Surviving The Storms Ahead Part 3

Transcription

1 Surviving The Storms Ahead Part 3 TIMES AND SEASONS The importance of knowing the times and seasons in God s program and purposes is very important. God has made available to us signs that point us to what He is doing or what He purposes to do next. If we miss these signs we can fall so far behind in understanding what God is doing, which places us in danger of being left behind. And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years. Genesis 1:14 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be and what shall be the sign of thy coming and of the end of the world? Matthew 24:3 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring. Luke 21:11, 25 We are told that there will be signs in the heavens and that these signs have a voice and a message. The question is, are we hearing the voice of these signs? The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun. Psalm 19:1-4 This clearly tells us that the heavenly hosts, such as stars and planets, etc. have a voice which declare to us the plans and

2 purposes of God. How many Christians are listening? We have recently seen very extreme weather patterns with temperatures dropping below -20 Fahrenheit. Extreme floods are occurring in many parts of the world. Are we listening to their voice? The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves. Psalm 93:3 On Friday 3rd January,2014 I awoke early in the morning with the voice of the Lord in my ear saying: When he is dead it shall come. I sat up in bed and said: What does that mean Lord? I got up, switched the television on and heard the TV news announcer say that Ariel Sharon was dying. A few days later he died, and I pondered in prayer what this could mean. God does not hide things from us; He hides things for us. I began to seek the meaning of this statement, When he is dead it shall come. Ariel Sharon, the former Israeli Prime Minister and military commander, died on Saturday January 11th at the age of 85, having been in a coma since 2006 when a stroke incapacitated him at the height of his political power. Sharon had led Israel in winning four wars mounted against Israel by its Arab neighbours. After being in a coma for eight years, he finally died. Truly this was a sign of which we need to take heed, but what does it mean? I had not thought of Ariel Sharon for many years. But his death abruptly awakened me to the reality that this was of significant prophetic importance. It is said of the sons of Issachar that they had understanding of the times and seasons which enabled them to show Israel what they should do (1 Chronicles 12:32). Israel missed the day of their visitation because they did not recognise Jesus as their Messiah (Luke 19:44). As I waited on the Lord for Him to speak to me about this, I clearly heard Him say that Ariel Sharon s death was a prophetic milestone and a lynchpin that will bring profound change. The two words milestone and lynchpin are interesting words: Milestone: The dictionary notes the relevance of this word as: An important event, as in a person s career, or in the history of a nation, or the advancement of knowledge in a field; a turning point. Lynchpin: A pin inserted through an axle to keep a wheel on; A central cohesive source of support and stability. Ariel Sharon was certainly a central, cohesive personality and 2

3 a General who brought safety to Israel during his premiership. He was, as it were, the lynchpin that held things together, bringing a measure of stability to his nation. The word milestone is often used to describe an important event in the history of a nation. It can also mean a turning point, or a new beginning is a milestone year, a turning point in the history of the Church, Israel, and the World. In saying this I am not trying to be dramatic but we must not underestimate the importance of these events. We have come to a point in time where profound changes will begin to occur, starting this year. Ariel Sharon died in the 8th year of being in a coma. We know that the biblical number eight has the meaning of A new beginning. God has had great patience in giving the church time to get its house in order but He cannot and will not wait any longer. Are we hearing the voice of these signs? Astronomy and Astrology Astronomy is the science of studying the movements and positions of the stars and planets. However God created the stars and called them all by name (Psalm 147:4). God uses these friends of His as signs to humanity. Astrology involves the worship of stars which is an occult practice. The pagans seek guidance for their lives from this pagan practice (see Exodus 24:4 and Romans 1:20-21). God clearly declared that the stars have a voice or can communicate the purposes of God (Psalm 12:1-4). Note the words of Jesus: And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then (after this) shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Luke 21:25-27 The wise men said We have seen his star in the east (Matthew 2:2) Jesus said that there would be signs in the sun, the moon and the stars. We see that God will use the sun, moon, and stars to communicate with us? Certainly and we need to know what He is saying through these elements. In February 2013 we saw an incredible event when a sixtyfoot wide rock, weighing around one thousand tons, crashed through the earth s atmosphere over Russia at the speed of about 50 thousand miles per hour. NASA estimated the power or 3

