An old woman of 90 from Valdres in Norway had a vision from God in 1968. The evangelist Emanuel Minos had meetings where she lived. He had the opportunity to meet her, and she told him what she had seen. He wrote it down but thought it to be so unbelievable that he put it in a drawer. After 30 years he understood he had to share the vision with others.

The woman from Valdres was a very alert, reliable, awake and credible Christian, with a good reputation among all who knew her. This is what she saw:

“I saw the time just before the coming of Jesus and the outbreak of the Third World War. I saw the events with my natural eyes. I saw the world like a kind of a globe and saw Europe, land by land.  I saw Scandinavia. I saw Norway. I saw certain things that would take place just before the return of Jesus, and just before the last calamity happens, a calamity the likes of which we have never before experienced.”

She mentioned four waves:

1. “First before Jesus comes and before the Third World War breaks out there will be a ‘détente’ like we have never had before.  There will be peace between the super powers in the east and the west, and there will be a long peace. [Remember, that this was in 1968 when the cold war was at its highest. -E. Minos]. In this period of peace there will be disarmament in many countries, also in Norway and we are not prepared when it (the war) comes. The Third World War will begin in a way no one would have anticipated – and from an unexpected place.

2. “A lukewarmness without parallel will take hold of the Christians, a falling away from true, living Christianity. Christians will not be open for penetrating preaching. They will not, like in earlier times, want to hear of sin and grace, law and gospel, repentance and restoration. There will come a substitute instead: prosperity (happiness) Christianity.

“The important thing will be to have success, to be something; to have material things, things that God never promised us in this way.  Churches and prayer houses will be emptier and emptier. Instead of the preaching we have been used to for generations – like, to take your cross up and follow Jesus – entertainment, art and culture will invade the churches where there should have been gatherings for repentance and revival. This will increase markedly just before the return of Jesus.

3. “There will be a moral disintegration that old Norway has never experienced the likes of. People will live together like married without being married. [I do not believe the concept ‘co-habitor’ existed in 1968 - E. Minos.] Much uncleanness before marriage, and much infidelity in marriage will become the natural (the common), and it will be justified from every angle. It will even enter Christian circles and we pet it – even sin against nature. Just before Jesus returns there will be TV- programmes like we have never experienced. [TV had just arrived in Norway in 1968. -E. Minos]

“TV will be filled with such horrible violence that it teaches people to murder and destroy each other, and it will be unsafe in our streets. People will copy what they see. There will not be only one ‘station’ on TV, it will be filled with ‘stations.’ [She did not know the word ‘channel’ which we use today. Therefore she called them stations. - E. Minos.] TV will be just like the radio where we have many ‘stations,’ and it will be filled with violence. People will use it for entertainment. We will see terrible scenes of murder and destruction one of the other, and this will spread in society. Sex scenes will also be shown on the screen, the most intimate things that take place in a marriage.” [I protested and said, we have a paragraph in our laws that forbids this kind of thing. - E. Minos.] Then the old woman said: “It will happen, and you will see it. All we have had before will be broken down, and the most indecent things will pass before our eyes.”

4. “People from poor countries will stream to Europe. [In 1968 there was no such thing as immigration. - E. Minos.] They will also come to Scandinavia and Norway. There will be so many of them that people will begin to dislike them and become hard with them.  They will be treated like the Jews before the Second World War.  Then the full measure of our sins will have been reached [I protested at the issue of immigration. I did not understand it at the time. - E. Minos.]

The tears streamed from the old woman’s eyes down her cheeks.  ”I will not see it, but you will. Then suddenly, Jesus will come and the Third World War breaks out. It will be a short war.” (She saw it in the vision.)

“All that I have seen of war before is only child’s play compared to this one, and it will be ended with a nuclear atom bomb. The air will be so polluted that one cannot draw one’s breath. It will cover several continents, America, Japan, Australia and the wealthy nations. The water will be ruined (contaminated?). We can no longer till the soil. The result will be that only a remnant will remain.  The remnant in the wealthy countries will try to flee to the poor countries, but they will be as hard on us as we were on them.

“I am so glad that I will not see it, but when the time draws near, you must take courage and tell this. I have received it from God, and nothing of it goes against what the Bible tells. “The one who has his sin forgiven and has Jesus as Savior and Lord, is safe.”

_____________________

WHEN THE OIL FLOWS : Prophecy

An elder in the Pentecostal Church at Moss, Norway, Martin Andersen, heard the following prophecy in 1937, in Moss:

‘When oil comes out of the North Sea and along the Norwegian coast, things will begin to happen, and the return of Jesus is approaching.’

When these words had been proclaimed, people stood up in the congregation and asked the man to sit down and not speak such nonsense. In 1937 it was indeed nonsense to talk about oil being pumped along the Norwegian coast. Today all the world’s big oil companies are pumping oil along the coast of Norway. Norway is the world’s third greatest exporter of oil – after Saudi Arabia.

Original source editor’s note:

Because of my fear of transmitting false prophecy, I have diligently inquired concerning the information in this letter. Publication has been delayed until permission could be secured from Ragna [Von Porat] in Israel. In my contact with her, she has assured me that these accounts are true and reliable. In fact, she relates that the first account has already been published in one of Norway’s Christian newspapers.

I have found in my own research that the first account was also published by the Christian Information Service in Germany. The website of Dr. Emanuel Minos is active today and can be accessed for verification. Although the language on this site is Norwegian, the very similar story of the woman and her vision is posted there in English. The above accounts are transmitted just as they were received.

Ragna took it upon herself to verify as much of the above information as she could. Ragna states, “I certainly have no objection to your going ahead [with publishing]. It must be now-if ever.”

May we discern well and heed it better!

.

…Peter McArthur

.

.

VISION: “JUST ONE ROAR OF THE LION”

He saw this vision on the 22nd of August 2006

.

.

.

I saw a Lion. I walked with Him to a very high rock. The Lion then climbed the rock and stood on the very top of this high rock. I stood below looking up at Him.

He let out a LOUD ROAR.

And EVERYTHING in the atmosphere / universe changed.

In a flash I had a 360 degree vision, and what I am about to relate happened in a flash, but I spent the whole of the 22nd of August  just waiting on God to see in ‘slow motion’ what I had seen in a speedy flash, and understand what I had seen.

I was told that my mind could not grasp the vastness of the changes I saw in the vision. So I stayed at home and did not take up any duties but spent the whole day, off and on, every few hours just re-visiting this vision and seeing it unfurl in more detail, now at a speed that I could cope with. I don’t think I have ever seen such a lengthy vision, condensed into a 360-degree vision flash before.

Frame by frame this is what I saw

.

I saw Empires fall, and wars begin.

I saw that where previously, formulas and general understanding were proven, it did not work any more, where there were people and places overflowing with money one moment, the next morning the moneyed had nothing.

I saw many ‘proven’ thoughts, and ways now nullified.

I saw that the balance was tipped in favour of the East.

