because deep within themselves they RECOGNIZE that I AM that I AM, but they - as the Pharisees, would have to turn from their own self-righteousness and become humble before Me. They are a people whose greatness has been lost by their own willful disobedience to "MY ways.." The enemy has so blinded my latter-day Ishmael's that they have "holy wars," and claim it is of ME!

There will be wars, and rumors of war - but does it say that "I" have initiated them? NO! For I said: THOSE WHO PICK UP THE SWORD - WILL DIE BY THE SWORD. My ways are gentle and humble. I say unto you that "BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS! For "THEY" shall be called the "SONS OF GOD!"

WOE!! WOE!! Unto those who "pick up their swords" and claim it is of ME! Woe!! Woe!! To those who blindly follow the promptings of others and refuse to acknowledge the conscious that I AM PLACED WITHIN THEM that speaks of "doing good" and NOT "doing evil!"

Follow your heart - listen to your conscious! Don't be blinded by others into thinking that the war you call for - is holy unto the LIVING "HOLY" GOD! Sin begets sin. Violence begets violence! Let he who would breaks the peace KNOW that I watch over "MY CHOSEN PEOPLE" - the apples of My Eye and he who would "touch or harm" my little ones will answer to "THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, ISSAC AND JACOB!"

Truly many have hearts blackened with malice and envy, greed and covet what their neighbor has. Truly, many call forth "FIRE FROM HEAVEN" but the "FIRE" they bring forth is a fire of rhetoric that besmirches the GOD - they "SAY" they serve! NONE who do such things have "ANY!" part of ME, nor do I recognize them, nor do I overlook their evil deeds.

They follow one who was full of pride in "his" accomplishments, "full of deceit and malice" towards those who refused to follow him. He sought to build an empire - with himself at its "head." BUT I AM THE HEAD!

Nimrod would build a tower - a tower that reached to the very heavens. He failed - for he failed to take into account that "I AM" the "GOD OF THE HEAVENS." And so will others fail who presume to "REACH UNTO THE HEAVENS" and build their own "towers!"

I AM YOUR HIGH TOWER. None other. You can ONLY come to the Father - "THROUGH ME!" There is NO OTHER NAME that will save. There is NO OTHER WAY to "REACH" into the Heavens!

mkoons15@hotmail.com

The Temple Mount

Vern Kuenzi

Isn't it interesting that the focus of world news is now on the Middle East, most specifically on Jerusalem --- and even more specifically --- on the Temple Mount. Peace negotiations seem unavoidably drawn to that location. One wonders if this is the beginning of what God meant when He said that He would make Jerusalem a stumbling stone for the nations, and that all nations would one day come against Jerusalem. Many have set dates for certain end-time events --- particularly the rapture --- and a bad taste has been left in the mouths of many who are aware of such failed predictions. All of us, who have attempted to set dates for specific end-time events prior to 10/23/2000, have been wrong. I don't think people who make such predictions are heretics, as some say, but it does throw a pall over what may be legitimate --- and not entirely speculative --- considerations of the timing of end-time events. Did God give us sign posts that we should be looking for?

Many Bible students believe the references to the "temple" and the "altar" and the "outer court" in Revelation Chapter 11 are referring to a spiritual things, and have nothing to do with an actual physical rebuilt temple on the Temple Mount. That may be true. But perhaps both the spiritual and natural interpretations are valid. There may be one day soon a new Jewish temple being built on the Temple Mount, and if that should be the case, it will be almost certainly a bench-mark in the time scale of end-time events. Why would I say that and risk adding yet another "false prophetic" voice to the clamor of those already predicting specific dates? Because I am not predicting a specific date. But the Bible gives us specific times --- not specific dates as a day or month of a particular year --- but specific intervals of days relative to certain events. When these events will start in terms of a specific day, month, or year is unknown. But when certain of these events do start, things will progress like clockwork, and that clockwork countdown is very clearly given to us in the Bible. We must neither add to --- nor subtract --- from what God has given us. We should not ignore the detailed information He has provided just because of the poor testimony of prior failed date-settings. He has given us specific time intervals in terms of days, months, and years regarding the unfolding of events, particularly during the last three and one-half years of the age. More is written in the Book of Revelation about the last three and one-half years of the age than all the rest of the prior two-thousand year history of the Church age. I believe He has given us specific times so that we could understand what is happening. But we must pay attention. We must WATCH.

