So Many Prophecies These Days

I was reading through 2Chronicles 18 yesterday, and I felt a warning. May I share it with you?

First, go read 2 Chronicles 18. But it’s the story about all the prophets prophesying in unanimity to the king, but it turns out they were all prophesying wrong.

Seriously, please go read that story. We’ll wait for you. 

I felt like Father was whispering to me, “Just because they’re a prophet doesn’t mean I gave them that particular message. There are some who prophesy from my heart, some that think they have my heart, but are speaking from a lying spirit. And there are more than you expect who are prophesying out of their own wounded heart, or speaking in order to gather attention. They have their reward.”

It brought to my mind the reality that we have a lot of people prophesying these days. I believe Father is warning me that some prophets are speaking from true motives, some prophets are speaking from deception (I assume that the deception in their prophecies is not intentional; that would be a whole ’nother story).

But there are a whole lot of prophetic voices in our day who are speaking from a mixture of motives.

He reminded me that he gave us the gift of discernment for a reason. If we fail to discern what prophecies (or what parts of some prophecies) are from him, then our own lives will be influenced, even infected, by deceiving spirits or wounded souls.

Then he pointed out that the times are in many ways becoming more complicated, more obstreperous to the Kingdom of God. “My children who build their lives on a well-intended but misguided word will not be equipped to stand strong in these times. And my children who fail to hear and receive the word from my heart because they fear being deceived will also not be equipped to stand strong in these times.”

Discernment – your personal discernment and the discernment of those people to whom you have entrusted your life – is the key for navigating this aspect of this season.

Al Mack, of Northwest Prophetic

Shawn Bolz Prophesies about the Pacific Northwest

Shawn Bolz has been praying for what God is doing in the Pacific Northwest.

Here's what he's seeing.


If you have a hard time viewing this video, click here: https://youtu.be/g3qL_DR5Yfg .

A Word for the Prophetic Movement

by Mark Sandford,

In mid-April I began to feel purposeless, as if I were going nowhere (in spite of the fact that the opposite is true). I felt heavy and dead, and could take little joy in ministry. I have encountered many prophetic people who have been feeling the same way. But when I tell them why, their heavy feeling lifts.

Have you been feeling this way? Here's what I'm sensing. A change is coming in the prophetic movement. The movement began with a vibrant vision: we would rediscover the prophetic gift and office, and bring them back into the life of the Church. Joy came to many as prophetic words were fulfilled, but immature zeal has had its way. The need for accountability has been eclipsed by a quest for the excitement of prophecies (especially personal ones). We want so much to hear from God that we often fail to test prophetic words, as Scripture commands (1 Corinthians 14:29, 1 Thessalonians 5:20, 1 John 4:1).

Although the Bible regards false prophecies as a very serious matter, too many Christians treat them as a non-issue. A prophetic leader may give false prophecy after false prophecy, and it doesn't even occur to followers to test his words. When even our watchmen are not held accountable for their actions, who is left to warn teachers who would stray into heresy or pastors who would fall into sin? Ample objections come from the internet attack dogs who spew their vitriolic fire hoses not only on fires, but on the very fire of the Holy Spirit. But not enough prophetic voices are speaking out with the balance of firmness and compassion needed to protect the precious gifts with which God has entrusted us.

I sense that in order to protect His children from themselves, at this point the Holy Spirit is applying loving discipline by sending thousands of prophetic Christians into what St. John of the Cross dubbed, "the dark night of the soul." . If you are feeling the heaviness I have described, you may be one of them.

Or, if you have already been through the dark night, such feelings may signal a call to pray for others who are entering into it. God often causes us to feel what others feel, to prepare us to pray from a stance of empathy rather than judgment. If this describes your situation, you are probably beginning to feel lighter even as you read this, for you are realizing that the emotions you have been feeling are not your own.

In the sixteenth century, in his book, "The Dark Night of the Soul," St. John noted that when Christians discover spiritual gifts and mystical experiences they too often fall into spiritual pride, either knowingly or unknowingly, desiring to use these to gain notoriety. Some, aware of this temptation, become overly scrupulous. They desperately attempt to scrub every imperfection from their souls, unaware of a hidden motive to find peace in their own perfection rather than in the arms of a gracious and forgiving God.

St. John saw both of these reactions as expressions of "spiritual gluttony." Through his own suffering he learned that whether we are ravenous for notoriety or perfection, God cures us by putting us on a "spiritual diet." The following are signs that this is happening:

-- You may no longer find pleasure in the things of God or life in general.

-- You may no longer easily feel God's presence, have mystical experiences or hear prophetic words.

-- You may find it difficult to pray, feeling little or no enjoyment in it.

-- You may feel spiritually dead.

-- Because of all this, you may feel like God has abandoned you.

-- You may feel like you are backsliding.

--You may feel like everyone has forsaken you, especially your friends.

You may take all this to mean that God has removed His presence. Quite the opposite is true; He has increased it! It only feels like He has removed it, for two reasons. First, during the dark night you may feel like you are walking from a dimly lit room into full sunlight. The brightness of His holy presence can seem blinding, so that you can't see the light of His presence until the eyes of your spirit slowly adjust. Second, Malachi 3:3 says that God refines us like gold and silver. His increased presence can heat up the metal of your heart, causing dross to surface more quickly. You can become so aware of your sins and the deadness of your soul, that at first you do not perceive that His presence has increased.

You may also think the dark night is punishment or reaping for wrongdoing. It is not; it is God's way of leading you to despair of relying on your own strengths, abilities or gifts. In the process, you may discover sins you were previously unaware of, but these did not cause the dark night; they were merely revealed by it. So don't blame yourself for the dark night; be thankful that God is using this experience to build humble character that reflects more of His likeness.

How long must the dark night last? St. John suggested that in order for it to be effective, it should last at least a few years, but that is not absolute; there are many exceptions. It will last however long it takes to get you to the point of despair of self and then beyond it, to where you can abide in Christ, resting in the knowledge that without Him you can do nothing (John 15:5). Only God knows how long that will take.

