Five-Fold Today - Why Elijah in the Last Days? - Are You Ready? - A Time of Preparation for Impartation - Two Ships - The Lord: Our Wall of Fire - I Have Not Forgotten You - Continue On In Me - Then God Remembered - Feeding on God's Word
Why Elijah in the Last Days?
Thomas B. Fideler
Recently, the online newsletter, The Voice from Zion, published an article entitled, "The Spirit of Elijah" It was this timely article that provoked me to ask, "Why Elijah?"
Why would God choose the sign and personage of Elijah for a Last Days' ministry? Were there not others from which to choose - other mighty men of God?
The era in which Elijah ministered was a unique period in the history of the Jews. King Ahab and the wicked Jezebel governed Israel, the northern half of the divided kingdom. They were unencumbered by any allegiance to "Yahweh" (the Hebrew name of God, but rendered, "LORD" in most English translations of the Old Testament). In fact, they were what we might term, fundamentalist Baalites, "doing more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than did all the King's before him." (1 King's 16:33).
King Ahab, his murderous wife and the priests of Baal were passionate about their unholy personal purpose. They ruled as though their calling was to extinguish all worship and knowledge of the Living God from the land of Israel, to break down and destroy the "altars of the Lord." It was unto this setting and time that God called and raised up his servant Elijah.
Now let your heart ponder the era in which we live today. What is the nature and calling of the secular fundamentalists in our own country who are rising up to extinguish the worship and knowledge of the Living God from the land? With great passion and personal conviction of purpose they are breaking down the "altars" of the Lord, so as to remove every trace and memory of the Living God from our society. The current-day "prophets of Baal" promote and promulgate any ungodly form of worship, relationship, passion, activity or subject matter, in their quest to fully pay homage to their god called Freedom. This form can be more succinctly stated, "freedom from rules that make me feel guilty." The only rule is that none of these activities shall involve the knowledge or worship of the God of the Jews or Christians -and especially not His Son - lest you end up having your right to freedom removed. The average non-Christian and complacent ("good enough is good enough") Christian is being made ready for the charismatic powers of the Anti-Christ and the false prophet, when they come on the scene with new hope and promises.
Elijah was a man of flesh just as common as our own (see James 5:17). Yet he was filled with the Spirit and power of the living God; he shook all of Israel. When he prayed the rain stopped for three years and six months; when he prayed, fire from God came down out of heaven and consumed the altar as well as the offering-after which he led the slaughter of 450 prophets of Baal. And then, when he prayed, the rain returned. All this caused the Jews of the northern kingdom to declare, "The LORD he is God! The LORD he is God!" More literally they were saying, "Yahweh, he is God" since Baal also means "lord or master."
If there is one message that is clearer to me each day it is this: We serve a living God who will do all that he has said and who has all the power that is needed to accomplish what he has asked us to do! If the LORD is God, serve him, in fullness of spirit and power with all our hearts, not allowing ourselves to be lured into complacency or fear.
copyright (c)2004 Thomas B. Fideler
Are You Ready?
Elton Williamson
My children, are you ready for the pouring forth of My glory and for the release of the fullness of My heart throughout the earth? Are you prepared for what is to come? Are you ready to go forth in My name, forsaking all that you have drawn unto yourself and proclaiming with a loud voice My triumphant proclamation!
This is the year to be fervent in Me, this is the time of harvest and this is the time for the trumpeting forth the sounds of victory. If My people will seek Me now with an abandonment of self I shall reveal the inner part of My heart to My people, I shall cause those things that have been declared among you to take shape and to rise up to be seen by the masses, the broken and the wounded. You shall be called with a new determination and with a fresh vial of My presence that shall carry My Bride into her given purpose in these last days. Yes, there shall be dark spots on the horizon but there shall be an overcoming and an overpowering shadow that shall be with My people as they step out into a pathway that has always been present, but is now being revealed.