I saw angels who had been working in the North and Northwest, recalled and sent East.

I saw children snatched out of the hands of some of the parents.

Fresh food stopped in the western area and was diverted to the East. The fertile became barren and the barren became fertile.

All this from Just One Roar of the Lion.

I saw three long lines of writing in the sky. It read:

Lost, Lost, Lost.

But below it I saw the words:

Gain , gain, gain……..where this line ended I could not see, as it just continued on, endlessly.

I saw that the East gained money, food, etc.

The losses were loss of power, prestige, money, position.

I saw:

Where a soldier stood to load his gun, to shoot, even the last single bullet he had was taken away.

Where a soldier stood ready for packing his gun, where truce had been declared, divine bullets loaded his gun, and led him to shoot.

In the universe, expected cosmic events were diverted and unexpected ones were brought forth.

Deserts bloomed, greenery was made barren. Light that had focused on the West, now moved East.

This was so sudden that it was like saying…”One morning I woke up, and all was changed”.

(Scripture: Amos 3: 8: )

The lion hath roared, who will not fear? The Lord God hath spoken, who can but prophesy?

The Lion has Roared.

Dark clouds disintegrated from one place and gathered in another.

Whilst there was a West to East exchange on a large level, on individual levels there were changes too. Everything, everything, everything, was changing.

All this from, Just One Roar of the Lion.

Just that One Roar, and things from here, were flying there and vice versa. People/ Nations, who had got used to a way of life/of thinking, were in for either a shock or a surprise.

CHANGE, CHANGE, CHANGE, CHANGE, CHANGE, CHANGE, CHANGE.

The hungry were fed, and the fed, went hungry. All opposites were happening.

Many homeless were housed, and many of those with homes became homeless. Light became dark and dark became light.

Whatever the present situation, the opposite was happening.

Many rich became poor and many of the poor became rich.

All this from Just One Roar of the Lion.

Clouds that were meaning to rain, suddenly disintegrated and it rained elsewhere, where least expected.

People were in puzzlement. They said to themselves, “but I thought….”  No, nothing would be as “I thought.”

Many were saying, “But it always worked this way”. Now no more.

For those who said, “It’s never worked for me” they were surprised to know that it will, now.

Heralds blew trumpets, proclaiming: “ End of empire, end of empire”.

Anyone who had been a specialist, monopolist, the kingpin in any area of his life/business, now that would begin to end. Nations that had empires or aspirations building towards it, would now see the beginning of the end of those empires.

Nothing was the same. Everything, everything had changed.

Just One Roar Of The Lion.

And He Has Roared.

Empty pockets were filled, the filled emptied.

Strategic changes were taking place. Whatever had worked like clockwork would not work now. People of peace were making war, and warring nations calmed down.

For the warring nations it was like the wind was taken out of their sails.

Just as Egypt, Persia, Babylon, Rome, Britain etc were all once super powers/empires, but their reign and era ended, so now any ‘super power’ or aspirations thereof, was being diffused. Nations that were looked up to were now beginning to be looked down upon and vice versa.

Balance of power and favour had shifted East.

Angels in the West, held Gold Books. One book was titled “Most Wanted”, the other “Most Favoured”.

‘The Most Wanted’ Book had living photographs of the most evil people, the traitors etc. Each one was dealt with and disposed.

The Most Favoured, in the other gold book with living photographs, were some of those, who had lived through most desolate conditions, such were lifted up.

(All that is related here, remember, was happening all at once.)

In the midst of all this, I heard the Angels sing: Glory, Glory, Glory.

Time was sped up in some places, in others, it was slowed down.

Wild beasts were all crouching in fear, afraid. I saw the milk inside of cows curdle.

Just One Roar Of the Lion.

I saw eagles, fitted with miniature bells. The bells were so minute, it was hard to believe that if they rang any could hear. Eagles did not speak, they just carried the bells that were fitted to their beaks.

People were to ‘read’ the sounds.

Wheresoever the eagles flew, to some the ringing of the bells was as a very high, deafening pitch. I was not allowed to hear this high pitch sound, but it was revealed to me, that it was an unbearable/ deafening high pitch sound.

But there were others who heard the same bells, which the Eagles had attached to their beaks, and to these the sound transmitted was different. It was sheer music. I heard this. Such people, had their hands lifted high and they were happily sighing and exclaiming, “Finally!”

I saw Angels collect gold crowns from those in the North, and they dipped the crowns in a smoky place (the kind of smoke one sees with dry ice), and when the crowns emerged from the smoke, they looked exactly the same, but now they were silver.

No matter in which direction I looked all had changed.

It seemed that the very nature of nature changed.

Volcanoes that were dormant, the ashes were removed, and a new fire was lit in them. It seemed that certain species, suddenly became extinct.

Reams of paper fell from the sky; paper and pens were sent down, for chroniclers and historians, for it was going to be a busy time for them.

Nothing of all creation was left untouched, at Just One Roar of The Lion.

Outside the earth looked still, but within were rapid-fire changes.

Quick, sudden, some were devastating, others surprisingly favorable, but this favor was mostly for the East.

I saw what looked like a flight-path that normally airlines describe on their brochures, as routes of flights/destinations.

For prophets, their flight -paths were moved from here to there, as if randomly, but it was not random, it was the Plan of God for prophets. Prophets will be suddenly moved, and see things from a new vantage point.

I saw some people become tar, whilst others became fountains of water.

Just One Roar Of The Lion.

Many changes took place in the Universe.

On earth, snows of old melted, and water in unlikely places froze.

It is no ordinary thing, when the Lion Roars.

Those dressed warm in the winter, had their clothes taken away, they were left naked. But the naked street-dweller was clothed.

There was a divine transfer of wealth, knowledge, and understanding.

People who’d talked and talked for years, had their mouths taped.

But as in Ezekiel 24: 2 those that had been mute for a season now spoke.

As the vision progressed I heard the Lord Say:

“My People have no roof over their head. I Am their Roof.”

I was flown speedily, over building after building, and as we flew, I heard the Lord Say: “ Not Mine, not Mine, not Mine, not Mine, not Mine, not Mine, not Mine.”

Now I was despairing. What then was God’s?

Then I was shown, people in the fields, with instruments. They had no roof over their heads. These were God’s own.

The buildings we flew over, were demolished by an elephant’s trunk and many TV studios had a fire underneath them.

Apparently these buildings had been re-built on the same grounds where prior buildings had been condemned and burnt. These new buildings had been built on the foundations of charred remains and ashes.

I saw oil poured out from the sky, in two separate ways. One fell over people who gladly received it over them and laughed in the ‘oil rain’. On the other hand, for others, the oil rain caused to be set aflame all that was below.

All that was up to the present became obsolete, and new technology, the secrets of which were hidden in nature, appeared.

Science made simple but profound discoveries. I saw Scientists have a ‘Eureka’ moment. For many who were researching, studying, looking for, the ‘thing’, it was right there before their very noses. Once they saw it they slapped their foreheads, lamenting “Silly me!”