Meanwhile, do not try ever harder to hear God or spend extra hours in fasting or Bible study in order to jump-start your stalled spiritual sensitivities (not that you should avoid these activities, but do avoid basing them on this motive). Rather, lean into God's embrace and cling to Him like a child in need. Jesus said, "Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all. And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them" (Mark 10:15-16, NAS).

To live in Jesus' embrace is, quite simply, God's goal for the prophetic movement. For what is the ultimate purpose of any prophecy, whether it be a word of encouragement, a warning, or even an announcement of impending discipline? Simply to draw us closer to God. What, then, is most destructive to the prophetic movement? Focusing on prophecies instead of God.

For those of you who have been feeling the heaviness in brothers and sisters who are entering the dark night, pray that this will not be a time of torment for them. Torment will come if they strive to recover the thrills His gifts once gave them. Pray for the grace to let that go and to embrace the choice fruit which God designed this season to produce -- sweet contentment in the arms of a loving God. Imagine the babies Jesus took into His arms in Mark 10. Were they prideful? How could they be?

Babies have no gifts or achievements in which to take pride. Did they seek gifts instead of God? Babies know nothing of such things. All that matters to them is the rapturous heart-to-heart and spirit-to-spirit flow of the Father's love. "Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all." How we squirm in His arms! We would rather be down on the floor where we can play with our spiritual toys.

If you go through the dark night, spend a great deal of time in the quietness of God's embrace. Choose to soak in His presence, even if you cannot yet feel it. Eventually you will! The wait will cultivate patience and humility. Having endured a period without spiritual accomplishments, more than ever, you will know that you truly can do nothing in the power of your flesh. You will become more aware of your shortcomings and sins, yet be far less self-conscious and more self-accepting than before.

And when you finally begin to imbibe the deep satisfaction of the Father's love, it will make you "poor in spirit" (Matthew 5:3), for you will no longer feel the need to become rich in spiritual gifts. When gifts come, you will enjoy the God who gives them. When they are absent, you will enjoy God.

When the dark night has made you into a child who knows no reason for pride, it is then that God will increase the gifts, not only because you can be trusted with them, but because there will be less danger that you might use them to bring harm to yourself and others. And although you will be more able to feel God's presence and power, you will no longer see feelings as the measure of God's presence and power.

Lust for emotional highs will fade within the placid stillness of God's heavenly hug. And you will be able to invite others into that peace; you will be able to speak the truth -- even hard truth -- from no other motive than love.

Not everyone's "dark night" will look exactly like that outlined by St. John of the cross. Throughout Scripture we see saints who experienced elements of it, but each one's list of woes had its own configuration. What was common to all is that their time of suffering always led to the same blessed place.

David wrote, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Psalm 22:1 NAS). But he also wrote many of the most joyful Psalms. Job complained, "I cry out to You for help, but You do not answer me" (Job 30:20, NAS). But his life after his time of trial was twice as blessed as before (Job 42:12 NAS). In Lamentations 3:1-33, Jeremiah mentioned many of the elements of the dark night. He complained, "He has driven me away and made me walk in darkness rather than light (vs. 2, NIV). "Even when I cry out and call for help, He shuts out my prayer" (vs. 8, NAS). "My people...mock me in song all day long" (vs. 14, NIV). "I have been deprived of peace" (verse 17, NIV). "My splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the Lord" (vs. 18, NIV).

Although Jeremiah's prophetic gift brought him nothing but rejection from his countrymen, he found his blessed place in God's embrace: "Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope; because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" (vss. 21-23).

In Lamentations 3:24 (NIV), Jeremiah said, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait on Him." This outlook was what got him through his trial, and the increase of this outlook was the end-result. What is your portion? The extent of your gifts? The "high" they make you feel? The admiration they inspire in others? Being right when others are wrong? Your mind might protest that this is not so, but only God knows your heart. He knows how long it will take you to learn to really live the words, "The Lord is my portion."

You may pray that the length of the dark night be shortened, but do not be dismayed if it is not. I sense that for many, it will last for the next three to four years. For you, it may last for any length of time within that time period. During that season, prophecies may be scarcer than before. Spiritual highs may be harder to come by. But afterward, you will find yourself in a place to be guided by a new vision -- one centered on the simple premise that it's all about the Father's love.

Jesus said, "Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds" (John 12:24, NIV). In order to bear the fruit God intends, the current prophetic movement must die -- not die off, mind you, but die to its present form and state, to be resurrected into the balance that God intends for it.

"The Lord is my portion." When this season passes, for those who have allowed God to have His way, this may become the catch-phrase of the new vision for His prophetic movement.

http://www.elijahhouse.org/topical-articles/topics/a-word-for-the-prophetic-movement-april-30-2013/

http://www.hiswholehouse.org/blog/from-the-archives-a-word-for-the-prophetic-movement-by-mark-sandford 

------

Some backstory: 

Recently, I was reviewing old posts, and my attention was drawn to this word, and my spirit jumped on it. "This is for a lot of folks right now."   

Mark Sandford (the author) contacted me about it and pointed out that this was a word given four years ago about the four year period that just ended.

He adds, "For those who have been through that time in the dark night, it would bring hope to let them know that the four year period ended in mid-April. Please mention that. And mention that this doesn't mean that everyone's dark night lasted for exactly that four-year period, but it does mean that many people are now getting beyond it."

In any case, yes, he'll have a follow-up word for it this summer. 

Excellent!

James Goll, for Portland

The last weekend of October, James Goll was speaking in Portland.

In the midst of that, he declared this prophetic word: the restoration of apostles & prophets who do not keep it to themselves but equip the saints to do the work of ministry.

We've heard this before. James' prophecy adds another prophetic target for intercessors, adds another measure of God's resource to accomplish what God is declaring.


James Goll, October 2016
Portland, OR

Coming Out of the Cave

Over the years many prophetic types and intercessors have spoken time and time again about hearing sounds of the earth groaning...here and there, sounds of the moving earth...

At the same time Abba has been realigning His children, hiding his children, taking the off the grid and hiding them under the protection of His wings...

And like in the days of old the children have seen themselves "alone" unaware of all that He has hidden...remaining quiet least they be found out....