There shall be vindication from the twisting of My words that shall come forth this year. There are those that have declared their stand against Me and I shall lift My hand of grace from their circumstances and they shall see the folly of the choices that they have made. There shall be Glory Fires arising out of the ashes that have grown cold and many shall be warmed by its flickering presence. Good and evil shall face one another in increasing places and with increasing intensity but My people shall see victory and they shall see My handiwork for none will be able to bring denial into what they see.
There shall be struggle in many lands and there shall be unrest within the borders of safety for a season but all is not lost nor is it as it appears. The glories of Heaven shall cover the darkness of the days and the Light that I am shall break through as the dawning of a new day. This My people is the year of release, this is the year of breaking the restraints and the time for the chaffing at the bit, bringing a new eagerness and vitality to My people. There shall be a change in many gatherings of My people as the lethargy of the past is shaken off and the garments of the righteous are again worn in the open for all to see.
There shall be those that have stood timidly, desiring to step forward but fearful of man that shall now break into shouts of joy. They shall become the voices that cry aloud to Me, those that lift up My Name in every corner of the earth proclaiming the wealth of My Kingdom, poured forth over hungry lands that are ripe for harvest and prepared to receive. I say to you that this SHALL be a year of release. Prepare to receive that which shall come forth this year. I shall offer and many shall partake but there shall be those that still cling to the subtlies of man. They shall be overtaken by fear and they shall know defeat in this time of release. Look to the hilltops and over the horizon for the goodness of the Lord is at hand. My house shall be filled according to My word.
http://www.prayernetministries.org/
A Time of Preparation for Impartation
Shirley Craft
This is a time of preparation for impartation. This past year has been a time of shaking and a time of shaping, a time of breaking down and a time of breaking through. For some, it has been a time to decrease and for others it has been a time to increase. It has been a time of letting go and a time of holding on, a time to speak and a time to be silent. It has been a time of moving and a time to stand still, a time for doors to close and a time for doors to open.
Many, many of My people have been going through this time of preparation in My refiner's fire. Each of the steps in this process have been important to the final outcome. Even though at times during this preparation, many have struggled against the process. At other times discouragement would set in. Some have felt isolated and even abandoned.
Nevertheless, I have been there watching intently over each of My tested and tried children. Allow Me to complete this preparation process, for I am ready to release impartation. I am ready to release those who are prepared and in position into their preordained destiny.
sjcraft@sbcglobal.net
Two Ships
James Donovan
TWO SHIPS :
It is time for My people to choose life! It is time to make a choice to launch out. Yes, launch out from the place of comfort. Launch out from the world and the ways of the world.
Time to flow in My spirit, My anointing, My gifts! It is time to be obedient to My voice. Be doers of My word, no longer controlled by the world or ways of men. But launch out into the deep water, flow in My Spirit. Deny self-life and flow in Me, be led of My Spirit.
So get in the boat and launch out to the deep. Stretch out of the place of comfort and flow with Me. Yes, with My spirit in control, preach My word. Sound the trumpet, sound the alarm to My people. Be willing to launch out to the deep water. I shall be with you, My spirit will be present. My anointing will flow as you launch out.
Be obedient to My voice and be My mouth piece. Out of your mouth gate will flow rivers. Yes, rivers of water, bringing life to many. So make the choice to be obedient. Be obedient to My voice.
I shall be with you, by My spirit. Preach the gospel with newness of life! Let My oracles flow from your mouth gate, bringing life and direction and deliverance. Yes, flow in My liberty, My freedom. Yes, go and set the captives free.
JDono78832@aol.com
The Lord: Our Wall of Fire
Sheila Lee
My people I will be to you a wall of fire if you will but trust Me. Take refuge in my arms for I AM your loving Father who as set himself before you as your shield and buckler. Truly you will not fear the terror by day, nor the pestilence of life that stalks in the darkness for I the Lord shall shine the light of my Glory through you. Submit to Me, My precious ones for I have you in mind. I have never left you nor forsaken you. My thoughts continually rest with you and the plans that I have for you.
Indeed in this new season it is My will that there would be an increase in intimacy between the Bride and the Bridegroom. If you have risen with Christ, then seek what is above. Do not let the enemy distract and entangle you with the affairs of men for you are My faithful soldiers standing in the gap for My people and for the lost. Turn your hearts to Me. Let their be explosion of praise and worship from within your gates. For I delight in the praises of My people. Flow in the anointing that I have placed upon you. Do not run with the call I have with another for indeed you will miss out on all I have planned for you.
