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Category Archives: Prophetic Inklings

The Fullness of Transition

29 Jan

The church is somewhere between two definitive seasons. Yesterday’s season is a fond memory at this point in our journey. Just beyond our current view lies the land of visitation, our next season in God. Steps along the way have become laborious. Some have staggered at the promise of the coming days. Others have become wistful of days gone by, forgetting the largess of the promise about to be fulfilled.

Who knew transition could last so long? The distance between these definitive seasons was greater than we anticipated. Protracted travel between seasons has many second guessing the voice that directed them into the wilderness. Just as Jesus was directed into the wilderness before His day of power, so you have been called out of one season into another (Matthew 4:1). Continue to walk along this desert route, friend. You are not alone in your pursuit of the coming day of visitation.

The fullness of transition is upon us. A season in its own right, transition has come into its zenith for the Body of Christ. I was reminded of a word that a trusted prophetic voice delivered over a decade ago. “We are in transition… prepare for the head to crown!” Speaking in terms of childbirth, this prophetic word spoke of the coming season in God. As is the nature of the prophetic, words come well ahead of their fruition. I took this word to research, as Holy Spirit re-invigorated me with it this weekend. For the benefit of my gentlemen readership, transition is a medical term for one of several stages in childbirth. It comes between the first and second stages of childbirth, as the baby moves fully into the birth canal.

Let us examine the signs of a woman in the fullness of transition during childbirth. The following information is courtesy of www.birth.com.au.

1. Frequently feeling hot and cold.

The mother may feel hot one moment and cold the next. Haven’t we felt flashes of intensity in the moving of the spirit? We feel the nearness of Him one moment, and the coldness of the desert night the next. These swings in our spiritual temperament can certainly frustrate us at times.

2. Feeling nausea and/or vomiting.

The dramatic changes taking place within the mother may cause her to vomit or experience extreme nausea. There is a strong urge to regurgitate the word of the past season. Rather than focusing on what Father is about to bring forth, some are growing unsettled with the nourishment of the prior season. Mothers in this state are told to sip on water at this stage. It is time to refresh ourselves in the Holy Spirit. We need His strength in the coming push.

3. Feeling tired or exhausted. 

As the woman’s body produces endorphins, she feels overwhelmingly exhausted. The pain-relieving endorphins give her the ability to momentarily rest before the pushing begins. This is interpreted as sleepiness or exhaustion. Believers are experiencing this weariness of spirit. Some call it apathy or burnout. It is the rest that facilitates the baby’s crowning.

4. Grunting, screaming, swearing, emotionalism.

The pain of transition requires release. A good scream can help the mother to release the pain that is racking her body. Many are “crying out” about the current state of the church. The cacophony is typical of this stage in birthing a new season.

5. Great internal pressure.

The mother will feel pressure within causing great pain and discomfort. Within the body of Christ, there is great pressure to know, to define, to declare what is happening. Truthfully, we have not yet laid eyes on the season that is to come. It’s premature to say some things about what lies ahead.

6. Involuntary shaking.

As the mother’s body experiences fatigue, her muscles will shake and quiver uncontrollably. Personally, I recall this phenomenon during labor with my daughter, Madeline. My entire body convulsed for a period of time. This extreme shaking is now taking place in the body of Christ. “This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain,” -Hebrews 12:27. Do not fear the shaking you are witnessing in the church. From it, a birthing is about to transpire.

At the conclusion of these things, the head of the child will crown and the pushing will commence. Though you may feel the exhaustion that comes with the fullness of transition, get ready to bear down. We are in the natural progression of what must come.

 

 
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Posted by on January 29, 2012 in Prophetic Inklings

 

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Nail Down Your Call

09 Jan

Your call is under assault. In recent months, hell has unleashed a virulent attack against the elect of God. Weak and impotent believers are of no concern to satan in this hour. He has set his sights on effectual leaders in key positions.

