Five-Fold Today The Coming Davidic Order - A New Army Of Radiance - Jesus Really Loves You - Sleeping In Delilah's Lap - A Time of Final Warnings - The Celebration of the Bride - A Total Heart Cleansing
The Coming Davidic Order
By Clay Sikes
For many in the Church today there is knowledge that something is wrong. “What is it?” we ask. “Is it me?” “Is it my Church?” “Is it my Pastor?” The knowledge that something is wrong pervades the Church from Savannah to Siberia, the Internet and many prophetic lists confirm and link us to this truth. Be comforted that your situation is neither unique nor unusual, but of greater significance, be aware that God is signaling CHANGE. A new Davidic order is rising up and out of the existing Church, replacing the order of Saul.
Recently a friend of mine was heard to say, “Don’t tell me that something is wrong – I already know that, give me solutions!” As I pondered and prayed as to why this remark sparked such an unsettling in my spirit, clarity began to emerge from the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of the Lord grants us a sense of the problem, then provides His solutions: It is important to note here that our solutions are not necessarily His solutions, and our ways are not necessarily His ways. The era in which we now live has introduced problems in the Church and now is the time for God’s solution, God’s way. Has the Church realized yet that man’s way will work no longer? Perhaps we should continue another two or three hundred years playing church!
The key to solving a myriad of problems in the Church is found in solving the main problem. When the main problem is dealt with, in an almost cataclysmic fashion, things will begin to dramatically change as God’s people begin to walk in God’s power. The problem that glares at us constantly is a powerless Church; a Church taunted by Satan on a daily basis much the same as Goliath taunted the Armies of God. Financial hardship, defeat, sickness, sin, divorce, jealousy, vain ambition, hype, programs, formulas, and relational failures permeate the Church from the pulpit to the pew. Since we know this is true, let us examine accurate, word filled, Holy Ghost inspired prophetic revelation for our solution.
Step one in resolving the problem is recognizing and accepting that anyone who has accepted Jesus as Lord must also understand that they have a destiny to fulfill, a part to play in this move of God. Any activity short of God’s plan for our lives (destiny) will not fulfill us, will not produce the continuing joy of the Lord in us, and will not sustain us financially or relationally or any other way. It is important to note that outside of our destiny, we can have some degree of happiness (without the continuing joy of the Lord), we can have relationships and we can make money; however, a called man or woman will know the difference in their heart of hearts. Said differently, you cannot be holy in Dallas, if you are called to be righteous in Cleveland. A well known lecturer once said that he had traveled Christian circles for years and seen thousands upon thousands of miserable Christians, yet never had he seen anyone pursuing and walking out their destiny, who was not filled to the brim with vitality, life, and enthusiasm – “Jesus came to give us an abundant life” John 10:10.
In facing the powerless Church question, understand that the human resources are now in place to release this great power, but the old system (Saul’s armor) under which these human resources operate will not permit them the freedom to be used. Just as Saul’s armor constrained David, so too has the old order constrained those who are called to demolish Satan’s strongholds, strapped with the heavy cumbersome equipment of Saul. I feel the solution is prophetically answered in I Samuel 17. As you may recall from these verses, David was appalled that Goliath so freely taunted God’s people. With confidence he prepared to face Goliath, yet quickly recognized that the old order (armor) would not work. Similarly, as we recognize that the old order will not work for the Church, we too must seek the new Davidic order that God is raising up in this hour. To have what we have never had, we must do what we have never done. Much prophetic revelation is found in the meaty verses of I Samuel 17.
“Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them. I cannot go in these, he said to Saul, because I am not used to them. So he took them off. Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine” (I Samuel 17:38-40).
As with David, we must recognize that God is doing a new thing to bring victory to a less than victorious Church. Let us examine further the prophetic implications of these scriptures – “ I cannot go in these, he said to Saul, because I am not used to them. So he took them off. Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream…”
The order of Saul was built upon a one-man system, the direct results of men directing God. This one-man system of Saul had more to do with man’s leadership than God’s. As a downward spiraling parallel, we see the Church dissolving from the powerful First Century Church, utilizing the entire five-fold ministry, to the one fold Pastor led system of today. Through the traditions of men, we have systematically eliminated four folds of ministry to the Body of Christ and of equal importance, knocked countless thousands out of attaining their destiny and purpose in the earth. Many powerful, destiny filled ministries sit idle in pews, bound and constrained by an order that does not recognize any calling except Pastor (See Ephesians 4:11,12).
David realized, as we must, that victory would not come through the way battles were typically fought. David dared to look to a different non-traditional manner to attain victory against Goliath, so too must the Church. In more than a twist of irony, let us look again to the word – “Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream…” I submit to you that as the Davidic order replaces the order of Saul that a true victorious Church will emerge as the five-fold ministry begins to find its way back into the Body of Christ. As David reached into the stream he pulled five smooth stones to the surface. Symbolically, many of those who are being raised up in this hour will be those that have been hidden from the Body, submerged for years, yet washed by the water of the word until all rough edges have been smoothed. Any stone that David chose was enough to bring Goliath to the ground.