Follies of science were exposed. The simplicity of the discoveries to come were mind-boggling.

Just One Roar Of The Lion.

The very nature of nature seemed to be changing. It was as unbelievable as Isaiah 11: 6-8, ‘the wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid;……

In some places, I saw an overabundance of wheat, which flowed into the sea, as it was so plentiful. But in other places, I saw land, which was once green, and was now parched land where nothing grew.

I saw beautiful blooms on cactus/desert plants.

He who understands these changes, will prepare.

The earth was in a global eclipse. One half had light, the other half was in darkness. It seemed that plates were shifted/removed from the earth. There were people who raged against God. “We’ll do what we have to, let Him do what He wants to” they were saying.

Trees trembled. They knew that their time to be cut had come. To many, prophets and counselors were restored, but from others, the prophets and counselors departed. Sadly those from whom they departed noticed it not.

.

All this, by Just One Roar Of The Lion.

.

.

______________________________________

.

www.issachar.org.au

.

.

.

“In your patience possess your souls” (Lk 21:19)

A more accurate translation could read: “In your cheerful and hopeful constancy you shall win and acquire your souls.”

Vines Bible dictionary says this: “To gain mastery over your souls instead of giving way to adverse circumstances.”

In other words, seasons are given to test us on lessons we should have already learned!

In fact we could say that the real test is not the Test itself, but our response to it.

Because the Father is always BEYOND TIME we should be able to rest and relax in trusting Him. However the truth is most of us struggle in the dry times.

Yet the Father has surrounded us “in time” right from the beginning of Creation. Not this text.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day. (Gen. 1:1-5)

The Word says that the Father has APPOINTED “times and seasons” for us (Gen. 1:14)

The point is that Time – Festivals – Appointments – Cyclic experiences – Seasons is how the Father deals with us.

He stands OUTSIDE of time, He orders it, controls it, and then “incarnates” it, working WITHIN time. The Father “fleshes” time out.

There is this principle we can focus on: The longer we take to learn a lesson from Him, the longer we delay our maturing – and moving into fullness of ministry.

Someone said: “Sometimes God reveals Himself – at other times He hides Himself.”

When the Father reveals Himself, He is blessing us. When he hides Himself He is building us.

Hiddenness is about preparation. Note the examples of David, Moses and Jesus.

Thinking like this should free us from regarding “dry” spiritual times as bad. But this is how we usually think isn’t it?

We often fail to understand the Father’s SEASONS and the various APPOINTMENTS He has for us.

It would be helpful to realise that we are on a journey. This is why it’s important to confess. (Here the word “confess” means to agree with God about).

All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. (Hebrews 11:13-14)

Note also what Isaiah says about this principle.

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth And making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. (Isa. 55:8-11)

The Father uses time/cycles/seasons to test our understanding, but we usually just see this as a “desert” experience.

Many of us feel as though we’re in a time (appointment) of being purges, waiting a re-filling. Hopefully we would see this as a positive thing and a negative one.

When we do it together, corporately, we a likely then to agree that indeed “God is at work in us.”

But when it happens to us individually suddenly we feel all alone, deserted by God, and it becomes a negative thing. We are then prone to think that God is hiding from us.

I recall reading a story about the initiation rites of one North American Indian tribe. When the time for a young boy to become a warrior, he would be taken into the deep woods, where he was told he would have to remain alone all night, without weapons, and without anyone to be with him.

As the dark night went on all sorts of fears began to encompass him. He knew if he gave in and fled the forest, he would fail. But if he remained alone all night until the breaking of dawn, he would pass. The young man fought his inner fears and stayed on through the night. As day broke, he saw a figure dimly in the woods not too far from him. As he peered closer he was astonished to see it was his father. He had stood on watch for his son all through the night, out of sight, but there nevertheless.

Such wilderness tests (“dry times”) are for us a TEST not to be endured like the young warrior, but for us to REST in. When we have learnt to rest in the test then we shall advance in our maturity with the Father.

Such occasions seem to come in waves or patterns or cycles. I find that they usually follow a revelation of some kind. Notice how Moses and the Israelites receive a revelation from the Lord and then are put to the test. Or Jesus, when after the revelation and confirmation of His messiahship, He is tested in the desert. (Lk. 4:1)

It seems to me that revivals have this same pattern. After a revival has hit there will often follow a “quiet” time when the move seems to slacken. Some people then claim it’s the fault of the revival leader. But not necessarily. It may often be the Father testing what we should have learnt through a revival outpouring.

There are definite times when so-called desert experiences are GOOD. The soul basically hates the desert, but by and large the spirit thrives on it.

It may well be that there is a place of Promise and Blessing just ahead for the Body of Christ. If this be the case, then please don’t rebel during the wilderness period.

“In your patience possess your souls.” (Lk 21:19)

.

.

……Peter McArthur

……www.issachar.org.au

.

..

.

.

.

1965 vision given to Stanley Frodsham

The following is an excerpt from a prophecy given at the Elim Bible Institute Summer Camp Meeting in 1965 by the late Stanley Frodsham.

Brother Frodsham was a recognized prophet and teacher in the Body of Christ whose life and ministry spanned the Pentecostal Revival, the great Healing Revival and the early days of the Charismatic Movement. He also authored the well-known book, “Smith Wigglesworth: Apostle of Faith”.

It will do us well to take notice of these things, as we are seeing such deception rising up strongly in the Body today. Many of us have heard these preachers and teachers, and have believed what they first ministered in, because we saw certain signs and wonders, prophecies that were “spot on”, and were caught up in the enthusiasm that John Wesley warned about. Now the line has been crossed somewhere and strange teachings are coming to the fore. These are camouflaged as “deep truths” or “present hour” revelations – things they tell us can only be understood if you are one of the elect (elite). Sadly, sadly is it now true that MANY have not used their discernment, and the wolves are nipping at the sheep’s feet. Soon the blood shall flow and spiritual death will come. It is time to repent. These days have been prophesied. The day is looming.  Come Lord Jesus!

May the Lord have mercy, may we still have time to repent.

Peter McArthur

______________________________________________________

The following is the word given to Stanley Frodsham

.

“When I visit My people in mighty revival power, it is to prepare
them for the darkness ahead. With the glory shall come great darkness,
for the glory is to prepare My people for the darkness. I will enable
My people to go through because of the visitation of My Spirit. Take
heed to yourselves lest you be puffed up and think that you have
arrived. Many shall be puffed up as in the olden days, for many then
received My message but they continued not in it. Did I not anoint Jehu?

“Yet the things I desired were not accomplished in his life. Listen to
the messengers, but do not hold men’s persons in admiration. For many
whom I shall anoint mightily, with signs and miracles, shall be lifted
up and shall fall away by the wayside. I do not do this willingly;
I have made provision that they might stand. I call many into this min-
istry and equip them; but remember that many shall fall. They shall be
like bright lights and people shall delight in them. But they shall be
taken over by deceiving spirits and shall lead many of My people away.