God is concentrating much of His plan for His Church into the last three and one-half years of the age. Those will be days of incredible darkness and incredible light. Those will be the days of the final battle between Satan and the fully empowered Church of Jesus Christ. And the Church will win --- by the Blood of the Lamb, the word of her testimony, and by loving not her life unto death. The very wisdom of God in the form of the cross will be demonstrated through a Church brought to full stature in Jesus Christ. And there is a specific event that starts off this final three and one-half years of the age that everyone should be aware of. It is revealed in Daniel Chapters 11 and 12 for all to read about. And the book of Daniel says that the wise will understand what is written and what will happen.

Daniel 11:31 describes an event which is described as taking place in Jerusalem on the Temple Mount and seemingly in a physical Jewish temple. In the middle of the final seven years of the age, someone sets up an "abomination of desolation" in a "holy place" and from that day until the "end" there are 1290 days . . . not 1291 days, not 1289 days, but 1290 specific days. What are we to think of this? Is all this reference to "temples" and "holy places" to be understood as reference entirely to spiritual matters, and not physical items which we could see or touch? I think we should be flexible in our thinking, and be prepared for either or both possibilities.

Jesus said to His disciples that when they would see the abomination of desolation standing in the holy place, as described in the book of Daniel the prophet, then those in Jerusalem should flee because then would begin a time of great tribulation. Was Jesus referring to a spiritual temple, as He had been known to do, or was He referring to something His disciples could physically see? I tend to take the simplest interpretation, and that to me is "when they would see" means "when they would SEE."

If a physical temple is erected on the Temple Mount and if this abomination of desolation is something we can physically see, then we will be on a finite and specific countdown to the exact day of the end of the age. Since things won't go really bad until that time when the antichrist is revealed and the great tribulation starts, we should be fully warned and aware of what is happening. Why do I think that these things are physical as well as spiritual?

Partly it's because of reference to the outer court in Revelation 11 being measured with a measuring rod and given over to the nations. Spiritual things are not usually measured with a "tape measure." Partly it's because the Bible says Jerusalem will be trampled upon by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are complete (that includes the outer court). Partly it's because I had opportunity several years ago to stand beside the Dome of the Spirits north of the Dome of the Rock and observe a large flat stone forming the floor of that cupola that looked like it could have been a threshing floor. It had been worn and polished to the extent that it was a smooth as . . . a mill stone. The surface resembled the well-worn surface of a flat river stone. It was almost perfectly flat. It took a lot of hours of "polishing" to make it look like that. I don't think it was an art project. As I remember, it was about ten or twelve feet across. If indeed this is the original threshing floor that David purchased, and the site of the original Holy of Holies, the construction of a new temple would not necessarily interfere with the existing structures on the Temple Mount. Some archaeologists believe this is the case. There is an interesting website at http://www.excel.net/~hoy/temple.html that presents this possibility as a key to peace negotiations which could provide for construction of such a new temple. The following quote is taken from a BAR write-up on that website:

"Dr. Asher S. Kaufman concluded that the original site of the Temple was at the northwest corner of the Temple Mount; north of the Dome of the Rock. He has determined that the east-west line aligning the Mount of Olives with the Eastern Gate and the Temple bisect on a small shrine called the Dome of the Spirits. The Holy of Holies is thought to have been located on the bedrock covered by this small cupola. He noted that the bedrock inside this little domed area is the only such bedrock appearing on the Temple Mount --it sticks up from the surface. The rest of the area around the Dome of the Rock has been paved. This is the "Eben Shetiyyah" (Foundation stone) that was the floor in the ancient Holy of Holies." end of quote

Of course, we realize that any such peace will be a false peace that will fall apart at the middle of the final seven years of the age. I think we should keep these things in our back pockets for a rainy day when suddenly a peacemaker may appear on the scene, and part of the provision of the treaty he proposes is that the Jews can rebuild their new temple --- which they are standing in the wings this very day, prepared in a moments notice --- to begin.