BUT NOW the earth and the children SHALL sound forth in a growing cadence of His voice.

For the days of remaining quiet, of remaining silent, of consistent hiding are coming to an end...slowly but surely He is bringing forth the hidden prophets from the caves to show His power through the sounds of Heaven...
 
However, DO NOT EXPECT THINGS TO BE AS THEY WERE...for this is a new season where the sounds of heaven bring forth the power and the life He has declared over us...
 
Power and Glory are His forever and ever...
 
Enlarge and magnify your expectations for the days of thinking small are done and shall be forgotten for as big as our God so SHALL BE THE MANIFESTATION OF HIS POWER AND GLORY...AMEN AND AMEN

by Martin Best
Whirlwind Ministries

--
Comment: This was not shared as a "Public Word" for distributing around the world. This is what God spoke to one of his prophetic voices in the Northwest Region, revealing His heart. 
This website is a collections of prophetic words "to, from and about the Pacific Northwest," so it belongs here. I recommend praying into this, and I recommend laying down expectations. ~NWP

God Is Releasing A Company Of Prophetic Messengers To Washington State and California

4/12/2015, from Melody Paasch

A SIGNIFICANT DREAM ABOUT CALIFORNIA AND WASHINGTON STATE

Just a bit of background before I share about our recent trip to California.   Sometime in 2011, I had a very vivid and significant dream.  In this dream, I was specifically told that the birds would be arriving in California and Washington State.  I asked what birds, to which I immediately heard, “The migratory birds.”  I asked, for what reason and was given a message that I believe is one of many strategies for the Body of Christ in this time.  God began to speak to me through the following passage in Jeremiah. 

Jeremiah 8:7-9 Amplified Bible (AMP)

7 [Even the migratory birds are punctual to their seasons.] Yes, the stork [excelling in the great height of her flight] in the heavens knows her appointed times [of migration], and the turtledove, the swallow, and the crane observe the time of their return. But My people do not know the law of the Lord [which the lower animals instinctively recognize in so far as it applies to them].

8 How can you say, We are wise, and we have the written law of the Lord [and are learned in its language and teachings]? Behold, the truth is, the lying pen of the scribes has made of the law a falsehood (a mere code of ceremonial observances).

I sensed that Papa was saying that it is our responsibility as the Body of Christ to seek Him and know our seasons and the plans He has in His heart.  By instinct (by The Spirit and not just the written word), as a part of God’s army, we should know His strategy and His timing.  The Kingdom of God is IN us and NEAR to us!  There are times and seasons that are strategically marked in God’s records for significant and specific events in the earth.  I believe that we are in one of those moments! If we are to labor with Him in His plans and purposes, we must sense those events and be willing to follow our Godly instincts.

THE MIGRATORY BIRDS REPRESENT GOD'S MESSENGERS IN NEED OF REFUGE
Since 2011, this dream has come up many times, but back in December of 2014, while in the Kansas City area with a friend, it was reiterated yet again!  This time I felt a very strong confirmation that this was the year I needed to instigate a prophetic journey to respond to Papa’s message.  The destination?  San Juan Capistrano, CA.  Why?  Because it is known as a historic receiver and incubator to the swallows migrating from Argentina in March every year.  It was a prophetic type and symbol. 

I knew that it was a prophetic picture of the messengers of God being received into the region, with safe haven for future growth and maturity. I believe that God is saying that California and Washington State will be birthing places for His prophetic voices, and this pattern will then sweep East across the nation.  I know that He is restoring and installing the voice of the prophetic everywhere, but for some reason this region is definitely an area He is talking about.  I can only address the part I'm given.  

These anointed ones will move across the U.S. from the West Coast to the East Coast, releasing the word and heart of God for the nation.  It will set a precedence in the spiritual realm, dispatching the angelic for needed direction and strategy.  He is releasing more of His champions with very specific talents, to work side by side with others who are devoted to building the Kingdom of God in every area of culture and society.  Not to build man's agenda with all of it's nuances and control, but to release Papa's heart for this time and people. I believe that He loves mankind above all of His creation, and desires to labor with us in the earth. 

So, upon our arrival we had a daunting surprise!  Julie, one of my beloved interns, and I arrived at the San Juan Capistrano Mission, looking for the yearly arrival of the legendary swallows!   We found, to our dismay, that they no longer have an inviting home there, even though there has been such a long and rich heritage of their migration in this place.

THE HOUSE IS UNDER RECONSTRUCTION
During a long process of the mission’s reconstruction, management built man-made homes for the birds, hoping the swallows would accept the new structures as sanctuary for themselves.  Unfortunately, the swallows have begun to find other nesting areas to thrive in during their season there. This feels a bit like what we do in Christianity at times.  Could it be that we sometimes tear down the natural order of things to build something bigger, or maybe better?  Not that there is anything wrong with progress, as long as it’s congruent with God’s plan.  It also seems that the mess the swallows brought with them, had been an inconvenience to the surrounding merchants.  They were considered by some, to be an annoyance. 

We noticed that the crows and other predatory birds had taken squatters rights and were running most of the smaller birds away.  We watched and grieved as one little swallow came into the courtyard of the mission only to experience the aggression of a crow.  This was beginning to look like a pattern of some things we sometimes witness or experience in far right or radical religious circles.

I sense that the church as a whole has been in the middle of reconstruction (this is a good thing by the way) and that there has been little room for the young prophets or messengers of God. Have they fallen through the cracks of churchianity?  Maybe a man-made structure with an accurate architecture is being offered, just as it is at the mission, but lacking the heart and comfort of home. I wonder if these marked messengers feel that they are no longer welcome, or maybe can’t trust what is being offered them. They may realize that the structures built for their safety are simply a replica of a safe place.

ARE THE PROPHETS IN THE CHURCH TODAY?
So, I also find myself wondering if they have been hiding out, sitting before The Father, learning in secret from The Spirit?  The word does say that The Holy Spirit is our teacher and that He alone can teach us what we need to know.  However, I believe that God’s heart is to do so through loving leadership, as well as directly through His communication with us.  Without the needed experience of true community, those called of God can find it difficult to manage the use of their gifts, as well as their ethical behavior.  They may find that they are not generally accepted in Christianity, and are often judged and labelled as rebels.

