The Claws of Legalism
Junior DeSouza
January 1, 2009
Legalism is a fixation on strict adherence to a law, rule, or code, to the neglect of that law's higher purpose. Among born-again Christians, legalism has two forms: (1) an unusually strict adherence to a particular biblical command or set of commands, (2) an unusually strict adherence to man-made rules or traditions within Christendom.
Examples of the first would include the early church's struggle against circumcision (Gal 2:3-5, 5:6-12), observing Jewish holy days and events (Gal 4:9-11, Col 2:16,17), and dietary prohibitions (1Co 8:7,8)--all Old Covenant commands. Or, the contemporary church's struggle with the Jewish tithe or the unnecessary banning of women from public ministry.
Examples of the second would include the early church's struggle against asceticism (extreme self-deprivation, Col 2:6-23) and gnosticism (all matter is evil, Jesus Christ was not truly human, etc..., 1Jn 4:2,3, 2Jn 7). Or, the contemporary church's struggle against dogmatic styles of worship music, the blacklisting of technological conveniences as "worldly", or deifying a certain English translation of the Bible as the only true one. Legalistic fixations can affect any Christian, any church, any movement, any area of life, to any degree, in any generation.
The Intricacies of Legalism
Legalism is humanism. It is initiated and sustained by human willpower and raw determination (Gal 3:3). The result is a man-centered and self-glorifying spirituality (Mt 23:5-7). We are to be Spirit-led, thereby resulting in the Father's glory, not ours (Jn 15:5-8).
Legalism is behaviorism. It values behavior over motive (Mt 23:25-27). The result is a showy, yet mechanical and superficial, spirituality (v28). God judges motive first, behavior second (Jer 17:10, Rev 2:23, Pr 21:2).
Legalism is Christian hyperactivity. It is the Captivity of Activity, the Tyranny of To-do (Lk 10:38-42). The result is a workaholic and near-burnout spirituality. God values intimacy with Him before activity for Him (v42).
Legalism is prohibitionism. It seeks to legislate personal, non-sinful liberties. The result is a deprivationist, strict, thou-shalt-not spirituality (Col 2:20-23). New Covenant life is permissive and subjective in the gray areas (Ro 14).
Legalism is obligationism. It is motivated by "have to" (duty) instead of "want to" (passion). The result is a high-pressure and guilt-filled spirituality. Christian life is to be ruled by passion (Ro 12:11), peace (Col 2:15), and joy (1Th 5:16).
Legalism is authoritarianism. Its proponents play the authority card much to impose their spiritual fixations on others (Mt 23:1-3). The result is a burdening, slavish, and obey-without-question spirituality (v4). Jesus said His burden was easy and light (Mt 11:28-30). Plus, our New Covenant priesthood grants us the privilege of testing and "making sure" leaders are liberators, not controllers (1Pet 2:5, Ac 17:11, Rev 2:2).
Legalism is perfectionism. It is hypersensitive to mistakes and missteps. The result is a nitpicking and harsh spirituality toward self and others (Mt 15:1-3, Jn 8:1-11). Scripture calls us to grow in godliness (1Pet 2:1,2), but not grueling moralism.
Legalism is uniformity. It promotes conformity, sameness, and ritual. The result is a predictable spirituality (Lk 9:49,50). God wills variation, individuality, innovation, and spontaneity (1Co 12:4-6).
Legalism is separatist. It maintains selective and elitist personnel (Gal 2:11-13). The result is a loss of perspective, a nearsighted spirituality (Lk 9:49-56). At the end of the day, denominationalism is a convenient form of legalism.
Legalism is non-maturity. It reveals a lack of spiritual depth and breadth (Ro 14:1-4,1Co 8:7-13). The result is a dwarfed spirituality and delayed progression to more liberating spiritual altitudes. We are called to a maturity in which we can enjoy all the privileges allowed by a strong conscience (1Co 8:7-12).
