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Tag Archives: prophetic words for 2012

Characteristics of Apostolic People

16 Dec

God is raising up an apostolic people. This has already begun, my friend. Called out from purposeless religious observation, these ecclesiacs are coalescing around apostolic initiatives. Interestingly, one can find apostolic expression in varying cross-segments of the body of Christ. Apostolic expression cannot be limited to a certain ‘tribe” or movement in the body. The apostolic will arise anywhere hungry hearts are open to New Testament church government and supernatural empowerment.

Apostolic Alignment

Certain “tribes” or groups are already primed for this move. These have a New Testament government already in place (consisting of ordained elders, deacons, and five-fold offices). Other groups will have to swim upstream to taste of the new wine Heaven is pouring out. Certain denominational (and even non-denominational) church governments are aligned in direct opposition to Holy Spirit’s leading. New Testament-based reform will be necessary for such churches to experience the fulness of Apostolic ministry. Without that reform, soulish men and women will eventually oppose the emerging government of Spirit. Prophetically speaking, there will be a tidal wave of apostolic signs and wonders that will touch many traditional churches through new media and broadcast television. This flood of apostolic demonstration will stir up hunger in many churches that have had success in areas of soulish ministry. Soulish speaks of ministry that can be accomplished through natural means. Churches who operate soulishly are quite content to have service without the Holy Spirit. Once the apostolic ministry of supernatural signs and wonders knocks on their door, however, people will be stirred. Either they will choose to align with apostolic ministry, or to quench the move and return to church as usual.

Apostolic Adjustment

Among those already aligned with New Testament apostolic church government, there must be adjustment in the coming days. For many of us, the form is in place. The mindset, however, is a bit askew. Some presuppositions concerning the apostolic move have us facing a few degrees off course. Perhaps, if we picked up our biblical compass, we’d be surprised at the simple adjustments that would direct us to true north. Maybe our post-modern minds have deconstructed the office of the apostle, dismantling it beyond recognition. Homework: Let us regain a holistic understanding of apostolic ministry by revisiting the New Testament apostles in Acts and the subsequent epistles. My prior post: Characteristics of an Apostle is a great starting place.

Part of the tweaking needed, is to reconsider what it means to be an apostolic people. The tidal wave of apostolic signs and wonders will certainly produce supernatural demonstrations of the 1 Corinthians 12 power gifts of 1.) faith 2.) healing 3.) miracles. These, the church have become somewhat accustomed to in bygone periods of renewal and revival. These are the manifestations that attest to apostolic ministry (2 Corinthians 12:12). In the coming move, however, the people of that move will become signs and wonders, themselves. According to the Isaiah 8:18 account, “Behold, I and the children whom the LORD has given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, who dwells in mount Zion.” Not only should we prepare to experience signs and wonders, we are to become the signs and wonders attesting the Lordship of our God and King.

We must expect that a true apostle will raise up apostolic people. Again, the word Apostle (apostolos) means: delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders. An apostle will raise up other “sent ones” or those he or she can send out.

“Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” John 20:21.

Apostolic people are sent ones. Where are they sent?

Jesus prayed in John 17:18, “As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” Expect to be dispatched, my friend. Apostolic ministry only begins in the four walls of the church! It reaches fulfillment when expressed in “secular” society. What happens inside the church, is but the seed for marketplace manifestation. Apostolic people should be demonstrating the Kingdom in businesses, schools, media, the health industry, government, entertainment, etc… “Out there” is where the apostolic ministry gains traction.

Before we get to societal and global demonstration of the Kingdom, there must be a change in ethos inside the four walls of the church. An apostle creates an apostolic environment or ethos, by preparing people for action.

The traditional church ethos is more contemplative. It’s more about the individual believer and their personal devotion to God as demonstrated by contemplation of the gospel. It’s a very private inward experience which leads to a more individual, private and exclusive expression of faith. This faith is defined by what one thinks or feels about God, and how one relates to God as an individual.

The apostolic church ethos is action-oriented. Rather than contemplating the good news, the apostolic church exhibits the good news through application of spiritual principles in the marketplace (outside the four walls of the church). As a result, the dividing wall between the sacred and secular life is torn down.