Thus, there may be parts of the church, operating without the gift of the prophetic, and the young prophets may not be effectively prepared.  This is a travesty!  The Word says (Rev. 19:10) that the spirit of prophecy is the clear testimony or witness of Jesus.  If that was true when the Bible was written, wouldn't that still be true, today?

It was interesting to me during the mission visit, that there was only the one small swallow that had the gumption to ignore the malicious caws of the crows.  Could the crows represent the ultra-religious, who do not believe that the gifts are for today?  It was sad really, and at the same time, I sensed such courage in this small bird.  This little and seemingly insignificant one seemed not to be phased. He was not honored for his valiant arrival, yet he ignored the quips of the mockers. 

WHAT A SWEET SURPRISE!

It reminded me of young Saul when he was secretly anointed for kingship by Samuel in 1 Samuel 10. He literally turned a deaf ear!  It is written that The Lord's prophetic message over him changed Saul that day!  The prophetic can set direction, can give affirmation to what we know in our hearts, and can change circumstances when God chooses to release over us what is in His heart.

I watched that day, as that little swallow eventually took perch upon the erected index finger of a statue of the canonized representative for the mission: a priest who was the historic and celebrated advocate for the small and weak travelers to the mission.  What a sweet surprise!!!!  The swallow took the platform of the prophetic index finger as depicted by the five-fold ministry!*

* The five fingers of your hand are sometimes used as a way to remember the Five-fold Ministry of God’s Kingdom: 
1. Thumb - apostle (authority/leadership) 
2. Index Finger – prophet (messenger/one who decrees)
3. Middle Finger - evangelist (one who reaches out) 
4. Ring Finger - pastor (shepherd/covenant gatherer) 
5. Pinkie Finger - teacher (one who speaks/processes what will nourish the hearer).

I sat in awe as the little guy began to voice his passion vehemently.  I was amazed that such a tiny creature could have such a strong resolve!  He with deep fervor, progressively became louder!  It seemed for a moment that he was literally preaching directly to me.  He was trying to tell us something very important.  We watched as other people began to slowly gather, curious about what we were looking at and what had us so mesmerized.

As the people gathered, I stepped back to see the bigger picture.  While he preached his burning message, the people watched, taking photographs as though he were performing for them.  Isn’t this the way the gifts of The Spirit are sometimes received?  As a novelty or show?  The more the small crowd gathered before the little swallow, the more passionate he became!  What in the world was this small brave one telling us all?  I feared the crowd was not sensitive to his strong attempt, but Julie and I were acutely aware that it was immensely important and we listened intently to his strong effort. 

INVITING A NEW PROPHETIC BREED FOR A NEW MOVE OF GOD
Later, as we processed the events of the day, it all became very clear.  We knew that the reason we had been sent to the mission was to welcome the migratory birds, which represented the hidden prophetic voices in the earth.  Apparently, they do need welcoming, even to have the ability to arrive in their appointed place and time!  Clearly, what God requires of us as prophetic leaders in every area of ministry, is that we continually cultivate a safe environment for the inexperienced, but strong to be raised up.  It is my experience, that the prophetic needs very particular teaching, training and preparation for the understanding of their gifts.  I am seeking Papa even now, for better understanding of what that must look like. 

Julie, I and the NIT family knew that this trip was a prophetic act to invite a new prophetic breed for a new move of God, into all the safe places prepared for their installment and launching.  As you may know, not every place of spiritual equipping is a safe place for the prophetic.  I must remind you though, that God will do nothing without speaking it first to His prophets.  This is His declaration to all the ages and generations of mankind.  He has promised that He will co-labor to create, with and through His prophets and His prophetic people. 

IF WE WELCOME THESE MESSENGERS INTO A SAFE PLACE

I strongly felt that this was an extraordinary moment we were honored to experience; and that Papa was confirming that there would be an influx of the "pure" prophetic into all organizations that are willing to train and equip through freedom of The Spirit of Truth.  I fear that it will not happen without true relationship.  If we welcome these messengers into safe and loving environments, they will grow and mature for their designated occasion and purposes. 

My heart and prayer is that we will welcome those with a prophetic call into the body of Christ for safe keeping and nurture, releasing them in maturity for these strategic times.  God’s heart is to develop what He has placed within each of us, and His purpose is to release us in His will and employment.

Remember Elijah on the mountain, when he was led to call out the false prophets?  I believe that we as the church, are at a crossroads and that we are being called to raise the bar.  God is calling up the brave and the resolute, to speak His heart wrapped in His deep love, and without compromise or fear of man.  This is the time that God WILL restore and release the true prophets of HIS house.  I do not believe that He'll do it without them.  Whether we believe that the gift of prophecy is for today in the church or not, I hope we will welcome those who are called, to step up and fulfill their God given destiny.  Will we, as the Body of Christ, welcome God’s messengers for this strategic moment in time?

Melody Paasch, from her website. 

The Elijah Season

I was first introduced to the Pentecostal church environment during the early 1990’s. It was fun, vibrant, and exciting…you could feel God doing things and it was SO different than the church environment I grew up in. Finally, I thought I’ll find my destiny that God gave me when I was 7 years old.

During this decade and beyond it seems that everyone was a prophet…there are even lines in songs about it. This was ok as God’s abundance was splashing on everyone and besides Paul tells us that we should all prophecy – right?

Then one weekend I had three different leaders come up to me and call me a Prophet – to be honest I wasn’t sure what the heck they were talking about because Papa had shown me this was only one facet of what He had set in place for me…but what the heck and it was a great learning season for me…

But as many have noticed when He pours out there is a “correction” that almost immediately comes from the main stream denominations…some of it well deserved – but more of it was due to a power and control issue…can’t have anyone but the Pastor hearing from God you know…

So there has been a noticeable drop-off, a quiet almost in the prophetic. It hasn’t stopped for there are still those that God continues to speak through and they continue to share – but it’s been “different” for almost 12 – 15 years.

