SHEPHERD’S ROD 2002
Bob Jones and Paul Keith Davis

HELP LORD, SEND US YOUR CHAMPIONS

From the arsenal of Heaven, the Lord is releasing a spiritual weapon symbolized by a "12 gauge shotgun." The Lord oftentimes uses natural weapons to illustrate spiritual realities that are being delegated to the Church. In this particular case, the Holy Spirit made it clear the "shotgun" was representative of Psalms 12:1.

This passage is a prophetic depiction of the prophet calling out to God for the "Dread Champions" or Godly ones to be replenished to the Church. They are the hidden champions through whom a substantial refining and preparatory work has been taking place with true governmental power. The Lord’s champions will carry genuine Apostolic power and will be able to accommodate this level of authority because of the purifying work and the character of Christ established in them.

The spiritual watchmen, those called to intercessory ministry with prophetic vision, will be commissioned to cry out to God, "Help, Lord, and send us Your dread champions and Godly ones. It will be the desperate cry of God’s people that will usher in the Lord’s government, symbolized by the number 12. We are now living in a new day personified by Apostolic Reformation.

One of the characteristics of this emerging group is the release of the Lord’s authority to overcome and destroy the power of "the thief." The forces of darkness have been dispersed in great measure to devour and erode the resources entrusted to the Church for Kingdom purposes. His target includes not only natural provisions but also the spiritual "talents" with which we are to be galvanized.

Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come. (Matt 24:12-14)

A further characteristic of end-time ministry is the increased authority being given both to the Kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness. This will ultimately result in the imminent end-time battle between these two forces. However, with our increase of authority, we can likewise expect an elevation in the operation of the thief. Our gift is to recognize this and dwell safely in the secret place of the Most High and remain hidden in Him so the thief cannot have access to us.

THE GERSHONITES

A subsequent depiction of this emerging group was illustrated by the Gershonites. This branch of priestly ministers were responsible for transporting the canopy or covering for the Tent of Meetings along with the doors and cords. This was a great responsibility and a substantial privilege given to this division of the Levitical priesthood.

Four is oftentimes given to represent the Holy Spirit delegating Kingdom functions in the Church. Two wagons of the Gershonites were displayed coming to the Church with substantial provision illustrated by the responsibilities assigned to these priests in the Old Testament. This is a spiritual deposit being released from the resources of Heaven to accomplish the purposes and designs of the Lord for the season in which we are living.

The great promise of this prophetic passage personifies the opportunity for the Church to begin to erect a tabernacle with the Lord and meet with Him to receive divine counsel, strategy and insight.

The Gershonites received two wagons and four oxen with which to transport the canopy and other instruments. This exemplifies a dual purpose and a fourfold anointing being entrusted to us to accomplish our commission for this hour. Apostolic Authority being empowered with the Spirit of Counsel and Might and Prophetic Intercession anointed with wisdom and revelation will clearly be emphasized in the coming season.

The anointings of Wisdom and Revelation along with counsel and might will be accentuated in this present move of the Spirit to facilitate and birth the purposes of God in the earth.

DUTIES OF THE GERSHONITES

The role of the Gershonites was to be responsible for the Tent coverings, doors and other related materials in the Tent of Meetings. The priests were also charged with responsibility for the screens to the doors leading into the Tent of Meetings. This is indicating a door of access that is being provided to a place of fellowship and intimacy with the Lord as demonstrated in the Tent of Meetings. The Lord is our door of entrance.

Gershon means "exiled," indicating those who have felt like outcasts will now be reintroduced into the body. Likewise, the Book of Revelation depicts the Lord outside of His Church knocking to gain entrance. Those who hear His voice will open to Him and He will come in to dine with them. The Lord has also been something of an outcast for the corporate Church but will now be reintroduced to the Church in His great power and authority. The times will become so volatile that those previously not willing to receive His fullness will now gladly receive Him and seek to dine with Him and receive all that He brings to the table.

The Gershonites can be identified with a three-fold purpose:

(1) Responsible for covering— Prayer

(2) Prophesying— Proclamation in Truth

(3) Responsible for the treasuries— Prosperity

This is also an illustration of the emerging "Joseph Ministry" which will be much more that just providing a source of plenty in time of famine.

MARRIAGE BETWEEN THE PROPHETIC AND THE MINSTREL

During the time of David the Gershonites were represented by Asaph the seer. Asaph was also a psalmist and seer depicting the dawning marriage between the minstrel and the prophet. Great expressions of revelation will be coming to the Church through prophetic songs and worship.

This in itself depicts the emerging partnership between worship and the prophetic, giving full expression to the heart of the Spirit. Elisha was clearly able to more readily discern the voice of God as the minstrel played providing an atmosphere for the prophetic voice to flourish.

We believe this will amplify in time with some services allowing the worshipers to continue as the anointed word flows through the prophetic leaders bringing the Word of the Lord in unison with the overflow of minstrel worship.

Gershonites are additionally mentioned among those who cleansed the house of the Lord in the days of Hezekiah.

They assembled their brothers, consecrated themselves, and went in to cleanse the house of the LORD, according to the commandment of the king by the words of the LORD. (2 Chr 29:12-13).

 

THE INTERCESSION OF JONAH

The Book given special emphasis this year is Jonah. The memorable prophet Jonah was presented in these revelations to represent the intercessors who will begin to cry out for "great grace" in the day in which we are living. The Lord "prepared" a special fish for Jonah and He has prepared a grace to be showered on us in this hour of distress if we will respond in repentance and prayer, like Jonah.