Destiny releases the power and purpose of God in us, in the earth, and in the heavenlies. When we touch destiny and purpose, we know it – it witnesses in our spirit; a surge of power is felt in our mind, body, and spirit. Many apostolic and prophetic anointings lay dormant as do other callings within the Body, but soon will awaken as the emerging Davidic order brings change to the Church. The Church cries out for solutions to its problems, BUT IS IT READY FOR REAL ANSWERS? Much of the solution will require change from those in the old order of Saul, and many like those in Saul’s company will be ever so reluctant to join David the anointed and called King. Any change that has ever affected this world began in the hearts of men, so too will this move of God begin in the hearts of men.
All change must begin within each of us seeking change. At the risk of sounding redundant, let me state again THAT THOSE DESIRING TO SEE CHANGE MUST REALIZE THAT IN ORDER TO BRING CHANGE, WE MUST BE WILLING TO CHANGE. The willing and obedient eat the good of the land and fulfill their predestined call. Just prior to David’s Kingship he held up in the cave at Addulum (I Samuel 22). What a choice his followers had to make – a cave with David or a Palace with Saul. The palace represents a close parallel to decisions faced today: Saul offered comfort, stability, safety, prominence, position, power, influence and acclaim. David offered a cave, actually a hole in the side of a mountain, but deep in the hole was a dream. The order of Saul deals in the seen; the order of David in the unseen.
Those with an affinity for the external will likely stick with Saul, while those with the eye of the Spirit will follow David to the death. “All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their leader” (I Samuel 22:2). The Davidic Order WILL NOT attract those who are happy with things just the way they are. We now live in the age of the Laodicean Church – “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing. But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:14-17). In summary, the spiritually contented will stay with Saul, while the spiritually discontented will hold up with David.
Several years ago the Lord spoke to me over a period of time and said several things that changed my life. First he said, “Anything growing will change – be open, be flexible, be willing to change.” This phenomenon is true in both the natural and the spiritual world. GROWTH REQUIRES CHANGE. Though all change isn’t a sign of growth, all growth is a sign of change!
Our growth will require change, but even more importantly and initially, our willingness to change. He then said, “Ignorance often comes disguised as tradition.” With those words, when combined, I realized that traditional thinking is dangerous in dealing with spiritual matters. I had hindered my own spiritual growth by my own preconceived traditions, much of which emanated from my soul. He then said a final word that has changed my life forever. “The sin of presumption often hides itself in noble purposes.” As with Sarah, I have been guilty of trying to help God by assuming roles that God had not assigned me (See Genesis 16:3), but because the purpose appeared noble and good, I presumed it to be God. This incredibly dangerous error, in my opinion, has stopped more people from fulfilling their destiny and walking in the real power of God than any other aspect of Christianity; evangelist acting as pastors, businessmen in ministry, ministers in business, teachers acting as prophets, programs in place of prayer, organizations in place of an organism, etc.
Much of the modern day Church is a result of works of the flesh (Ishmael). Said differently, presumptive decisions based on noble purposes run most churches today.
IT IS HERE THAT WE IDENTIFY WHY WE HAVE A POWERLESS CHURCH – IT IS RUN FOR THE MOST PART BY WORKS OF THE FLESH. That which is a work of the Spirit will produce Spiritual results. That which is a work of the flesh will produce the results of the flesh – Works of God produce Godly results while works of men produce human results. Judge for yourself the state of the Church.
Before leaving the subject of presumption, let us look deeper into why it reigns in the Church today. God’s word is filled with scriptural assurances that if we seek him for answers, he will provide them. His Word also gives us many scriptural assurances that God will guide and lead us beyond our need for critical answers, even to the extent of telling us in Romans “those that are led by the Spirit of God are called the sons and daughters of God.”
Despite these assurances, we still operate in presumption in many areas of our lives. Self-rule is a product of trusting self more than God. As one Pastor put, “Why do you think I went to the Seminary?” A major characteristic of the Davidic order rest in the fact that God does the leading. David always sought God for specific direction after learning that he was not only to get the direction of the Lord, but also the ‘how to’ within the confines of that direction (See II Samuel 6:1-13). Saul took matters into his own hands and lost his kingdom, not only for himself, but his heirs as well. Sadly, Jonathan stayed with his father, Saul and met an untimely death. How many who linger in the house of Saul will birth spiritual death for themselves and their families? During a recent time of praying in the Holy Spirit for several hours, I heard the Lord say that He is raising up a victorious Church, a warrior like David who operates in the true power and strength of the Lord. As I asked the Lord about the initial steps that we must take in arriving at this victorious place, He spoke the following to me:
Make no mistake about it; the Body of Christ is made up of people, not buildings, not denominations, not ministries. It will be through unifying and joining of those called to be joined that God’s power will be released in this hour. Two parts (though only two in the world’s system) when joined, equal 10 parts in the Kingdom – “One can put a thousand to flight, two can put ten thousand to flight.” Proper joining results in proper sharpening – “A man sharpens his brother as iron sharpens iron.” Body parts when properly joined will have the strength they are designed to have and perform the functions they are designed to perform. Just as a finger apart from the hand has no functioning power, so too are the parts of the Body of Christ apart from those to whom they are called. Praying in the Holy Spirit will release the knowledge, the enabling, and the joining that God desires in this hour.
The Army of God is now beginning to make strategy for VICTORY; the primary focus of this strategy involves unifying the Body and joining the parts that are suppose to be JOINED. We must pray to properly discern and join the Body properly…This is not a joining for the sake of joining, but rather a fitting of the parts that are called to be JOINED.