4 energy released by this meteor as it exploded to be about 30 times that of the nuclear bomb dropped over Hiroshima. What was God saying to that nation? The book of Revelation speaks of these kinds of events: And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed. And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters; And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter. Revelation 8:8-11 The prophet Joel prophesied about the days in which we now find ourselves. He spoke of a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the harvest that followed. And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come. Joel 2:30-31 Note: Wonders in the heavens Signs in the earth and beneath (Volcanoes) Blood, fire, and smoke The moon turned to blood (the colour red) All this before the coming of the Lord! Jesus said that there would be signs in the sun, moon, and the stars and said when you see these things beginning to happen look up, for your redemption is close (Luke 21). THE MOON TURNS TO BLOOD What are blood moons? A blood moon occurs during a total lunar eclipse. Of course the moon does not turn into blood, but it does appear blood red. NASA refers to this phenomenon as Blood Moons. While some Christians are aware of what this means, most are not. Both the Prophet Joel and Jesus spoke of these blood moons which would occur before Jesus returns. What does this mean? The number seven in scripture is very significant. We have the seven days of creation then rest. We have a release every seven years: At the end of every seven years thou shalt make a release (Deuteronomy 15:1). Then we have 7 x 7 years to the Year of Jubilee, an 4

5 even greater release and blessing. Then we have the seven trumpets of Revelation 2 and 3. The Shemittah Year Shemittah is the sabbatical year which occurs every seven years and is a Sabbath rest for the land of Israel. When Israel violated this, judgment came upon the Nation (Jeremiah 17:4). The Shemittah year speaks of rest and trust in the Lord. Now note: The year 2001 was a Shemittah year. What took place in that year? 9/11. The year 2008 was another Shemittah year. What happened that year? The stock market collapsed 777 points on September 9th The Next Shemittah years occurs in During this period 4 Blood Moons will occur. Let s look at the history of four blood moons In 1493 the first Tetrad or 4 blood moons occurred on Passover and the Feast of Tabernacles. There was a total solar eclipse on September 4th 1493 one day before the blood moon on the Feast of Tabernacles. What happened during this period? King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain were the instigators of the Spanish inquisition. The Spanish inquisition surpassed the Medieval Inquisition of 1233 in scope and in atrocities. Some of the most atrocious acts of torture were perpetrated on the Jews in Spain, eventually ending in the expulsion of Jews for Spain. This was one of the darkest periods in the history of the Catholic Church and one of the most violent persecutions of the Jewish people. This was a worldchanging moment as most of these expelled Jews found refuge in America. God s blessing lifted off Spain and was given to the fledgling nation of America. The mantle of prosperity lifted off Spain and was given to America. The Next Four Blood Moons For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. Ezekiel 36:24 The Tetrad or four blood moons occurred on Feast days, : Passover April 13th, 1949 Tabernacles October 7th, 1949 Passover April 2nd, 1950 Tabernacles September 26th, 1950 A total solar eclipse took place on September 12th, We know that in 1948 Israel was declared a nation. This again was a miracle. After being expelled from their land by Titus in AD 5

6 70 they were once again back in their land when these four blood moons occurred. This was an historic moment, not just for Israel but also for the church. This was a prophetic declaration and sign to the church The ramifications to the church were realised as God outpoured His Spirit upon the church and the great move of God known as the 1948 Move of God got underway. Great ministries were raised up, such as T.L. Osborn, Tommy Hicks, Oral Roberts, Billy Graham and many more. Billy Graham is the last of these great ministries and soon will be taken home. The Next Four Blood Moons The conflict over Jerusalem and the determination of some nations to give Jerusalem back to the Arabs is still current and will be the demise of those Nations who seek to force Israel in giving up Jerusalem. But I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there. 2 Chronicles 6:6a 1967 was the year that Jerusalem came back into Jewish hands. This was a monumental prophetic event. The sun and the moon bore testimony to this event. The Next Four Blood Moons Blood Again Occurred on Feast Days Passover April 24th, 1967 Tabernacles October 18th, 1967 Passover April 13th, 1968 Tabernacles October 6th, 1968 The Six Day War followed soon after the first blood moon and God again blessed Israel in making sure that Israel would win this war. This also was a prophetic declaration and sign to the church Again God poured out His spirit upon the church, sparking a great move of God known as the Charismatic Move. This was a powerful move of God that impacted all denominations and swept multitudes into the Kingdom of God. The Next Four Blood Moons Will Occur on The next time the four blood moons occur begins in April NASA has predicted that this Tetrad will begin in April 2014 and end in September Again these blood moons will occur on Feast days. This alone is a great miracle and of great prophetic significance. Passover April 15th, 2014 Tabernacles October 8th,