Legalism vs Obedience
What's the difference, then, between legalism and obedience? Superficially both can look very similar. A Spirit-filled Christian truly enamored with the Lord will exhibit meticulous obedience and high involvement in Christian activities--making them appear almost identical to a legalist. So what's the difference? Motive and means. Why am I obeying Scripture (motive) and how am I going about it (means)?
Motive Why am I obeying Scripture? What is my truest motive? Is it to not get in trouble with God? To enhance my public image? To improve my self-esteem? To relieve the guilt of past or present mistakes? To avoid negative consequences? There is a grain of legitimacy in each of these reasons, however, they can never be our highest reason. If so, we are in legalism to whatever degree. Remember, the greatest command is to love God with all we are (Mk 12:30); He is to be our First Love (Rev 2:4). Authentic obedience, then, happens because we truly love and cherish Him above all, and therefore, we love and cherish His standards (Ps 119:97,113,163,165). We obey Him because we first love Him (Jn 14:21,23,24), then His commands are not burdensome (1Jn 5:3). Intimacy is the motivating center of obedience.
Means How am I going about obedience? Am I depending on my own ability, effort, and personality ("works")? Or am I depending completely and daily on the Spirit ("faith")? If my trust is in Me to any degree, I am in legalism to that same degree. If I am depending on the Spirit's grace, I am moving in authentic obedience. Galatians 3:3 nails this one on the head.
Breaking the Claws Forever
(1) Relax...and fall in love!
My friend, a million vocabularies in a million languages could never express how wonderful it is to be madly in love with Jesus! I promise you beloved, His love is better than life itself (Ps 63:3). He is a Best Friend who is always there, a Lover who relentlessly desires us, a Father who provides, protects, corrects. Relax...and fall in love with Him! Get to know this One you call "God" and "Lord". He will let you close. He will. Draw near to Him and He will show up (Jas 4:8). Defy the angry voices of condemnation coming from the enemy, the past, others, or yourself.
End the Christian slavery and drudgery today. It is a false version of the true faith once for all delivered to the saints (Ju 3). Paul called legalism "another gospel" (Gal 1:6). The true gospel brings us into an intimate fellowship with the Father (1Jn 1:3).
APPLICATION: Daily seek a face-to-face relationship with the Father who loves you. Make Him your First Love, not Christian activities or should-dos (Rev 2:4). Develop a Mary spirituality, not a Martha one, by prioritizing quality time alone with Him, worshiping, praying, reading, listening (Lk 10:38-42). Fall in love with Him in this secret place (Ps 91:1). Legalism withers when intimacy abounds.
(2) Understand New Covenant spirituality: by grace through faith
Breaking legalism's nasty grip also means understanding New Covenant spirituality. How many Christians have deported themselves back to an Old Covenant life! Why do such a thing? Why go backwards to the elementary principles (Col 2:20,21)?
Old Covenant spirituality entailed a legal relationship with God, not a personal one. Only a few Old Testament believers were anointed by the Spirit to have personal intimacy with God and serve as theocratic middlemen (judges, prophets, priests, etc...). The general Hebrew population had to relate with God from a distance, by observing stringent rules--613 to be exact. A legal relationship...in a word, law. Galatians 3:23 says this law was a temporary prison, intended only to supervise humanity until a New Covenant could be established in Christ (v23-25).
New Covenant spirituality is gloriously better! It entails a personal relationship with God by the grace of Christ, not a distant legal one by observing rituals. Romans 6:14 says we Christians are no longer under law (the Old Covenant system), but under grace (the New Covenant system). In fact, Scripture says Christ is the end of the law (Ro 10:4), and everyone who comes to faith in Him has also come to the end of the law (8:4). This is grace, Christ giving us what we never could have gotten ourselves. I think most Christians understand salvation by grace through faith (Eph 2:8), but stumble when it comes to living by grace through faith (Galatians).