Begin to look for the Davidic Order – it is soon coming to a town near you!
Clay Sikes
clay@coastalnow.net
A New Army Of Radiance
by Kathi Pelton
I saw a sea and as I looked across the sea to the shore I saw a vast army camped on the beach with their backs to the water. In front of this army was a thick wilderness. As I looked upon this army I saw darkness on them and understood that this was a demonic army sent to keep believers captive. They were lined up on the shore with their weapons drawn and facing this wilderness. Every now and then I would see an individual or small group of people peer out from behind this thick forest. As they would peer out this demonic army would fire their weapons at them to drive them back into the wilderness. These weapons that they used came in the form of guilt, fear, shame, accusations and religious legalism (they would twist the Word of God and shame the one attempting to leave the wilderness). Then I heard the Lord tell me to turn around and look out at the sea. As I did I saw a large army dressed in light and radiance coming across the sea. They were holding weapons that I knew were not of this world. I asked the Lord, "Who are these dressed in this light?" and He said that they were His warring bride. I asked HIm, "Where did they get the light and these weapons?" and He told me that He had called them into a wilderness of a different sort...not one of bondage and captivity but the kind He speaks of in Hosea...then He spoke the words to me.
Released from the wilderness: As these people who had been through this wilderness of restoration, I could see that they came up out of this wilderness "leaning on their Beloved "(Songs of Solomon). They were formed into an army, a warring bride, that is full of light and radiance. As they approached the shore that this demonic army was set up on I noticed that this "army of darkness" was completely unaware of their approach. The enemy had become so confident in his ability to hold believers captive in the wilderness that he had not even prepared his army for an attack that would come across the water. As the army of light came upon the shore they used their weapons (which I heard to be in the form of the testimonies of their mouths, the worship of the Lord and the authority of their "sonship") to destroy the enemy easily. As the last of the army of darkness was destroyed from this beach I heard noise coming from the wilderness in front of them. I saw, one by one at first, but then masses of people coming up out of the wilderness. As they came out of this wilderness I saw this army of light greet them with a kiss and as they did I'd see the rags that they were wearing be transformed into radiant garments of light. They became a part of this great army of light who would go from shore to shore (nation to nation) releasing those who were being kept in captivity by Satanic forces. They truly became transformed from dry bones to a radiant warring bride.
Kathi Pelton
Jesus Really Loves You
Every Sunday afternoon, after the morning service at their church, the Pastor and his 11-year-old son would go out into their town and hand out Gospel tracts. This particular Sunday afternoon, as it came
time for the Pastor and his son to go to the streets with their tracts, it was very cold outside as well as pouring down rain. The boy bundled up in his warmest and driest clothes and said excitedly,
"Okay Dad, I'm ready!"
His Pastor Dad asked, "Ready for what?
"Dad, it's time we gather our Bible tracts together and go out."
Dad responds, "Son, it's very cold outside and it's really pouring down rain."
The boy gave his Dad a surprised look, asking, "But Dad, aren't people still going to Hell, even though it's raining?"
Dad answered slowly, "Son, I am not going out in this weather."
Despondently the boy asks, "Dad, can I go -- Please? Come on Dad.."
His father hesitated for a moment then said, "Son, you can go.
Here's the tracts; be careful son."
"Thanks, Dad!" He jumped up and with that he was off and out the door dashing into the rain. This 11-year-old boy walked the streets of the town going door-to-door and handing everybody he met in the
street a Gospel tract. After 2-hours of walking in the rain he was soaked to the bone-chilled wet and down to his very last Bible tract. He stopped on a corner and looked for someone to hand a tract to but
the streets were totally deserted.
Then he turned toward the first home he saw and started up the sidewalk to the front door and rang the door bell. He rang the bell -- but nobody answered. He rang it again and again bit still no one
answered. He waited but still no answer. Finally, this 11-year-old trooper turned to leave but something stopped him. Again, he turned to the door and rang the bell and knocked loudly on the door with his
fist. He waited, something holding him there on the front porch. He rang again, and this time the door slowly opened.
Standing in the doorway was a very sad looking elderly lady. She softly asked, "Yes? What can I do for you, son?" With radiant eyes and a smile that lit up her world, this little boy said, "Ma'am, I'm sorry if I
disturbed you, but I just want to tell you that, JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU!
I came to give you my very last Gospel tract which will tell you all about Jesus and His great love." With that he handed her his last tract, and turned to leave. She called to him as he departed, "Thank you,
son! And God bless you!" he heard a cheerful uplift to her voice.
Well, the following Sunday morning in church, Pastor Dad was in the pulpit and as the service began he asked, "Does anybody have a testimony or want to say anything?"
Slowly, in the back row of the church, an elderly lady stood to her feet. As she began to speak, a look of glorious radiance came from her face. "None of you in this Church know me. I've never been here
before. You see, before last Sunday I was not a Christian. My husband has passed on, some time ago, leaving me totally alone in this world. Last Sunday, being a particularly cold and rainy day, it was
even more so in my heart . . . as I came to the end of the line where I no longer had any hope or will to live.
"So I took a rope and a chair and ascended the stairway into the attic of my home. I fastened the rope securely to a rafter in the roof then stood on the chair and fastened the other end of the rope around
my neck. "Standing on that chair, so lonely and brokenhearted, I was about to leap off when suddenly the loud ringing of my doorbell downstairs startled me. I thought, 'Wait, I'll wait a minute, and whoever
it is will go away.'