“The earth is the Lords and the fullness thereof!”  1 Corinthians 10:26.

Apostolically speaking, every “secular” job is a knot in the net for the reaping of the end-time draught. Therefore, an apostolic believer sees their job as a divine call – a place of ministry.

Apostolic people are geared to pursue more than the salvation of individuals. In addition to this, they seek to bring transformation to people, organizations and systems outside of the church-house. Friend, we are only as apostolic as we are activated outside the four walls of our churches.

Concerning apostolic people:

  1. The sum total of their Christian mission is not encapsulated in the services or programs within the four walls of the church.
  2. Faith language or kingdom talk is incorporated in their daily interactions at home, work and abroad.
  3. They are responsible for planting seminal ideas or thoughts that spawn change in the hearts of those they network with.
  4. They exist for the benefit of others, not at the expense of others. They are self-supporting financially, and even generators of wealth to help others.
  5. The goal of their mission is to bring people into the Kingdom by demonstrating the Kingdom’s superior fruit. It’s a “taste and see that the Lord is good” approach.
  6. Apostolic people bring the super to the natural. Some are concerned with the apostolic movement waxing “secular” in its emphasis. Rather it is an invasion of radical demonstrators of effectual Kingdom power into the secular world.

Are we there yet? Nope.
What hinders us from becoming the Apostolic people God has called us to be?

  1. Our unwillingness to take ministry beyond the four walls of the church. The sacred vs. secular life.
  2. The hierarchical view of apostolic ministry. Ruling eldership is only one aspect of apostleship. The office of an apostle is currently recognized mainly as a top-tier title of authority within established works, rather than a ministry commissioned for pioneering or for instigation.
  3. The comfort of contemplative Christianity. It’s easier to think about change, preach about it, write about it, than to affect it.
  4. Limited view of ministry. Ministry, to most, is a three-point sermon and an altar call. On a great day, we’ll pray for someone, or operate in a spiritual gift. Ministry in the marketplace will require more than this. We must grow into hearing God for divine business or governmental strategy. We must be healers of more than individuals. We must learn to heal companies, businesses, systems or even nations. We’re thinking too small.
  5. Unwillingness to send sent ones. We take the best and brightest among us, in the church, and anoint them for the pastorate. If they have a grace for leadership, we call them into five-fold ministry, when God might be raising them up to take another mountain. Who knows, but the next governor might be in your Sunday School, right now.  The next president of the school board could be in your youth group. We take the most articulate and well-received, and conscript them to pulpit ministry. What if their ministry is “secular” in application?
  6. We don’t realize the potential reward. We have faith for a Heavenly reward based on church attendance and volunteerism inside the church. The greatest potential for apostolic growth, in the here and now, is based on what we do “out there.”

In closing, Apostolic people are marked by the Apostles they are aligned with. They, too will exhibit the characteristics of the Apostolic ministry they submit to (as outlined in the “Apostle” acrostic of the prior post.)

A – Affiliate.

They will affiliate with other businesses, civic groups, public outreaches, etc… for the dissemination of Kingdom ideas.

P - Power.

Their words will carry power. Whenever they speak in matters of business or civic duty, authority will be conveyed.

O – Order.

Apostolic people will be sent into (employed) in places of darkness and chaos to bring the order and light of the Gospel.

S – Signs.

The greater works will be done by their hands. As proof of their heavenly call and backing, signs and wonders will manifest bringing them great favor and notoriety in their work.

T -Teachers

They will become apt teachers in their mountain of influence. People will gather to them to learn their higher ways of operating.

L – Leaders.

Leaders will be drawn to them, and raised up by them. They will install and train people who will reinforce Kingdom ideas in the marketplace.

E – Entrepreneur.

The genius of the Holy Spirit will birth new businesses and wealth generating ideas through them. They will not only make wealth, but become employers or stimulators of economies.