The grace of Christ pertains mainly to salvation. It is the grace of the Spirit that pertains to Christian life after salvation. This is what Galatians is all about--depending on the Spirit's grace to live a victorious Christian life (Gal 3:2-5, 5:16-25). This is called "walking in the Spirit" (5:16,25 NKJV) or "led by the Spirit" (v18). Paul is saying in Galatians, Just as you were saved by grace through faith in Christ, so now you must live by grace through faith in the Spirit. The mechanics of salvation are the same for Christian living.
This means I can stop sweating and slaving so hard to be "a good Christian", and I can focus my energies on falling in love with this gracious Savior who ended law and legalism for me (Ro 10:4, 8:4). This means I can stop trying so stinkin' hard to change myself, and I can start depending on the Spirit to change me. By grace through faith means His presence (grace) is my total dependence (faith)--for salvation and Christian life.
Zechariah 4:6,7 (NKJV, underline added) explains grace wonderfully: ..."Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit", says the LORD of hosts, "Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone with shouts of 'Grace, grace to it!'" New Covenant Christian life is not lived by human might or power, but by the Holy Spirit. Like Zerubbabel, isn't it time we started shouting Grace! Grace!?
APPLICATION: By grace through faith means His presence (grace) is my total dependence (faith). You were saved this way as a precedent that you might live this way. As already mentioned, prioritize that intimate time alone with Him, worshiping, praying, reading, listening. The Spirit will always react to intimacy; His graces will come alive in you with conviction, inspiration, and guidance. You will walk in the Spirit naturally.
(3) Pull up the roots: deal with the deeper reasons
It is easier to be legalistic, at least in the beginning years of Christian life. This is because everyone is a legalist from birth; all are created with God's law written on their conscience (Ro 2:15). I have seen the most licentious non-Christians be amazingly legalistic about certain things. They have a sin nature, but they also have God's legal witness inside.
There are a number of other factors that can exacerbate legalism in a person's life. Breaking its claws, then, will require you to discover the deeper reasons why you personally are drawn to legalism in certain areas. Here are the most common roots:
The law on our conscience (Ro 2:15)...Now that we are saved, we no longer need God's legal writing on our conscience; we have the Holy Spirit to provide loving conviction (Gal 5:18). Therefore, the longer we walk in the Spirit, the more our weak and law-driven conscience will strengthen and rewrite itself according to the Spirit (1Co 8:7-12, Ro 9:1).
Human pride...Some do not wish to admit inadequacy and embrace dependence. Unbroken Christians are stubbornly self-sufficient, the antithesis of New Covenant life, which is absolute surrender and dependence. Self-death, not self-life (Gal 2:20).
Performance-orientation...Some are highly performance-oriented due to overachieving parenting, or a "Type A" style personality, or a capitalistic mentality. They transport these "you-get-what-you-earn" attitudes over to their Christian life and apply them there. Dependence, not performance (Gal 3:3).
Measurability...Legalism is quantifiable, and therefore, capable of visible results (Lk 18:9-12). Grace yields fruit that sometimes cannot be measured or seen. Am I living the Christian life for immediate results that congratulate my reputation, or eternal fruit that lasts and glorifies the Father (Jn 15:8,16)?
Insecurity...Some are fearful and unsure in some way, and therefore, need a predictable and controllable spirituality to feel safe. Resolve the deeper fears and legalism becomes less attractive.
Laziness...Legalism requires no critical thinking, very little Scriptural understanding, and no relationship with the Spirit. In fact, all it requires is a Bible verse or two and an autopilot button. Living by grace through faith requires us to reason with the Spirit and prayerfully think through the situations we encounter.
Inability...Some honestly feel unable to perceive the Spirit and think critically. They have never been taught or tried to learn themselves. Consequently, they settle for a spirituality they can do, legalism, which does not require much perception or wisdom.
Fear of failure...Some do not want to fail God, others, or themselves, and pick a scab concealing shame. Legalism is a less risky alternative, never requiring faith-risks, only ritual. Heal the shame root and be free to fail as you learn to gracewalk!