And if this is the scenario, then we won't have to wait until the middle of the final seven years to start the countdown. The book of Daniel says "he" will confirm a covenant with the many for seven years. In the middle of the seven, "he" will set up the abomination of desolation and stop the regular sacrifice. The "he" that does this is defined in Daniel 11:31 as none other than the "antichrist" we hear that is coming. I believe the reference to 2300 days in Daniel 8:14 is particularly suggestive, because it is a period of time which includes not only the time from the abomination of desolation to the restoration of the "holy place", but also the time of the regular sacrifice. This time interval then would include the time that the regular sacrifice is in effect, the time of the abomination of desolation that stops the regular sacrifice, and the time interval to restore the holy place. Including the time of the regular sacrifice extends this period of time from three and one-half years to 220 days short of seven years. That 220 days is what the Temple Mount Faithful folks said in 1994 that it would approximately take to erect a new temple and restore sacrifices. The man I asked the question of said, "about six months." Keep this in your back pocket for that rainy day --- just in case.

God gave us these specific time intervals for a purpose. These intervals begin with specific events. If these events are spiritualized, it will be more difficult to define their start. But if they are physical events which everyone can see and mark on their calendars, then they will be definite bench-marks in the sequence of the end-time countdown.

When will it begin? Only God knows. And He isn't telling. At least He isn't telling me --- or anyone else so far that has claimed they knew. But the signs of the times are there for us to observe, and we are counseled to know and understand them. When these events begin to unfold, they will unfold very quickly, right on schedule with the precise prophesied time intervals --- to the day. If we have these possibilities thought out, even though they be hypothetical, we will be better able to pick up on the understanding of these events when they begin to take place. We will be in better position to counsel others, as do those of Daniel 12:3, who are called wise and will shine like stars forever.

Restoring the Vision
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/vkuenzi/Titlesheet.htm
Vkuenzi@compuserve.com

Gideon's army

By Robert I Holmes

There is a gathering Gideon Force on the face of the earth. We must today sound the trumpet to those who are supposed to be a part of the army about to make war. The information I share today has been published twice already - once in 1996 and once in 1998, but I feel it is coming to fulfillment this year and next (2001)

In 1996 I had a vision of Joels Army and Gideons Army. At the end of that vision I observed a battalion off to one side of the 'beaten track', hidden in dense undergrowth. This group stood quietly, waiting in the jungle. They were assembled in a square, and they were awaiting instructions. At the head of this smaller group was a banner which read "Gideon's army".

I should say at the outset that the 'end time' army of God, the militant church making war on the enemies of the kingdom and taking ground for Christ will be made of many companies. Just one of these companies is Gideon's. Others have seen and labelled them the Isaiah 57 company, the Elijah force and the warriors of Gilead. To more deeply understand what it means to be a part of Gideon's Army we should read right through the account in Judges 6&7.

Background

"Israel was greatly impoverished because of Midian; and the Israelites cried out to the LORD for help" (Jud 6:6). Picture the scene in your mind's eye. Smoke drifts across much of the countryside - as it has in recent times across all of Indonesia. The scene is one of terror - the land overrun by Bedouin warriors.

These fearless warriors have destroyed the crops with fire, trampled the vineyards underfoot with their camels, and razed buildings to the ground. The flocks are scattered, and the land lies desolate.

It is in this environment that we find Gideon cowering under the sacred Terebinth tree crushing wheat in the winepress. One can only guess as to why Gideon would do this - perhaps to hide it from the invaders? We know that an angel of the Lord visits him and after some discussion, Gideon brings before the angel of the Lord a meat offering. This is the first point I wish to look at - Gideon's offering. Whilst God required an offering from the meagre left overs of the Sidonian widow at Zarepath, Gideon chose to give this offering unto the Lord.

Think of the abundance of Gideon's generosity. It may not seem much, but consider that winepresses do not hold much grain and Gideon made unleavened bread for the angel. His flocks were scattered, yet Gideon slew a goat calf, and prepared a broth - what he had he gave! The church today is also greatly impoverished - she has been raped and cast aside by the enemy. Can we also give, even if we are vulnerable, if we have meagre left overs? Offer to God from that which you have right now and He will receive it.

