Fifty years ago, Time magazine featured Jesus Christ on its cover to document an unusual spiritual revival that was sweeping the nation at that time. At the height of the Jesus movement, which began around 1967, thousands of teenagers and young hippies found salvation as an alternative to psychedelic drugs, free sex and Vietnam War protests. But this spiritual awakening exposed a big problem. Many churches weren't prepared for an influx of new souls - especially young people with long hair, tie-dyed T-shirts and love beads. Some Christians actually rejected the new converts because they couldn't handle the change.
It is time to change your perspective and beliefs about yourself. We have each been given an expected end that has been determined; this includes a specific work and unique assignment. "For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]" (Eph. 2:10, AMPC). In these times of shaking, it is important to change our perspectives from that of victims of circumstance to warrior agents sent into a volatile situation as apostolic people and crown agents of the kingdom of God.
To me, not many people's feet are beautiful but to God, all of the feet of His children are beautiful. How do I know? One of my favorite Scriptures appears in Romans 10:15 (NIV). It says, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Back in 1989, a friend and I had the opportunity to begin publishing a regional Christian newspaper in our area of Mid-Missouri. God had told me I would publish such a newspaper back when I was in junior high. At that time no such newspapers existed but I knew what God had said and had even gotten a degree in Christian journalism to prepare for it.
What is the spirit realm projecting onto you? Are you aware of it? Do you know what's you and what's not you? It's important. As I travel and talk about the "feeling" gift of discernment, I always have people tell me, "I have never heard anyone talk about this before. I'm so glad you are. It has helped me so much!" Many of us have been wired by God as "feelers." We have a natural intuitive ability, as well as the ability to sense and feel in the spirit realm, as well as feel the emotions of others and the spiritual atmosphere they walk in. One of the greatest tools I have learned is this: NOT EVERYTHING I FEEL IS ME. You will have no idea how this truth set me free.
The past few months I've noticed that many ministries were opening up schools of the prophets and schools of the supernatural. They are training the young as well as the old believers how to be used in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, how to hear His voice, how to walk in integrity and how to understand the Word of God. Yesterday the Lord said to me: You will see many more supernatural training centers in the coming days. I'm raising up Spirit filled teachers to teach believers how to walk in the supernatural realm and launch them into their ministries.
"Verily, Verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father" (John 14:12 KJV). Regarding the ministry of Jesus, we see that everywhere He went, miracles seemed to follow. His ministry was indeed a ministry of the miraculous. It was one that was marked with power and demonstration. When Jesus showed up: dead things lived again; funeral processions came to a halt; blindness was wiped away; crippled limbs were made straight; leprosy vanished; and demon power fled from His presence.
As I was walking through our neighborhood on an evening walk the other night, I was seeking the Lord for guidance on this next season. The Lord told me, "Hold on." Disappointed, I thought, I've just been through one waiting season after another and now I need to hold on? His response was, "You're going from 'hold on' to 'hold on!'" Immediately, I thought of when you get into a fast-moving vehicle or ride. This kind of holding on is not a waiting period but a period of stabilizing during acceleration.
Throughout the years I've been teaching God's Word, people have asked me, "Joyce, how do you live the Christian life?" My answer surprises a lot of people. I tell them, "You can't live the Christian life, but God can live it through you!" One of the greatest lessons I have ever learned is that we can't change ourselves - it is only by God's grace that we can overcome our weaknesses and become more like Him. In John 15:5 (NIV), Jesus says, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the dayââ'¬Ã'¦ Genesis 3:8a Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away. Genesis 5:24 Come close to the Lord and walk with Him awhile for He cherishes you and wants nothing more than to spend time with you. His voice is soothing, His countenance is lovely, and His words feed your spirit like nothing else ever could. They refresh your soul and call you deeper into His presence. Oh, the depths of His love for you!
I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint. Habakkuk 2:1 NIV The Lord is raising up people to be prophetic watchers and intercessors. Donââ'¬â"¢t be surprised if you find yourself praying more. Even if you are not an intercessor, the Lord is placing a desire and burden in people to pray and fast. God is raising up more people to be "watchmen on the walls" and there is a new ability to move in prophetic intercession. This is a new breed of prophetic watchers who are going to start getting insight and wisdom into situations. There will be a greater understanding of this as it unfolds over time.
Follow Up