"I waited and waited-- but the ringing doorbell seemed to get louder and more insistent and then the person ringing also started knocking loudly.
I thought to myself again, 'Who on earth could this be?! Nobody ever rings my bell or comes to see me!' "I loosened the rope from my neck and started for the front door, all the while the bell rang louder and
louder. When I opened the door and looked I could hardly believe my eyes!
"There on my front porch was the most radiant and angelic little boy I had ever seen in my life! His smile! Oh, I could never describe it to you! And the words that came from his mouth caused my heart, that
had long been dead, to leap to life again, as he exclaimed with cherub-like voice, 'Ma'am, I just came to tell you that JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU.'
"Then he gave me this Gospel tract that I now hold in my hand. As the little angel disappeared back out, into the damp cold and rain, I then closed my door and read slowly every word of this Gospel tract.
Then I went up to my attic to get my rope and chair. I wouldn't be needing them any more.
"You see, I am now a happy child of the KING, and since the address of your church was on the back of this Gospel tract I have come here to personally say, 'Thank you to God's little angel who came just
in the nick of time, and by doing so, spared my soul from an eternity in Hell.'"
There were now no dry eyes in the church. As shouts of praise and honor to the KING resounded off the very rafters of the building, Pastor Dad descended from the pulpit to the front pew where the little
angel was seated. He took him in his arms and sobbed uncontrollably.
Probably no church has had a more glorious moment and probably this Universe has never seen a Papa that was more filled with love and honor for his son, except for one: This Father, God, also allowed
His Son, Jesus, to go out into a cold and dark world. He received His Son back with unspeakable, and as all of Heaven shouted praises and honor to the King, the Father sat His beloved Son on a throne
far above all principality and power and every name that is named.
There may be someone, reading this, who is also going through a dark, cold and lonely time in your soul. You may be a Christian, for we are not without problems, or you may not yet know the King.
Whatever the case, and whatever the problem or situation you find yourself in, and no matter how dark it may seem, I want you to know that I just came to tell you, "JESUS REALLY DOES LOVE YOU!"
Submitted by Brother Fred
WWW.GODONLINE.CO.ZA
Sleeping In Delilah's Lap
Hollie L. Moody
At the beginning of the summer, I had a brief vision. I saw a sleeping man.
His head was in the lap of a woman. Both the man and the woman were
dressed in clothes which pertained to the Biblical days. The woman looked
exotic, foreign. I immediately sensed that this man and woman were
Samson and Delilah.
"Daughter of My people," the Lord spoke to me, "what do you see?"
"I see Samson asleep in the lap of Delilah," I replied.
"This is My church," the Lord responded. "This is how My Bride is being
attacked by the enemy."
I was puzzled at the Lord's words.
"Daughter of My people," the Lord said to me, "understand the vision."
In the days, weeks and months which passed after I experienced this brief
vision, along with the Lord's admonishment to understand the vision, I read
and reread, and read again, the accounts of Samson's conception, birth and
life (as related in Judges chapters 13 through 16). I studied, pondered,
read, meditated and prayed about this brief vision, and these four short
chapters in Judges.
Small bits of light would be illuminated to my understanding. Small moments
of revelation would suddenly flash into my heart and mind as I continued to
read and meditate upon these four chapters of Scripture.
I felt the Lord asked me to share with others what He was revealing to me.
It is a task that I feel incapable of accomplishing on my own. I need the
Holy Ghost to illuminate to each person who may read these words, what
was revealed and illuminated to me. I cannot do this through my own words
or wisdom. I am only a vessel for the Lord to move through and speak to
whomsoever He will. I feel like a very small, insignificant vessel. May the
Lord quicken these words to your heart. May you also understand the
vision through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Not only was Samson called by God to be a Nazarite, Samson's mother
was also called to be a Nazarite.
Judges 13:3-5 ~~ "{3} And the angel of the Lord appeared unto the
woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou are barren, and bearest not:
but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son. {4} Now therefore beware, I pray
thee, and drink not wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean thing:
{5} For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come
on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and
he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines."
The law of a Nazarite is found in Numbers 6:2-6 ~~ {2} Speak unto the
children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall
separate themselves to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate themselves
unto the Lord: {3} He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink,
and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall
he drink any liquor of grapes, not eat moist grapes, or dried. {4} All the
days of his separation shall he eat nothing that is made of the vine tree, from
the kernels even to the husk. {5} All the days of the vow of his separation
there shall no razor come upon his head: until the days be fulfilled, in the
which he separateth himself unto the Lord, he shall be holy, and shall let the
locks of the hair of his head grow. {6} All the days that he separateth
himself unto the Lord he shall come at no dead body."
There were three requirements of a Nazarite: 1) to separate themselves
from wine and grapes and grape products (even raisins), 2) to have uncut
hair, and 3) to touch no dead body.
