Shifts - Impressions for the year 2012

What's in store for us in 2012? 

The Lord promised light and understanding to us, that we may walk securely on firm ground. It is not in God’s character to leave His children in the dark. 

I believe 2012 shall be marked by “SHIFTS.”

In his 8^th habit companion DVD, Steven Covey coined the fast-paced and turbulent changes happening in our day as “Permanent Whitewater.” He stated, “Everything is changing. And not only is it changing, but it is changing at an accelerated rate…The old successful patterns, practices [and] processes no longer work…[Permanent whitewater] is a constant changing churning environment.”

The Lord is changing the times and seasons. Daniel 2:20-22 declares,

“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
For wisdom and might are His.
And He changes the times and the seasons;
He removes kings and raises up kings;
He gives wisdom to the wise
And knowledge to those who have understanding.
He reveals deep and secret things;
He knows what is in the darkness,
And light dwells with Him."

As he gives us understanding of the times, may God’s Word light our path and order our steps. As we walk in His truths, we shall be strong. We shall thrive even in the midst of unexpected, turbulent and shifting tides.

The following are my impressions on 2012. You may disagree on my views. The scripture quoted above, however, cannot be disregarded. I believe the Lord is fulfilling His word even as we speak. Blessed are those who pay attention to His words.

Shifts in Life Cycles: 

Prevalence of Deaths and Births

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, NKJV)

Changes in global weather patterns will intensify Jesus’ prophecy about the earth’s birth pangs. “There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.” (Matthew 24:7-8, NLT) 

The earth’s landscape is undergoing massive shifts. As a result, communities will die due to calamities, famines and pestilences, and will find re-birth through displacement, migration and assimilation to other cultures.

When God decrees famines, earthquakes and pestilences toward a land because of its wickedness and corrupt ways, the righteous living in it will not be able to stop it. They can only save themselves by their righteousness. There is peace to the righteous but constant trouble to the rebellious. (See Ezekiel 14:14-16)

According to Ezekiel 14:12-22, God’s four disastrous acts of judgment against the land are:

(1) the sword (wars, invasions, violence), 

(2) famine (scarcity of food and natural resources), 

(3) wild beasts (may also possibly include examples such as foot and mouth disease, bird flu, mad cow disease and other diseases transmitted by animals), and 

(4) pestilence (plagues and infestations). 

In addition to environmental turbulence, there may also be wild shifts in governmental leadership, that may either result to or result from changes in national policies, processes and economies.

If people in the land repents of its wickedness and turns to God, the Lord will stay His hand and spare that land from judgment.

What does the Lord require of us?

“What does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Deuteronomy 10:12, NKJV)

“But He’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don’t take yourself too seriously - take God seriously.” (Micah 6:8, MSG)

This is an exciting time for the church because doors will swing wide open to influence the world for good. The church must be ready to harvest souls to the glory of God. Let us pray for the Lord of the harvest to send out workers.

“Father in heaven, in your mercy and grace, send out workers to your harvest and bless our land for Christ’s name’s sake, amen.”

Shifts in Moral Climate: 

Righteousness and Ungodliness Will Both Intensify

“The Angel continued, ‘Don’t seal the words of the prophecy of this book; don’t put it away on the shelf. Time is just about up. Let evildoers do their worst and the dirty-minded go all out in pollution, but let the righteous maintain a straight course and the holy continue on in holiness.’” (Revelation 22:10-11, MSG)

The parable of the wheat and tares relates that the righteous and the wicked will both grow together. (Matthew 13:24-30) The angels and servants of the Lord asked why there was wickedness among the righteous when only good seeds (wheat) were planted in the field.
(Picture on the left: the stalk in the middle is a tare, the stalk in the far left is a mature tare, and the one to the right is a mature wheat. Young wheat and tares are indistinguishable.)

The Lord told them plainly that an enemy, Satan, sowed bad seeds (tares) among the good ones (wheat). The angels then asked if they can immediately pull the bad ones out. The Lord said, “No” because in doing so, the good ones might unintentionally be uprooted. 