 
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Posted by on December 16, 2011 in Kingdom Living

 

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Characteristics of an Apostle

14 Dec

As the year 2012 unfolds, you can expect to hear much on the topic of the ministry of the Apostle. The next couple of posts will be centered on the year 2012 and the governmental Apostolic word that Father is breathing. Friend, we have not heard all there is to hear on the office of the Apostle or on what it means to be an apostolic people. My ear is pressed close to Father’s heart for fresh vision in these areas – as I’m sure yours is, too.

Before pressing forward, we must be certain of foundational truths concerning the office of the apostle. May this article be somewhat of a refresher on the characteristics of that office. Of late, this title has been granted all too easily. Alarmingly, “apostle” has trended more secular in application – encompassing anyone who demonstrates governmental authority in realms outside the four walls of the church. Depending on which teacher you follow in the prophetic/apostolic community, you might define an apostle in any number of ways. As will be described in the coming posts, I hold to the idea that there is a definite office of apostle as described in the New Testament. That office is demonstrated scripturally within the organized church government. An apostle will raise up apostolic people who manifest apostolic qualities in every realm of life. These apostolic people will rise in governmental authority wherever Father sends them. Whether or not they are officiating “apostles” in the true biblical sense of the word will depend on certain criteria.

The title apostle comes from the Greek word (apostolos) meaning a delegate, messenger, or one sent forth with orders. An apostle is a pioneer, one who is destined to build in terra nova, or rebuild in places of desolation and ruin. Let us rehearse what we see apostles demonstrating in scripture in the following acrostic for the word APOSTLE.

A – Affiliated.

A true apostle will affiliate with other apostles and with other ministries within the church. The first twelve apostles remained affiliated after the birth of the church. In Acts 8, Philip the deacon held a successful revival in Samaria. The apostles in Jerusalem heard about it and sent both Peter and John to look in on the move. They discovered that Philip had not been praying for the new believers to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. As a team, they imparted what was lacking. Apostles confer with one another, and work together for the benefit and growth of the kingdom. Those who refuse to network are not demonstrating true apostolic behavior.

P – Power.

Paul wrote in 1 Cor 2:4, “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power.” According to Strongs, this refers to the dynamis power of the Spirit of Jesus present in Paul’s preaching style. There is something dynamic about the preaching of an apostle – which reminds the listener of the authority of Christ.

O – Order.

An apostle creates order, in a fledgling work, or in an existing work that is dealing with a spirit of chaos. Ephesians 2:20, “Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.” The spirit of wisdom and counsel that operates in the apostolic mantle creates order – which is foundational to building any lasting work.

S – Signs.

2 Corinthians 12:12 “The things that mark an apostle–signs, wonders and miracles–were done among you with great perseverance.” Perhaps, the most significant mark of an apostle is the ministry of signs that corroborates his or her office and kingdom mission. Many have assumed the title of apostle, but fail to consistently demonstrate the miraculous.

T – Teaching.

2 Corinthians 12:1 “I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord.” Apostles bring revelatory teaching to the body of Christ. The epistles are written chronicles of revelatory teaching which came through the first apostles. Such revelation is given to establish the Kingdom in places of darkness. The teaching of an apostle is the key to undoing specific enemy strongholds and to expand the borders of the church.

L – Leaders.

As builders and founders, apostles have an anointing to identify, mentor, and mature leaders. Acts 6:6, “They presented these men (who would become deacons) to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.” A large part of their ministry will be geared to instilling and developing leaders within the body of Christ to manage Father’s household. The true apostle will also mentor men and women leaders in the community as the Lord grants them great influence beyond the walls of the church.

E – Entrepreneurs.

The Apostle Paul was a tentmaker in Acts 18:3. He joined Acquila and Priscilla in Ephesus, and made tents alongside them for his own maintenance. (In other words, the ministry could not fully support him at that time. He had to financially rely on his secular trade.) Interestingly, this was not the only time Paul worked to support himself during his Apostolic ministry. We have record that Paul worked outside of the church to support himself and others as an apostle in Acts 20:34 and again in Thessalonica (2 Thessalonians 3:9-10). Apostles aren’t afraid of hard work, neither will they shy away from secular work, considering it “beneath them”. Because of the entrepreneurial anointing that resides in the apostolic mantle, often they will bless and mentor other businessmen and businesswomen.