Christian examples...Some are following spiritual leaders trapped in legalism themselves. This does not mean those leaders are 100% bad. It simply means the follower has not yet learned to discern and "spit out the bones".
APPLICATION: Repent of the bad root (Mt 3:8). Ask the Spirit to change it (Ro 8:13). Confess to others and have them pray for you (Jas 5:16). Obey whatever the Spirit might lead pertaining to the root (Gal 5:18).
Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?
Galatians 3:3 (NIV)
Prophetic Word for 2009
Junior DeSouza
Greetings and blessings friends!
I pray you take the following word before the Lord. Prove and pray through it, and may the goodness of the Lord surround those who show themselves faithful in His sight. Love you all.
GOD'S 2008/2009 MOOD & MODE CHANGE
In 2009, God's mood and mode will change toward America and the American church. It will shift from observation to recompense.
Only a few Christians (that I know of) are aware of the significant change that is happening from 2008 to 2009 inside God Himself. In 2009, God's program toward America and the American church will shift a major gear. Until now, God's mood and mode has been one of observation. This does not mean He was absent or inactive. It simply means He has withheld any positive or negative harvests we have corporately cultivated, passively and patiently observing our corporate choices. Several scriptures reveal God in this intriguing type of mood, this passive observation (Ps 78:65, Isa 42:14, 2Chr 32:31, 16:9). In 2009 and beyond though, He will rouse Himself from observation to recompense. What we have sown as a nation and a national church will start to come upon us in full measure this year and beyond. This will be discussed in detail in the final portion of this word.
5 Months Of Repositionings
In 2009, the 5-month repositioning season that began in November 2008 will continue and end in March 2009.
November 2008 began an approximate 5-month season of major repositioning for significant portions of the church (see www.jdmprophecy.com for complete word). These repositioning are crucial adjustments, modifications, resetting, and shifts the Lord will lead many to make. They may pertain to any area of our life, and some will even be moved to make multiple repositioning. Though we are always being adjusted and readjusted as Christians, this season will contain high importance ones that will have crucial consequences in the near future.
Worship In The American Church
In 2009, worship and Christian music will increase as a unifying force in the church, as God's hand upon it will become more and more obvious. However, along with this will come divine pruning and exposures.
Worship in the American church will continue to become more and more excellent. A great work has been accomplished in this area in large segments of the Body, and therefore, 2009 will show worship continuing to soar. Worship leaders and Christian musicians will enjoy inspiring new musical graces stirring in them. American Christian music will increase as a unifying force in the church, and God's hand upon her will become more and more obvious to the cross-denominational church. In the midst of her shortcomings, musical worship will continue as a primary strength of the American church.
Because of this increasing purpose and glory, noticeable pruning will also happen this year in the music field. Insincerity and immaturity among worship leaders/musicians will be exposed in increasing measures, and those exploiting Christian music for non-kingdom motives will have unpleasant reckonings from the Lord. Beginning in 2009, the Lord will flex His holiness more intensely in the worship/Christian music realm.
Rediscovery Of Play
In 2009, the Spirit will cause large portions of the church to rediscover play, fun, laughter, and lightheartedness.
He will tickle His people in fresh and personal ways to return them to a childlike happiness. The fruit of consistent joy will finally appear for many Christians this year.
Prophetic Ministry
In 2009 and beyond, prophetic ministry will become more important than it has been in all the years since its large-scale revival in 1900's. Therefore, in 2009 and beyond, prophetic abilities will increase dramatically for those Christians who have proven faithful in their maturation requirements.
