TRANSITION, CHANGE, AND LOOKING AHEAD
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By Joni Ames
By Joni Ames
(8) We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; (9) persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.(10) We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. (11) For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. (2 Cor. 4:8-11)
...See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. (Matt. 24:6b)
We are definitely in a time of transition and change. I saw literal shaking of the earth (earthquakes) take place as the shaking of the kingdoms of the earth are shaken, politically, economically, and spiritually.
The Lord has been speaking since the beginning of 2008 that it would be a time of new beginnings. Eight is the number signifying new beginnings. (Seven days in a week - day 8 = new beginnings). I noticed that, when an eight is turned on it's side, it looks like pair of glasses, as well as the insignia for infinity. Through that, I felt that the Lord said this would be a year of new beginnings & new vision, that would be of eternal significance.
However, a prerequisite for walking in the new is that we must let go of the old. Sometimes that can be difficult. But we must learn how to let go of what we are holding in order to obtain what God has waiting for us if we do. There are things we cannot take with us if we want to step up to the next level God is calling us up to, in Him.
God is calling us into a new level of maturity in Him. He never changes, but we must. That doesn't mean He is shaking His finger at us or anything. It just means He desires to bless us with greater levels of trust and power, and in order for Him to be able to do that, we must release the things that would be detrimental to that goal.
THE THEME OF EIGHT
We are not do be numerologists, or to dabble in anything like that, but we do need to know that God speaks through many different things. Throughout the year, the theme of "eights" seemed to continue, so it sparked my attention.
The International Olympics began on 8/8/08, and in that, Michael Phelps won eight gold medals. As I sought the Lord about it, I felt that it was a prophetic sign that the stage was being set and we were stepping into a time of new beginnings that would be of Olympic, and even Biblical, proportion, on a regular basis, internationally. And that is exactly what has begun to take place. - The hurricanes, the mortgage collapses, the stock market plunge, the banking system difficulties, etc. - and the year is not over yet.
As we stepped into the "Days of Awe" on the Jewish calendar this year, the Lord further spoke to me about the year ahead...
The year we are stepping into on the Jewish calendar is 5969, and both it and our upcoming commercial calendar year of 2009 end in the number 9 - which stands for birthing (a baby is born after 9 months), harvest (harvest month is September, the 9th month), and fruitfulness (the number of the fruits - and gifts - of the Spirit).
We are beginning to step into a time of a "great and terrible" day of the Lord. "Great" meaning spectacular; large - and "terrible" meaning terrifying; tremendous. I'm not saying that it is "the" tribulation, but it is a time when we will be glad we know the Lord, for it is only by keeping our minds stayed on Him that we will be able to maintain peace. It can be a great time for those of us who know and love the Lord; but terrible for those who refuse to bow their knee to Him.
In the process of all of the "new beginnings," we must be willing to change and make the necessary adjustments in our lives that are needed in order to have an element of peace during the coming chaos. It is a time when simplifying our lifestyles will be almost mandatory. I saw many families and even friends beginning to combine their resources and share homes, vehicles, and obligations. While this is going on, we must allow this to be a time of iron sharpening iron, and not allow our emotions to become frazzled and run amuck.
'If one of your brethren becomes poor, and falls into poverty among you, then you shall help him, like a stranger or a sojourner, that he may live with you. (Lev. 25:35)
'And if one of your brethren who dwells by you becomes poor, and sells himself to you, you shall not compel him to serve as a slave. (Lev. 25:39)
CHANGE, ACCOUNTABILITY, and ALIGNMENT
It's no mistake that the theme for the presidential election has been CHANGE, ACCOUNTABILITY, and ALIGNMENT. For those willing to go through the process and truly apply these words to our lives in full meaning, the fruit will be well worth it.
It is also a time when we must step up to a higher level of faith in God, and realize that we are dependent upon the resources of God, not the world. There will be an even greater need to properly steward what passes through our hands - which includes continuing to give and share with others, not get greedy. Greed will not be honored. In fact, greed will cause greater distress for us. I'm talking about personal level giving. We cannot look at our neighbor who has no food, and not share. God won't honor that. But He will cause our supply to last longer and the miracles of more provision to come forth as we trust Him and share. Truly, there will be many great "loaves and fishes" stories ahead!
It will be a time of bringing many to the street called, "The end of self." For selfishness cannot enter into the next phase of where God is calling us to.
Operating in the fear of man or a critical spirit can cause our world to shrink, as well as cause us to shrink back from our call, if we operate in them. This will be a time when the Lord will lay the axe to the root of such things in our lives, if we let Him. And in the process, Isaiah 60:1 & 2 will prevail - Although gross darkness will cover the earth - His light and glory will rise and shine upon us, His people.