We must be cautious before titling one as an apostle. A label cannot lend credence when it is cheaply given. More tragic than the misnomer, is the abuse of God’s people. Those who follow a misnomer will only become disillusioned and disheartened at the waste of their resources and time.

Although the call to the office can only come from The Apostle, and chief cornerstone – it will be easily recognized by these marks. We all, however, are called to be apostolic people – who will demonstrate great signs in the days ahead. More on that in the coming post ;)

 
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Posted by on December 14, 2011 in Kingdom Living

 

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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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New Government in 2012

06 Oct

In the coming months, you will hear much about government in the year 2012. The Lord will be speaking through many hearing vessels concerning the direction of the coming year. Often, we speak what we hear without doing the necessary corresponding homework to support the message. This post is to provide definition and background for those who are hearing “New Government” for 2012. If you’re not a subscriber, no doubt you’ve googled “2012″ and “government” or “prophetic words for 2012 + government” to find this post. No matter how you arrived, I believe this is a divine appointment for the purpose of confirming His Word already leaping within you. Great shifting has taken place to lay the groundwork for this coming year. Perhaps even three years ago we could not conceive what God is doing, today. He has steadily prepared you and me, for what is about to transpire. Be encouraged. You are ready.

As apostolic/prophetic people, we must not only hear and speak, but ground our speaking in the written Word of God. The number 12 in biblical numerology, is the number of apostolic government based on the following scriptural evidences:

1. There were 12 sons of Jacob, who later became rulers over their respective 12 tribes (with the exception of Levi, and Joseph who were replaced by Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh). (Genesis 48-49)

2. There were 12 disciples chosen, who later became the first 12 apostles (with the exception of Judas Iscariot who was replaced by Matthias). (Matthew 10:2)

3. There are twelve months given to govern our calendar year. (The Tanakh or Hebrew Bible contains several commandments related to the keeping of the calendar.)

4. There are 12 gates to the Heavenly city, 12 foundations, and 12 precious stones. (Rev 21:12)

God has chosen 12 to represent His perfect government in the earth. 3 x 4 = 12. Three is the number of divine perfection, or the trinity. Four is the number of creation (four seasons, four ordinal directions, four living creatures of Ezekiel 4). When you multiply divine perfection (3) by His creation (4), you get His governing grace to serve and protect His creation (12). When God multiplies, He gives grace to govern. The grace to govern and multiply the church is called the apostolic mantle – and it is falling upon the church.

For us to proceed, there must be a refining of our understanding of what it means to “govern”. Authoritative voices will use the word govern in the carnal sense of the word, (from Merriam-Webster: to exercise continuous sovereign authority over). This definition, however, cannot be what Spirit means, since there is only One Sovereign – the Lord God Almighty. Fallen man, throughout history has sought to make a man king or sovereign, authoritative over the masses. As a faithful friend reminded me this morning (Brandon Hutzell), Israel asked God for a king whenever that was never Father’s plan. There has always been One Invisible King and Sovereign of the universe. He, alone, is Lord.

Those who “govern” in His Kingdom, are not lords over others. Rather they are responsible to serve and protect the Lord’s sheep. 1 Timothy 5:17 tells us, “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.” Elders that rule, are the governing members of the New Testament church. Let us look at what Paul meant by rule (a synonym for govern).

Rule: Greek proïstēmi
a) to set over
b) to be over, to superintend, preside over
c) to be a protector or guardian
d) to give aid
e) to care for, give attention to

Governing in the New Testament church, required the set person to superintend or preside over for the purpose protecting, guarding, aiding, caring for, and giving attention to God’s people. In my missionary travels overseas and stateside, I’ve seen an alarming trend among spirit-filled congregations. The pastor or ruling elders, in some cases, have used their appointment to demand that the sheep protect or guard them, aid them, care for and attend to their needs, tirelessly. This is expected, because they preside as God’s elect. This is wrong. It is abuse of power and position at the expense of God’s people. Father will judge narcissistic leadership in His church, seeing it is a misrepresentation of His character and abuse of authority.