The word "Nazarite" (Hebrew "nazir" from "nazar," meaning ~ "to set
apart") designates one who has been set apart and dedicated wholly to the
Lord. This dedication could be for a specific period of time, or for life (such
as with Samson). The Nazarites were raised up by God Himself in order
that through their lifestyle they might demonstrate His highest standard of
holiness, sanctity, and commitment in the presence of the people. The
Nazarite vow was voluntary. It was designed to teach Israel that total
devotion to God must come first from a person's heart, and then come to
expression in self-denial, visible profession, and personal purity. The
complete devotion of a Nazarite serves as an example of what every
Christian should seek to be. (Notes taken from the Full Life Study Bible,
page 219.)
I did an intensive study on wine in both the Old and New Testaments. It
was very obvious after doing this study, that the Lord was adamant about
His people not partaking of wine. The most basic of these reasons is that
wine is formed from a process of fermentation, and in the Bible,
fermentation represents corruption and sin; things the Lord abhors.
Nazarites were not to drink wine (either fermented or unfermented), they
were not to eat any product of grapes, not even raisins.
Proverbs 23 verse 31 says to, "Look not thou upon the wine when it is red,
when it giveth his color in the cup, when it moveth itself aright."
Nazarites in particular were commanded to not only not drink wine, but to
not even look upon it.
A Nazarite was also to not cut their hair. In the Bible, hair represents a
spiritual covering or covenant. 1 Corinthians 11:14 states that usually it is a
dishonor for a man to have long hair. The long, uncut hair of a male
Nazarite may have represented his willingness to bear reproach and ridicule
for the Lord. It was also to proclaim visibly to all that this person had a vow
upon their life. It was a public statement of a covenant entered into between
a man or woman and their Lord.
A Nazarite was also not to touch a dead body. Death was never God's will
when He created man. Death is the absence of life, and is the consequence
of sin; which is why a corpse was viewed as being unclean.
Samson's mother was called/commanded by an angel of the Lord to be a
Nazarite from before Samson's conception, to his birth. Samson was called
to be a Nazarite from before his conception to his death.
As I studied Judges chapters 13 through 16, what I became progressively
aware of, and appalled by, was Samson's total lack of regard and respect
for his calling as a Nazarite.
Samson loved foreign women, and married a woman of the Philistines.
Mixed marriages were forbidden to the Israelites. What struck me, was
where Samson met his Philistine wife.
Judges 14:5 ~~ "Then went Samson down, and his father and his mother,
to Timnath, and came to the vineyards of Timnath..."
When I first began to study this portion of Scripture, the Lord stopped me
and spoke the following to me. He said, "Daughter of My people, if
Samson was forbidden to partake of the vine, why was he even in the
vineyard?"
In Judges chapter 14 verse 19, and also in Judges chapter 15 verse 15,
Samson breaks another requirement of a Nazarite:
Judges 14:19 ~~ "And the spirit of the Lord came upon him
Judges 15:15 ~~ "And he
Repeatedly, Samson is found in places and situations where he should not
be found. He is repeatedly right in the middle of compromising and sinful
situations. He repeatedly shows a total lack of respect and regard for his
calling as a Nazarite.
After he slew the thirty men, his Philistine wife was taken from him by his
father-in-law and given to his friend (Judges 15:2). In retaliation, Samson
catches 300 foxes, ties their tails together, puts lit torches between the tails
of the foxes, and releases the foxes into the harvest fields and vineyards of
the Philistines. Once again, Samson is found near vineyards.
We then find Samson in the lap of Delilah (another Philistine woman).
Samson first met Delilah in the valley of Sorek. Delilah means "lustful."
Sorek means "a choice vine." Once again, we find Samson in a vineyard ~~
a place forbidden to him as a Nazarite.
Delilah was a spy for the Philistines and agreed with them to betray Samson
into their hands for a sum of money (Judges 16:5). Three times, she seeks
to betray Samson. Three times he lies to her about where the source of his
awesome strength lies. Finally, worn down by her constant badgering,
Samson tells her what causes him to be as strong as he is.
Judges 16:16 - 17 ~~ "{16} And it came to pass, when she pressed him
daily with her words, and urged him, so that his soul was vexed unto death;
{17} That he told her all his heart, and said unto her, There hath not come a
razor upon mine head; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from my
mother's womb: if I be shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall
become weak, and be like any other man."
Once before, with his first wife, Samson had also been worn down by
continual nagging and "pressing of words." As with Delilah, Samson had
also had his soul "vexed unto death" by the constant badgering of a woman.
Judges 15:16-17 ~~ "{16} And Samson's wife wept before him, and said,
Thou dost but hate me, and lovest me not: thou hast put forth a riddle unto
the children of my people, and hast not told it me. And he said unto her,
Behold, I have not told it my father nor my mother, and shall I tell it thee?
{17} And she wept before him the seven days, while their feast lasted: and
it came to pass on the seventh day, that he told her, because she lay sore
upon him: and she told the riddle to the children of her people."
After hearing his words, and perceiving them to be true, Delilah contacts the
men she has agreed to betray Samson to. She causes Samson to fall asleep
in her lap.
Judges 16:19 ~~ "And she
When Samson wakes up, he does not even realize that God's presence has
departed from him.
Judges 16:20 ~~ "And she said, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And
he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before,
and shake myself. And he wist not that the Lord was departed from him."
He has become so cold and indifferent to the Spirit of God in his life, that
when God's Spirit departs from him, he doesn't even realize it.
Samson is then blinded, chained in fetters of brass, and made to grind in the
prison house. "Howbeit, the hair of his head began to grow again after he
was shaven." (Judges 16:22).