TIME TO CONTEND FOR THE FAITH
A lady named Hannah Whithall Smith once said, "Our fight is to be a fight of faith, and the moment we doubt, our fight ceases and our rebellion begins."
Hebrews 11:6 says: "Without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."
We all have faith. We simply choose what (or who) to have faith in. God? Or the enemy? If we do not believe what God is saying, our faith has merely been transferred to having faith in the enemy.
Let us not slander God with our murmuring and complaining. Instead, let's step up to the plate called faith, and eat of it in this season. We do not need to have anything block us from His Promised Land for us of provision and peace. Sin separates us from God, and He is very clear that murmuring and complaining is a sin that He pays particular attention to. It caused a whole generation of Israelites to miss out on their Promised Land.
(14) Do all things without complaining and disputing, (15) that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. (Phil. 2:13-14)
SWITCH
There will be some who seemingly soar (even in finances) in the midst of these times, and it will be a big switch for them. They are those pioneers and forerunners who have paved the way and already gone through many trials, tribulations, and tests while the rest experienced an element of success. Some did so at great cost to them, experiencing tremendous ridicule from their "Job's comforters" in the process. They have learned the principles of trusting in the resources and provision of Heaven, and who will be there to teach others what they learned in their process. God will give to them strategies for advancement in the greatest times of trials and tribulations, for themselves and others. Some will even raise up places of refuge and oversee barns of plenty in the days ahead.
FRESH OIL
I was getting an oil change recently, and they showed me the difference between the oil that has been used and fresh oil. It was sobering!
Like the wise virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), we must be willing to pay the price to get our own fresh oil from the Lord - not the leftovers that others have already used.
It is a time to press into the Lord like never before.
GEOGRAPHICAL CHANGES
The shofar has sounded to take up camp and go where God wants us to be. Therefore, many will make their way to new ports of call this coming year. It may not be the place we desire to be, nor where we will always be, but it is important that we are in the proper geographical location that the Lord has called each of us individually to in the days ahead. This is one of those "changes" that we need to be willing to make in order to also be properly aligned for our purpose, call, and destiny, as well as the blessings of the Lord to flow our direction as a result of obedience.
PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT IS KEY
I was told by a medical professional that emergency rooms and doctor's offices across the country have been reporting more and more cases of panic attacks recently, which they believe is due to the increased stress as a result of the economic crisis. I used to suffer from them, and the Lord truly helped me by having a friend instruct me to pray in the spirit every time they hit.
This isn't meant to be a 'formula,' but an instruction from the Word of God.
Praying in the Spirit will be a major key for us also to find the mind and will of the Lord. When we don't know what to pray, it allows Him pray His heart and will through us so that His purposes are accomplished in and through us.
Romans 8:28 is one of those "refrigerator" scriptures that we all love to quote - "He will work all things together for our good!"
However, the prior two verses explain the reason He will. They tell us to pray in the spirit, because when we do, we:
(1) pray in the will of God
(2) pray about the things God wants us to pray about
(3) pray in the way He wants us to pray
(26) Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (27) Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (Rom. 8:26 & 27)
THEREFORE - He works things together for our good!:
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Rom. 8:28)
Additionally, in the book of Jude, beginning at verse 20, we are told that praying in the spirit:
(1) Builds up our faith (vs. 20)
(2) Keeps us in the love of God (vs. 21)
(3) Causes us to be merciful (vs. 21)
(4) Causes us to have compassion (vs. 22)
(5) Gives us discernment (vs. 22)
(6) Allows us to operate in deliverance (vs. 23)
(7) Causes us to seek holiness (vs. 23)
(8) Keeps us from stumbling (vs. 24)
(9) Helps us to be faultless (vs. 24)
(20) But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, (21) keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. (22) And on some have compassion, making a distinction; (23) but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh. (24) Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy. (Jude 20-24)
Singing in the spirit is very powerful as well:
Speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.(Eph. 5:19)
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (Col. 3:16) TAKING CARE OF OTHERS
One of the main reasons Sodom was destroyed was because they didn't take care of the poor and needy:
Look, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. (Ezekiel 16:49)
We are coming into holiday time, and there are many who are going through difficult times. Look around. We each have the opportunity to see that what we do actually reaches those who have needs.
Also, it is important that we don't just throw a few dented canned goods or used toys into a bin. That's an abomination in the eyes of God when we give blemished offerings:
(13) "And you bring the stolen, the lame, and the sick; Thus you bring an offering! Should I accept this from your hand?" Says the Lord. (14) "But cursed be the deceiver Who has in his flock a male, And takes a vow, But sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished-- For I am a great King," Says the Lord of hosts, "And My name is to be feared among the nations." (Malachai 1:13b & 14)
Jesus says that true ministry is taking care of those who are hungry, thirsty, lonely, sick, or in need. (Matt. 25:31-46)
MORTGAGE
While in Sacramento this year, I was told that the are the city that had the largest percentage of failed mortgages. I spoke with some who were a part of that group. Sadly, they said that they had gotten in over their heads, and just couldn't make their way out.