So yesterday afternoon Holy Spirit and I were chatting and I was reminiscing on some of the past times and He took me in a vision to the creek and cave Elijah was in following his battle with the priests of Ahab and his escape from Jezebel…it was a time in the land following a great demonstration of God’s power that the push-back from the leadership caused many to flee (sound familiar?)…

But it was also a season of great preparation for the coming power demonstration of God…

Then God shared with me:

“This Elijah Season that has been upon my prophets is ending and soon it will be like a volcano of truth of the Word of the Lord – as it flows forth with power and might and fire it will be like nothing ever seen or heard on this planet before…for the times of hiding are over and the times of preparation are over and the times of testing are over now the times of battle in the truth of my love have begun…and watch as MY LOVE moves MY Prophets as never before…

Selah.

Martin Best

Whirlwind Ministries.

Quoted in a prophetic community on www.mewe.com.

Come join the conversation at https://www.facebook.com/northwestprophetic and at https://mewe.com/join/northwestprophetic. 

The Marriage of the Visible and Invisible

Editor's Note: This is not your normal "Release this prophetic word to the world" kind of post. Michael Danforth is a prophet in Yakima, WA, and this was part of his monthly newsletter for the end of 2013. Michael is a reliable Northwest prophetic voice, and the word has been judged profitable, if unfamiliar in its presentation.  

I felt compelled to write to you about a few of the outrageous transitions that are going on in the spirit and how they will impact the years to come.

I have always seen faith as point of entry. It’s the doorway into the supernatural and the unseen world of the spirit. Once we step through these spiritual doors by faith, from that moment on, we should expect to see the invisible with our own eyes. Many have asked, "What do you believe will be one of the most significant revelations in 2014?" Without hesitation, I have said, "The marriage of the visible and invisible." In other words, what is visible will be seen in a different light and what is invisible will become just as apparent as what is already visible.”

  

Before I go on, let’s settle the issue that I am not your normal everyday prophet. To many, I come across as being a little less sociable and a bit dysfunctional. If my mother were present today, she would be the first to say, “Michael was always a bit withdrawn and had a tendency to view the world around him with extreme imagination.” Of course, none of us knew then, that even as a child, I was seeing the world from a prophetic perspective. The world I engage in has always been very different from the visible world around us. I know many of you could attest the same.

Like some of you, in my youth, my spiritual understanding and sight was not nurtured like it could have been. Therefore, it took me a while to realize that what I was seeing was not just some wild figment of my imagination, but invisible realms of God’s kingdom.

I have a confession to make. During the last number of years, I have been slow to become fully transparent about what I have believed to be the intended outcome of God’s intentions for humanity. Much of my concealment was because many already viewed me as being unreasonable and less practical when it came to spiritual things.

I sadly confess, as a result, though I have carried the appearance of being a spiritual forerunner, I found myself dialing down the extreme radical nature of the kingdom of heaven within me. Looking back, I can clearly see how I let the fear of man restrain me from exhibiting the expectations of Father on the earth.  Nonetheless, that was then and this is now. 

Let me encourage those of you who have felt somewhat restrained because of the peculiarity of the Spirit of God working in you. The box of confinement is ultimately being destroyed for the purpose of manifesting whatever revelation of heaven that has been in you since the beginning of time.

Let there be doubt, God is piloting His people completely off the known charts of spiritual flight. I believe one of the reasons this nation and other nations in the world are in the condition they are in, is because many people in the kingdom of God have allowed the fear of man to hinder the revelation of heaven in them. Again, I am an example of those who have appeared spiritually radical, but have exhibited far less than a 100-fold potential. Therefore, the power of acceleration is upon me and is readily available to anyone who has a desire to make up for some lost time.

There is one important thing to remember about forerunners, whether it relates to spiritual things or natural things. Most want to participate in the eventual fruit of their labors; however, most are unwilling to be identified with the stigma and ridicule that is often a part of their journey to get there.

For a number of years now, I have referred to a spiritual gathering of the saints that would redefine what it means to see eye to eye. Many have interpreted an “eye to eye” encounter as people on earth coming together viewing each other on the same spiritual plane. While this sounds reasonable enough, the fact is, there will always be those who will be willing to lay everything on the line for the sake of the Kingdom, while others will not. In this respect, many will continue to have difficulty seeing eye-to-eye.

Nonetheless, spiritual maturity is indeed on the rise and those who appeared to be living beneath their relational potential in the Father, are now approaching a new definition of what it means to not only have a face-to-face encounter with Jesus, but with all the saints of God.

Having an eye-to-eye encounter with the saints of God reaches far beyond any earthly meeting where everyone seems to be on the same page. Even before Christ, there has been a continual invitation to interact with the saints of God, in heaven and on earth, simultaneously.

A time is coming when the people of God on earth will no longer refer to those who have come and gone, and whose permanent dwelling is now in heaven, as being dead. Nor will they view them in the past tense. Every day, there are countless people who are exiting this earthly realm and entering into the heavenly realm, thus heaven is now their final dwelling place.  However, there are also those who are ascending and descending from earth to heaven, yet earth is still their primary dwelling place.

As I have mentioned in earlier writings, this Kingdom ascending and descending has widened the eternal gate of glory between heaven and earth. This means that the appearing of those in heaven on earth will become more frequent. It also means that those on earth will frequent heaven far more readily as well. .

The body of Christ has broken a barrier of understanding of what it means for God to be the “God of the living, not the dead.”

Mark quotes Jesus as saying,

“But regarding the fact that the dead rise again, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the burning bush, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead, but of the living; you are greatly mistaken.” (Mark 12:26-27)

Jesus is making it very clear that when God spoke to Moses and said, “I am the God of…” it meant that God was still the God of those who had once lived on the earth, but are now living in heaven. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are still very much alive, even more so.  Thus the words of Jesus when He said, ‘you are completely mistaken if you think I am the God of dead corpses.’

All the saints in Old and New Testament times, as well as, anyone else in God who has gone before us, are very much alive. The primary difference is that they are a living revelation that their true citizenship is in heaven, not on earth. I have long been aware that not only do angels gather with us when we come together, but even the saints of God who once walked upon the earth.