This speaks of God’s great mercy towards those who are called saints but still associate with ungodly people. Some of these ungodly people have crept in the church and established strong relationships with unsuspecting saints. Tearing them apart may cause undue damage. The saints entangled with ungodly people may lose their opportunity to grow in the Lord, become offended and leave. God is truly merciful and does not want anyone to perish.

On the other hand, we are not saying, “Do not befriend sinners.” For how can we win sinners to Christ if we treat them as enemies? Associating with the ungodly in the above means attaching yourself with those who call themselves Christians but are immoral, rebellious and unruly. 

Jude 16-19 states, “These people are grumblers and complainers, they follow their evil passions, their mouths speak grandiosities, and they flatter others to gain advantage. But you, dear friends, keep in mind the words spoken in advance by the [Apostles] of our Lord [Jesus Christ]. They told you, “During the End Times there will be scoffers, following their own godless passions.” These are the people who cause divisions. They are controlled by their impulses, because they don’t have the Spirit.
(Picture on the right: Mature Tare on the left and fruitful wheat on the right. Tares contain black seeds that when eaten causes dizziness and nausea.)

The Lord said, “Let both grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvesters to sort out the weeds, tie them into bundles, and burn them, and to put the wheat in the barn.” (Matthew 13:30, NLT)

In our society, righteousness and wickedness will both grow together. The unrighteous becomes more brazen, while the saints becomes more powerful in their testimonies. 

Even in the church, righteousness and wickedness will grow together. If it is a shock to you that there are wicked people in the church, consider what the Lord said in Matthew 7:21-23,

“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On Judgment Day, many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’” (NLT)

This calls for discernment among the saints. Jude exhorts us,

“Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked our for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ. (Jude 3-4, NKJV) These so called ‘ministers’ are driven by their own fleshly motives, selfish ambitions and greed (Jude 10-13)

We can determine them by observing the fruit of their lives and ministries. 

“Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.” (Matthew 7:15-20, NLT)

Is there godliness or Christ-likeness in their speech, manners, principles and character? A godly tree will bear godly fruit.

Shifts in Acts of the Holy Spirit: 

Kingdom Movement Invading All Areas of Society

I believe we have entered into one of the most glorious times of the church. The Holy Spirit is stirring up great spiritual hunger in every area of society - individuals, families, people groups, governments, sports and entertainment, academe, marketplace and even world religions, to turn people to God.

Sure, there are troubles here and there, but the spiritual climate is shifting in favor of the church. The Kingdom of God is invading every area of society with His glory.

I also believe that the Lord is bringing revival in the family. The enemy forged a vicious attack here but God says Satan will not get away with it. The Lord is stirring up a fresh spirit of unity, love, righteousness, peace and joy in the home. 

God wants our families to be the expression of heaven on earth. Coming home will be such a delight because of God’s glorious presence and goodness residing with us at home. This is truly a “Home sweet home!” 

The Lord wants “to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous - to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Luke 1:17, NIV) God wants families to be ready for the second coming. Restoration of families is God’s end time move.

In the church, the fresh wind of the Holy Spirit is blowing. She is not backing down but advancing with new life, power and glory of God. There may be a renewed satanic attack against the church, but God has a glorious plan and the enemy will never succeed. The Lord has the upper hand, and He already declared Himself and His saints as the winner.

John 1:4-5 declares, “In [Christ Jesus] was life and the life was the light of mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not suppressed it.” (CJB)

As you flip the switch in a dark room, light instantly chase away darkness. In the same way, darkness scampers when God shows up. We, as children of light, will overcome darkness in a big way.

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (I John 4:4, NKJV)

I believe this is God’s word: “I have pronounced blessings to my church.” 

We are not referring only to a local church but the whole body of Christ. It is high time to focus on God’s kingdom and agenda, and not on our own little fences. Favor has been granted to the saints and we shall overcome.