Ephesians 4:11-13 tells us the purpose of the ministry gifts, “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ 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.” The purpose of leaders in the New Testament, was not necessarily to hear God for the church. The baptism of the Holy Spirit was given freely to every believer at Pentecost, the very event that birthed the church. Because of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, His sheep now know His voice for themselves. In light of this New Testament development, a leader’s responsibility is to help the sheep understand and grow in the knowledge and revelation of Him.

“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spiritf of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” – Paul in Ephesians 1:17.

The government of the church was and still is commissioned for the purpose of:
1. building up the church,
2. bringing the saints into full-grown maturity,
3. culturing unity of faith, and
4. fostering in us the likeness of Christ.

The leader described in Ephesians 4 is more guardian than governor… more augmenting than authoritative… more loving than lording. To govern “spiritually” is to promote growth and maturity in Christ-likeness, rather than micromanaging church-life (as Moses was forced to do).

The Lordship of Jesus Established

Jesus is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. But, for His Lordship to be established in our midst, there must be a removal of those who resist Him for an old or erroneous paradigm. False shepherds and wolves among the sheep are exposed when the Lord takes His staff in hand. Do not be shocked when certain ones flee from the fold in coming days. Those who refuse to repent for misusing Kingdom people and resources will eventually be relieved from their post. Likewise, people pleasers who fear dwindling head counts must step aside. Old wineskins who insist on lifeless dead works, will make way for the new government who is sensitive to the now directives of the Spirit.

Transitioning into the New Government may require a turnover or reorganization – even on a national scale. This turnover will bring back the fear of the Lord. Jesus cannot be Lord wherever people are insensitive to His Spirit, callous in dealings with one another, or resistant to produce (Matthew 25). The fear of the Lord is oil to the gears of the church. It get us flowing together, again, for the advancement of Father’s agenda.

Conclusion

In the coming year, authoritative leaders will use the “government” mantra to require more work and tireless submission to fruitless missions. Father will continue to judge these love-less works by manifesting His lovingkindness and blessings elsewhere.

The Spirit-sensitive church, however, will begin the year with a season of repentance for dead works. There will also be a focus on and revival of love for one another. You may again hear of the seemingly absent, “fear of the Lord” returning to His church. Although there may be turnover in administration or leadership, great hope will fill the remnant. Expect an infusion of the fathering/mothering Spirit in your life and ministry. The fear of the Lord will drive out the fear of man’s opinion and rejection as well as the fear of relating to authority. Relationships between shepherds and sheep, leaders and laity will grow stronger. This will cultivate a quantum leap of maturity in the saints and sensitivity in leadership. Less emphasis will be placed on numbers and results. More emphasis will be placed on maturity and fruit. Many houses of faith will begin to reassess their vision, as the Lord of the Church prunes away past distractions.

The golden era of the church is about to begin. It all starts with getting the right government in place.

 
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Posted by on October 6, 2011 in Prophetic Inklings

 

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The Year 5772: Ayin Bet

21 Sep

Sundown of September 28, 2011 will mark the turn of the New Year on the Hebrew calendar. According to Hebrew tradition, the earth is about to turn 5772 years old. The coming year 5772 will be known as the year ayin bet, or ’72, meaning “Jesus as Powerful Master of His Church.” The Hebrew alphabet doubles as numbers giving each character a numerical value.  Since each Hebrew character possesses a pictorial meaning as well, there are layers of richness to each letter/number.  Dates also paint a picture, revealing the Creator’s design for that particular year.

You may read more about the decade of Ayin (or the 70′s) here. My explanations for Ayin (70) and Ayin Aleph (71) are also still available. Rather than taking the time to re-establish a foundation for biblical numerology, allow me to refer you to these prior posts for sound explanation. If you haven’t read them, please do so before continuing on.

Ayin signifies the number “70″ and bet the number ”2″.  Everything that was written about The year of ayin carries over from the prior two years and remains pertinent throughout the entire decade of the “5770′s” or in our western calendar, the “2010′s”.  Before we add the revelation to be gleaned from the number/letter bet, let us recap the meaning of ayin.