Why will prophecy become so important? Because in 2009 and beyond, America and the American church will see confusing and multidimensional times. Things will repeatedly not be as they seem, contain numerous layers, and events will happen quickly and unpredictably. More than ever in American history will we need Christian voices with Spirit-guided relevance and uncanny timeliness. Prophetic quality will increase in three main ways:
(1) Many prophetic Christians will experience a revelatory surplus. In other words, they will have more prophetic moods, words, and opportunities than they ever have. Like Peter's fishing net, their receptive capacity will be maxed out (Lk 5:6). Like Peter did, prophetic clusters and cells will be formed to help contain and manage the revelatory surplus (v7; Dan 2:16-18). Because of this dramatic increase in divine communication, the formation of such groups will be a protective must. Many younger prophets will report feeling "over activated" or "over stimulated" or "overwhelmed". Without the safety of prophetic cells, they will easily veer off-course into seclusion, introversion, depression, addictive behaviors, bizarreness, and strange doctrines.
More experienced prophets, please hear me well: it is our responsibility to form these prophetic support groups this year. This will manage the abundance of incoming messages, as well as protect the developmental prophets' health and sanity. In times past, the volume of divine messaging did not demand the widespread formation of such clusters, but the volume coming in 2009 will. Hold the net tight and cluster the helpers (Lk 5:6,7). Gather together Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Dan 2:16-18). Like Agabus, round up the perceivers and let them come along (Ac 11:27,28). In 2009 and beyond, there will be a revelatory surplus.
(2) In certain ways, and especially for certain ministries, prophetic words will be more specific and practical than they have ever been. Many prophesiers will see new altitudes of perception and dependability--the Spirit foreknows the church will need it. Many will enjoy "full circle" moments as their painful preparation finally brings about its corresponding ministerial reward. It will be a year in which God will defend and exalt prophetic ministries that have represented Him and New Testament prophecy well. In 2009 and beyond, prophetic words will be more specific and practical than they have ever been.
(3) God will force prophetic individuation. In many ways there has been a lack of individuality, uniqueness, and distinction among prophetic persons. We are stifled by excessive conformity and uniformity. Many Jacobs are trying wear Esau's skin. See, every prophetic person is packaged with unique prophetic moods, tendencies, vocabularies, and insights. Many though, have veiled their personal glory in seeking to be like someone else or play a role imposed on them. As prophets discover and express their own prophetic individuality, perception, precision, and power soar. Therefore, many prophets will find themselves in handcrafted situations that force them to find and be themselves. In 2009 and beyond, God will force and increase prophetic individuation.
Ending Of Relationships
In 2009, many relationships, partnerships, associations, and alliances will end. Keep in step with the Spirit this year as He updates your social circle and support system.
2008 saw the formation and strengthening of divine connections, while 2009 will see the weakening and ending of others. Just as important as the formation of relationships is the termination of them. Just as other areas of our life experience divine pruning, so also do our relationships and socialism. Relationships continually undergo addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, formation and termination. 2009 is a year of subtraction, division, and termination for many relationships.
A Great Victory Over Aids
In 2009, a great victory over AIDS will happen. The Lord has shown me no specifics so far, yet He did give me a phrase, "My people's prayers have broken through."
Maybe a cure will be found, or new and stronger treatment developed, or supernatural healings in mass, or a powerful move of the Spirit appear in the AIDS community, bringing many to salvation, recommitment, or ministry. These are just possibilities and maybes, it could be any of these or none of these.
Extreme Feminism
In 2009, God will show Himself in the extreme feminist movement. The Lord has shown me no specifics so far, only that He will appear in the organization in some way.
Maybe the movement will come into moderation and balance in certain ways. Maybe there will be numerous turnings and returnings to Christ among its members. Maybe there will be a divine chastisement. These are just possibilities, it could be any of these or none of these.
Japan...An Economic Blessing...A Woman
In 2009, an economic blessing will happen in Japan, and it will be tied to a woman. This will produce millions upon millions of dollars for many people.
The woman will be associated with northern Japan in some significant way. Many investors are looking for where to invest their money. The Lord urges you to patiently wait for this blessing in Japan, then to invest there. The woman will be the sign. When she appears, invest in the economic blessing tied to her. This will produce millions upon millions of dollars for many people.