I AM no respecter of persons and therefore be faithful with that which I have endued to you, and I shall entrust you with more. My children seek My face and not My hand, and I will bless you abundantly. My will is that you would prosper and be in health even as your souls prospers yet do you accept this vision that I have for you? Who’s report have you believed? Will you heed the circumstances and the occurrences of the natural or will you look higher and believe and receive My word to you. My people trust in Me; for I am not a man that I should lie-nor the son of man that I should repent, for I AM faithful and My mercy extends to the humble.
Be encouraged and know that as you enter the secret place and let yourself go in Me then indeed your burden shall be lifted and you will truly know that he that the Son set free is free indeed. Walk by faith and know that you shall receive this faith as you hear and take in My word. All I ask was mustard seed faith to cause mountains to be moved. I did promise that you would do greater works than I because I go to My father, yet so many walk devoid of My victory. Are you not aware that it is not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit that you shall exercise My authority and wisdom. I have say before that the wisdom of this world is foolishness in My sight. I only require from you a willingness to do My will, and I shall supply you with all the grace and power and the wisdom that you need. You are My sheep and you know my voice. Be sensitive to My voice and only go where I lead you.
It is never a smooth road, but a sure road with the assurance of My guidance. My people, rest and prepare in My presence for the turbulent times. For indeed the enemy come in like a flood to overwhelm you, but I am the Lord your protector, your all consuming fire. Stand still and see the deliverance of the Lord, for I shall fight your battles for you. For I am indeed your wall of fire.
Sheila Lee
I Have Not Forgotten You
Olivia Long
I have given My Beloved so many wonderful promises. My righteous ones who have been waiting, ready to move on in My plan and sometimes you wonder have I forgotten you?
For some it seems as though family is crumbling around you. Some are seemingly sitting in darkness praying just to have comfort and peace and hopefully that there will be ultimate deliverance. Some are very lonely and depressed. Some have made tragic mistakes and feel they can't be forgiven let alone move forward. Some are in the midst of uncertainty and hopelessness. Some feel like you are suffocating under the weights that have beset you. For some there are doubts, fear or anger and you feel abandoned. Some have grown weary from the waiting. Some are battling with an illness that says you are at death's door - you are in need of a healing, a miracle healing and you feel so helpless and vulnerable. Some ask why haven't my prayers been answered? Why is this tremendous hurt still besetting me? Why am I suffering? When will I see an answer to my financial problems? Why don't you tell me what to do? What did I do wrong? Some have even gone your own way and you depend on the words of others instead of My Word. You have trusted in your own thoughts rather than Me and wonder if there can be any hope that I will still use you? Some are distraught for you know My promises for you but still you remain in a waiting mode, not getting anywhere let alone accomplishing anything for My Kingdom purposes. Some have a great fear that you will blow it, that after you have waited so long and so patiently even when everything in you screams to move forward, still you stand - now concerned that at the moment I move you will miss it. The enemy wants you to believe I have forgotten you by besetting your mind that I won't see your needs or answer your prayers and to whisper in your ear that I AM not listening and have forgotten you.
My Beloved, I CANNOT forget you because I am a God of justice.
My Beloved, hear me and believe Me in what I say unto you. I HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN YOU !!! Now is the time that I wish to remove any areas of doubt - any areas of fear - any areas of anger or bitterness. Instead of despair I bring you hope. Know that through this lengthy storm that you have been enduring, where you sometimes think I have been doing nothing, that this is when I have been doing My greatest work in you.
Haven't I said that you are engraved in the palms of My hands? Haven't I said that I will make a way where there is no way? Haven't I said that I will provide for your every need? Haven't I said that I would heal every hurt?