“Hearken diligently concerning these things, for in the last days will
come seducing spirits that shall turn many of My anointed ones away.
Many shall fall through various lusts and because of sin abounding.
But if you will seek Me diligently, I will put My Spirit within you.
When one shall turn to the right hand or to the left you shall not turn
with them, but keep your eyes wholly on the Lord. The coming days are
most dangerous, difficult and dark, but there shall be a mighty
outpouring of My Spirit upon many cities. My people must be diligently
warned concerning the days that are ahead. Many shall turn after
seducing spirits; many are already seducing My people. It is those
who do righteousness that are righteous. Many cover their sins by
theological words. But I warn you of seducing spirits who instruct
My people in a evil way.

“Many shall come with seducing spirits and hold out lustful enticements.
You will find that after I have visited My people again, the way shall
become more and more narrow, and fewer shall walk therein. But be not
deceived, the ways of righteousness are My ways. For though Satan comes
as an angel of light, hearken not to him; for those who perform miracles
and speak not righteousness are not of Me. I warn you with great in-
tensity that I am going to judge My house and have a church without spot
or wrinkle when I come. I desire to open your eyes and give you spir-
itual understanding, that you may not be deceived but may walk in
uprightness of heart before Me, loving righteousness and hating every
evil way.

“Look unto Me, and I will make you to perceive with eyes of
the Spirit the things that lurk in darkness that are not visible to the
human eye. Let me lead you in this way that you may perceive the powers
of darkness and battle against them. It is not a battle against flesh
and blood; for if you battle in that way, you accomplish nothing. But
if you let Me take over and battle against the powers of darkness, than
they are defeated, and then liberation is brought to My people.

“I warn you to search the Scriptures diligently concerning these last
days. For the things that are written shall indeed be made manifest.
There shall come deceivers among My people in increasing numbers who
shall speak for the truth and shall gain the favour of the people.
For the people shall examine the Scriptures and say, ‘What these men
say is true’. Then when they have gained the hearts of the people, then
and only then shall Satan enter into My people.

“Watch for seducers.
Do you think a seducer will brandish a new heresy and flaunt it before
the people? He will speak the words of righteousness and truth, and
will appear as a minister of light declaring the Word. The people’s
hearts shall be won. Then when the hearts are won, they will bring out
their doctrines, and the people shall be deceived. The people shall say,
‘Did he not speak thus and thus? And did we not examine it from the
Word? Therefore he is a minister of righteousness. This that he has
spoken we do not see in the Word, but it must be right, for the other
things he spoke were true.’

“Be not deceived. For the deceiver will first work to gain the hearts
of many, and then shall bring forth his insidious doctrines. You cannot
discern those that are of Me and those that are not of Me when they
start to preach. But seek Me constantly, and then when these doctrines
are brought out you shall have a witness in your heart that these are
not of Me.

“Fear not, for I have warned you. Many will be deceived. But
if you walk in holiness and uprightness before the Lord, your eyes
shall be open and the Lord will protect you. If you will constantly
look unto the Lord, you will know when the doctrine changes and will
not be brought into it. If your heart is right I will keep you; and if
you will constantly look to Me, I will uphold you.

“The minister of righteousness shall be on this wise: his life shall
agree with the Word and his lips shall give forth that which is wholly
true, and it will be no mixture. When the mixture appears, then you
will know he is not a minister of righteousness. The deceivers speak
first the truth then error, to cover their own sins which they love.
Therefore, I exhort and command you to study the Scriptures relative
to seducing spirits, for this is one of the great dangers of these
last days.

“I desire you to firmly be established in My Word and not in the per-
sonalities of men that you will not be moved as so many shall be moved.
Take heed to yourselves and follow not the seducing spirits that are
already manifesting themselves. Diligently inquire of Me when you hear
something that you have not seen in My Word, and do not hold people’s
persons in admiration – for it is by this very method Satan will destroy
many of My people.”

…..Stanley Frodsham 1882-1969

.

.

.

.

..

.www.issachar.org.au

.

.

.

.

Zola Levitt discovered an amazing correlation between Biblical (Jewish) Holy Days and the gestation of a human baby, from conception to birth. While preparing for writing a book for new parents, Zola contacted a gynaecologist for some help in understanding gestation.

During that session, the gynaecologist showed him a series of pictures, pointed to the first one (an egg and a sperm) and said, “On the fourteenth day of the first month, the egg appears.”

The statement struck a chord in his Jewish mind because that was the date of Passover. He remembered the roasted egg on his family table every Passover. Now, for the first time, he knew what it meant! Not wanting to lead the gynaecologist off from the subject at hand, he didn’t say anything, but continued to listen.

The gynaecologist continued: “The egg must be fertilized within 24 hours, or it will pass on.” This reminded Zola of the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the seed or grain that “fell into the ground and died” in order to produce a harvest, the firstfruits of which was presented to God.

Next, the gynaecologist said, “Within two to six days, the fertilized egg attaches itself to the wall of the womb and begins to grow.” And, sure enough, the Jewish evangelist thought, “The Feast of Firstfruits is observed anywhere from two to six days after Passover!”

Next, he was shown a photo of an embryo showing arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet, toes, a head, eyes, etc. The caption said, “Fifty days.” The gynaecologist continued, “Around the fiftieth day, the embryo takes on the form of a human being. Until then, we don’t know if we have a duck or a tadpole.” Zola thought, “That’s Pentecost!”

The next picture showed the embryo at seven months. The gynaecologist said, “On the first day of the seventh month, the baby’s hearing is developed. For the first time, it can hear and distinguish sounds outside the womb.” Zola knew that was the date for the Jewish Festival of Trumpets.

The gynaecologist continued, “On the tenth day of the seventh month, the haemoglobin of the blood changes from that of the mother, to a self-sustaining baby.” Zola thought, “That’s the Day of Atonement, when the blood was taken into the Holy of holies!”

Next, the gynaecologist said, “On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, the lungs become fully developed. If born before then, the baby would have a hard time breathing.” And Zola thought, “That’s the festival of Tabernacles, a time of celebrating the Temple, home of the Shekinah glory or Spirit of God.” In the New Testament, the Greek term pneuma, normally translated as “breath,” is applied to the “Holy Spirit.”

Birth takes place on the tenth day of the ninth month. Eight days after birth, in Jewish families, a son is circumcised. Zola noted that the eight days of Hanukkah are celebrated right on schedule, nine months and ten days after Passover.

No human being could have understood the gestation period 3,500 years ago. The establishment of the Jewish Holy Days was given to Moses by Jehovah, Himself. Its correlation with the human gestation period is not only remarkable; it proves “Intelligent Design.” It proves the existence of an intelligence beyond this world. It proves that there is a Creator God that guides the affairs of man.

On Wednesday, April 19, 2006, Zola Levitt went home to be with the Lord after a battle with lung cancer. The announcement on his website added: “What a soldier’s testimonial — to stay at his post until called away by Yeshua! Happy is the man whose work is his play.”