The Lord speaks saying, "A pleasant fragrance has risen out of Japan to inflame my nostrils. It is the perfume of contrition coming from the houses of prayer in the land. See my people, I have heard you! You will watch and be amazed as storehouses of silver and gold open in your territory. Because of this thing I do for you Japan, many peoples will be nourished and will rejoice. Hear Japan! The stains that have blemished your countenance for many decades will be wiped away inside a week's time, from one rising sun to the next for six days. And you, O nations, would you be jealous and sneer? Are you not only a drop in my bucket? Do I not weigh you on scales of justice? Am I not the father of the nations of the earth, paying them the wages they deserve?"
Russia, China, & America
In 2009, Russia and China will deal shrewdly with America and President Obama. Publicly they will posture favorably and cooperatively, but privately they will scheme to weaken America in three main ways:
(1) secretly funded and resourced attacks on American soil (these attacks may or may not happen in 2009, I do not know, but they will be concocted in 2009), (2) takeover of American businesses by those with Russo-Chinese interests, and, (3) computer system infiltration, bugging, and successful espionage. (NOTE: These might not be discovered, reported, or executed until after 2009, but time will show they began or intensified greatly in 2009.)
China
In 2009, China will begin asserting herself as the world's new "king of the jungle".
They will boast remarkable and ever-advancing economic and militaristic power, to the embarrassment of many first-world countries. This propaganda will be state-motivated, but it will be denied as such. Chinese officials will deceitfully assure President Obama and other world leaders that this is merely the fervor of independent nationalists.
President Barack Obama
In 2009 and 2010, President Barack Obama will be tested by major difficulties, by pre-existing issues of course, but by entirely new ones as well.
His family will be adversely affected, and it will come to public attention. It will cast a brief shadow over his presidency, but Vice-President Joe Biden will deliver him through his actions and words.
America In 2009 And Beyond
In 2009, God's mood and mode will change toward America and the American church. It will shift from observation to recompense. In 2009, the law of sowing and reaping will be in full effect toward America. She will reap three main divine chastisements and three main divine blessings. What we have sown as a nation and a national church will start to come upon us in full measure beginning this year and extending beyond this year.
The prophetic mood and word of God toward America is a mix of chastisement and blessing. Beginning in 2009, the law of sowing and reaping will be in full effect toward America. Where sin and death were sown, divine chastisement will be reaped...where goodness and life were sown, divine blessing will be reaped.
It is hard for some Christians to understand (or accept) that God can chastise and bless simultaneously, that a person or people can reap both life and death in the same season. Remember Jesus' assessment in Revelation 2 and 3? He judged the churches fairly, affirming and rewarding their faithful elements, while rebuking and chastising their unfaithful ones. He did not throw the baby out with the bathwater, nor did He leave the baby in the bathwater. Other passages also reveal such a blended and even-handed divine judgment (2Chr 19:1-3).
This concept also explains the seeming contradiction among certain prophetic words. Some prophesiers are gifted to prophesy coming chastisements, while others are gifted to prophesy coming blessings. And still, some are gifted to prophesy fragments and elements of both. This particular word prophesies a fuller, summarized picture. Having said that, in 2009, America will begin to reap three main chastisements and three main blessings.
Chastisement #1: America will begin to decrease in global authority. A chastisement God often uses is loss of authority, power, and influence. Nebuchadnezzar was chastised in this way (Dan 4). The exact words of his judgment were: Your royal authority has been taken from you (v31). Jesus threatened to remove the Ephesian church's lampstand, or illuminating influence (Rev 2:5). Several contemporary, high-profile mega ministries have lost tremendous authority, power, and influence due to moral and ethical failures.
The same will happen to America. Though she has lost a degree of international respect and rapport in recent years, she has remained dislodged as Mother of Nations. Beginning in 2009, however, her global stature will begin to decline. She will be known as a nation that fulfilled her destiny in several ways, yet was disqualified in others.