At the last, we see a young boy leading blind Samson by the hand into a
pagan celebration of the Philistines. The Philistines ridiculed and mocked
Samson, and made sport of him. During the time he had been grinding in the
prison house, Samson had returned with a fervent heart unto the Lord his
God. He had a repentant heart and a renewed faith in God. Samson now
called upon God to remember and strengthen him. He then took hold of
two pillars of the banqueting house, leaned upon them with all his might, and
caused the house to cave in. There were over 3,000 Philistines killed.
Samson was killed as well.
As well as the first brief vision I experienced (the man asleep in a woman's
lap), I also had three other brief visions (what I refer to as "mini-visions").
Each vision pertained to a particular scenario that I was reading in Judges
chapters 13 through 16.
"Daughter of My people," the Lord asked me after I had done extensive
studying of these four chapters of Scripture, "have you understood the
visions?"
"I don't understand how Samson's birth, life and death represents how Your
church is being attacked by the enemy," I replied.
"I have called My people to be a holy and separate people," the Lord
replied. "The enemy is seeking to cause My people to mingle themselves
with the things of the world. The enemy desires My people to compromise
with those things which I have warned them against. These things at first
truly appear desirable and harmless. If the enemy can seduce My children
to partake of these things, he will have succeeded in causing My children to
fall asleep in the lap of sin.
"The enemy is attempting to attract, seduce, and distract My people. He is
luring and enticing them through their eyes and their minds. He is seeking to
have My children trust more in their knowledge of Me than in their
relationship with Me. This is a subtle spirit of pride that the enemy is
unleashing against My children.
"If My children allow themselves to be seduced and distracted by these
things, they will become spiritually blind. The spiritual eyes of their
understanding will be darkened and dimmed. The enemy is greatly desirous
at this time to put out the spiritual eyesight of My children. Their spiritual
eyesight is enhanced by their separated lifestyle of holiness and consecration
unto Me.
"The enemy is offering a diluted Gospel, a watered down mixture of My
Word, unto many of My children. He is doing this slowly and gradually. He
is dulling the palate of My children with that which is not My pure and holy
and unmixed Word.
"The enemy is seeking to bind My children with fetters of brass. These
fetters of brass are spiritual in nature. The enemy is seeking with these
fetters of brass to bind My children from fulfilling My will and plan for their
lives. They will be powerless and ineffective. Yet they will be unaware of
this, for their minds will be darkened and deceived.
"The enemy has brought a myriad of situations into the lives of many of My
children. His plan and efforts are to wear My people down. My people are
feeling as if they are enduring one trial and hardship after another.There is
little surcease for them inbetween each new difficulty.
"Their time has become filled with chores, duties, needs of others. They are
weary, harrassed, distracted. The enemy is seeking to imprison them and
force them to endlessly and repeatedly grind over and over again the same
problems and situations.
"I am calling My people to return to Me with the faith of a child. I desire
greatly for My children to fall in love with Me completely all over again. By
knowing Me intimately, My children will not be attracted, seduced or
distracted by the false. They will not be deceived.
"I desire for My children to return unto Me with all their heart. And I will be
found of them, and I will heal and restore to them all the enemy has stripped
from them. I will have mercy on those who have been forsaken. I will gather
again those who have been driven away. They will stand up against sin and
wickedness, and shall prevail.
"I will have a people who are called by My Name, and who have separated
themselves fully unto Me. Sin will have no dominion over them. They will be
able to withstand and subdue the further coming evil, and shall turn the
hearts of many back unto Me.
"I have sent a holy hunger and thirst for Me into the hearts of My children. I
have withheld Myself from them. I have remained silent to many of them. I
am desiring for them to feel My absence, and to once again seek after Me
with all their heart and soul. Only when they feel devoid of My Spirit and
Presence, will they truly hunger and thirst once again to be filled to
overflowing with Me.
"If only My children knew and were aware of how greatly beloved they are
by Me! They would cease to fill their days and their time with things of little
or no profit. Their hearts and souls would pant after Me.
"Return unto Me, My children, and I will be found of you. The terrible
emptiness you are feeling will be filled with My Spirit. My desire is unto
you, My children. My hands are outstretched unto you. Return unto Me.
Return."
In Him,
A Time of Final Warnings
Jim Grayson
The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. Revelation 22:17
He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:20
Throughout the last few years, the prophets have warned, admonished, encouraged, sometimes fought with one another but generally and accurately, for the most part, brought forth the Rhema, the Now Word of God. Through the prophets, our Lord has spoken of a new church, one built not on the dead traditions and denominations of men but of one truly built on the Rock, which is Christ Jesus, our Lord. He has warned us to turn loose of the old ways and cling to Him, learning the true way He wants us to walk, a walk of death to self, of love and of tremendous power. He has spoken of His soon coming and severe judgment, which will begin in the house of God, first with the those who claim leadership, then from there to those who say they are called by His name. When the dust clears, only those who are truly of Him, and for Him, will remain. All others will be offended at what He is doing, will label it as of the devil and, without even realizing what they are doing, will fall away. They will be like the religious leaders Jesus faced during His time of earth. God didn't do things their way back then and they missed Him. He's not doing things "their way" today and again, many will miss Him completely, hanging on to the familiar and comfortable. Everything...every church, ministry, program, seminar series, teaching, doctrine, denomination...will be burned in the purifying fire, fresh from the altar of God, and that which is gold, ordained of God, will stand. That which is not will be no more.