Preparing the army

In the vision noted above, I saw a battalion. A battalion in military terms is 10,000 men. Now in the story of Gideon, 32,000 responded to the call of Gideon. Note that they came as a result of the cry of God. We are told that, "The Spirit of God took possession of Gideon and he sounded the trumpet - and those called out followed him."

We know that after the first wave of testing only 10,000 remained. After the second round of testing only 300 men remained. I think that by 1996 the Lord had taken this present day Gideon force through this first purging to get to a spiritual (not numerical) 10,000.

The first purging was to remove those who feared battle. These ones who left had 'the fear of man'. Note that this refinement was not to create an 'elite force'. Any normal man fears death in battle! And those who left joined him later to rout the army. God kept the crazy ones!

These men were mad enough to fear God alone and not the intensity of battle. The 10,000 men in my vision stood waiting in silence for the Lords command to move. This is where Gideon's army has been for the last few years - waiting for the next purging.

The second purging

The second round of purging reduced the army from 10,000 to 300. Once again for us today this is spiritual (not numerical). When you turn up the constraints, increase the pressure, raise the stakes, of course the numbers are going to reduce. Note that the first purging was by the choice and will of men. Gideon asked "Who wants to leave and return to your family?"

The second purging however was of God's choosing. God said "The troops are still too many; take them down to the water and I will sift them out for you there. When I say, 'This one shall go with you,' he shall go with you; and when I say, 'This one shall not go with you,' he shall not go." (Jud 7:4). This passage betrays a deeper choosing than just the 'lap at the water' test we find described later.

The Lord is choosing, hand picking his people. In the days of Gideon he chose the ones who lapped 'like dogs'. I have heard all sorts of interpretations applied to this test. One which is missed frequently however is the fact that these soldiers were hand picked, and those God chose were like dogs.

This is a tell tale sign. Dog was a derogatory word; it meant one who is weak, the lowest of the chain, one of poorest position. David, humbling himself before Saul went about it this way: "He did obeisance and said, "What is your servant, that you should look upon a dead dog such as I?" (2 Sam 9:8). And you remember the woman who begged Christ for a morsel of His attention? She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." (Matt 15:27).

Those who remain in this army are 'dogs of war'. Those who remain are not 'God's best' but rather they are 'God's chosen'. You need not be an elite fighter, honed warrior, battle scarred cavalier or be the most amazing strong man to apply! On the contrary, God told Gideon that he would chose a team Israel could NOT blame! He chose a team in such a way that He would get all the glory. That's why it was so small.

The qualified

Those who qualified were those who did not fear men or war, those who were like dogs, and knew their position before God. Many are called, but few are chosen (Matt 22:14). 32,000 called, 300 chosen. This is a very Scriptural basis for selection. We are told that in these last days a very similar thing will occur - "The Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful." (Rev 17:14). Note that those who come with the Lamb in battle are called, chosen and faithful. They are not 'anointed, appointed and gifted' people.

We see now a picture of the kind of cohort gathered with Gideon - of one accord in they way they viewed themselves - utterly disqualified in the world's eyes, but according to God, useful! It reminds me of Paul talking to the Corinthians about what qualified them for service in God's work. He said, "Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God." (1 Cor 1:26ff). That is your qualification for Gideon's army!

Note the difference between the kind of person God sees Gideon as, and the kind of person Gideon sees himself as. God addresses him as a "mighty man of valour" who was to "go in this might of yours" Gideon confessed his honest appraisal of himself (much the same way David later did) - "How can I deliver Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." (Jud 6:15).

The coming days of battle

"Look at me, and do the same; when I come to the outskirts of the camp, do as I do." (Jud 7:17). We see in the story of Gideon: great valour from a man of insignificance and absolute obedience from Gideon's men. We must in these days follow the commands of the Lord exactly and do as the Lord has made clear to them. If they are hearing correctly from God, we should not hesitate in our obedience to the command.

The men did exactly as Gideon did, except for one interesting point. Gideon instructed them to cry, "For the LORD and for Gideon!" (vs 18) but in fact they cried "A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!" (vs 20). This is interesting because they marched without drawing their swords! Their hands were full. They went into battle with a shofar in one hand (trumpet) and fire in jars in the other! (7:19).