Chastisement #2: America's government will begin to rift. Another common divine chastisement is division, conflict, and chaos. God smote Gideon's enemies by turning them against one another (Ju 7:22), as well as Jehoshaphat's enemies (2Chr 20:22,23). God will judge Gog the same way (Eze 38:21,22). Azariah spoke to King Asa about this type of divine chastisement (2Chr 15:6).
God's dividing of His people into two separate kingdoms, Israel and Judah, was a judgment for Solomon's departure from the Lord (1Ki 11:10-13,29-36). Isaiah prophesied of divine division and chaos coming upon unfaithful Israel (Isa 3:4,5). At His crucifixion, Jesus' garment was divided among the soldiers, a representation of God's judgment upon Him for our sins (Jn 19:23,24). Paul recognized that certain differences, disagreements, and divisions in the Corinthian church were providentially intended to reveal those with God's favor (1Co 11:19).
The same type thing will happen in the American government. Beginning in 2009, a significant governmental rift will break the surface. This rift may or may not be in full measure in 2009, but it will certainly break the surface in some way, subtly or obviously, this year. This rift will not be the typical democrat-republican divide. It will go down deeper and spread out wider, further dismantling America's potency and capability.
Chastisement #3: America will experience unusual heat and wind in certain locales. A third common chastisement God uses is intensely hot weather. Scripture says much about this. Fervent heat is consistently equated with God's holy displeasure, He being a consuming fire that consumes sin and enemies (Isa 33:14, 66:15,16, Ps 50:3,4). The very real lake of fire aptly executes God's eternal displeasure (Rev 20:15). God's chastisement on Ahab and Jezebel was a three and a half year national drought (1Ki 17:1,18:18). Solomon recognized this judgmental use of heat/drought (2Chr 6:26,27), and God Himself said He would use them in such a way (7:13). God showed His displeasure towards Jonah by sending intense heat and scorching wind upon his head (Jnh 4:8). He threatened to judge Assyria in this way, declaring that His burning heat would "consume the glory of his forest and of his fruitful field, both soul and body; and they will be as when a sick man wastes away" (Isa 10:16-19). Heat and wind are common divine chastisements in Scripture.
Two passages especially are rhema-words for America. First, Amos 4:7: I also withheld rain from you when the harvest was still three months away. I sent rain on one town, but withheld it from another. One field had rain; another had none and dried up. Second, Ezekiel 14:13: Son of man, if a country sins against me by being unfaithful and I stretch out my hand against it to cut off its food supply and send famine upon it and kill its men and their animals... Notice this entire passage (v12-23) refers to any nation that continually defies God, not just Israel.
In 2009, America will begin to experience these two passages in certain ways and to differing degrees. Consider also this dream the Lord gave me about this, and see how closely it resembles Amos 4:7 and Ezekiel 14:13:
I walked up to a house and went to the backyard. It was incredibly hot, staggering hot, like sitting in a Jacuzzi way too long. As I approached the back yard, I noticed there were several dead animals that had died from the heat. I also noticed a few animals outside the fenced-in yard trying to get in and eat the dead ones. The live ones were unusually aggressive from being very hungry. I entered the yard and walked around and found a sweet dog lying in the shade. He was alive, but very weak. I took the dog and cared for it, knowing that eventually the vicious animals would find a way in and devour him. Then I woke up.
After praying and fasting for some weeks afterwards, and after the illumination of Amos 4:7 and Ezekiel 14:13, I am convicted this dream is a preview of what some locales will experience beginning in 2009. Intense heat/wind affects plant and animal life, and since only the strong survive in the animal world, weaker ones will perish first while stronger ones become increasingly hungry and hostile. Weakened plant and animal life implies weakened economics from such sources, and therefore, locales experiencing such weather will experience economic setbacks. Weakened plant and animal life implies deteriorated food supply, and intense heat implies deteriorated water supply, and therefore, such locales will also experience malaffected food and water. Amos 4:7 and Ezekiel 14:13 is upon us. (NOTE: Pleasant weather with consistent rain showers, on the other hand, is presented as God's favor [Deu 28:11,12], which produces bountiful crops, healthy livestock, and financial abundance [Ps 65:9-13, 104:10-18, 107:35-38].)