While this might sound eerie and spooky to some, for others it is a glorious expectant reality. If we are serious about hanging on to the doctrine of repentance, then we should be repenting for excluding the rest of the church, the body of Christ that is still very much alive in heaven.

For years, I have nurtured my sight, my spiritual senses, to see thousands come together and participate, in the spirit, during our public gatherings. This will soon become an eventual visible manifestation. Like Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration, Moses, Elijah and countless others, will begin to appear in plain sight. Jesus was extremely sincere when He said, “Greater things than these, you will do.”

A good friend of mine, who has entertained angels for years, told me that before he saw his first angel with his own eyes, he started acting as though they were with him all the time. He would talk to them and refer to them continually. He even went as far as making sandwiches for them during various lunch times. Sound ridiculous? Of course it does. However, on one occasion, while he was in the kitchen preparing lunch for himself and his invisible friends, he heard a giggling sound coming from the other room. When he went to investigate, he saw three angels setting in his living room. When he saw them, they looked just as shocked that he could see them as he was. I forgot to ask if he made enough sandwiches. 

For me, one of the most troublesome things about our western Christian culture is that we have a desire to go far, but not too far, certainly not far enough. This is why "forerunners" are so necessary in the kingdom of God. One of their primary purposes is to venture out into the depths of the Spirit, beyond our current state of spiritual understanding and reveal the hidden knowledge of the Spirit.

Theory is a supposition or a system of ideas intended to explain something. Theology is the study of religious faith, practice, and experience. Either theory or theology alone is sufficient to transform one’s mind into the mind of Christ, thus our eternal state. Like faith, they are a point of entry, one of which is designed to lead us into a genuine encounter with the Spirit of the Lord. The future will be filled with a generation that will break the barriers of theoretic and theological understanding. Their revelation will include both knowledge and experience.

Isaiah writes,

“…For the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord

as the waters cover the sea.” (Isaiah 11:9)

Hosea writes,

“So let us know, let us press on to know the Lord…” (Hosea 6:3)

True knowledge includes the act of knowing, hearing and seeing. In fact, it involves all of our senses. Its intent reaches far beyond mental knowledge about someone or something. In these passages of scripture, the Hebrew meaning of “knowledge” is to know God in the sense of personal experience, not just literal understanding. It means to experience the ways of God, to know His paths and to know His heart.

In the near future, the earth will quake and the heavens will shake because of another increasing heavenly invasion. An unusual terror is about to hit the earth in ways unimaginable. Not terror in the sense of chaotic horror, but terror in the sense of the raw glory of the Lord becoming so visible that many will be terrorized by the brilliance of His appearing.
Michael Danforth 

These Are No Longer Grounded Eagles

THESE ARE NO LONGER GROUNDED EAGLES, as in those who are not encouraged to soar in their gifts. These are the "grounded" eagles who are seasoned and established by the true heart of Father. 

Back in 2007 when everyone was talking about the eagles arriving in the NW, I had a dream and Father took me to Jeremiah 8:7-8, speaking of the misuse of the law and that even the migratory birds knew when to be where they are called. That was the message Father used to move me out first to Washington State. 

I BELIEVE HE IS CALLING THE EAGLES TO LAND. They are gathering as a prophetic picture of their release to the mantels and mandate they carry and must carry out. This is the beginning of their moment. In the past, many of the prophetic were "run off" or tied to the ground. We can no longer compromise the call by settling to hide in a cave (Adullam) for fear that we will lose our lives. 

This is the moment we were created for. To "land" with others where we are called and to deliver by The Spirit what is in us to give. Those on the earth will not always hear what you are yelling from "above" in the secret place. Jesus descended to encounter humanity. He came to where we are. That is the heart of Father. We must land to release. 

THERE SHOULD BE A GREAT CELEBRATION THAT THE PROPHETS ARE RETURNING TO THE LAND. Yes, they are called to soar, but remember there is a time to connect to the land as well. We see the ploys of the enemy from the high places and we must of course, travel and spend time there with The Father. This is where the "seer" gift works so effectively. 

We must also gather together and take the land that is given us. I'm of course, speaking allegorically. Your land may be your bloodline, your business, your sphere of influence (friendship or relationships). 

I had a dream recently, where I was standing in a snowy field and eagles were soaring directly above my head. These were not all mature large eagles. I believe that some still need to be established in their call. Every one of them was flying just above the ground. They were going to "land". 

I reached up and touched one or two on the tip of their wings. This was such a joyous and incredible moment! I knew that we had been waiting for them to come and here they were, coming in for their landing! 

As a prophetic people, let's not forget to get our heads out of the sky and be real, so that we speak practically and wisely into those on the ground

Melody Paasch

Now Interpret This 

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Word of the Lord for 2013; Apostolic Council of Prophetic Elders (ACPE)

Each year, as we have since 1999, the Apostolic Council of Prophetic Elders meets before the New Year to pray and seek the Lord for a word. This is a compilation of what was sensed during this year’s gathering. It should always be noted that the ACPE believes that the Lord speaks more in seasons, as opposed to our calendar years, and in the past few years we have observed that the trend of some of the prophetic words have been continuing for several years and intensifying.

It is also important to note that intercession can diminish the severity of some of the words that speak of potential judgment – and in some cases may avert them all together. In any case, all prophecies should be bathed in intercession, both the ones that speak of harvest and blessing, as well as the ones with the admonitions attached to them.

As prophets, it is always wise to go back and look at the words we have given in the past. We did this for the years 2011-12. Of course, let us reiterate, timing of the words should be understood more as a season than a calendar year. The words given are not fate or karma but can be changed subject to how God's people respond.

2011: The Year of the Perfect Storm

In 2011, we prophesied the perfect storms. We have certainly had those. The word was given of greater earthquakes, floods, and severe weather patterns of all kinds.
These all happened – in February, a winter storm of historic proportions, according to the National Weather Service; a catastrophic tornado outbreak in April; hurricane Irene in August, the sixth costliest storm in U.S. history at $16 billion.