7 Passover April 4th, 2015 Tabernacles September 28th, 2015 err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. Hebrews 3:7-22 And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come. Joel 2:30-31 We are told that there will be signs in the heavens and that these signs have a voice and a message. The question is, are we hearing the voice of these signs? Milestone Years The death of Ariel Sharon and the fact of four blood moons in is indeed a milestone and a sign that we are now entering a completely new era, a new day that will be seen historically as a major turning point in the history of Israel and the church. It is both amazing and frightening that so many in the church are not hearing what God is saying in these great signs. Paul the Apostle wrote: Wherefore as the Holy Ghost saith, Today if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway The death of Ariel Sharon is indeed a prophetic sign that major change is scheduled during this next four blood moon season. When he is dead it shall come. A new day is beginning, a new season that will bring profound change in Israel and the church. Another war is looming in the Middle East which I believe will occur during this four blood moon season. This war will change the face of the Middle East and bring about great changes among the nations of the world. Those in the church who are hearing what God is saying and are preparing for the coming great harvest, will arise in power and authority to preach the gospel of the Kingdom to the entire world. The Voice of Nature For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Romans 8:19-22 The floods have lifted up, O LORD, 7

8 the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves. Psalm 93:3 We often see extreme weather patterns and events such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, as natural events unrelated to spiritual activity. However Psalm 93:3 tells us that the waves have a voice. God tell us that when His judgments are in the earth it is to learn something; in other words they have a voice (Isaiah 26:9). When he made a decree for the rain, and a way for the lightning of the thunder: Then did he see it, and declare it; he prepared it, yea, and searched it out. Job 28:26-27 When God decrees something it has a physical effect on the earth. Let me explain. Just before the great move of God in Argentina in the s, where over one million people came to the Lord, a massive thunderstorm storm tore through the nation lasting many hours. During this event a group of Christians in a small town called Mendoza were praying for God to move across that pagan Catholic Nation. While they prayed, God declared supernaturally through prophecy that the ruling spirit over the nation had been bound. Furthermore God also declared that Eva Peron, the president s wife who was leading the entire nation into witchcraft, would die tearing out her hair. When the storm ceased, the news the next day informed the nation that there had been a military coup. There was a direct correlation between the prayers of Christians and the storm that tore through the nation that night. Not only was an earthly dictator later removed from office but his wife died of leukaemia, tearing out her hair. Shortly afterwards great revival came to Argentina. Read the book Secrets of the Argentine Revival, enquire at peniel@penielonline.com We would be surprised at how nature has a voice but so often we are not listening. We recently have seen weather patterns across the USA and Europe that are breaking all records. What is God saying? There is movement in the heavenlies that have ramifications in the earth. When God decrees something it is felt in the earth. This year we can expect to see many examples of this as the spiritual war between light and darkness increases. The recent floods in the UK are a voice, but what is the message? England is scheduled for revival but a great war rages over the nation. The spirit of humanism has taken hold from the government all the way down to every aspect of the British social order. The storms over that land mirror the conflict. Let us have ears to hear and the spirit of Braveheart to prevail. 8

9 There is change in the air and the enemy is aware of it. When he is dead it shall come. This change will bring in a new era of prevailing spiritual warfare which will cause a breakthrough in the true church that will astound us. The years are earmarked for great breakthroughs, great and new anointing, and release of wealth to those who have God s Kingdom as their focus. If we seek first His Kingdom, great grace will be poured out upon you. The old is passing, a new era is beginning, and there will be a remnant that will forge ahead without compromise and begin to take the land for God. Remember Elijah thought that he was the only one left but there were 7,000 more who had not bowed the knee to the enemy. America The year 2001 was a Shemittah year. What took place in that year? 9/11. The year 2008 was another Shemittah year. What happened that year? The stock market collapsed 777 points on September the 9th The next Shemittah year is I believe that there are at least 7,000 like in Elijah s day who know the Lord and walk in His ways, who have not bowed the knee to the lukewarm church, who can turn the tide. The spiritual tide in America has been going out for a long time. However this is a new day and the tide can be turned. That does not mean that there will be no judgment still on America there will be great storms politically, spiritually, and in the natural. But there will be those who through it all have learned to trust in Jesus, who walk in His ways. These can turn the tide. There is hope of a tree when it has been cut down, that it will sprout again becoming an even stronger tree. Exposures This year will bring about the beginning of exposures in government that will astound the people, causing great chaos in the land. This is God s doing; God will begin to root out evil in the American political scene. The deception that will be revealed will shake the nation, bringing real cleansing. On the international scene I saw two names under which the word DECEPTION appeared. The names were Putin and Obama. Pray for God to bring to light this deception. I also saw the word HOPE, and understood this to mean that many will see their hopes manifest in Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when it comes it is a tree of life. Many unfulfilled promises will be realised in this new era. We are now living in the greatest hour in the history of the church, we need to lift up our heads and believe that we can finish reaping 9