From this impassioned prayer, the Lord will release the specially prepared "great fish", very often representative of grace, to "swallow up" Christians in their busyness and personal agendas. This will cause a turn-around in the direction many are headed resulting in numerous people being established in their proper purpose and calling rather than pursuing personal agendas and desires.

Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the stomach of the fish, and he said, "I called out of my distress to the LORD, and He answered me. I cried for help from the depth of Sheol; you heard my voice." (Jonah 2:1-2)

Very often, we become so absorbed in our own ministries and callings that we easily divert from the path the Lord has appointed for us. This sometimes occurs knowingly and other times without even recognizing we have done so. The grace of the Lord in this year is to cause many to repent and return to the place of their anointing and fruitfulness. Even so, several may not initially recognize it as grace.

Bob also saw a portion of the Church entering a train called, "A Streetcar Named Desire." Initially, it seemed appealing and the appropriate thing to do. However, it was actually from their own desire going in the opposite direction the Lord chose for His people. A warning was sounded by the prophetic voice but once the train started, there was no getting off until the next station. Our grace is to yield our own "desires" now and alleviate further delays.

Jonah had abandoned his original commission but the distress he experienced in the belly of the fish equipped him to return to it. He thus surfaced with the anointing to declare the Word of the Lord and an entire city responded.

While this would seem to be a difficult and trying circumstance, much like Jonah undoubtedly did, it will actually result in leadership being deposited on the very shores of their anointing and provision. It will seemingly be a very troublesome and dark hour but in reality it will be the Lord’s salvation, allowing us to participate in true Kingdom purposes.

This will result in a deliverance of the Church from her own personal ambitions and a commissioning into Kingdom objectives. For many ministries, it will actually result in a relocation to the place of their true anointing. However, that decision must be made prayerfully and with clear insight from the Lord.

Some ministries have had a desire to pursue one direction, like Jonah on his way to Tarshish, but the place of their calling, commissioning and anointing is actually in another. Out of authentic obedience, great power will be voiced to bring repentance to entire cities through the anointing of Jonah released as when he prophesied to Nineveh.

THE MINISTRY OF TRAVAIL

A fresh and amplified deposit of the Spirit of Travail is coming to the Church. The unprecedented events we are imminently facing will require prayer on a scale in which we have not yet attained. In fact, we do not even know how to pray as we ought. However, the Lord has promised a notable allocation of the Spirit of Travail as Kingdom plans are birthed in this hour through powerful intercessory prayer.

In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know howto pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. (Rom 8:26-27)

There is presently a great emphasis on the ministry of intercession. The Lord Himself ever lives to make intercession on our behalf and the Church will join with Him in this great ministry as the Kingdom is birthed and displayed in the earth. Great encouragement will come to the intercessory ministry because of the clear and obvious results that will be easily seen.

Many leaders have resisted the ministry of travail in its pure form because the results have not been readily discernable. However, when a clear and recognizable impact emerges from the ministry of travail, it will be warmly received even within traditional structures because of its fruit. We can much more readily handle the reproach if we see the results.

The intercessors are presently characterized in the order of Elizabeth. Through their spiritual womb the Spirit of Elijah is being conceived and birthed into the Church.

During the revelations an audible voice spoke giving John 15:16— You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.

THE BURDENSOME STONE

A stone was given to the Church which she must carry as we share in the Lord’s burdens. This stone was heavy and had to be carried with both arms pressed against the chest. As we moved from one place to another the stone was carried with us only to be set down temporarily as we received rest. After refreshing, we would pick the stone back up and carry it wherever we went. The burdensome stone of Israel had to be carried in the arms of faith.

The Church is not going to be able to get to the place it needs to be without also carrying the Lord’s burden for Israel. Israel is the burdensome stone which we must carry upon our breast and never allow it to depart from us. Regardless of how involved we become in Kingdom business, we cannot allow Israel to depart from our sight. It is an integral part of who we will be as a Church. Like Moses, we will stand in the gap on behalf of the nation of Israel.

Simon of Cyrene was given the great privilege of carrying the Lord’s Cross. There was no way the sufferings of Golgotha could have been avoided, yet the burden of carrying the Cross was lightened by this historic figure. What a great privilege that was given to this man. Of all who have ever lived in human history, he is the only man chosen to carry the Lord’s Cross for Him to the place of His crucifixion.

As we contemplate this truth and even suppose what it would have been like to have been the one distinguished to lighten the Lord’s burden by carrying the Cross for Him, we can perhaps envision ourselves in his place. Then we can hear the Holy Spirit say, "The Lord’s Cross is still available to those who choose to carry it."

Part of the burden of the Lord’s heart we can carry for Him is the nation and land of Israel. Those who will freely make that decision and commitment, can receive just as great an honor as Simon of Cyrene by carrying this weight for the Lord.

And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me. (Matt 25:40)

It is as if the Lord is saying to us, "will you carry this burden for Me?" Will we respond to the tenderness of the Lord’s heart and carry Israel with the Lord and protect the apple of His eye?

And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it. (Zech 12:3)

The Lord is the stone upon which we fall in repentance and prayer. However, if we do not heed the desire of His heart and cover Israel as part of our commission and destiny, them we will have missed part of our scriptural mandate and must answer to Him.

Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; but on whomever it falls, it will scatter him like dust. (Luke 20:18)

 

THE 120

At 1:20 a.m. a revelation came denoting the distinction of the 120. There are significant clues we can derive from the gathering of believers in the upper room that will depict the coming season of the Spirit. This generation is more appropriately prophetically illustrated by the Feast of Tabernacles, but understanding can be gained by attributes portrayed by the 120 when the Holy Spirit fell upon them on Pentecost.

They were in their appointed place continually devoting themselves to prayer and waiting on the realization of their promise to be clothed in power and consumed in Kingdom purpose. These loyal believers received their commission and the necessary endowment of Heavens resources to fulfill their destiny.

The 120 were likewise characterized by unity and obedience to the assignment given to them by the Lord. Because they were in their assigned place, the Lord radically changed their nature from hiding behind closed doors to boldly prophesying in the streets of Jerusalem. This marked the dawning of a new day in Church history.

Leaders will find a grace in the coming season to preach and teach valuable lessons derived from the example of the 120 and the various prophetic depictions given throughout scripture involving the number 120. This would include such passages as the dedication of Solomon’s temple when the Glory was visibly manifested overcoming the priests and ministers, as well as other Kingdom realities the Lord is desiring to unveil.

BANDOLEER OF AMMUNITION

Uniquely, with the revelation of the 120, the Lord also unveiled an evil spirit depicted as a bandit with a bandoleer/bandolier of ammunition. A bandoleer is defined as— a soldier's belt with loops or small pockets for storing cartridges, worn over the shoulder and across the chest...it is derived from banda "sash," or from bandoler "bandit."

The symbolism of the bandoleer was significant because it illustrated the enemy operating as a thief with only a limited number of "shots" he can fire. This figure was conveyed to identify the nature of our enemy and relate that he has only a restricted allocation of opportunity. This denoted not only "shots" being taken at the Church but also at our nation.

With the events of September 11^th, 2001, those with spiritual eyes recognize this as a battle between light and darkness more so than between nations. It is a spirit assaulting the Church for the purpose of thievery. Each time we read about a murderous act or a terrorist activity, it is one of those "shots" being fired from his bandoleer.

When the adversaries’ "belt of ammunition" is depleted, then this phase of the battle will be over. If we will take our stand in prayer, we can see to it that these efforts are "ricocheted" or minimized in their effect. The fact that the "bandoleer" was across his shoulder also illustrated his desire to inhibit the emergence of God government with his weapons.

Clearly, the enemy is desiring to steal our resources, peace of mind and faith. If he is successful in transforming our faith into fear, then he has won a large portion of the battle. If we stand firm in faith, overcoming fear, then his weapons have been unsuccessful in its ultimate purpose.

The recent terrorist attack has awakened us to a level of prayer that few things could have accomplished. If we will sustain our resolution to prayer, it will generate great benefit to the Kingdom of light and even dictate the direction of our nation. This is not a time to pull back, but to press in and seize our opportunity for good.

Through prayer, the momentum can usher us into renewal and revival in our nation and respond with far greater damage to the kingdom of darkness than was done to us on

September 11^th, 2001.

One of the most notable aspects of this portion of the revelations came in the design of the bandoleer in which this evil spirit was clothed. It was actually shaped in a "dollar sign". This was to signify that it is the enemy who is attacking our economy trying to deplete the financial resources that we would have available to invest in Kingdom purposes.

This was likewise "allowed" as a wake-up call to our nation and the Church to turn away from the spirit of this world and turn to the Lord as our "all in all."

(1 Cor. 15:28)

The time of separation from the spirit of this world has come. A clear and recognizable distinction will begin to be drawn between "the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him." (Mal 3:18)

Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, "I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE. Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE," says the Lord. "AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; and I will welcome you. And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me," says the Lord Almighty. (2 Cor 6:14-18)

 

THE JOSEPH MINISTRIES

Facilitating the revelation of the Kingdom throughout the earth, along with the historic things that are about to take place worldwide, will require vast sums of resources. Part of the promise for this day is the emerging "Joseph Ministries" that will provide a great source of plenty in time of famine. The enemy knows that day has now come and is assigning this demonic assault against the financial structure of our country. His primary aim is to deplete our resources in order that we may not have the funds to invest in divine opportunities.

This can radically change our entire perspective of prayer when we recognize this as an enemy assault against the economy. That is another of the many reasons for the emerging intercessory ministry in order to overcome the effects of this demonic aggression.

It is not the desire of the Lord for our economy to be destroyed, although recent events have been allowed to awaken us to the seriousness of the hour. From that confidence, we can pray with greater authority and power against the demonic forces devouring our financial resources individually, nationally and within the Church.

It is the power of the enemy to devour resources. Therefore, we must take our stand and ask the Lord to rebuke the devourer on our behalf and to open the windows of Heaven to release his blessings upon the pure hearted to become a source of plenty. Even so, we must be careful not to place our faith and confidence in the economy but only in the Lord’s ability to use us and the blessings He provides to facilitate the Kingdom of Heaven on the earth.

Satan is going to attack in many different ways. As we have often shared, we are made up of three things and we do four things. We are made up of spirit, soul and body. Satan plans to attack the Church mentally, spiritually, financially and naturally (our physical body). Satan is planning a major assault against the Church financially. He plans to attempt to deplete our resources so that we could not support the great move of God coming to the earth. This can be overcome through prayer.