2012: The Year of Shakings

In looking at the word given for 2012, we saw that it was not only incredibly accurate, but still includes the season we are moving into with more shakings to come. We saw an intensifying of nature responding to our sin. The year broke U.S. heat records, bringing drought and the U.S. government declared it the second-worst in U.S. history for “extreme” weather such as hurricanes, droughts or floods, according to CNN. CNN also reported that hurricane Sandy caused an estimated $80 billion in damage to New York and New Jersey alone. For this reason, we are going to attach it to this Word of the Lord for 2013.

2013: Watch and Prepare/The Year of Contrasts

2013 and the number thirteen typifies the twelve apostles and Jesus, thus representing completeness. Therefore we know there are going to be new team entities to accomplish great things for the Body of Christ in this coming year. We must learn to communicate and value relational unity stronger than ever before, as there are some blessings, crises, and challenges that can only be fully navigated through deep spiritual unity, more than in other seasons of time.

The ACPE felt this coming year would be one of great contrasts and polarity. In a sense, we are entering a new era. Things cannot be done in the same way they have in the past season.

The New Era – A “But Now” Season

“And he said to them, ‘When I sent you without money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?’ So they said, ‘Nothing.’ Then he said to them, ‘But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise, a knapsack, and he who has no sword, let him sell his possessions and buy one.’” (Luke 22:35-36)

Here is a passage the Lord showed us as a prophetic picture of the contrasts coming that will show the difference between those who have the blessing of the Lord upon them in the midst of a dark season.

Contrast Between Light and Dark

Arise; shine, for your light has come! And the glory of The Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and his glory will be seen upon you. Then you shall see and become radiant, and your heart shall swell with joy; because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the Gentiles shall come to you. The multitudes of camels shall cover your land, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come; They shall bring gold and incense, And they shall proclaim the praises of the Lord. (Is. 60:1-2, 5-6)

In contrast to the season of glory for those who prepare and hear, it will be a season of darkness or, as some translations say, “gloom” for those unprepared. The good news is that we are not created for darkness and gloom, but for glory! In this passage, the camels brought wealth in caravans. So for us as believers, this means the camels, or their modern-day equivalents, are coming with provision!

This will also be connected with the transference of wealth on international levels. For those who watch and listen, they will hear the voice of the Lord for huge financial blessings. The Joseph generation is going to emerge in this season as never before.

Hear and Prepare

One prophet had a vision of a tuning fork being struck by the Lord and put to our ear. The Lord spoke to us that He is going to “fine-tune” our hearing to know how to prosper. This is not a time for spiritual laziness but for a disciplined spiritual life.

We see that for those who watch and prepare, the glory of the Lord is going to be seen on you by all. You will shine like you have never shone.  Those who are like the sons of Issachar will be blessed in this time in contrast to those who are dull of hearing. So, those who have watched and prepared will be blessed.

Preparedness should also take place on the institutional level as well. It was clear to us that the word we had given in 2012 about crisis preparedness was even more relevant now than before. We are calling on individuals, churches and communities to become disaster-prepared. The shakings are going to continue and increase, and those who prepare will become a refuge for others, resulting in evangelism opportunities as the mental strongholds of those who believed the church to be uncaring are torn down.

Matthew 25 is an important passage for us this coming season.

Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.

And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.

Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’

Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. (Matthew 25:1-13)

How to prepare:

Keep your lamps full. Stay in the word; be full of the power of the Holy Spirit.

1. Live a life-style of worship.

2. Renew your study about having confidence in and faith toward God.

3. Crisis preparedness. This needs to be done on both a personal level as well as at church and community levels.

4. Re-evaluate how you are handling your finances. Ask God what to buy and sell.

5. Seek God for the "new wine" structures that will help you to be flexible in this new season.

6. Do not react out of fear, but rather respond out of faith. Don’t forget, you belong to a kingdom that can’t be shaken.

Watch and Obey

A renewed and sharpened sensitivity to the voice of the Holy Spirit is a must in this season. When God tells you to not go into a place, don’t. Obey the Holy Spirit’s cautions without being paranoid. Buy when the Lord tells you to, and don’t when you should not spend. This is a time to move in faith and not fear. God still has dreams to dream through you, and it is critical that you keep moving forward with the vision God has placed into your heart and not become stagnant.

Instability-The New Reality

In this new era, we could say that instability will be our new reality. However, those who listen to the Lord's guidance will navigate this season and be successful. Some major organizations will go bankrupt such as casualty insurance companies. The bankruptcies of American cities will increase and there will be an increasing inability to provide adequate expected services such as fire and police. Much of this will be the result of a path established by policies of former governmental administrations, but the blame will be placed on the current ones. Resolving these problems will be greatly hindered by finger-pointing and animosity, manifesting in heightened racial and socio-economic tensions.

Against this backdrop will be communities that will have displayed the ability to foresee and understand these times and seasons, and who will have established infrastructure at the community level that does not have to rely on outside resources. Apostolic and prophetic church leadership with a “Joseph anointing” will be instrumental in preparing not only their local churches, but their greater communities, for the coming times of volatility.

Goshens, Sheep and Goats

It will be evident in the coming days, as events unfold, that there are some who have the blessing of God and those who do not. This was likened to us as those being what we might call "sheep or goat" states, regions, cities and even people. The sheep states, those who have followed the word of God concerning the rights of the unborn child, biblical definition of marriage, helping to eliminate systemic poverty and fighting against injustice such as human trafficking, will be blessed. They will stand in sharp contrast to those who do not. We felt strongly that some people as well as geographic regions would become typologically “Goshens”, where others would flee to in the midst of instability. Migrations of people out of places which do not have leadership following biblical principles will start to take place.

United States versus other nations

One year ago, we gave the word that if the United States did not make a major shift toward reformation in 2012, our measure of greatness would continue to decline. That shift did not occur. The United States will continue to decline while other nations such as China, India, Indonesia, Korea, and others will rise.

Economies

As a result of following a path turning away from God, the nation is suffering.
We prophesied "no more business as usual” in January of 2008 before the September meltdown of that year. We could say that the stone from Daniel 2 has been thrown at the feet of the economies of the world..Some believe this to be the Babylonian structures. Therefore the structures of the whole world have been weakened in some respects.