Our Lord has repeatedly warned those churches which do not accept the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the gifts of the Holy Spirit and those who forbid the vocal gifts in church that they are out of order. God's Word bears this out in 1 Corinthians 14. There is no need to go into additional teachings on these things. The Word of God stands alone. It needs no interpretation by mere man. Those who deny these things are still in existence today, and especially those who preach and teach they are no more, will very suddenly find themselves at odds with a Holy and Righteously angry God Who says no one has the right to twist His Word and mislead His children...no one...not even those who have "faithfully served" Him for years. Again, if these things do not change, and quickly, that which is of God will stand and that which is not will fall in the Holy Spirit's fire and be burned to dust.
Unfortunately, those who need to hear these warnings of God will, for the most part, not hear them because the very work of God they need in their church, prophetic utterance, isn't allowed. Most who are of the "clergy" fear prophetic utterance because it means they have to relinquish control to the Holy Spirit, and must trust the Holy Spirit to guide and inspire the lips of another. They fear something might be said of which they may disagree or be offended. They, too, will find themselves face to face with the Father of Lights and they will be hard pressed to explain their actions, their stifling of the Holy Spirit. It's often these very same churches which have not encouraged God's people to worship Him. Those who raise their hands in praise are often viewed as an oddity or even out of order yet I say to you, they are not an oddity to the Father, but a joy to His heart.
The final calls, the final warnings, are being given before the judgment of the house of God begins. The time of harvest is here. It has begun. Most are still asleep, in churches which allow them, and desire them, to sleep, for when they slumber, they ask no questions, they seek not God. If you are a member of church leadership, you must make absolutely sure that what you teach and preach is the whole counsel of God, not just what your man made denomination tells you is correct. Please, I beg you, beloved leader, love God more than your denomination. It doesn't matter if you are offended by any of it or not. That doesn't hold water with God. His Word is just that...HIS Word, and you nor I nor any denomination born of man have any right to decide what we are to teach or preach. It's all or nothing. We are very soon to see that.
If you are in a church which does not allow the whole counsel of God to be preached and taught, you must decide what you are going to do. I strongly urge you to pray about it. You cannot let anyone affect your decision but God. Do not allow your own comfort or the words of another to affect what you know you must do. Perhaps God would have you stay where you are but if you do stay, then it means you must be a part of the change, which usually starts by prayer and showing specific Scriptural references to the leadership there and asking, respectfully, why your church does not subscribe to them. If they repent, then God will bless them. If not, then one must shake the dust of one's feet and leave. This is what Jesus said to do when people reject His Truth.
Our time of comfort is over. It's time for action. The Holy Spirit is doing things in the spirit realm that would shock us if we had knowledge of them. Spiritual battles are being waged between the angels and the denizens of hell. Evil, in the form of doctrines of demons and false doctrines and denominations of men, is in heavenly places and will be cast down. It's time to put on our armor and stop being a casual Christian. It's time to pick up the Sword of the Spirit and wield it with skill. I only pray we all know what the Word says to begin with. If we don't, we have little time to learn, but there is a little time if we use it well. Learn while it is still light for the darkness is coming soon, very soon, and we must be prepared for it.
Those who have struggled for years in the valley, in the desert, in the wilderness...your time is just about over. Reach out to HIM. Know that He is aware of your tears and your pain and is very shortly going to heal you, here on earth, to HIS great glory. Then, beloved long sufferer, you will go to work for HIM and do things of which you have not dreamed. Your redemption...your vindication...is near. Rejoice in HIM and be glad. Dance in your spirit with HIM. Sing His praises for He has led you through this wilderness for a purpose, to prepare you for what is to come. You have come to know Him as not only Savior and Lord but as your Lover, your Husband, your Groom. You have been romanced by Him when others mocked you and turned away and have been held closely by Him when others gave you rejection and silence. Now, dear hearts, you are prepared to work for Him in ways uncommon to man. You, the Remnant, first had to die, to be able to give LIFE. That makes it worth it...doesn't it, my friends? I praise God for you, for I have seen what we will do in the future and can assure you, it has been worth it, for HE will make is so.
You have my heart, beloved of God.
A Freshening Wind
The Celebration of the Bride
Doug and Linda Patterson
During this time and season there is much activity going forth from My Throne Room. Messengers are being sent forth to declare that a celebration is about to take place. The Celebration of the Bride. My angels have been busy during the long winter season bringing beautiful gifts to My Bride, adorning and preparing her for this final hour.
For in your darkest hour you were often discouraged and felt like giving up but you made a decision to push through, to break through the darkness to overcome the defeat and despair. This breakthrough caused acceleration to a higher level and increased revelation of eternal destiny. Do you know that you will be joined together with saints from ages past who have broken through a similar darkness in their day? Continue on this journey for all of eternity the pleasures of My Kingdom belong to you
Yes, My Bride you are entering into a season of joy and delight. In this glorious new day the signs the wonders the miracles shall spring forth. The cloak of obscurity shall be removed and you shall go forward My lovely ones in the kingly, priestly garments that have been hand sewn by My Spirit throughout the ages for such a time as this. There shall be a direct contrast between the darkness of the age and the glorious light of My Bride arrayed in golden glory. The crown of glory, the crown of righteousness, the crown of rejoicing are well deserving of My Bride. For one day the cloak of humility shall be stripped away and you will see the glorious splendour that you have acquired in the darkness of the night.