Although the enemy has drafted and released his schemes to undermine our natural and spiritual resources, the Lord also has prominent plans for us. He has promised His plans are for our welfare and not our calamity... to give us a future and a hope. The anointed leadership with the calling and commission of the "Joseph Ministries" will be the spiritual and natural antidote for the plans of the enemy. These specially prepared and equipped Ministries will sow into the Church divine counsel and power to overcome the strategies of the enemy and establish the Kingdom by the Word and Spirit.

THREEFOLD "JOSEPH" ANOINTING

The emerging "Joseph" ministry will be much more that just providing a source of plenty in time of famine. The true Joseph ministry is a threefold anointing as illustrated in Genesis 41:42.

Then Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph's hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen and put the gold necklace around his neck. (Gen 41:42)

In one day Joseph was elevated from the dungeon to the throne. Joseph received first the signet ring illustrating the spiritual authority that will emerge in this Joseph company. The ring of authority was given to announce to all that Joseph had the full authority of the king and answered only to the king in his power.

Secondly, Joseph also received linen garments to prophetically depict the priesthood of the Lord, clothed in purity and the nature of Christ. This ministry will require great meekness of heart because of the natural and spiritual resources that will be confided to them.

Finally, Joseph received a gold chain to exemplify the prosperity that will be entrusted to this company. The purposes of God will require great sums of resources to fully carry out end-time ministry and fulfill the will of God in the earth. These will include places of refuge and provision for those who will be persecuted as well as those displaced by the extreme natural disasters and military confrontations that will be taking place.

We are seeing something of this being illustrated presently in Afghanistan as the suffering citizens of that country are being aided by the wealth of our nation. That should truly be the role and responsibility of the Church in a great evangelistic opportunity to present the Living Christ to the nations.

DWELLING IN PEACE AND SAFETY

The following passage from Psalms 4 was again highlighted this year as a continuing admonition. This important prayer for deliverance was given last year and it’s underscored importance extends into this year as well.

Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and trust in the LORD. Many are saying, "Who will show us any good?" Lift up the light of your countenance upon us, O LORD! You have put gladness in my heart, more than when their grain and new wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety. (Ps 4:5-8)

The Church must begin to live the reality of this passage. In this portion of the visions, a notable amount of rain was shown coming to the earth. In it there was the inclination to escape the rain to a place of safety and solitude. We believe this is indicating both spiritual and natural rains that are coming to the earth.

In a unique prophetic vision, Bob felt something crawling up his pants leg and under his shirt toward his heart. Although this was seemingly a strange manner to communicate a revelation, it conveyed a clear strategic message.

As the image continued to unfold, he discovered that it was a snake and he grabbed the serpent with his right hand, indicating the hand of faith and held its head so that it could not strike him. The serpent, representing an evil spirit, was under his shirt making it impossible to identify the type of snake it was. As Bob held the snake in place with his right hand, his son lifted his shirt and took the snake by the head removing it from him.

It turned out to be a "rat snake". It was not venomous. However, it intended to bring great fear in the way that it approached him. The purpose of the vision is to indicate the design of the enemy to sow fear and anxiety. One can imagine the alarm that would grip their hearts if a snake secretly proceeded up your pants leg and under your shirt. Although non-venomous, if not prepared for what was coming, it could create great fear just by the mere discovery of its presence.

In the experience the "rat snake" was extraordinarily large indicating that it had been well fed. In scripture rats or mice are symbolic of "thoughts". (Isaiah 66:17-18) It had been nourished on the thoughts of men and was extremely successful in creating fear in the hearts and minds of man. Words are merely thoughts given expression. Thoughts present and words verbalized, when motivated by this deceiving spirit, sponsor curses and unbelief.

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every THOUGHT captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor 10:3-5)

 

AVOIDING ESCAPISM

The design of our adversary is to impart the desire within Christians to have an escapism mentality. He would like for the Church to believe the grass is greener in the other pasture. However, we will soon discover that our safest place is in our own home. When our home has been kept and in order, it will be a place of safety and refuge. The Lord is desiring for our own home to be secure, cleansed and protected in prayer.

The enemy would like to have us running from place to place in fear, seeking answers and security. The Lord is saying we can realize those attributes in our own home when it has been designed in His divine order.

Although things may be occurring on an escalated scale nationally, through prayer, our country will continue to be a safe haven and a place of refuge. For those presently in ministry, it will be especially important to know we are being sent with the Lord’s anointing and commissioning if we travel overseas. If we go in His name, under the covering and protection of His Holy Spirit, all is well. However, if we go presumptiously or carelessly, it could result in difficulty.

The admonition from this revelation is to earnestly seek the Lord, not from a spirit of fear, but from a genuine heart of sincerity, desiring the Lord’s will in the ministry assignments that we undertake.

OVERCOMING THE REIGN OF TERROR

The rain can also indicate that we have begun a "reign" of terror that is an earmark of

the last days when mens hearts will fail them for fear if outside the Lord’s grace. The natural and spiritual rain is an indication of an orchestrated reign of terror. This is not a time to panic but to remain in faith and trust in the Lord’s ability to sustain us. Our Advocate is not intending to abandon this country but desires to make it a source of blessing.

An instrument the enemy intends to use to bring his reign of terror and fear upon Americans is the news media. An evil spirit was literally observed influencing the media of our country imparting a spirit of fear. Every sensational story, rumor of difficulty or account of trouble will be amplified by the news media and motivated by a spirit of fear intending to bring terror to the hearts of the American people.