The following is a picture of the church and the world. For not allowing the children of Israel to leave Egypt, the Lord executed ten plagues in that land. Plague number nine is “darkness that can be felt.” Exodus 10:21-23 states,

“Adonai said to [Moses], ‘Reach out your hand toward the sky, and there will be darkness over the land of Egypt, darkness so thick it can be felt!’ Moses reached out his hand toward the sky, and there was thick darkness in the entire land of Egypt for three days. People couldn’t see each other, and no one went anywhere for three days. But all the people of Israel had light in their homes.” (CJB)

In the world, there is trouble. In the church, there is joy.

In the world, there is chaos. In the church, there is peace.

In the world, there is confusion. In the church, there is understanding.

In the world, there is darkness. In the church, there is light.

Reflections:

The church must be ready with God’s solution when people cry out for answers. Revival is just around the corner, and we must live consecrated lives as His royal priesthood walking in holiness, righteousness and declaring His praises. (1 Peter 1:13-2:10)

When our lives are fully committed to the LORD, He makes the times and seasons of our lives beautiful. “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11, NKJV)

There may be jolts, unexpected shifts and turns all around us but we will not be shaken. God is our rock - steadfast and unshakable.

James 1:17-18 declares, “Every good act of giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father who made the heavenly lights; with him there is neither variation nor darkness caused by turning. Having made his decision, he gave birth to us through a Word that can be relied on…” (CJB)

In the face of chaotic shifts, we must stand firm on solid ground. When changes are happening all around us, we must hold on to someone who never changes. God has no shifting shadows. God is constant, immovable and perfect. When He blesses, He never recalls His word. We can fully trust Him.

As we navigate through 2012, let us focus our sights in Christ. Colossians 3:1-3 says,

“So if you were raised along with Christ, then seek the things above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. Focus your minds on the things above, not on things here on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, appears, then you too will appear with him in glory!” (CJB)

“Therefore, put to death the earthly parts of your nature - sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed (which is a form of idolatry); for it is because of these things that God’s anger is coming on those who disobey him. True enough, you used to practice these things in the life you once lived; but now, put them all away - anger, exasperation, meanness, slander and obscene talk. Never lie to one another; because you have stripped away the old self, with its ways, and have put on the new self, which is continually being renewed in fuller and fuller knowledge, closer and closer to the image of its Creator. The new self allows no room for discriminating between Gentile and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, foreigner, savage, slave, free man; on the contrary, in all, Christ is everything.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with feelings of compassion and with kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with one another; if anyone has a complaint against someone else, forgive him. Indeed, just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must forgive.

Above all these things, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together perfectly; and let the peace which comes from Christ be your heart’s decision-maker, for this is why you were called to be part of a single Body.

And be thankful - let the Word of Christ, in all its richness live in you, as you teach and counsel each other in all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude to God in your hearts. That is, everything you do or say, do in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. (Colossians 3:5-17, CJB)

Blessed be the name of the Lord. Come, Lord Jesus, amen:)

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* If you are sick and tired of living a sinful life, go to Jesus and start a new life. God is ready to forgive and welcome you back. Pray this simple prayer from your heart: “God, I am sorry for all my sins. Please forgive me. Thank you for sending Jesus to die on the cross in order to suffer terrible punishment in my behalf. Lord Jesus, be my master. I will love and obey you for the rest of my life, amen.”

**If you call yourself a Christian yet displease God by your life, turn from your sins and recommit your life to Jesus Christ. He is knocking at the door of your heart. Open your heart to Him and get back to your first love. 

Pray this prayer: “Lord, please forgive me for not living the way I should. I am sorry to offend you by not walking in your paths. I turn away from displeasing and offending you. Pour out your Spirit upon me and be truly the Lord over my life, Lord Jesus, amen.

***If you are a believer that is dissatisfied with your current spiritual state and want to grow closer in the LORD, pray this prayer: “My Father in heaven, in your mercies and grace, separate me from the world and its ways. Make me wholly yours and use me for your glory. Lift me up higher and cause me to walk in your highway of holiness. Show me the right way to live and cause me to walk in your paths. Lord Jesus, fill me with Your Holy Spirit again and again until I become just like you. I place my hand in your hand. Take me where you are. I love you God with all my heart. Be pleased with my life, as I live in Jesus’ name, amen.”