Forgotten you? Beloved, I CANNOT forget a child of mine! When others have abandoned you in your hour of need, I have never abandoned you! Although the answers seem agonizingly slow in coming, Beloved, the answers ARE coming!!! NOT ONE PROMISE I HAVE MADE UNTO YOU SHALL FAIL, FOR I HAVE SPOKEN IT! Haven't I said that I will come with a vengeance, a God of recompense? SURELY, I will come and save you and SURELY, I will move you into your Kingdom position.
The battlegrounds have been many, but still the hope in Me was always deep in your heart so that nothing or no-one could tear you from Me. For all who have listened to Me, spent time with ME, obeyed Me, depended on Me even through all your failings, and still you wait upon your Lord and you will see Me move in unprecedented power and glory upon you. I HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN YOU. I know exactly where you are and what you are going through, trust Me, I have it all under control.
I HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN YOU and you have My unfailing and unending love and My plan for your life. I will never leave you alone or forsaken. Your answers are coming and they will be the 'correct' answers and they will come RIGHT ON TIME. I HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN YOU and I shall come to you. Prepare your hearts for I AM coming!!! This long season of heartaches, tests and trials is coming to an end so prepare the way for the Lord!!!
For the Lord loves justice and does not forget His saints (holy ones, consecrated ones); they are preserved forever, but the descendents of the wicked shall be cut off. Psalm 37: 28
Say to those who are of a fearful and hasty heart, Be strong, fear not! BEHOLD, your God will come with vengeance; with the recompense of God He will come and save you. Isaiah 35:4
faithbuildersministries@the-i.net
Continue On In Me
Susan Cummings
I say to you, Continue on in Me. Do not look around at what others are doing, and what others are saying, and what others are preparing for. What have I told you that I would do? You must remember My Words to you, and only follow them. Stop allowing the voices of the world draw you away from Me, and rob you of your peace. I have given you specific instructions, so continue on.
Maintain your prayer times, and allow no more clutter to come between you and Me. Many things are crowding in upon your days, and causing you to become frustrated and confused at times. Stop, look at your life, and readjust it now. Clear up the clutter, and make straight paths for your feet.
Solidly anchor yourselves in My Word. For it is the only stable unmovable force that will sustain you in the days ahead. The Shaking has increased and all things that are not anchored in Me, will shake from their foundations and fall at My Feet. It is time to get things settled, and firmly established. Either you will fully believe My Word and absolutely trust it as your Life, or you won’t at all.
Every person alive will be confronted with this Truth. Either I Am fully your Lord and Savior or I am not.
There is no middle ground. I Am either everything to you, or nothing to you. Your lives must be completely given to Me or they will be totally given over to satan. There is no other Life apart from Me. Choose this day whom you will serve. You must continue on in Me, or be found in eternity without Me.
I have told you plainly in My Word all things. There is nothing hidden from My People. I give Wisdom to those who ask of Me and who seek after it with all of their hearts. My Word is True, and it is alive. Either you live according to it, or you die without it. There is no other Creator but Me, for I Am the Living Word. I created man and the earth and the heavens and all that there is, or ever will be. I Am.
Continue to eat My Word daily. For in it you will find your answers, your daily bread, and your strength. I Am the Light of all Men, and the Bread of Life. No man can live apart from Me. You must begin to partake of Me more than ever, and fully put your trust in Me. For My Word is actively bringing My Word to fulfillment each day as I have decreed it, and I know just what you need each day. So, ask Me for Wisdom, and allow Me to bring My Word to life within you. I Am Faithful.
Continue to walk forward, knowing that I Am with you. I Am in you. There is nothing that happens to you that I don’t know of, or haven’t approved of, or haven’t already walked through ahead of you. I have already made your preparations for you. I know what’s coming, because I have already seen it and walked it out. Trust Me now. Take My Hand. Look into My Eyes.
Now, Continue on…..
Susan Cummings
Then God Remembered
Maria Magruder
Many are called, but few are chosen. The “few” are the ones who “choose” the call. There is a remnant generation from the Church about to emerge from un-known places that have been hidden for many years.