Every decade has an overarching theme.  Ayin “70″ possesses meaning that sets the stage for the entire decade.  2012 will be known as ayin bet, 2013 as ayin gimel, 2014 as ayin dalet and so forth.  The word “Ayin” means – eye; to see, and by extension, to understand and obey. It also means “Divine Providence”.  The ayin is described as having 2 eyes – the choice of using good or evil to perceive things – optimism or pessimism.  Ayin is a silent letter. (No translation of it in English) It sees, but does not speak; representing humility.  The name ayin can also mean “eye” or “fountain”, a fountain of wisdom and the ability to perceive wisdom.  There was much emphasis in 2010 or 5770 on the cultivation of prophetic insight.  Among those who grew in prophetic sight and utterance, some saw optimistically others pessimistically.  The eyes of the church began to be opened in 2010. In 2011, emphasis shifted to seeing Christ as our Ox of sacrifice. More revelation of His grace, (empowerment for service and the Christ life) entered the church. Christ, our aleph (or ox) of sacrifice, has replaced the yoke of bondage with His own yoke of grace. In this past year, the church has also experienced a revealing of leadership. In my prior forecast, I mentioned the spirit of Moses being transmitted to capable men.

The Spirit of God rested upon Moses and his seventy elders, resulting in “71″ clothed with the Spirit.  The saints have come to a place of separation unto God and maturation for leadership.  There will be a multiplication of the Spirit of God on others for the leadership of His people.

In retrospect, it would appear that shifts in the leadership structure of ministries have created opportunity for new growth this year. Some have stepped into newly created or vacated positions, revealing a new rank of matured sons and daughters. As before mentioned, each subsequent year in this decade will bring enlightenment to the eyes of the church in a new arena.  In the year 5772, the eyes will open to perceive the bet.

Bet is the Hebrew character for the number “2″. There are layers of revelation to unveil as we discover the rich biblical symbolism in bet. This number can be interpreted both positively or negatively (depending on the one interpreting). Those who proceed through this post with a carnal mindset will only see the potential for negativity. Those who are spiritually inclined will see great opportunity for growth and expansion. How you interpret this article will largely depend on your spiritual maturity.

Bet is a picture of a house with an open wall or window. The character brings with it the idea of one being “in” the house. Bet is used several times with the names of God, most notably with Jesus as ben elohim or the Son of God (Matt 16:16, John 6:69).  The character is also associated with the Hebrew word for head or chief. This would suggest there is a master of the house. Putting these few pieces together, we can gather than bet is a revelation of Jesus as Master and Indweller of His House.

In recent years, we have learned the church or bride of Christ is His dwelling place on earth. He no longer is confined to an earthly building. Christ now tabernacles within us. “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16. He has done so in recent years, largely without exerting His Lordship over us. This year, however, there will be a shaking. The ground will move beneath those who have resisted the Lordship of Christ and His sovereign rule over His church. Alignment will transpire, as the Lord mercifully exposes areas of resistance or rebellion in our own hearts. Things will get better, as we see and embrace Him as Lord. “Every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father,” Philippians 2:11.

A Revelation of the House

A three-fold revelation is coming in 5772 or 2012. As there are three vavs (or walls) on the bet (house), there will be three areas of revelation concerning the House of God. First, the House of God, itself, will be revealed. Many false houses have been built in the name of God. Some have taken pains to look and act legitimate, but have no signs attesting His presence. The first sign of a true house of God is manifest love. The Lord will not abide among those who detest one another or the lost. “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death,” 1 John 3:14. Any house that lacks the life of love cannot, by definition, be the House of God. Father seeks to lavish those who love, with miraculous signs of His dwelling. Note: Any ministry that carries a steady flow of signs, wonders and miracles, is fueled by the Spirit of love.

A Revelation of Who’s In the House

As bet carries the idea of being “in” the house, we will begin to see who among us is “in” the House of God. There will always be those who visit, and those dwell. Fear not if some fall away who have frequented your house of worship. It may not be that they have fallen away from faith. Father may be moving them to a new assignment. This is all part of the revealing of who is in the house. Remember in the coming days, Jesus is Master of His House. He may move whomever He desires.