In giving his testimony, Zola wrote:

“I came to the Lord on March 14, 1971, through the urgings of Campus Crusaders at Indiana University. They challenged me to read the Scriptures, particularly the Book of John. I went by night, like Nicodemus, to the campus director’s home and brought a New Testament bound by itself (what Dr. McCall, our ministry senior theologian refers to as ‘The Amputated Bible’).

“When I read John’s cosmic views of the Lord and the plan of salvation, I realized that I was reading Jewish writing about a Jewish Messiah, and a Jewish way to God. All the Campus Crusaders might have been Gentiles, but I knew Jewish thought when I read it. My prayer of 28 years ago was extremely simple. I said to God, ‘If You’re there, show me.’ An open-minded look at the life I have led since that moment would have to conclude that He has indeed shown me wonders.”

The correlation between the Jewish festivals and the birthing of a baby was just one of those “wonders.”

.

.

…..Peter McArthur

…..The Issachar Ministry

_________________________________________________________________________________

1. THE SPIRITUAL MAN

• The Spiritual Man lives from his spirit, not from his mind life, the soul.
• We need to learn how to come into an “Assembly of Believers” and not just be individuals in a Meeting.
• Be a congregation of one spirit, mind and heart.
• When we meet in true spiritual unity there is a sense of the quality of the Holy Spirit’s presence
• There are “laws of unity” which have nothing to do with agreement of doctrines but are “spiritual laws”. Our growth in the Spirit depends on how much spiritual substance or character we have.
• We need the “discerning of spirits”. But he who is spiritual judges (=discerns) all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. (1 Cor 2:15)
• Such a spiritual man is beyond human and soulish judging because he is a “mystery” to people. He lives in and from a different realm, the spiritual!
• Our minds might think like Jesus but it still cannot produce “life” or comprehend the things of God.

2. THE MIND OF CHRIST

• We have the mind of Christ: For “who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. (1 Cor 2:16).
• This mind is not in our soul but in our spiritual life. It is gained both by being Born Again and by habitually abiding in the presence of the Lord.
• The mind of man cannot receive the things of God (1 Cor 2:14), if they do try to hold these it can only be done so by memorizing them in our minds, not our spirits.
• By abiding in the presence of the Lord we can begin to receive all He has for us. The fruit of this will show in the divine effect our words and actions leave behind us as a deposit.
• Jesus always left a supernatural effect and deposit.
• If we don’t have such an effect it means our soul is displacing Jesus. The mind sets itself up as “God” in the Temple of God. But if we walk in the Spirit we’ll never have failures.

3. BECOME A FATHER PLEASER 2 Cor. 5:9

• Jesus was a Father Pleaser (John 5:19 and 8:29).
• Since the Father is a spirit we cannot know Him except by the spirit and we cannot “see” Him except by spiritual eyes.
• Pleasing the Father is doing the things He shows us and saying the things He speaks to us (Jhn 5:19 compare Lk 2:49).
• Enoch’s testimony was that he pleased God: “for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” (Heb. 11:5)
• Faith pleases God: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him “ (Heb 11:6)
• The flesh cannot please God: ”So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. “ (Rom 8:8).
• Jesus lost nothing even though He gave the Father all the glory! When we please the Father rather than ourselves we will in fact benefit much more than we can ever hope for.
• This is a spiritual secret that the spiritual man has learnt, to please the Father even to the hating of his own needs.

4. MIND OR SPIRIT?

• All our Knowledge and Learning cannot produce spiritual results. We can learn about truths but they won’t work.
• If we don’t learn how to distinguish (=divide) our soul and spirit, then our minds will play “God” and attempt to direct and control us.
• The mind/soul might even “talk like God” and sound “spiritual” but it won’t be Him. Many Christians fall into deception about hearing the voice of God thinking He has spoken to them when in fact it’s been their own soul “playing God”.

5. EXPERIENCE BY THE SPIRIT

• It’s with our spirit that we experience God. Growing up in Christ isn’t “learning” but experiencing.
• During a message or sermon “lean forward in your spirit into” the teaching. Never become passive in your spirit-man.
• The Holy Spirit has much to say when listening to a preacher, teacher, etc. We should be able to draw 10 times more from the preacher than he’s in fact saying, but the Holy Spirit.
• Learn to mix the Word with Faith. This is not an ability of the mind but of the spirit: “but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. (Heb 4:2).
• The consequences of not doing this is that the Israelites died! There are drastic consequences when we don’t live from the spirit.
• We grow through intimacy, both in the natural and spiritual realms. Intimate acts are done in a private, secret place. So too in the spiritual realm – intimacy with God is found in the secret place in the prayer closet (Mtt 6:6).
• Living in the Spirit and living from our spirit-man is living and walking, saying and hearing, thinking and speaking, and working by faculties and senses that are non-existent in the natural man. Exercise these spiritual senses (Heb 5:14).

Teaching by
Peter McArthur

_________________________________________________________________________

“His coming is according to the working of Satan in all power and miraculous signs and lying wonders, and in all deceit of unrighteousness in those being lost, because they did not receive the love of the truth in order for them to be saved. And because of this, God will send to them a working of error, for them to believe the lie, that all may be judged, those not believing the truth, but who have delighted in unrighteousness”. 2 Thess. 2: 9-12

Note the phrase “love of the truth” mentioned in verse 10.

In His own time and way the Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth (John 16:13).

There are two requirements laid on us if we would come into all truth.

We must become yielded to God’s Spirit as Teacher, and, we must love His written Word with a passion.

A strong conviction is also needed, that “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Tim 3:16 and 2 Pet. 1:21). There is a parallel between what we find in 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 and what happened in Eden when the Satan beguiled Eve. It was there in the Garden that “the mystery of iniquity” (2 Thess 2:7) began its work that has continued through the ages till this day.

“Mystery” is from the Greek mustérion which means “a secret” known only to the initiated, or that will remain under cover until its time of revelation has come.

“Iniquity” is from he anomía, which means “the lawlessness” and has reference directly to the utter disregard for God’s Law. The small word he (pronounced “hay”) is a Greek Definite Article meaning “the.” It specifies the word it precedes as distinct. Hence it is “the mystery of THE iniquity” which is an attitude toward God that denies He has any right to rule.

The iniquity began with an assault on the mind of Eve in Eden. It has continued through the ages with its hold on all humanity. This will continue till its final work when all its poison will be released toward the minds of those who have found redemption through the Seed of the Woman (Gen 3:15) — those who have trusted the Lord Jesus Christ. “The wicked one” (Mtt 13:19) will fix his strategic gaze on us who are set in the earth to “withstand” him (Eph 6:13). As the age winds down, he is working to throw our minds off kilter with the goal of disabling us for function with Christ in His Kingdom.

In 2 Cor 10:4-5 Paul makes it clear what will come in our counter strategy when we realize that the main end-time battlefield is our mind. See some of the powerful insights of the following passage in 2 Thess 2: 1-2. “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto Him, that you be not soon shaken in mind or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.”

