Tag Archives: Sons of Issachar

The Year 5772: Ayin Bet

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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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What Makes A Person Prophetic?

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I’m often asked in one way or another, “How do I know if I’m prophetic?”  99.9% of the time, I can safely say, “You are,” without spiritually profiling the person.  You see, only people who have had prophetic “inklings” (as I call them) would even dare ask.  Generally speaking, there’s some sort of prophetic experience that puts the spine in that question.  The new day we live in sheds a different light on the topic.  Yesterday’s light casted a shadow on certain aspects of the prophetic, which are now glowing in the prophetic dawn of 2011.  Let us together examine what makes a person prophetic, with an open mind to the new things Father is releasing to His church.

The Office of the Prophet

Let’s begin by addressing the five-fold office of Prophet.  A person cannot aspire to be a prophet apart from the divine call of God.  Jeremiah 1:5 explains that this call takes place even before birth. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”  Prophets often exhibit prophetic behavior early in life, (sometimes even before they consciously make a decision to pursue the Lord).  This is evidence of the prophetic mantle that awaits activation.  A prophet must be anointed and ordained into their spiritual office through the proper apostolic and/or prophetic channels.  Samuel was ordained by Eli; Elisha was selected by Elijah; Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist, etc.  The Kingdom of God operates through divine channels of authority and relationship, giving no license to self-appointed prophets.

Being a prophet and prophetic are two entirely different issues.  According to 1 Corinthians 14:31, “For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.”  Confusion can enter somewhere in the tension between (prophesying as the activity of prophetic people) and (prophesying as the occupation of a five-fold prophetic office).  Allow me to illustrate it this way.  “You may all play basketball.”  Any one of us who desires can dribble our basketball to the neighborhood hoop and shoot away.  With time and practice, a certain skill level can be accomplished and enjoyed.  However, some are called to play professional basketball.  This requires a life-long devotion to the call and profession of the same game.  It will also subject the player to a rigorous life of discipline, travel and consecration.  The audience for his game will be a bit different from the high school populus or fellas from the office.  It’s a whole ‘nuther game.

The Prophetic Spectrum

If you’ve made it this far into the post, it’s likely you fit somewhere into the prophetic spectrum.  The former definition of “prophetic” carried with it a cold sense of exclusivity.  This, I believe, is melting away in the warmth of today’s light.  God has not only called “prophets’ in the land, but also a prophetic people to inhabit the land.  Elitist dogma or hyper-religious stigma is fading away, and rapidly.  Here’s how I see the new prophetic light as it dawns on this awakening.

(The following is a vision I received from the Lord and its interpretation.  I realize there is much chatter in the New Age community about rainbows, spectrums, etc.  While I wholeheartedly disavow any New Age practices, I cannot negate the impression Father gave me.  The Lord is redeeming His creation from the hands of idolators and perverse interpretations of the truth.) The prophetic movement is characterized by much light or revelation.  This revelation, as it passes through the prism of God’s people, is refracted and displayed in seven main categories.  Each “color” bears out the beauty and diversity of the revelation that is being concentrated into the Body of Christ, right now.  As a prophetic person, you will see yourself in at least one if not more of these spectral categories.

1. Adherers: This Christian is more than a mindless obeyer of the revealed Word.  He or she is firmly persuaded of the truth through an inner Holy Spirit witness.  The strength of this persuasion leads one to abandon all to walk in the light of the new day. “Then they answered Joshua, ‘Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go.’” Joshua 1:16

2. Worshipers:  True worship is the atmosphere and muse of the prophetic.  More and more “minstrels” and ”psalmists” will emerge with the ability to stir and release the prophetic in the Bride of Christ.  2 Kings 3:15

3. Communicators: 1 Corinthians 14:3 tells us, “But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.”  In modern church history, this much-needed gift has been trapped within the four walls of the church.  The Communicators, however, are being released into the marketplace, internet, and the new media.

4. Seers: While some are gifted with the ability to communicate, others possess an ability to see.  The seer may experience dreams, trances or visions that reveal hidden truths.  This gift will increase in our day, giving advantage to the family of God in spiritual and earthly matters.  Joel 2:28, 2 Kings 17:13

5. Intercessors:  This breed of soldier/saint takes the visions, dreams and utterances to the altar.  Through prayer and meditation, the revealed word is incubated in the womb of intercession.  Some intercessors travail in prayer; others meditate on the word.  All carry the revelation until it is fully formed and manifest in the Body of Christ.  “My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you.” Galatians 4:19

6. Manifestors: These are saints who are skilled in synthesizing the revealed word, and manifesting it in the marketplace of commerce and ideas.  As the Sons of Issachar in 1 Chronicles 12:32, they understand the times and know what God’s people should do.  Manifestors are action oriented, with a mind for business or other seemingly “secular” implementations.

7. Overseers: The Five-fold offices (including the apostle/prophet) are key in the oversight and administration of all the above.  Not only must they have a heart for the Body of Christ, but also an eye for the nations.  As the spectrum grows brighter in the coming days, we can expect more to see and experience the light of the new day.

You may have seen yourself in this prophetic spectrum, and more than once.  To answer the question, “What makes a person prophetic?” I could have rehearsed the previous move’s answer.  With all due respect to the greatness of that time, some things have changed.  Unfortunately, those who still parrot the marching orders of the last season are no longer “prophetic” (in the true sense of the word).  As always, I welcome your thoughts, questions and comments as we move forward into the prophetic, together.  (By the way, did you notice the date on this post?)