A sound is coming forth from the corridors of Heaven. My Son is crying out, "Father I want My Bride." In the background the cloud of witnesses are cheering in anticipation. Yes, Son very soon you shall have your Bride for truly she has made herself ready. Golden streams of glory are flowing forth, a bright light shining. From across the nations the doors have been opened for the King of Glory to come forth in this final hour. Just a little while longer and we will sit down together at this glorious marriage feast that has been prepared. For truly as My righteousness goes forth, peace and joy shall reign in the heart of My Bride for evermore. There are places available at My banqueting table. All Heaven waits in expectation as we go forth to gather in the Final Harvest.
eaglevw@golden.net
A Total Heart Cleansing
Yolanda Ballard
Come before Me, My children, with fastings and with prayer for I am your God, and I desire you to walk in true humility and repentance. For this is the time and the hour where I will pour out My power upon you, but you must be ready. You must be a pure vessel to carry My glory and My power. Too many in this hour have become deceived in thinking that what they are doing is purely of Me and it is not. Too many have taken my Words in vain and twisted them to their own justification of what they are doing. Come before Me with an open and teachable heart, and I will show you the error of your ways in justifying your own works. I am calling you to true humility, My people. I am calling you to true repentance.
If you are willing, I will pour out upon you my gifts that will enable you to walk in My perfect will. I will enable you to stand up bold. You do not need to fear man or any other created thing because I gave you authority over all the power of the enemy. You do not need to hide your convictions any longer. If I am for you, who can be against you. You do not need to compromise your faith. Walk with Me uprightly not hiding your light in any area but just shine My love and grace upon others. Do not hold back in any area that I am calling you to walk in. Just step out boldly in faith and I will meet your every need. Be My people and I will be your God.
What is the true motivation of your walk with Me. Are the things you are doing from a pure heart of adoration of Me or are they from a heart of competing with one another out of jealousy. This is a time to truly examine your heart. Are you making a name and a fame for yourself or are you lifting up My name? You need to truly examine your heart and be honest even with yourself. What is motivating most of your actions in ministry. Is it love or pride? What is keeping you from receiving all that I have for you? For My hands are tied when there is willful sin present in your life. Do not suppress that which isn't of Me any longer. Let the truth of your actions rise to the surface so that I can skim it off that you may be clean through and through.
You are My people and I understand what you are going through. I have been tempted to sin in every area but I had victory over it all that I may come through victorious for you that you may overcome. Pridefulness and deception comes in many different forms for the enemy is so subtle trying to trip you up in it. There may be deceitfulness in your own heart and not even know it. Who knows the heart of man, unless I reveal it to you? That is why I say be open and teachable and I will show you the error of your ways that you may be humble and broken before Me. Like the alabaster box, unless it is broken open, the fragrance of the perfume cannot come forth.
So I encourage you, My children, if you want to be used in a great way in My end time army, humble yourself before Me that I may clean your heart. Cry out for the baptism of brokenness that I may freely flow through you. This is the time and the hour that I will pour out My power. But only on those who are ready. Open up that I may show you the error of your ways and show you that of your heart that isn't of Me for I am ready to do a total heart cleansing of those you are willing. Dying brings forth life. Brokenness brings forth freedom in Me.
gloryfirerain@earthlink.net
September 9, 2001
Therefore, I am now going to allure her into the wilderness and there I will speak tenderly to her. There I will give her back her vineyards, and I will make the Valley of Achor (trouble) a door of hope. There she will sing as in the days of her youth, as in the day when she came up out of Egypt. In that day, declares the Lord, you will call me 'my husband'; you will no longer call me, 'my master'. I will remove the names of Baals from her lips; no longer will their names be invoked. In that day I will make a covenant for them with the beasts of the fields and the birds of the air and the creatures that move along the ground. Bow and sword and battle I will abolish from the land, so that all may lie down in safety. I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the Lord. In that day I will respond, declares the Lord. I will respond to the skies, and they will respond to the earth; and the earth will respond to the grain, and new wine and oil, and they will respond to Jezreel (meaning, "God's planting"). I will plant her for myself in the land; I will show my love to the one I called, "Not my loved one." I will say to those called, "Not my people," "You are my people" and they will say, "You are my God." Hosea 2:14-23
JeffandKathi@aol.com
Author Unknown 'For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already
because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.' John 3:16-18 (NIV)
~~ Hollie L. Moody
hlmoody61@aol.comHe who believes in Me, the works that I do he shall do also, and greater
works than these shall he do, for I am going to the Father. John 14:12
Strength and Honor,
Hail the Lamb!
Love,
Jim Grayson
afresheningwind@AOL.com
Lexington, KY USAFive-Fold Today Archives
The Lord has given us the grace to reconcile the children to their Fathers
As One Body
Issue Oriented Discussion Newsletter
Index | Search This Site | Aristide.Org | The Latter Rain | Babylon the Great | The Kingdom | The Nicolaitans | Jezebel
The Baptism With the Holy Ghost | The Grand Delusion | World Trade Org | Liberation Theology | Jay Atkinson | Alphabetical Index