The Lord has quickened me with a word of encouragement for those who have taken a few fiery darts in this latest shower of enemy fire. It’s time to raise your shield of faith which is powerful to extinguish every fiery arrow the enemy has sent your way (Ephesians 6:16). You have been discovered by your enemy. Because of past success in the Kingdom, you have been painted the target of hellish accusation and disparagement. The proof of this demonic scheme lies in your thoughts. No doubt you’ve had to war against tormenting mind traffic, lately. Do any of these statements sound familiar?

  • You don’t know what you’re doing.
  • Someone else could do this better.
  • You’re washed up.
  • Your best days happened long ago.
  • What do you have to show for years of service?
  • It’s time to step aside.
  • God has moved on without you.

More than I hated typing those satanic words, it was necessary to bear witness to the warfare many are enduring. Each of those statements is a lie. Satan will waste no opportunity to discommend you through the criticisms of others, your own insecurities, or the deceptive winds of circumstance. No matter how ineffectual you may feel, the fact is you’ve been chosen. Now more than ever, you need to nail down your call.

Declare Your Call

Stop trying to talk yourself down from the high call of God on your life. You have climbed to heights in Christ that others have dared not scale. From that vantage point, you saw glorious things (past, present, and future) from Father’s perspective. It appeared nothing could derail the plan that Heaven handed you. In that high place with Him, your call was discovered. Your identity in Christ was set – chiseled onto the tablet of your heart where no human hand could erase.

Then, time and events passed. The plan has not unfolded like you thought it might. The unexpected turns have caused you to question the glorious things you saw. Worse yet, recent developments have you questioning your identity (the person Father has said you are).

Am I talking, yet?

Friend, you must declare that high call. Let your lips bear witness to the etchings of God on your heart. Say aloud, “I am called of God.” “I AM CALLED OF GOD!” Understand, anyone who has been marked by Heaven will suffer attacks of a most personal nature.

The Apostle Paul took cruel criticism from without. 1 Corinthians 9:2-3 NLT, “Even if others think I am not an apostle, I certainly am to you. You yourselves are proof that I am the Lord’s apostle. This is my answer to those who question my authority.“

Later imprisoned for the gospel’s sake, the attack intensified. 2 Timothy 4:16 NIV, “At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.” If the Apostle Paul suffered in this manner, so will you.

  • Now is not the time to back off, shrink away, or bow to blasts of intimidation.
  • Draw the deepest breath your lungs will allow.
  • Muster your courage.
  • Now, let loose a roar of determination.
  • Satan! It is ON!

Since satan cannot get you to quit, he’ll settle for displacing you. He will prey on your every fear and insecurity in an attempt to dissuade you from your authority.  Now is not the time to demote yourself or downsize your vision. It is time to nail down your call.

“Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.” Hebrews 3:1

Your calling is of a heavenly nature, not an earthly election. You were not qualified, nor can you be disqualified by any earthly criteria. This calling is founded in and authorized by Heaven. No living being or demon in hell can touch that call. It is yours eternally.

Therefore fix your thoughts on Jesus. He is your commissioning Apostle. What is He saying about your future?

  • No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall confute every tongue that rises against you in judgment.
  • For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
  • The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because your salvation is nearer now than when you first believed.
  • If you love me, feed my sheep.
 
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Posted by on January 9, 2012 in Prophetic Inklings

 

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Leaving the Wilderness of Shur

05 Dec

Last month, I spent a week with a small number of ministers at a week-long ministry intensive hosted by Dr. Lois Burkett of New Creation Ministries. During this week, she released a word concerning the current season of the church. Dr. Lois declared, “We are at the Wilderness of Shur.” The allusion can be found in Exodus 15:19-22. Three days after the Israelites were rescued from Pharaoh through the Red Sea crossing, they stopped in the Wilderness of Shur.  Dr. Lois defines “Shur” as a place of rethinking. We are in a season of transition that is requiring us to rethink some things. She intimated that we are in Shur for a purpose, and will not leave until the season is accomplished.