Paul’s exhortation was with regard to the “coming” of the Lord. This word “coming” is from the Greek word parousía, meaning Christ’s return to earth to reign. At that time all true believers will be gathered together unto Him with no walls or divisions. This grand appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ is the end toward which this age is now moving. Paul’s concern for this was that believers “be not soon shaken in mind.”

Note where the attack is aimed! The deception of the enemy, coupled with the trauma of the age ending, could throw the mind of even a true believer into turmoil so that it lacks all sound judgment or understanding. It was Paul’s concern that this not be so. There are 3 ways by which spiritual revelation may come by spirit, by spoken word, or by written word. True and pure revelation comes by the Holy Spirit, but there are also other spirits at work mimicking God’s Spirit. It is here we need that operation of the Holy Spirit called discerning of spirits (1 Cor 12:10). This is the ability given to us by God’s Spirit through which we put spiritual revelation to the test and discern whether it’s from the Lord or not.

There are three fundamental criteria by which we seek to judge any revelation that comes to us.

1. Is it in line with God’s Word?

2. Does it bring exaltation to the Lord Jesus Christ?

3. Is the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon it?

Our concern should be that no matter what happens or how it happens or when it happens, believers will not be thrown into tumult, drowned by discouragement, or lost to Christ’s Kingdom because they lose the stability of their minds. Teaching mixed with error can cause this, but revelation that is pure always brings stability. One is holy; the other is not. The following verses (2 Thess 2:3-4) are heavy with revelation as Paul writes to the saints he loved dearly. “Let no man deceive you (beguile you from the path) by any means: for that Day shall not come, except there come a falling away (THE apostasy) first, and that man of sin (that man of THE sin) be revealed, the son of (THE) perdition (the one who wastes all things; the one who is set in the earth to mastermind a final great destruction); Who opposes (sets himself in opposition to) and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sits in the Temple of God, showing himself that he is God (a god).”

The Lord Jesus referred to this same thing in Mtt 23:11-12. “And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many (lead many down the path of falsehood). And because iniquity shall abound (the iniquity shall be multiplied), the love of many shall grow cold”. That we may abide in the truth in this trying time is our desire and the purpose of any true Berean! Paul used the word náos for Temple in the above Thessalonian passage. It means the Most Holy Place in the Temple. Another word hiéron also means “temple,” but it always signifies the Temple as a building. Paul was clear in his conviction that it was not a building of stones, but of living members, redeemed people, believers.(See Acts 17:24; 1 Cor 3:16-17; 1 Cor 6:19; 2 Cor 6:16; Eph 3:21).

The anti-Christ’s scheme is to spoil this Temple so it cannot be useful in Christ’s Kingdom. But this activity will only push us to learn more of what is called prevailing grace! The grace and power of God will far exceed the determination of anti-Christ to ruin us for the Kingdom. Take note of the statement “he as God sits in the Temple”. The little word in comes from the Greek eis, which means “into, or unto”. This presents a picture of the “son of perdition” pushing in toward the Temple, contending for the Holy of Holies. But it does not say he becomes seated in it.

At the very instant it seems the enemy might accomplish this grand feat and make his parousía on the world’s scene, the Lord Jesus makes His glorious appearing and consumes Satan. Paul was clear in warning the people that spirits of deception would keep an eye on believers to get them away from the Lord and His purpose for them. 2 Thess 2:5 “Don’t you remember that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?”

The Greek word in this verse from which we get “I told” is a Greek phrase spelled in a way to let us know it was Paul’s practice to speak time and time again of these important matters. The energy of the wicked one has been in operation in the world as “the mystery of iniquity” ever since the deception in Eden. But there has remained a restraint on the iniquity until the antichrist himself, not just his spirit, is on the scene. “And then shall that Wicked (the wicked one) be revealed (uncovered; disclosed), whom the Lord shall consume (use up; destroy) with the spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy (render powerless) with the brightness of His coming (the glorious manifestation of His presence)” 2 Thess 2:8

Following the long period while iniquity has been under restraint, it will make a final breakout on earth. The destruction to which this verse points comes when sin has come to its full. Then, a final act of rebellion against God calls for the return of the Lord Jesus. The wicked one will determine to take the Throne of Christ’s Kingdom by mimicking the Lord Jesus, and will attempt a glorious burst on the scene to make his presence known in all the earth. He will be energized in his own parousía by Satan himself.

See the following revealing statement in 2 Thess. 2:9-10. “Even him (the anti-Christ himself), whose coming is according to the working (energetic power) of Satan with all power (dynamic power) and signs and lying wonders (terrifying lies), and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish (them that are perishing); because they received not (laid not hold on) the love of the truth, that they might be saved”.

The word parousía occurs 18 times in the Greek New Testament. Every time it is with reference to the Lord Jesus. This word describes the appearance on the scene of a majestic ruler. What a brazen insubordination the devil will attempt this with his man, the antichrist! Let us stress this again: antichrist’s plan is to win the throne belonging to the Lord Jesus. His only hope is to deceive the followers of Jesus as he deceived our parents in Eden. His aim is to capture our minds and our hearts. According to the teaching of Scripture those who would lose their way in the final days would be those who received not the love of the truth.

Let’s not be deceived; let’s be the ones who receive a love for the Truth. There’s a powerful statement in 2 Cor 10:4-5 that lays out the very principle of renouncing THE LIE and releasing our minds for the Truth that is in Christ. “…for the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly, but powerful to God to the demolishing of strongholds, the demolishing of arguments and every high thing lifting up itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought into the obedience of Christ…”

Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to usher truth into your inward parts. This is a strategy by which we bring our own minds under subjection to Christ. It is very effective as hearts become open to the Word of God’s Kingdom.

Now let these things of prime importance be settled with us:

• We acknowledge that Jesus Christ is our Lord
• We choose to believe the Word of God
• That it is inspired by the Holy Spirit
• That its truth abides
• That the Holy Spirit is ready to bear witness to it, and
• That we must neither add to it nor take from it.

Let us be committed to these things above all!

_____________________________________________________

There is one outstanding factor we see again and again just prior to a revival or spiritual awakening: and that is, God-given vision returns to the Church!

The absence of true heavenly vision accounts for so much that is dead and lost in the church today. However the presence of heaven’s vision brings a clear and definite transformation. There is, as-it-were, a swallowing up into God. When we see again what God sees, when we again have confidence in heaven and no longer pander to the things of earth, when we begin to stand, rather than wilt at the knees then, all things work together for good in a most remarkable way.

God’s purpose for us upon the earth is that we be governed by His Holy Spirit. You can call it by other names such as being led by the Spirit or Sonship or Walking worthy of the Gospel , but whatever we choose to call it, it’s neatly summed up in the phrase “being governed by the Spirit” .

The Father calls us to be a people who live under the Holy Spirit’s government. That governing is to do with the Father’s eternal purpose. But it s simply not enough to be led by the Spirit (under His governing) unless we also love God AND know our calling.