These few are the ones who have been obedient to follow Gods ways, though not what they would expect, nor what they would have chosen for themselves. As a matter of fact these are the very people who are on the edge of their seat awaiting to see exactly “how” God is going to use them, and wondering “when” is that “set time” of God releasing them. For many the waiting has been almost un-bearable, and yet at peace with staying hidden, staying in God’s perfect plan and will. They have been “shut in” so to speak, just like Noah was “shut in” to the ark.
Gen 7:16 “…and the Lord shut him in.”
When God shut Noah in that ark, He shut him in for 150 days, or 5 months. That’s a long time to be “sea-bound” in a big boat with the same people and a bunch of stinky animals!
The ark in Hebrew means “box”
Many of you have felt “boxed in”, you have felt “boxed up” you have been confined to walls in your call. These are not bad walls, these are walls of protection, and preparation. For the ones who would not submit to God’s box, as a set apart time to Him are missing what would have been the essence of the call, because its in that box where He can pour into you the mantles, anointing and giftings, and begin to grow you up solid in His word, where nothing will shake you or move you except the Word. It’s in the box where God takes you to the next level in Him.
My friends it takes faith and obedience to all God to shut you in to the box, to go into the ark. Common’, Noah had to be obedient to build a big huge boat when there was no rain, Noah had to be obedient and move by faith to go into the ark once it was completed, believing and trusting God would do what He said He was going to do. That God is not a liar and nor should His word return to Him void. God will do what He said He was going to do in your life and in your call! Glory!
So we have you and Noah traveling along in this box, the scenery is the same every day, water and more water for as far as the eye can see, a good place to have a chia pet! (just add water!) And you are wandering for months, and some of you years, when Lord? When is the water going to recede? Nothing seems stable in your life, as there has been no where to anchor your ship, your box. In the box is quiet, it’s just you and God, with His still small voice. Its been 5 months now out on that water, and you are desperately searching for the sight of land, and still wondering “when Lord”? and not hearing anything back! After a while not hearing anything back on “when”, one may tend to question the call, question if they heard God properly, question what is really ahead for them, and even wonder if God may of forgot them. Could God have placed you in the box and forgotten you???? I’ve got good news for you my friends!
THEN GOD REMEMBERED!!! Hallelujah!!
Gen 8:1 “Then God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the animals that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind to pass over the earth and the waters subsided.”
My friends, then God remembered YOU! God remembered that He has predestined and fore ordained you since before you were in the womb! Glory!
Then God remembered that just as He chose you in Him before the foundation of the world that He will fulfill His word to you.
Then God remembered you were born for such a time as this!
Then God remembered the specific call and plans He had made just for you!
Then God remembered all the mantles, giftings and anointings He has placed upon you and in you!
Then God remembered that He has plans to prosper His servants, and not to harm them.
Then God remembered how faithful you have been in that box, He remembered how obedient you have been to follow His instructions and walk by faith and not by sight.
Then God remembered how instead of you choosing to be offended how you chose to practice mercy, grace and forgiveness towards others.
Then God remembered that you have kept His commandment to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart.
Then God remembered how you sowed everything you had to follow the call of God upon your life, He remember how you have left all behind, how you have left the past behind, pressing towards the mark of the High call of God.
Then God remembered how you have persevered through many trials and tribulations.
Then God remembered His word to save your household,
Then God remembered He has called you to a super abundant life.
Then God remembered that you have been a tither and a giver faithfully unto Him.
Then God remembered you have been a God pleaser and not a man pleaser.
Then God remembered how you have not given up and have continually walked a life full of faith and obedience and He remembered when you failed in areas that you were quick to repent, and move on.
Then God remembered how you said, “Here am I Lord, send me!”
Those who have been in that box, surrounded by the waters and have been faithful and obedient to stay put where God has put them, God is remembering you right now! Glory! The waters are subsiding and He is getting ready to release you from that ark, from that box.
Remembered in Hebrew means “to mark”.
For God has marked you this day! He has not forgotten you; on the contrary He has remembered you. You have caught His attention and will not go un-noticed or un-rewarded for those who have diligently sought Him faithfully and the winds of God are about to pass over you as the breath of God comes upon you.
Everyone has their own set-time to come out of that box, but when God says “Go out” its time to “come out”.