After the Intensive, this word began to churn in my spirit. At Dr. Lois’ suggestion, I began a word study on the Wilderness of Shur, and gathered some more insight for reflection. Interestingly, the word “Shur” is the Arabic word for “wall.” It would surely seem the church has hit a wall. This wall was sorely unexpected after such a period of freedom and deliverance! Our Red Sea revival in recent years brought high expectations for the next season. Never did we see the Wilderness of Shur coming!

Shur is also the dwelling place of Ishmael. I believe much of the warfare of this season has been due largely to an attack of the Spirit of Ishmael. This is not a direct reference to Islam, but to the ministry of the flesh.  Yesterday, I delivered this word in my home church and have made it available for you to watch on demand, here. The webstream begins with my husband, Jonathan, leading the congregation in communion. The sermon quickly follows.

Watch “Leaving the Wilderness of Shur”

If you would like a copy of the sermon notes, simply request via email at valorpublishing@yahoo.com. Your thoughts and impressions are warmly welcomed, here.

 

 
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Posted by on December 5, 2011 in Prophetic Inklings

 

The Significance of 11/11/11

05 Nov

We’re just days away from November 11, 2011 or 11/11/11 as it is written in short form. This day is significant if only for the fact that it occurs once every 100 years. In the prophetic community, however, this day holds special meaning.

Eleven is the number of the prophetic. Think of 11 as the intermediary between 10 (law) and 12 (government). In the timeline of the Old Testament, the law was first given. The prophet later interpreted the law for the Israelites, until the office of the King. At that point, the prophet became an advisor, as well as the moral conscience of the king he served. There are several scriptures worth noting that highlight an eleven/prophetic connection.

1 Samuel 1:11 “And she made a vow, saying, “O LORD Almighty, if you will only look upon your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”  (Hannah’s promise to offer her son to God.  Samuel became the prophet who would lead Israel and anoint their first King.)

Jeremiah 1:11 “The word of the LORD came to me: “What do you see, Jeremiah?” “I see the branch of an almond tree,” I replied.”

Luke 1:11 “Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him [Zechariah], standing at the right side of the altar of incense.” To bring the Word of the Lord concerning the birth of John the Baptist.” (Zechariah received a word of prophesy concerning his son-to-be, John the Baptist.  The Elijah anointing is upon the up and coming generation.)

Revelation 1:11 [To John] “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.” (John the beloved was instructed to look and then write or prophesy.)

Eleven is also known as the number of disorder – something that the prophetic mantle is called to address. In my recollection, 2011 has been one of the most disorderly and chaotic years of my existence. The very ground shook beneath our feet in my home of Western Maryland, just four hours west of the epicenter of the 8/23/11 DC Earthquake.  Egypt and Libya revolted and overthrew their dictators. Greece and Europe faltered financially, and the American public denounced their confidence in congress.

The disorder of our day demands the prophetic to arise. 11/11/11 is that rallying cry.

The fact that you found this post is proof positive that you’ve already heard that cry in your spirit. As a prophetic people, it is crucial that we position ourselves to hear prophetically in the coming days.

Two “Prophetic” Voices

Out of the dire need of our times, there will arise two “prophetic” voices. Take heed to which voice you ascribe. Turbulent times have a way of unearthing memories of past success. Whenever things seem to go south, our human heart longs for golden bygone times. A wise mentor, Joy Graetz, has shared that we tend to retreat to a period of former success. The mantra becomes, “We’ve got to get back to the basics!” While this sounds noble and right at first, it’s only a cry to return to whatever worked years ago. The Israelites also fell prey to this line of thinking in the wilderness. Out of desperation, they began to long for a time that “worked” in their past, not properly recalling the pain of Egypt.