Gideon's army won the battle without weapons being drawn. We are even told that the enemy "feared the sword of Gideon"(vs 13). I believe that the 'deception' at hand was God instituted, as the warriors blew their trumpets instead of drawing swords.

The shofar [trumpet] symbolises the prophetic clarion of the watchmen, used to sound the alarm and awaken the city. This will be prophetic music. Music will be integral to victory on the streets in the coming days. God has used music to win war before! The walls of Jericho fell to the blast of the trumpet and the shout (Josh 6:16).

This is the way it shall be in these days - "Those who were to sing to the LORD and praise him in holy splendour, as they went before the army... As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set an ambush against them [the enemies of Israel] so that they were routed.... For the Ammonites and Moab attacked the inhabitants of Mount Seir, destroying them utterly; and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they all helped to destroy one another.... no one escaped." (2 Chr 20:21).

In the other hand they held fire in clay jars. The fire in jars may well speak of that light we have within us, "we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us." (2 Cor 4:7).

People NOT to be involved with

After winning an amazing victory in their first battle, Gideon's army pressed the defeated enemy far into the Northern region. They passed through into the land of Ephraim, toward Penuel. The inhabitants of this region- the sons of Ephraim, were accomplished soldiers. Over the years they had managed successive enlargements of their territory and were furious that Gideon had left them out of the battle (Jug 8:1)

Gideon must have considered taking such fine fighting men along with him to rout the enemy, yet we read that he proceeded on without them (vs 4). Whilst Gideon acknowledged their superior strength in battle, (vs 2) he diplomatically declined their offer of help. He proceeded with out the prestigious fighters. It would have been tempting to take them along in the next battle. Who are these sons of Ephraim, and what might they represent to us today?

Might it be that the true, fighting church will have to refuse the help of the mighty? Might we have to refuse admission to the large churches and great Christian structures which straddle the globe? There are many good reasons to bring along people who seem to have a fruitful ministry (Ephraim means "fruitful place"). They may have prestige, they may have power, they may be experienced in battle and spiritual warfare, they may have ruled in the previous moves of God, yet we must deny their aide. They may indeed have a special place in God's heart and plan, but not in His plan for those moving in the might of Gideon.

Expect persecution not wide acceptance

They had routed the enemy and run them to the ground. In hot pursuit they were weary and asked each town they came upon for help. But they could get no help - not in Succoth [meaning the dwelling of Jacob], nor in Penuel [meaning face of God]. Expect persecution! Don't expect help from those who dwell in the 'booths' of their fathers [religious types] nor from those who have 'seen the face of God' [the leaders of past moves]. In fact expect to run weary and tired, ragged and hungry. This was the lot of Gideon, yet he still went on to rout the enemy! (Jud 8:10,11).

Robert I Holmes
shm@storm-harvest.asn.au

Days of My Power

Bill Burns:

These are the days of My power that I have spoken of. Indeed the prophets of old have spoken of these days, but I speak to you today of spiritual reality. My desire today is that My word becomes alive in you, that it becomes a beacon of light that shines through any darkness that may abide in you, that it may disburse that light and bring you forth as a son of glory. Is it not written that the whole earth travails waiting for the manifestation of the sons of glory? If I were to come to you today and say to you that these are those days, would you believe? For indeed this is the hour of the transformation of My people. For, you have seen Christ high and lifted up, and you have watched Him (in the Word) even walk to the top of the Mount of Transfiguration, but I say unto you that in these days even those of you who are like Peter and John shall be transformed with Him as you the servants of the Lord rise up into that place, says the Lord, I will shine My light upon you, and you shall live in a new dimension of time--the time of the empowerment of My people. This is that day that has been written about. This is a day of equipping.