A Revelation of Who’s Of the House

Among those in the house, not all are of the house. I have hosted a number of guests in my home over the years. Some of them have been friends, others family. But even among the relatives that have stayed with me, not all of them recognize or honor the way the Flores household operates. No matter how hard I try ;) I cannot force those who are not of my home to observe the way we do things. While they are welcome guests, we generally agree to gracefully overlook certain things for the sake of a pleasant visit. Things like leaving one’s shoes at the door, putting down the toilet seat (ick!), or even keeping daily hygiene are rules of the house. Guests, however, get a pass. While all are welcome in the house of God, not everyone in the house will be of the house. There is coming a revelation of those who are not willing to adopt the same spirit or mindset of the leadership of your spiritual home. Treat them lovingly as family or guests. Do not, however, expect to stake your future on them.

Jesus as Powerful Master of His Church

Whenever Jesus is made the Lord over his church, great miracles and demonstrations of His Lordship are revealed through her. This idea of the Lordship of Christ is integral to the demonstration of the victorious Christ life… the greater works… the miraculous. Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” The bride of Christ will respond to His desires. His commands are merely expressions of His desires for His people. If we’re willing to surrender our lives to His Word, much power will be made available in the coming days.

The Mantle of Issachar
Recently, the Lord has quickened me numerous times with 1 Chronicles 12:32, “And the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.” In the days ahead, the sons of Issachar will need to arise for the benefit of the church, our communities and our nation. These will be sons of the house who have a grasp on what’s transpiring and how to transition. Perhaps you noticed in the above passage, the portion that is in bold print. “And all their brethren were at their commandment.” The sons of Issachar are unified in their approach. They are not fragmented, competitive, or critical of one another. Rather, they are bound together for a common advance. I believe the mantle of Issachar is available, now, to the church. The characteristics of this mantle are evident in Jacob’s blessing over his son, Issachar in Genesis 49:14-15.

“Issachar is a strong ass couching down between two burdens: And he saw that rest was good, and the land that it was pleasant: and bowed his should to bear, and became a servant unto tribute.”

  1. Issachar is a strong ass. Issachar is a hard worker. Long hours or arduous labor does not threaten Issachar’s happiness.
  2. He is couching down between two burdens. Couching down means to relax or recline on all fours. Issachar relaxes, not in the stable… nor in the pasture, but right next to his burdens. This speaks of being ever mindful of the assignment on hand. In recent years, the people of the house have been mindful of everything but God’s house. Home, career, personal interests, etc… have taken preeminence over Kingdom priorities. Issachar, however, couches between two burdens. I feel these burdens represent (1) the individual life including family, career, and personal agendas. (2) the corporate life including God’s family, God’s house, and God’s agenda. Issachar shoulders both well, to his own benefit and happiness.
  3. And he saw that rest was good. Issachar knows how to work hard, but also how to rest well. Rest is best enjoyed after having exerted oneself. The lazy do not rest well.
  4. And the land was pleasant. He saw the value of his work. When we understand the value of what we’re doing, great pleasure comes in fulfilling our Kingdom assignment. The land also speaks of Issachar’s inheritance. The ground he worked was his for the taking, to inhabit and cultivate. His inheritance gave him pleasure and worth.
  5. He bowed his shoulder to bear. He willingly yielded his strength to the burden. He wasn’t whipped or beaten because he willfully chose to humble Himself to the cause.
  6. A servant unto tribute. Issachar was a servant who belonged to a Lord. Here, again is the theme of the Lordship of Christ being revealed.

Issachar’s name is directly translated “He will bring a reward” He is not used up and abused, but rather works for a reward of inheritance.

Conclusion

“For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God.” 1 Peter 4:17. Judgment is welcome. We need Father to differentiate between the false and true – between who’s in the house and of the house. The righteous have nothing to fear when their Master returns to hold His house accountable. There will be great rewards distributed among the faithful – along with attestations of Father’s pleasure and presence.  Choose to rejoice as the Master returns to set His house in order!

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Posted by on September 21, 2011 in Prophetic Inklings

 

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