Gen 8:16 “Go out of the ark (box) you and your wife and your sons and your sons wives with you.
When God releases you, and you come out of that box, you bring every living thing every living creature out with you! You bring out to the world, out to the body of Christ every living gifting God has given you in that box, every living mantle God has given you in that box, every living Word God has given you in that box, and you take those things and you are commanded to be fruitful and multiply, going forth to all the world making disciples unto all nations! Glory!
Gen 8:17 “Bring out with you every living thing of all flesh that is with you…and be fruitful and multiply on the earth.”
The last thing you need to do when you come out of that box my friends is you better give God an offering! God doesn’t command it, but I would strongly suggest you follow what Noah did.
Gen 8:20 Then Noah built an altar to the Lord…and offered burnt offering on the alter. And the Lord smelled a soothing aroma. Then the Lord said in His heart, “I will never again curse the ground for mans sake…”
Vs. 22 “While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest…”
Noah’s offering got God’s attention…and God declared he would never destroy the land again, and God setup seedtime and harvest time forever! Noah’s offering moved God to setup a system where as long as we sow, there will always be a harvest! Hallelujah!
Remember: God has remembered you today!
mariam@lifelineoutreach.com
Feeding on God's Word
A. W. Tozer
I remember James M. Gray, the noted Bible teacher, telling of a Christian brother, a Michigan farmer, whose spiritual life had suddenly blossomed until there was an overflowing of God's presence. Many in the man's community recognized the change in his life and personality and sought spiritual counsel from him. Dr. Gray had opportunity to ask the man about the transformation of his spiritual life and witness.
"Dr. Gray, I began to devote myself to the Scriptures for my own need," the man humbly explained. "Something happened when God opened my spiritual understanding as I studied the book of Ephesians. I cannot really explain what the Lord is doing for me and through me, but it has come through prayerful meditation in the Word of God."
None of us can expect to get the rich, transforming blessings from God apart from the Scriptures....
Too many of us ministers and Sunday school teachers are content to reach for a commmentary on the Scriptures. What we need most is to search the Scriptures for ourselves. Men Who Met God, 47.
Alone With God
Just prior to this miraculous multiplying of the bread and fish, Jesus "went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples"(6:3). That fact is noteworthy. It seems plain that Jesus withdrew purposely from the great press of people who had been pursuing Him.
There are some things that you and I will never learn when others are present. I believe in church and I love the fellowship of the assembly. There is much we can learn when we come together on Sundays and sit among the saints. But there are certain things that you and I will never learn in the presence of other people.
Unquestionably, part of our failure today is religious activity that is not preceded by aloneness, by inactivity. I mean getting alone with God and waiting in silence and quietness until we are charged with God's Spirit. Then, when we act, our activity really amounts to something because we have been prepared by God for it....
Now, in the case of our Lord, the people came to Him, John reports, and He was ready for them. He had been quiet and silent. He had sat alone with His disciples and meditated. Looking upward, He waited until the whole hiatus of divine life moved down from the throne of God into His own soul. He was a violin tuned. He was a battery recharged. He was poised and prepared for the people when they came. Faith Beyond Reason, 130,133.
"Lord, I'll spend a lot of time in the company of people today, but just now I come in quietness and silence to wait for You to fill me. Amen."
January 22, 2004
Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord. And he will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the land with a curse. (Malachi 4:5-6).
INPUTSNET@aol.com
Luke 5: 1-2a and it came to pass that as the people pressed upon Him to hear the word of God, He stood by the lake of Gennesaret, and saw two ships standing by the lake.
Zech 2:4b-5 Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls, because of the multitude of men and livestock in it. "For I, says the Lord, shall be a wall of fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst."
Manila, Philippines
sheilee@alexandria.cc For the Lord thy God is a merciful God. He will not forsake you, neither destroy you, nor forget the covenant of your fathers which He swore unto them. Deut. 4:31
http://groups.msn.com/CummingsFamilyAdventures
www.womanofthelasthour.comOh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. --Psalm 119:97
And Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat with His disciples. --John 6:3
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