The anxiety being sown by the media will actually move people into the spirit of panic resulting in great emotional difficulties. The Church must emerge with the needed answers and begin to sow faith in God and establish a notable distinction between the armies of light and those of darkness. It is also going to be a time to simply remove ourselves from the media and not be willing to listen to their propaganda.

The reports that are marked with the spirit of fear should be easily discerned by those moving in the realm of the Spirit. Undeniably, we will need certain amounts of information that can be provided through the media but at the same time completely remove ourselves from those sowing the spirits of fear and terror.

Spreading fear and terror is the intent of the "rat snake" whose influence is on the thoughts and works of man. The snake had no poison but it intended to scare people to death.

RESTORING FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS

This will be a time for the restoration of family relationships. The family and the home is to be a place of safety, security and reinforcement in a time of difficulty and turmoil in the world. A special grace and anointing will be released in this coming season to shatter the wedges of division that have existed in family units. There will be grace for bringing bonding and unity through brotherly kindness and affection within the family, which is pleasing in the sight of the Lord.

We must guard the peace of our own home and make it a place of strength and solitude in this hour. This is especially true for our children who are being infiltrated with propaganda and disinformation attempting to sow the seeds of fear and uncertainty in their hearts. Fathers especially must continually break the curses from their children so the seeds would find no place to grow or develop.

This is primarily targeting natural family relations but also applies to the Church family as well. Divisions and schisms that have existed in Church bodies will find a grace to achieve reconciliation in this hour.

DO NOT BUY THE LIE

The word of the Lord for this day is "Do Not Buy the Lie". Although darkness may seem to prevail for the moment, joy comes in the morning with the dawning of a new day.

A great number of flies were seen being released as lying spirits attempting to find a place to spew their vomit. That is all they were, lies with no substance. The bible describes Beelzebub as the father of lies but we have been given the Spirit of Truth by which we discern the lies and overcome the adversary.

His lies and accusations will attempt to keep the Church from her prophesied destiny. It is now time to arise and shine with the Glory of the Lord in the midst of great darkness.

CALLED OUT ONES ADORNED IN BLUE

The color for the year is royal blue. The Church was displayed adorned in garments of royal blue. Great was the beauty of these garments by which the Church was clothed. The "called out ones" were featured as a beautiful woman garnished in raiment from her shoulders to her feet comprised of exquisite blue material.

Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal. Therefore they said to Him, "What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God? (John 6:27-28)

The color blue in the fabric indicated the manner in which she can attain this form of spiritual beauty and be displayed in this fashion in the Spirit realm, having obtained the Father’s seal. The blue was given in part to illustrate the release of the Spirit of Revelation in greater measure. The "rhema" revelation of the Word will be the food by which this group is sustained and upon which He will place His seal.

Our commission for this hour is to do "THE WORKS OF GOD," not merely the works of our own desires, thoughts and agendas. There is a prominent distinction. By virtue of the increase of the Spirit of Revelation delegated to us, we will see more clearly the thoughts and ways of the Father and do them likewise.

The revelatory deposit of the Spirit will also reveal the issues in us that must be yielded to the Holy Spirit and extracted in order to stand before Him in purity and Spiritual beauty. The Lord was then seen giving the Church a bouquet of beautiful flowers as an expression of His love. This gift is coming around the time of New Years. The flowers are a gift of divine love. It is to be imparted to us to walk in greater measures of charity in the days ahead.

HIS SHEEP HEAR HIS VOICE

The blue garments are illustrating the Spirit of Revelation imparting hearing ears to those willing to heed and overcome the spirit of religion and recognize the voice of the Bridegroom. Through this prominent gift, great preparation will be made with garments of purity and holiness in anticipation of the bridegroom.

When he puts forth all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. (John 10:4)

Even though royal blue can be representative of the Spirit of Revelation as given to us in the garments of the high priest, it is also associated with the Spirit of Might in

Isaiah 11:2. Each of the seven spirits of God is likewise embodied by a specific color. The royal blue observed on the bride also illustrates the power that is coming to this group who are willing to hear the Lord’s voice and heed the message of preparation. These will not merely be clothed in revelation but also in might and power.

The Lord has gone ahead of us and prepared a redemptive way for us enter into His glory by hearing His voice and following it. This will release the Spirit of Liberty in the Church to save and deliver her from the stagnation and compromise that has previously prevailed.

The woman indicated in the vision adorned in royal blue garments also had red hair. This prophetic sign oftentimes points to the Spirit of Wisdom in these spiritual experiences. This is a prophetic promise of the Church emerging with revelation, power and wisdom to counteract the thoughts and intents of the enemy being disbursed through the channels of darkness. Ours is a promise for true Godly wisdom to begin to emerge from the apostolic leadership receiving their commissioning and authority.

RE-READING THE SCRIPTURES WITH SPIRIT EYES

A clear admonition came from the Holy Spirit for us to truly re-read the written Word through Spirit eyes. Passages of scripture which we have read many times will now begin to take on new life as a fresh dimension of insight is deposited from the throne of Heaven.

For many passages, it will be as though we have never read them because of the fresh hidden truth that will emerge in this day. Even the prophet Daniel foresaw our generation and knew the revelations he was privileged to observe were reserved for the time of the end. We have now entered that day and the new dimensions of truth will be unveiled.

But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. (John 16:13)

The result of this fresh revelation of truth will begin to transform our natures from FEAR to FAITH. On the surface, it will make the coming year and days to follow seem turbulent. Nonetheless, the end result will be the re-establishing of the Church on a firm foundation of Truth and Faith. Fear is a great enemy the Lord is desiring to overcome in us in the coming days.