RESPONSE: In the same way a farmer cannot change the harvest he has already cultivated, so also we cannot reverse the national harvest that is upon us. We can, however, respond in individual and familial ways to be protected, and even prosper. The Spirit illuminated Psalm 121:5,6 to me concerning this. Those who have and continue to faithfully look to the hills to find their help in the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth, will find shade at His right hand and not be harmed by the sun by day or the moon by night. He also illuminated Psalm 91 and Isaiah 3:10,11. Put simply, Psalm 121, Psalm 91, Isaiah 3:10,11 are the present promises of God's deliverance for the faithful, the seekers, the obedient, the worshipers, the listeners. Be faithful, seek, obey, worship, and listen to Him with all your heart and strength.
On the other hand, America has sown and cultivated much good. Remember the assessments of Revelation 2 and 3...the Lord chastises the unfaithful elements, but rewards the faithful ones. In 2009, America will begin to reap three main divine blessings.
Blessing #1: America will increase in Christian broadcasting. God will preserve and increase key Christian elements in America, namely, her broadcasting. The American church has blessed many lives through media, and therefore, God's blessing will be seen in greater and greater measures in Christian broadcasting. New Christian stations, programs, and television ministries will be established, increasing the reach of God's Word nationally and internationally. A greater cross-denominational representation will happen, as other stations begin to approach the influential and affluential level TBN has reached. Though certain aspects of America will be under divine chastisement, Christian broadcasting will "rule in the midst of her enemies" (Ps 110:2) as God "prepares a table for her in the presence of her enemies" (23:5). In 2009, Christian broadcasting and those involved in it will reap greater and greater blessing. It will be a safe haven, storehouse, and strategy room.
Blessing #2: American athletics will increase with God's favor. Sports in America have been a favorite conduit for God's presence and purpose. Christian sportsmen like Reggie White, Tony Dungy, Danny Wuerffel, and Michelle Akers-Stahl have faithfully taken God's love to America via the sports world. Most of us never get to hear the life changing stories of people touched by Christ in the locker room, at the pre-game meal, or on the plane ride. Many have proven faithful in their athletic calling, and therefore, God is adding unto them and giving them an abundance. God's pleasure and financing will increase to Christian athletes. Salaries will be increased, sports ministries will blossom, and a greater harvest of changed lives will come from the sports world. More faithful Christian head coaches will be hired, and they will approach their teams in the name of Jesus. God will give them strange successes, victories, and championships, simply to give them a microphone by which they will declare His praises. God Himself will invest in the sports world, keep it intact and flourishing, and bring a blessing to Himself through it.
Blessing #3: Many American Christians will see financial more-than-enough, and therefore, will set up storehouses for the years to come. For many who have been faithful to the Lord and His financial tests, 2009 will see the ending of such tests, a removal of debts, favorable job opportunities, large material gifts, and financial more-than-enough. The byproduct will be the setting up of Joseph-type storehouses for days to come. These storehouses will consist of four main things: extended food supply, extended drink supply, gasoline, and other basic living necessities. The Spirit will touch some to store up for an exact number of people. The Lord will provide great deals on vehicles, storage facilities, homes, land, and other storage-relevant commodities. Perceive and purchase! Many Christians will abound and be comfortable in a time of lack because their faithfulness has brought them this reward. Because of this, they will save others with the gospel as the lost nearby witness God's foresight, protection, and abundance upon His faithful ones. Financial more-than-enough will come upon many faithful this year, and they will set up storehouses.