Times and the Season

Marsha Burns

Stop! Look! Listen! See if you can discern the times and the season that is upon you. For behold, you are in a time of progression and a season of positioning in My kingdom. Push through the gray dawn of shadows where your path is uncertain, and come into the full light of My plans and purposes for you. I have called you out of obscurity into clarity. No longer will you wander through life with your mind filled with questions and doubt about where you belong. I tell you the truth, I will move you with precision and accuracy. But, in order for you to be perceptive to My leading, you must rise above your own reasoning and your own soul desires to live in the Spirit. I urge you to break out of the limitations of the flesh like a butterfly breaks out of its cocoon. It is time for you to walk by faith and no longer be restrained by what you know by your senses. This is a new day and a new time, and it is imperative that you discern the moving of My Spirit.

Faith Tabernacle
http://ft111.com
ft111@qwest.net

Let my people go

David Howe

Dream.

I was wearing a clerical collar like the ones that the vicars have in the traditional churches.

This clerical collar was making it hard for me to breath, In fact it was choking the life out of me and was I sweating a lot because of this, I could not move my head properly.

Others looked at this collar and it did not look right

As I was walking down the road I suddenly got hold of this clerical collar and ripped it off.

I said as I did this - This is killing me as I ripped it off.

I threw the collar away, I felt free as I did this, I could now breath properly, Breath move my head and walk properly.

Can you all who have the meaning of this contact me. This is a personal dream.

I have nothing against vicars by the way, Many do a good job in difficult circumstances.

End.

Vision.

I was in my Sunday night meeting when I saw a vision of the people wearing strait jackets, They could not move their arms and legs, They were totally bound up and wanted to be free but did not know how to be free.

I felt the Lord say that he wanted to set his people free, That he wanted to undo that strait jacket if they would let him.

This is a picture of what most of the church is in at the moment.

Set my people free - Let my people go I say unto you o pharaoh, For I have come to set my people from the yoke of bondage.

For you have placed more and more work upon my people o pharaoh, Placed that heavy load religion upon them.

Let my people go says the Lord.

For my burden is light and my way easy for those that live in me.

For whom the son sets free will be really free.

End.

Dave howe

davehowe@fdn.co.uk

THE NEXT 60 DAYS
Doug Fortune

As we come to the completion of the yearly Feast of Tabernacles for 2000, the Lord is impressing upon me that we are in an important KAIROS time for the next 60 days. We can expect increased warfare and spiritual attacks, but the wise warrior will seize this as an opportunity for an aggressive offensive. I sense that this is something that will be felt primarily in the spiritual realm, not as much in the natural realm (at least for now).

The Father is allowing this increased attack to:

  1. bring an increased separation for the lukewarm
  2. to stir to action some who are becoming comfortable
  3. to hone and bring forth through pressure the character of Christ in the ecclesia called-out ones.

This is no time to be 'drunk in the Spirit' or consumed in the busyness of the holidays... it is a time to be sober and vigilant and on the offensive. December 21st will be a pivotal breakthrough day for many. For those who will take initiative in strategic proclamation (at the Lord's leading) there will be great grace and favor upon their words and result in much fruit.

I sense that this is an important time to evaluate relationships also... a time to break any unhealthy soul-ties, as the Lord needs us unencumbered from emotional bondages, to devote ourselves unhindered, to His purpose and strategic plans. (If you are in an unsatisfactory marriage, do NOT misconstrue my words as saying it is God's will for you to leave, that is the lie of the enemy!) Let us look at our relationships... are they edifying, producing life, equipping and mutually building Christ in each other?... if not, break that tie and move forward in purpose.

The next 60 days will have great impact on the next 2 years; in retrospect, this will be clearly recognizable. Lay aside any encumbrance, for the encumbrance that you choose to cling to will be exposed and removed within the next 2 years anyway.

Don't allow the current focus on the middle-East to distract you from the real battle at hand, rather let it serve as a reminder to be sober, be vigilant, and be on the offensive!

info@DougFortune.org

The Runners and the Race - A Parable

by Leonard Hjalmarson

The runners came from around the world to run the race. Most of them had trained for years, some as many as forty years, to be on the team.

These were the best in the world. They had been trained by the Master, who had a record time that would never be beaten. He knew all there was to know about the race; it was even said that he designed the track and knew the Master Builder.

The runners had trained in the mountains, and trained on the plains. They training by swimming and they trained by walking. They gave up food and sleep to train; they trained in season and out of season, in summer and in winter. Some even trained while sick and in personal need. Many left families and jobs and lands. They were ready to stake everything on the race.