Even as the dawning of a new day in Church history begins, the anointing of Heaven is

disbursed in the spiritual atmosphere so those truly seeking truth can lay hold of it and obtain great insight with understanding. As the Lord’s people ask with sincerity for this deposit, it will be received. Our spiritual eyes will be illumined to see the scriptures from Heaven’s perspective not merely man’s.

THE LORD HIGH AND LIFTED UP--THE GREAT ANTIDOTE

This redemptive promise is revealing an even greater measure of salvation, healing and deliverance that is to be deposited in the body. The serpent being lifted up in the desert provided healing for the nation of Israel as they traveled in the wilderness. The message and power of the Cross will again be magnified in greater depth of revelation and understanding heretofore unknown or unrealized.

No one has ascended into Heaven, but He who descended from Heaven: the Son of Man. As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life. (John 3:13-15)

When we place our focus on the finished work of the Cross and receive the full revelation of His redemptive power, it will transform us into the beautiful bride for which the Lord has waited with anticipation.

It was essential for those in the wilderness to direct their focus upon the serpent being lifted on the pole. Likewise, we must place our unwavering attention on the power of the Cross and not upon the circumstances that surround us. In so doing, we will be transformed and clothed in the garments of revelation and power sent to the Church to introduce her to this great redemptive Truth.

This will not merely be a one time experience but a daily application as we perpetually and continually place our concentration on the power of the Cross, which is far greater than the strength and ideals of man.

GRACE OR TERROR

This years revelations have introduced two diametrically opposing paths. The Lord is releasing a "great fish" illustrating great grace to set us on our ordained path. Concurrently, the enemy has released an evil spirit represented by the serpent imposing fear and terror. This will denote that it will be either a year of the great fish (grace) or the great serpent ( fear - terror).

As we keep our focus on the redemption purchased by the Lord on the Cross it will move us into grace and faith. If we take our eyes from this reality, it will result in fear and terror.

The evil spirit that is promoting and sponsoring much of the propaganda and disinformation through the media will paint a picture of doom and gloom resulting in dread and panic. However, those with the Spirit of Truth will discern the enemy’s lies and recognize the truth and the great promises that still remain for the Church and our country.

The adversary intends to use fear to create a chain reaction that could ultimately destroy our economy. (An important aspect of the serpent crawling up his leg was to remain calm.) It is in recognizing anxiety and terror that serpents and wild beasts strike as they discern fear in others. If we remain reassured and calm with our confidence in the Lord, the devourer has no avenue to cause lasting harm.

The Lord is able to take the things the enemy brings and turn them for good. Though his intent is to sow fear and terror through his acts of terrorism, these can be turned to prayer, unity and power. Nothing has unified our country toward prayer more than the crisis of September 11^th, 2001. We must recognize this as our call to prayer and sustain it until the battle is complete. Our intercessory banner should read— FROM TERROR TO PRAYER.

PSALMS 102

Uniquely, the Holy Spirit presented Psalm 102 in a different fashion and conveyed how it can be divided into four components. Each segment was prophetically shown to depict characteristics related to the next year divided into four equal parts. The first seven verses relate to the first quarter of the new sacred (according to the Jewish calendar) year. The second seven relate to the second quarter and likewise for the closing fourteen verses applying to the remaining six months of the year.

That is not to say these revelations will have exclusive application during the coming year, only that it will have a relevance depicting the spiritual climate for each quarter. The truths conveyed in these passages will also continue for the years ahead as well.

Psalms 102:1-7— Oct; Nov; Dec.

The Prophetic call to intercession...

This expression from the heart of the prophet illustrates the great emphasis that will be place upon intercessory prayer in the coming year and years to follow. The purposes of God are birthed in prayer. Likewise, the canopy of protection that surrounds divine purposes emerges from the hearts of God’s people as they pray to Him in agreement with His Heavenly design.

There have been many individual Christians experiencing an intense preparatory season for this all important ministry. It will actually be the merger of the prophetic mantle with anointed intercessory prayer giving rise to the "watchmen" with great power and authority. The refining process is essential to maintain the purity of the labor without soulish or human agendas being injected.

So long as we keep our focus on the Lord and set our face like flint toward that goal, then we will no longer look to the right nor left toward man’s plans and programs. This will be our protection as His authority for intercessory prayer is realized . Great effort must be maintained to assure the integrity of Heavenly commissions as they are released through intercession.

This portion of the Psalm depicts a great pressure that will be experienced in the earth during the coming season. Although intense pressure may be encountered, that is no place for the Christian to enter into fear. As long as our focus remains steadfastly grounded in the Lord and His word, we can dwell in a Spirit of Peace.

Such anxiety and fear will be coming upon those without hope that it will literally cause many to loose their appetite. This will also indicate a greater measure of the enemy’s intent to release eating disorders upon those captured by increased anxiety. We as the Church must begin to emerge with authority to overcome this devastating spirit and set the captives free from its grip.

The Spirit Himself intercedes for us with moaning too deep for words. The moaning and groaning expressed from hearts desperate for revival is another depiction of the travail and intercession through Spirit-lead prayer.

Much of the prayer will be taking place in secret places with the Lord through solitary times of prayer and intercession. There will be times in a corporate setting when the anointing falls powerfully for the purpose of releasing the Spirit’s power and presence. However, much of it will also take place in the private setting with individuals simply entering their prayer closet to release divine purposes.