Daniel 2:35 speaks of a stone striking the foot of a statue that has mixture. God is going to shake corrupt economic systems. The old systems that have been held in place through corrupt leaders are going to shake as well. Many who have prayed for their nations will see a major governmental change that will put them on a path of awakening and blessing.

Believers should ask God for the timing when they need to buy land and businesses, and make their influence known, even under duress. Man-made structures are going to continue to have great stress and pressure. Kingdom-minded business leaders are going to be especially anointed in this season. Both Esthers and Daniels will arise in this day to influence economic systems and nations.

An admonition came forth not to get stuck in old wineskins even in the area of your personal finances in the coming days or you will miss your opportunities when they come along from God.

A New Move of the Holy Spirit

On the positive, we are going to see the rise of new revivalists, many who have been as yet unseen, but will burst upon the scene with great power and authority. The world will be astounded as they come from seemingly nowhere to a great visibility due to the way in which the power and authority of God is manifested through them.

Beware of Deception

Be especially vigilant against deception trying to enter into the church in this season, which will try and shut down these new moves of God.

Chicago, Illinois

The inner cities and urban areas are going to be touched by this new wave of power evangelism. Some of the darkest areas, such as the inner city of Chicago, are going to see a dramatic intervention from the Spirit of the Living God.

New Alignments

2013 will be a year in which many things in the lives of believers will come into alignment. The Lord’s focus for the church will be coming into the place where she can be a voice to the nation. Nehemiah 13 is a picture of this. God used him to bring into alignment both God’s people and the government. With these new alignments must come a re-assessment of the things God requires of you in this new season.

Prayer and Spiritual Warfare

There will be a resurgence of teaching on both prayer and spiritual warfare, and God’s people will once again war in intercession. A whole new army of prayer warriors will be trained.

Uncompromised Leadership

Pastors will arise with the anointing of a William Wilberforce and fight against injustice. There will be new movements of righteousness and justice. An awakening both to holiness and justice will sweep the nations. Fighting human trafficking will be a special focus of the church; especially among the youth.

“Daniel prophets” will arise out of this movement who stand unafraid. Reformers will arise in governmental positions. Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, and Alabama will begin to awaken.

Prophets

The prophets of God must not be intimidated by the fire-storm that will come against them in the coming days. There is a hidden church even among influential world leaders who are like the “Obadiahs,” but the prophets are about to be revealed in great power and authority if they do not back down in this season of persecution.

There has been a culture of death that has reigned through abortion, but God is raising up young fire-brands whose voices will not be silenced until this evil is eradicated in nation after nation. The Spirit of Elijah will manifest in a glorious way upon these young voices who will speak up for the unborn.

Worship will be a major key in this movement as God will bring a world-wide emphasis on the restoration of the tabernacle of David, as prophesied in Acts 15:16. Little children will worship and prophesy as well.

Weather Related Crises

We have not seen the end of the weather-related crises and weather patterns. One ACPE leader sensed that organizations like FEMA would become virtually bankrupt as the earth produces violent shakings and storms that are beyond its resource levels.

Already, since the ACPE meeting in early December, Congress has already had to rush $9.7 billion in aid to FEMA due to flood insurance claims from the October hurricane Sandy. This is borrowed money from the Treasury, which increases the national deficit, and another $51 billion has been requested. Intensifying natural disasters will further stress the government’s ability to assist in such calamities.

OTHER NATIONS:

Israel

In the midst of the pressure of the Middle East de-stabilizing, Israel will experience a move of the Holy Spirit. Congregations will come into unity on a level not yet seen.
Special prayer is needed for peace in the Middle East, and there is an admonition that the rest of the world should not forget them. Pray for the protection of the borders of Israel.

Latin America

Latin America will begin to shake off its shackles of extreme leftism. There are leaders waiting in the wings who are the Josephs and Daniels of new governmental structures, and they will be reformers.

Vietnam

Vietnam will begin to emerge as an economic power, seemingly overnight. Many will start to build factories there, including business leaders from main-land China.

Europe and Euro

It was prophesied that the Euro would fragment. This will lead to the eventual re-structuring of Europe in some sense. The time period for this to take place was not shown to us.

Europe

Europe will experience a move of God as there is a hunger in the soul of God’s people there, and top leaders will begin to say that humanism and socialism did not work.

Austria

Austria will be a key to this move of God, and the sound of music will once again resonate around the world as new worship songs come from this nation.

Campuses

Campuses in the U.S., Britain, France, and Romania will flame with revival and reformation. New youth leaders’ movements will arise that will connect the new generation.

Ring of Fire Nations

The ring of fire nations will burn for God. New missions movements will be launched. The unreached peoples will be reached, and there will be an escalation of missionaries answering the call.

Africa

Africa will thrive! Nation after nation will find its leaders dedicating their nations to the Lord Jesus Christ. The spirit of poverty is beginning to be broken off this continent. Cultural transformations will take place. Look to the middle of the continent, for there will be a fire of the Holy Spirit that will begin there and spread to the rest of the world.

Arabic World

Nations will align with nations in surprising ways as old alignments manifest themselves once again. The Arabic world is going to clash with itself in unprecedented measures. Even formerly stable regions, such as Saudi Arabia, will start to de-stabilize.’

Egypt

Egypt is in its Isaiah 19 shaking moment, but in the midst of the shaking, one of the greatest prayer armies in the world will mobilize with great unity.

India

This is India’s time to shine! Prayer will fill this nation from the north to the south, to the east and the west.

Japan

Japan will experience a move of God that begins with their youth.

Korea

Prepare the missionaries for North Korea. Healing will begin from North to South. Many Korean business leaders will be sent even to Wall Street.

China

It probably goes without needing to be said, but China will continue its advance to becoming a world-economic power. This nation needs our special and earnest prayer.

Iran, Syria, and the Persecuted Church

There will be a shift in leadership in many Middle Eastern nations. Those who have been in favor will fall out of favor almost overnight. A call to pray for the persecuted church came forth from the Holy Spirit. The Lord wants to bring a great harvest to Syrians in particular in this season.

God's miracle working power will manifest in Iran. The Lord did not speak details to us beyond that at this time.

ACPE: Apostolic Council of Prophetic Elders