We do not serve a God who retreats. His kingdom is ever-increasing! We must believe that our golden days are ahead and not behind us, if we are to hear the true voice of Spirit in our times. Only the fearful and inept look back – but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

Do not heed those who merely tout past success. Position yourself to hear the NOW word that Father is revealing.

As I write, the Father is whispering, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you,” John 14:18. You are not an orphan, left to fend for yourself in the day of disorder. Father will take care of you. Listen for the leading of His Spirit as He begins to outline His plan for your future welfare. Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life! Expect that Christ in you will reveal the way you should go – the truth you need to know – and the plan for life more abundantly.

Prepare to hear ingenuity. Prepare to run with a plan. I see 11/11/11 as a portal for prophetic people all around the world. Consecrate yourself and join this convocation. A plan that will address the chaos of your life is on the way.

 
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Posted by on November 5, 2011 in Prophetic Inklings

 

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The Mantle of Glory

16 Oct

Mantles are falling. Not all of them, however, are falling from Heaven. In a recent vision, I saw men and women distributing mantles that looked powerful and seemed to possess authority. At a closer look, they were nothing short of knock offs.

You don’t have to travel to Chinatown, NYC to purchase a designer knock off. Believe it or not, most affordable fashion stores carry nothing but designer impostors under more affordable labels. What 5th Avenue deems haute couture today, will eventually be modified and mass-produced for every town and hamlet store in a matter of months. Though we ridicule runway styles, they set the palette for all apparel merchandisers from Nieman Marcus to Walmart.

Similarly, churchianity has taken to the mass production of mantles. Because carnal christians elevate A-listers in the Christian community, demand is created for the mass production of certain looks. Instead of attending fashion shows in Milan, Paris or New York – we go from meeting to meeting looking for what’s in season. We take our cues and mass produce. But in the end, we are wearing nothing more than a spiritual knock off, the look without the price.

Mantles of Glory

There is a mantle falling that cannot be imitated. This mantle is not known for its design, but for its singular Designer, the Lord. Only those who know Jesus as Lord can be fitted for this glory mantle. As Paul wrote in 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12, “Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.“

The Lordship of Jesus produces glory. The glory is a trademark of His, attesting His design or purpose. There is no glory wherever Jesus has not been made Lord. Many want His glory, but refuse to submit their hearts, ambitions, wallets, desires, families, and schedules to Him. The glory does not manifest haphazardly or as a reward for one’s performance. The glory is a garment given to the one who lays it all down in the fitting room of Divine relationship. Those who serve as ministers unto God are fitted like Aaron in Exodus 28:2. “And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother for glory and for beauty.”

This garment is not cheaply made. Every stitch and seam must withstand the coming persecution and affliction that glory brings. Therefore I am “encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory,“ 1 Thessalonians 2:12.

Worthy of God

To be worthy of God one must surrender to Christ as Lord. The carnal man must be dethroned as he does not qualify for this Divine mantle. As Jesus said in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” To ignore the voice of Spirit, or delay obedience to His Word, is the same as denying the Lordship of Christ. How often I have said, “Tomorrow Lord, I’ll have the strength to fulfill your desire.” Herein lies the blame for the glory-void life. My strength is my glory (the knock off version). His glory is available to the one who is willing to go it in the power of His might, His mantle (the authentic version).

2012 will be the year of Jesus as Powerful Master of His Church. He is establishing His Lordship in the lives of those who are willing to lay down their opinions and ambitions. As Lord, He requires of us two things. We must love God unwaveringly, and love one another as we love ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). Love is the method of surrender, when choosing Christ as Lord. This year, love will be revealed, cultivated, tested and refined. Those who do not love, do not serve. Those who do not serve, are their own masters – and must clothe themselves. Servants of God are fitted, however, by their Lord, with mantles of glory.

Consider this post as your invitation to the fitting room.


 
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Posted by on October 16, 2011 in Prophetic Inklings, Spiritual Mantles

 

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