The enemy will attempt to divert this assignment by insinuating that one must be in a corporate intercessory structure to release these Heavenly blueprints with power. However, the Lord is emphatically stating that it will be through individuals yielding themselves to His Spirit allowing the intercession and travail to come forth. He will then capture those prayers, mingle them with His own and return them to earth to demonstrate the Kingdom of Heaven.

Likewise, many will be awakened in the night during sleep for the purpose of entering this divine place of intercession.

Part of the commission for anointed intercessors will be to defuse and deflect the shots being taken at this nation by the terrorists and continually covering our President in his decisions as they relate to Israel.

The individuals sponsoring terrorism are motivated by evil spirits seeking to bring fear, confusion and devastation in order to steal from us resources, faith and peace of mind. However, the Lord is giving the divine assurance that the intercessors have the authority through prayer to overcome these "shots" of the enemy. Even if the plans are not totally defused, the effect and result can be deflected and minimized.

Psalms 102:8-14— Jan; Feb; Mar;

The terrorists intend to taunt this nation and specifically the Church and Israel through propaganda and innuendo. Nonetheless, as we humble ourselves before the Lord and confess our weakness and place our trust in His greatness, then the taunts and threats of the enemy will be of no effect.

The ultimate design of the Lord is to move His people to a place of humility, sincerity and prayer not only to overcome the attacks of the enemy, but more importantly, to birth the Kingdom of Heaven in the earth. The Kingdom of Heaven can clearly be demonstrated by the Lord Jesus Christ living and abiding in His people, doing the same works through His people that He did on the earth in human form. It will be the literal fulfillment of John 14:12.

Many will even feel abandoned by the Lord because of the things they will be seeing in the media and the attempts of the enemy to bring fear and disillusionment. However, our assurance must be placed upon the divine promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us.

We must likewise see the divine purpose in allowing present events to awaken us to prayer and purity in order to bring a greater blessing upon our nation. The weeping will only be for a season. However, joy will come with the dawning of this new day.

The scriptures declare the Lord emptied Himself and took the form of a bond-servant. (Phil. 2:7) The Heavenly design in this process will serve to empty us of our soulish motivations and agendas so that we can fully embrace His.

But Thou, O LORD, dost abide forever; and Thy name to all generations.

The Lord intends to recapture the fame of His name. All the great redemptive qualities expressed in the names of Jehovah will be re-possessed and expressed in the seasons ahead. It will be an awesome day to see the great restoration and renewal, as the Lord fully demonstrates the greatness of His name.

The appointed time has now come for the unveiling of the Heavenly purposes and the emergence of the Lord’s "Dread Champions" . The Lord is arising with great compassion on His people. It is His mercy to first cleanse and purify us so that He can fully rest in us to express Himself in the earth.

      Surely Thy servants find pleasure in her stones, and feel pity for her dust.

The time has come for the restoration of the breach. And the LORD will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire in scorched places, and give strength to your bones; and you will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.

Those from among you will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will raise up the age-old foundations; and you will be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of the streets in which to dwell. Isaiah 58:11-12

This year we will begin to see the ruins being restored and the breach rebuilt, primarily between God and man. He will likewise restore the breach that has existed between the Church bringing a Spirit of Unity and fraternal affection

Psalms 102:15-21— April; May; June;

Presently, the attention of the entire world is placed upon recent events that have taken place. It is the great opportunity for the Church to emerge with Kingdom power and glory so that all the nations of the earth will fear His name and the leaders of the nations seek the revelation of the Lord. This is our time to arise and shine as the Lord’s representation on earth, if we will seize it through prayer and intercession and allow the Lord to have His way in us .

The coming season will be marked by the approaching power and glory of God. Those who are destitute and sincere as they present themselves before the Lord, will have their prayers highly regarded in Heaven. He will not despise nor turn away the prayers of those who come before Him in earnestness and honesty leaving nothing hidden.

The scriptures point out, all things are open and laid bare before the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. This will mark emergence of the Word as a sharp two-edged sword piercing to the dividing of soul and spirit. This relates to the separation of soulish human agendas and those that are birthed in the Spirit with Kingdom design.

The things that are taking place in the Spirit and in the natural realm will have eternal consequences. They will even be written and recorded for generations yet unborn. We have reached a significant point of demarcation in Church and human history. Two paths are set before us. It is the determination of the Church to decide which direction we shall go and which path will be followed in the coming days.

We have an incredible divine opportunity to change the entire course of our nation and the spiritual provision is provided to facilitate this purpose if we will respond according to His prescribed manner.

The Lord is looking and listening from the heights of Heaven to determine whose heart is completely His that He may strongly support them. The Lord is gazing upon the earth to determine who will be His Dread Champions to represent Him in the great battle presently unfolding.

It is the groaning and prayers of those imprisoned with the corruption of this world that the Lord is looking to set free. Even many within the Church are captured by the spirit of this world and the corruption introduced through the sin of man. This includes emotional bondage as well as sicknesses and diseases that permeate even the Church. These can be set free as we cry out to the Lord for freedom and declare the glories of His name and the praise of Jerusalem.

Psalms 102:22-28— July; Aug; Sept;

This season of the Spirit will allow for a quick maturity because He has shortened our days. The time is short and he is allowing a grace for us to move from the elementary principles and into maturity. This will also be facilitated by the "fathers" who will be anointed to impart spiritual gifts and understanding to the younger generation.