Notice what Paul had to say : “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” . (Romans 8: 28).

When we love God and respond to Him by being subject to the Holy Spirit’s governing, then indeed all things will work together for us! Hence we need to have a vision of the Father’s purpose, for His purpose governs all things, both animate and inanimate.

What is that purpose, that vision ? Can we see it totally and fully? No! God does not divulge His purpose or vision completely in any one-given season. It’s a principle in the Word that
God-given vision simply isn’t given in totality at any one time. When the Book of Revelation finishes we are still left wondering, What happens next ?

God’s vision is most definitely imparted to us, but in seasons of His choosing. However, His vision is always subject to enlargement when and how He chooses. He doesn’t arbitrary
change it to fit the circumstances; rather He reveals it when He sees hearts and minds receptive to the moving of His Spirit.

When this factor is present, God’s vision begins to be fulfilled through the next stage.

In order for this to happen it s most likely that the vehicle used previously to bring in the prior part of His purpose will be succeeded by a new vehicle or means. God is indeed a God of enlargement, as it were. He’s always on the increase, blessing His people with an ever-expanding revelation of His person and purpose. This actually means that men’s hearts need to accommodate for the enlargement of vision. The heavenly will constantly press in on us, and we need to accommodate for that increased spiritual knowledge.

The danger of any one period in the church age is that we hang back holding onto previous moves of God, making them our modern-day traditions. God is a God of Life and to hold back from moving on into further life will brings us into a death of sorts. God’s grand purpose and vision for His people is one that is heaven-centred, and it moves further and further away from temporal things. This is one reason why a true saint of God will find less and less satisfaction in the things of the world, and more and more desire for the heavenly. Paul expressed it wonderfully when he wrote: “For this cause we do not faint; but though our outward man perishes, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day”. (2 Cor 4: 16).

This tells us that no matter what faces us in the earth realm, no matter what tragedy should befall us, no matter what crisis we are faced with, no matter what. Keep the heavenly vision central and you will not wilt under the things of the temporal realm. God is not One who is limited whatsoever; He is not a God of reduction, limitation, incapacity or anything like that. He is the One who is Great beyond measure, the One who fills all things.

If limitation or reduction should come our way on earth, it is His pruning back in order that we might see clearly again. There is always a purpose to His work, and it is never, never
limitation as the human mind would see it. Note for instance how Paul was limited from his travelling ministry and incarcerated in prison. Was this limitation? In the earthly sense, yes. In the greater, heavenly sense, absolutely not! Some of Paul’s greatest and most spiritually insightful letters were written when he was in chains.

Certainly we’re aware that the Adversary will attempt to limit us, reduce us, and even rob us. Yet even when this should happen does that make him lord ? Not over us it doesn’t! We have One Lord who is seated in the heavenlies at our Father’s right hand. Even the schemes and moves of our Adversary cannot limit what is limitless within us. Christ in us cannot be
suppressed. When we submit to the Holy Spirit’s governing over us we find the most wonderful place of safety and security. We have learnt Gods purpose, for we know our calling
and have seen the vision.

This kind of thing makes us people of prayer, people of vision, and a people of great testimony. The heaven-sent vision of God’s grand purpose becomes a dynamic thing within us. In this hour of the modern church how we need saints who have seen what heaven sees, who know the Father’s purpose, and who are willing to be governed by His glorious Spirit.
At this stage in the earth s history we see Islam rising up in its attempt to force the world, particularly the West, to submit it to its rule. How shall this battle be won?

Most especiallywithin the hearts and minds of the saints of God who know what it means to be submitted to God’s purpose first and foremost. Whatever the outcome is with Islam, it can never succeed, for it s a desert religion that can only make men thirst more and more for Truth. As God’s Word so wonderfully puts it: The truth is in Jesus (Eph. 4: 21)

Blessings and the Lord’s favour upon you,

Peter McArthur

“Issachar, who understood the times”

________________________________________________________________________

1. WHAT DO WE MEAN BY THE PROPHETIC ?

The term “prophet” and “the prophetic” these days has come to mean virtually the same
thing – something to do with giving correct Words to encourage and build up. But there
is a vast difference between the two terms.

Prophet quite correctly has a fairly narrow term of reference, but the prophetic
covers a much greater area. It basically means an anointed ministry, which in
revealing divine direction during a given season, points you to new life in God.
It may not even include a single Prophetic Word! And the person giving the counsel of
God may not even hold the office of Prophet!

Rather, it is a person who is open to the voice of the Holy Spirit and who knows how to
offer a Rhema Word of counsel from the throne room of heaven without taint.
Note that I say counsel and not advice . Avoid Christians who give you advice . That
is man’s view of a matter, and it may sound reasonable, logical, sensible and even a
little spiritual . But it s still Man and not God.

So the Prophetic Person speaks from God’s mind, thereby avoiding the advice of the
human mind and experience (Prov. 16: 1 and 9).

2. THE ROLE OF THE PROPHETIC PERSON

Let’s look again at my definition of The Prophetic (1)an anointed ministry, (2)that in
revealing divine direction (3)during a given season (4)opens you to new life in
God.

There are four points in this that are vital to understand:

1 an anointed ministry
2 revealing divine direction
3 during a given season
4 that opens you to new life in God.

First, the ministry or person needs to be Anointed. The word means to be
enchristened and refers to being Christ-like. [Strongs G5548 chrio it has the idea
of contact, to smear or rub with oil, and by implication to consecrate].

In other words the person needs to be in contact with The Christ, to be smeared and
covered with the same anointing that Jesus had, and to be set aside (consecrated) to
that calling and work. We need to look for such a heart attitude in the person we are
intending to trust, minister or allow us to lead.

Second, the prophetic person will not give advice, but reveal to you God’s direction for
that moment or next stage of your life. They will reveal ( take off the cover, disclose )
what God wants you to see and know.

They will not add their bit to it nor attempt to direct you they will take off the cover
over your mind, life and spiritual eyes, allowing you to see what God alone wants.
The Prophetic Person must never be tempted to give direction or voice their own
opinion, but must allow God to speak, and God alone.

Third, the revealing of God’s ways comes during set seasons, and rarely as regular
occurrences. The Lord has given us the natural seasons, the season s of one’s life, and
even the seasonal feasts of Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles, as parables of how
He works in us.

He uses seasons or stages to instruct us because the in-between times are meant for
us to learn how to apply the teaching and lesson presented by Him.
A wise person will take advantage of these seasons of God and draw as much as
possible from them. To ignore them brings us into disobedience and stunts our spiritual
growth.

Each season has its own spiritual character just like the natural seasons can be
identified by how much heat, cold, rain, snow etc is in them.

The Prophetic will speak revelation into these seasons of our life. It s vital that we listen
to the Rhema Word and act on it. We will not advance to the next season of our
spiritual development until we ve lived through the season God gives at that appointed
time. We cannot short circuit God’s dealings with us!