I almost got involved in a mortgage. But the Lord spoke to me and said, "Did you ask me about this? Do you know what the word mortgage means? Look it up!"
I did look it up, and I discovered that the word mortgage means "death pledge" or "death grip."
In Latin, mori (from the Old French word mort-) means "death" and -gage means "pledge". Thus the words: "death pledge".
Consequently, I did not do it! - Thank God! - Because I was laid off shortly after that!
Prov. 10:22 says: "The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it."
I believe that means we don't have to have huge payments and interest rates that cause us to have to pay several times the actual cost of something.
It's time to do things smarter, and in a way that gives peace of mind. If that means renting, then "so be it!" - Someone else can take care of the cost of repairs and upkeep!
MINDING OUR MIND
We must be mindful to keep our thoughts and minds in check in this time of "terror alert elevated." The enemy seeks to cause us to fear to the degree that we are controlled by it. What can we do? Meditate on the following scriptures, follow any advise given in them, and even recite them out loud. God's Word doesn't return void!
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. (Col. 3:2)
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. (2 Cor. 10:5)
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2)
Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. (Romans 12:16)
You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. (Is. 26:3, Matt. 22:37)
And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment. (Mark 12:30)
And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. (Luke 12:29)
Be renewed in the spirit of your mind. (Eph. 4:23)
And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled. (Col. 1:21)
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. (Col. 3:2)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Tim. 1:7)
WE ARE AT WAR; IN A BATTLE
There are all sorts of temptations the enemy tries to loom before us. What can we do about that?
(7) Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (8) Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. (James 4:7 & 8)
There is nothing and no one worth your soul except Jesus Christ!
THE PRIDE OF AMERICA
A few years ago, I was asked to be the main speaker for a business women's cruise from California to Hawaii and back. Although I love California and Hawaii, I'm not much on being away from land! But I felt the Lord told me, "Don't worry, that is months away." Little did I know what that meant!
Well, in January of that year (2004) I got a phone call from the distressed event planner, apologizing to me that the cruise was being canceled. (I was relieved! - God said not to worry, remember?)
Well, lo and behold, the ship had sank! (I knew I didn't want to go on it!) Out of curiosity, I asked what the name of the ship was, and found out that it was THE PRIDE OF AMERICA! (You can see the info at: http://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/stories/2004/01/12/daily39.html)
The witness of the Lord came all over me, and I knew God was speaking. I knew that this was but a sign that the pride of America was about to sink. I began then to pray for our nation about that. I also began to notice every sign or bumper sticker that said anything about pride involving America, and to pray that pride be put under the feet of Jesus, because Proverbs 16:18 says, "Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall."
In this time and season, we each, individually, need to allow the Lord to deal with any pride issues. As we do, one at a time, we will be allowing the Lord to "sink" the issue of pride in America, in order to avert destruction, personally and corporately.
2 Sam. 22:28 says, "You will save the humble people; But Your eyes are on the haughty, that You may bring them down."
"The humble He guides in justice, And the humble He teaches His way."(Ps 25:9)
"Surely He scorns the scornful, But gives grace to the humble."(Pr 3:34)
"The humble also shall increase their joy in the Lord, And the poor among men shall rejoice In the Holy One of Israel." (Isa 29:19)
For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.(Isa 57:15)
Thus says the Lord God: "Remove the turban, and take off the crown; Nothing shall remain the same. Exalt the humble, and humble the exalted. (Eze 21:26)
But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." (Jas 4:6) Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. (Jas 4:10) Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." (1 Pe 5:5) Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. (1 Pe 5:6)
There they cry out, but He does not answer, Because of the pride of evil men. (Job 35:12) When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom. (Pr 11:2)
By pride comes nothing but strife, But with the well-advised is wisdom. (Pr 13:10)
TIME OF MIRACLES
When things look the most impossible, know this: The time of many miracles is at hand!!!
Even in the area of finances, God usually doesn't call us to do anything we can afford anyhow! - Why? - Because He wants to be sure we know it is HIM who does it! Whatever "it" is! Therefore, get ready to see and experience the biggest miracles you've ever seen!
ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENTS
Having an "Attitude of gratitude" and a thankful heart will be of utmost importance in this time. God loves a cheerful heart, and honors obedience.
We need to guard our mouths, and speak well of the Lord! He is faithful! Don't allow fear to cause you to speak against the Lord! Decide now to praise Him, no matter what you see going on, and to keep your eyes upon Him, not the circumstances.
- Joni Ames
- Joni Ames
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