The sorrow we are depicting is a Godly sorrow that leads to repentance. It is a sorrow that we must express from our innermost beings outwardly. It will be a quick work. It will be cut short in righteousness.

It will be the cry of many for the Lord to not take us away in the midst of these notable and even historic days. Many who have thought they had come to the end of their days will begin to see these divine purposes released in the earth and will receive a rejuvenation of heart to continue to press in and live in the midst of this great era of the Church.

The Heavens will also continually declare the works of God and the purposes here illustrated. There will continue to be notable signs in the Heavens and the cosmic activity will verify the great spiritual confrontations that will be taking place on the earth.

This year and the days to follow will be marked by awesome changes. Old things are passing away and all things are becoming new not only individually but also in the corporate Church. This also has application to the natural arena as even demonstrated through our news media after the terrorist attack. An old way of living has now passed away and a new day has dawned in every arena of life. That is a natural depiction of a spiritual reality that is taking place in our day.

But Thou art the same, and Thy years will not come to an end.

The things that are beginning to be birthed in the earth now will have no end. They will literally flow into the millennial age and the coming manifestation of His Kingdom on the earth. Though we do not know when those days will be fully revealed, we do know that the purposes now being birthed will flow directly into that age.

We will begin to taste the good Word of God and the power of the age to come. This will be a tasting of His Kingdom Word and a demonstration of Kingdom Power in the earth in order to introduce the Lord Jesus to an entire generation.

The children of Thy servants will continue, and their descendants will be established before Thee.

What an incredible promise we have from the Lord. Although many are fearing for their children and the young generation, the Lord is promising that the offspring of His servants will continue and their descendants will be established before the Lord.

He will hold our children in the palm of His hand and release a canopy of grace and protection to surround them in these volatile days. There is no place for fear before the Lord in this hour.

As the world enters into seasons of great fear not only for themselves but especially for the children, they can observe the peace we have within us and the inheritance being released to our children. This in itself will be a great evangelistic tool to introduce the Prince of Peace in times of great volatility.

Another item on the agenda of the Church is to continue to pray for the grace upon our leaders to reintroduce prayer in schools. This would provide an open door of blessings to the youth of this country and begin to dispel the great darkness that has entered through this open door. That is an important issue to the Lord as we begin to recapture our youth for the Kingdom of Heaven.

The enemy has certainly used false teaching and hatred to deceive an entire generation of youth in the middle east as well as this country. Only the power of the Holy Spirit expressed through His people can set those captives free.

EMERGING LEADERS

From among our black brothers and sisters, notable leaders will now begin to emerge. For the last couple of years, an emphasis has been placed on the preparation of leadership from among our black brethren. Many will see the release of their anointing and commissioning into powerful ministry.

The most encouraging aspect of this portion of the revelation involved the willingness of this leadership not to remain strictly within the black community, but to the body at large. There was a great merger of the races as men and women pursued the anointing of the Holy Spirit not recognizing the division of race, creed or color.

Many of these leaders have had an experience like Aaron of old. Aaron the high priest was taken before all of Israel and stripped totally naked and then clothed in his priestly garments. Much of this leadership has experienced a stripping process so they can now be clothed with Christ making no provision for the flesh.

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts. (Romans 13:14)

There was a commissioning that took place this atonement season that will release many of these ministries into their purpose. Although the commissioning experience may not have been realized on that very day, it has been dispersed in the realm of the Spirit and can be gleaned by those with honest and sincere hearts.

SPIRITUAL FATHERS

This will also signify the emergence of true spiritual Father’s. In large part, we have been like a fatherless generation. Now, the true divinely appointed spiritual "fathers" will take their place with the power of impartation and begin grooming sons and daughters for great Kingdom assignments.

There will be Prophetic Fathers and Apostolic Fathers who teach and prepare an entire younger generation to walk in true governmental power and authority. Part of their responsibility will be to overseer accountability within the body of Christ and bring true correction according to the Spirit of Truth. This will be particularly true among the various prophetic streams. The Holy Spirit desires to establish a righteous standard and have His people sound a clear trumpet.

We will begin to know one another by the flesh no longer but by the Spirit and by the fruit we bear. Notable names and large followings will not be the pure standard, only wholesome fruit. As the Lord’s government begins to "address" issues in the Church, it will begin to "dress" us in garments of righteousness.

FURTHER MATURING OF HOME GROUPS

The Lord again emphasized this year the importance of home group meetings and their significance in Kingdom preparation. Fresh anointing will again be released on these meetings as intense preparation continues for the Lord’s leadership. The Lord also promised signs and wonders to begin to take place in these meetings as a validation of their importance.

Likewise, the release of power will begin to refresh and renew many in these intimate settings that are a true indication of the Apostolic age. Private small meetings characterized the early Church in the book of Acts in which great truth and power was imparted to that generation of people as they were disbursed throughout the known world sharing the good news of the gospel.

The Kingdom of Heaven rests within the hearts of man. As these leaders develop from private intimate settings of home group studies, they will infiltrate the Churches bringing light and life into traditional structures. This will begin to dispel darkness and oppression that has existed in many Churches.

These who carry this light are considered to be light bearers and will be clothed in garments of humility and integrity. Their purpose will not be to bring division or pride but rather unity and meekness. These attributes the Lord will be able to anoint delivering injections of Life into the local Churches.