Picture it - when the day for the race arrived, the camera panned down across the start line.

The runners stretched almost a thousand meters, each spaced into a lane exactly one meter wide. A thousand runners had their eyes focused on the goal, far off down the lane, their muscles taught, waiting for the sound of the gun that would send them on their way.

An hour passed.. two hours... the runners were drenched in sweat at the tension. This was the moment they had prepared for.

Another hour passed.. a day passed. The coaches walked along the back of the race line, encouraging them. "Any moment now... " "You were born for this day."

Night came and went. Another day passed. Some of the runners fainted with exhaustion, having never left the start line. The coaches meanwhile flew off across the country to help train other racers, and to watch other races.

A week has passed. Picture it. The camera pans across the start line. Half the runners have gone home. They no longer believe the race will ever start. Maybe only the coaches are supposed to run? Maybe the runners didn't understand the rules?

A few of the runners gave up waiting for the gun and ran off without it. They face the anger of the ones still at the line, and anger from the coaches. Why won't they play by the rules? They are accused of being rebels.

A few coaches who had left later returned to bring encouragement. Some of them chatted with the runners, others chatted with other coaches. Some coaches worried that the gun hadn't fired, while others didn't notice. A few were angry. Had someone stolen the gun? A few were seeking ways to appeal to the Master.

More runners dropped from exhaustion. Some wandered away from the start line.

Another week passed. A few runners are still on the line, but they are no longer focused on the goal. Now they are just talking about the race they might run one day, or arguing about the rules. Many have left the start line never to return. They don't understand.

A month passed. The race is all but forgotten. The only runners left are asleep near the start line, huddled in blankets to keep warm...

*****

That is my attempt at a parable of life in the institutional church. It doesn't matter whether this church is large or small, charismatic or traditional. It could be the story of a hundred thousand churches in north American and Europe. Few have understood or grasped their real purpose. Fewer still are really doing the job of getting the runners into the race.

Yet, "hope deferred makes the heart sick." Unless we get the runners in the race now, most will give up all hope that they are even called to run it. Many already believe that only pastors and teachers should race.

And what does the Master think? What would he say to the coaches who still walk up and down the line, not knowing how to fire the gun, or afraid to do so, who teach about the race, but don't release others to enter it?

Maybe he would say, "It's not you and your church, it's about Me and My Kingdom." Involve and equip my people to serve.

"Woe to you who have been so concerned about your church that you forgot it was mine. "Woe to you who have been so concerned to build your ministry that you neglected mine. "Woe to you who have been so concerned about your reputation that you used my name to build your kingdom. "Woe to you who used my authority to strengthen your position. "When the Master returns, will he find you faithful?"

Submitted by the Diggers

southland@greatsouthland.org

Co-workers, Not Competitors

A.W. Tozer

And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
--Colossians 1:18

It is too bad that anything so obvious should need to be said at this late date, but from all appearances, we Christians have about forgotten the lesson so carefully taught by Paul: God's servants are not to be competitors, but co-workers....

A local church, as long as it is indwelt by the Holy Spirit, cannot entertain the psychology of competition. When it begins to compete with another church, it is a true church of God no longer; it has voided its character and gone down onto a lower level. The Spirit that indwells it is no longer divine; it is human merely, and its activities are pitched on the plane of the natural....

The Holy Spirit always cooperates with Himself in His members. The Spirit-directed body does not tear itself apart by competition. The ambitions of the various members are submerged in the glory of the Head, and whatever brings honor to the Head meets with the most eager approval of the members.

We should cultivate the idea that we are co-workers rather than competitors. We should ask God to give us the psychology of cooperation. We should learn to think of ourselves as being members in particular of one and the same body, and we should reject with indignation every suggestion of the enemy designed to divide our efforts. The Next Chapter After the Last, 56-57.

"Lord, forgive us for the sin of comparison and competition. Replace it in our hearts with a spirit of cooperation as co-workers. May the glory all go to the Head. Amen."

Read "Insight for Leaders" online at:
http://www.litmin.org/tozer.php3

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