Have you noticed that prophetic ministries have the knack of turning up at just the right
season and imparting a Word that brings change? This is a noticeable feature of their
calling.

Fourth, the ministry of  The Prophetic will always lead you into a new realm in God. It
imparts life and it transforms.
This is one way you can gauge the validity of a prophetic ministry have they
deposited truth and change?

3. LEADING WITH THE PROPHETIC

Don’t be tempted to see the prophetic as some sort of wonder tool that will bring instant
revelation and guidance to those you re shepherding. Keep your eyes on Jesus, not the
prophetic no matter how anointed and effective it might be.

Allow others to see that you model this lifestyle by sharing your own experiences of
how the prophetic has helped you. They need to know they can trust this type of
guidance.

Once a person has received counsel from you on a matter, you will need to re-adjust
them from time to time as they begin to apply the Truth in their situation. This may
happen a number of times before it clicks . Be patient.

Keep humble in all this. Often those you re shepherding will perceive your prophetic
guidance as great wisdom, and may be tempted to idolize you.

Some pointers from my own experience:

*Speak and minister with authority
*Try to bring the person to a place of accountability regarding the counsel you’ve
given
*Be wary of their words as they’re often couched in spiritual jargon, but behind it
can be self-interest, ambition and a hasty spirit
*Look for the motives behind their heart.
*Don’t be afraid to be bold in declaring what you know God is saying to the
person.
*Check your own spirit so you know it s not your advice you re giving but what God
wants to say.
*Use the occasion to teach and impart God’s ways to the person (Psa. 25:4)

May the Lord and His teaching Spirit guide us into ALL of His wondrous ways!
Blessings and grace to you,

Peter McArthur
The Issachar Ministry

___________________________________________________________________________

HEARING THE VOICE OF GOD

So many times believers have difficulty in discerning the Voice of the Lord. Over the
years I have noticed some fundamental principles that can prepare our hearts to hear
His voice. There are many fine books and teachers that can offer deeper insights than
outlined here, but I feel the following principles can be helpful in establishing a pattern
or grid upon which we can build. May they prove beneficial to you!

1. PREPARING TO HEAR

.
In order to clearly hear the Voice of God we must clean up our inner thoughts and
take control over our mind. We need to take captive our own thoughts and
imaginations. (2 Cor. 10:5).

The best preparation to hear the Lord’s voice is to stop the incessant chattering
away in our own mind first.

This can be done by having a single-minded focus on the Lord and eternal
things. Learn to prayer without ceasing (1 Thess 5: 17) and by beholding the
Lord . This will quieten the wandering thoughts of the mind.

Next, learn to act immediately on a convicting word from the Holy Spirit. Whenever
you feel a conviction of sin, deal with it immediately. Do not allow it to fester into
something worse particularly apathy. Rebellion follows!

We need to acquire the habit of allowing our actions to link up with our thoughts.
Harmony of spirit and soul is an important step in clearly hearing the Voice of
God.

2. IS THERE ANY PATTERN?

.
Experience and history shows a clear pattern of how men and women through the
centuries have come to know the voice of God without confusion, struggle or
deceit.

The most common denominator of all such mature Christians has been this:
spend at least one uninterrupted hour a day sitting in the presence of the
Lord.

This is apart from a time of intercession or supplication when you might be asking
God for something. And it’s apart from your time of devotional reading time or
study time.

Having given prime time to sitting in the presence of the Lord, these mature
Christians then practice the art of on and off praying , speaking to the Lord
throughout the day in short uncomplicated prayers (often called arrow prayers).

This kind of prayer was used often by such men as Wesley, Moody and Finney.
The fruit of living in the Spirit like this is seen in their lives and ministries even
down to the present day.

Doing this will make you very receptive to the Holy Spirit and you will begin to find
the Voice of God to be much more distinct.

This is a two-fold approach in preparing to hear His Voice. First, spend some time
(perhaps one hour) in which you quietly focus in on the Lord and just learn to sit
and relax at His feet. Second, learn to extend that atmosphere of being with Him
into your daily life. This is done by continually keeping your focus God-directed.
Both of these will gradually prepare your heart to clearly hear the Voice of the
Lord. It does work!

I would warn you here that what I am talking about is NOT to be confused with mysticism, or passivity.

There is a growing tendency even amongst Christians to use this practice. Beware!

3. LEARN TO IDENTIFY THE VOICE

.
Think back on some occasion when you thought you heard God speak, and when
you then saw the situation come to pass. Think now: what were you feeling at the
time when you thought you heard God speak? Learn to pick up the sensations you
were having when the voice came. Next time you think you hear God’s voice use
this past experience as a kind of litmus test. Was the feeling or sensation similar to
your previous experience? If it was it’s most probably God speaking again.

I’m not saying you are to simply go by feelings, but they can assist you to make a
correct diagnosis when attempting to identify His voice. You know the past
experience proved to be of God’s making, thus validating the voice you had heard.
So when that “sensation” comes again accompanied by a similar voice it may well
be the Lord speaking to you.

This might seem a strange way to identify His voice, but it’s surprisingly common.
It’s just that a lot of people don’t link the two God’s voice, and what they were
feeling or sensing at the time. My own experience has proved this truth over and
over.

Eventually you become so fine-tuned to the Lord’s voice that you no longer pay
attention to the sensation that accompanies it. This is a sign of spiritual growth.
Identifying the sensation is solely to help you be confident about what voice you’re
hearing.

Remember too that God’s voice might be urgent but never pushy. The Lord might hasten
you to do something, but Satan will drive you! Learn to know the difference.

4. A RECEPTIVE HEART

.
While there is no formula for hearing God’s voice or making Him communicate with
us, there are some basic ground rules that will make us more sensitive to His
voice.

First, love Him more deeply and intimately.
Second, desire to know Him more intently and personally.
Third, seek Him above everything else and spend time with Him.

If we keep these 3 attitudes in our heart we ‘ll become much more sensitive to the
voice of the Spirit. Taste and see!

5. STEPS THAT WILL IMPROVE YOUR SENSITIVITY

.
Approach Him with an open heart, willing to listen to whatever He might speak.

• Don’t approach Him with your mind already imaging what He might say.
• Don’t ask God to speak to you about something that’s already quite clear in
  Scripture. He’s already spoken in the Word. So read it regularly.
• Don’t limit God to your viewpoint. He’s not confined to answer you according to
  your view. It might be quite different! It usually is I find.
• When you do hear God speak, obey Him quickly. God works in seasons.
• Show your love to Him through worship and serving others.
• Work at deepening your trust and faith in the Lord, no matter what. A genuine
  Spirit-led lifestyle is the greatest asset in knowing His voice. (Gal. 5: 25 and 1 Cor.
  10: 31).
• Live a holy (separated) lifestyle. “In the world, but not of the world”.
• Honour and love God above everything and everyone else.

.

.

.

Blessings and the Lord’s favour upon you,
Peter McArthur

_________________________________________________________________________