10 the harvest and see Jesus return to this earth as Lord King. But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever. Daniel 7:18 While praying about the year 2014 I had a vision of the Lord extending out His sceptre. In this vision I saw the Bible open to the book of Esther. In the book of Esther we read that Satan was trying to annihilate the Jewish people. It was there that Esther was admonished by Mordecai: For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Esther 4:14 I know this has become an overused cliché today, however it is very pertinent for this generation of Christians. As we begin a new and very significant new year, we need to hear what God is saying and respond adequately. Esther went through a routine of purification which consisted of three stages. Esther was taken into the palace, however there were three different levels of preparation involved. There were three different houses that to us today represent three different places in which we are living in God: The Outer Court, the Holy Place, and the Holiest of all. We need to identify where we are living spiritually and press on to the high calling in Christ Jesus. Esther spent time on three different levels: 1) The House of the Women And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king s chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them. Esther 2:3 It is one thing to be born again and have your sins forgiven, but it is another thing to have your soul purified. This purification is connected to obedience. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently. 1 Peter 1:22 The purification occurs and is measured by how much we love the brethren, i.e. other Christians. 10

11 The key word in this verse is the word unfeigned. This word is taken from the Greek word which has the meaning of without hypocrisy. In other words, being sincere in our love for others, without pretence. What you say to others to their face is what you would say behind their back. This kind of love has the power to begin a work of purification in us. Esther was put in a house with other women who were all vying for the same thing. Apart from Esther these women were from a heathen background. I m sure the claws would start to come out. In this environment Esther held herself in dignity and an attitude of love. The true essence of real Christianity is love, the first and most important commandment. 2)After passing this test Esther graduated to another level: The King s House. This brought her a little closer to the King. So it came to pass, when the king s commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king s house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king s house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women. Esther 2:8-9 In this second level; Esther was given things for her purification: Now when every maid s turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women. Esther 2:12 The spice that is highlighted in this verse is Myrrh which is the sixth Fruit of the Spirit: GOODNESS. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 Esther soaked in Myrrh for six months, along with other spices. She soaked herself in the goodness of God. Goodness is the quality of a person who is ruled by love. She became goodness. God is love, who or what are you known by? The problem we have in establishing a relationship with God is that of incompatibility. We are not like Him. 11

12 However we can become like Him, if we soak ourselves in the goodness of God. The more we become aware of how good God is, the more we become like Him. To know Him is to become like him (2 Corinthians 3:18). This process is purely one of grace. All you have to do is spend the time with the Lord and get to know Him. You must soak yourself in the goodness of God 3)Finally Esther was taken into the King s house, the Royal House (Esther 2:16 ). She became the Queen the Bride God brought Esther into a place and position where she could influence the King and save many lives. She had come to the kingdom for such a time. Because of the preparation, God positioned her in the right place at the right time. You are alive in the greatest hour of the church. You could have been born a thousand years ago. But no, you have come to the Kingdom for such a time as this. This is your destiny, it is your privilege and honour. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Esther 4:14 The importance of knowing the times and seasons in God s program and purposes is very important. God has made available to us signs that point us to what He is doing or what He purposes to do next. If we miss these signs we can fall so far behind in understanding what God is doing, which places us in danger of being left behind. The Bride Has To Make Herself Ready. This is something you have to do, you must learn to cultivate and walk in the manifest presence of the Lord. This takes time and discipline; unless it becomes a priority you will not get there. The ball is in our court. Jesus stands at the door of our lives and knocks; however there is no handle on the outside. The door can only be opened from the inside. If we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us. In 2014 we have a window of opportunity to get serious in our walk with the Lord. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, 12

13 and make not provision for the flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof. Romans 13:12-14 There are some who have come to the place like Esther where they have influence with God. I say this respectfully but at the same time knowing it is true. Abraham said to God: You cannot destroy Sodom if there are 10 righteous people living there. God replied: OK. Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king s house, over against the king s house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house. And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre. Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom. Esther 5:1-3 Neville Johnson January