April 22, 2013 – Allen and Diane Lake
Watch and Pray
There is a repetitive theme in the spiritual realm at this time that is hard to miss. My husband and I recently participated in an intercessors’ conference titled, “Awake Warriors,” and I know of at least two other recent conferences hosted by separate prophetic ministries with “Awake” or “Awakening” in the titles. Many prophetic words released for 2013 referenced awakening, and one I encountered called 2013 A Year of Awakening.
Prolonged repetition typically causes one of two responses. One response is to become “dull of hearing” (Matt. 13:14, 15) – lulled because the message has become familiar, and there has likely been delayed expectation. Spiritually speaking, the right response is to shift into “high alert,” as something that is being prophetically repeated through different means indicates it is of critical importance.
It’s ironic that the call to “awake” is given when we are most apt to sleep! In Luke 21:36 we are told to “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” This passage is set within the context that in the Last Days, many will become distracted by “the cares of life,” and the Day will come upon them unexpectedly (vs. 34).
Revelation 3, addressed to the church in Sardis, says it this way:
Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die… Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. (vs. 2, 3)
The warnings above are directed to saints, not unbelievers. By understanding what the Spirit is saying to the church, we will be better able to stay spiritually awake in challenging times – alert to His purposes in the earth and what our part is in them.
A Company of Prophets
We have moved into an era when it has become essential to know the times we are in and what the prophets are saying by the Spirit. Just as John the Baptist prepared the way for the Savior’s first coming, the company of prophets He has raised up will be those who prepare the way for the second coming of Christ.
The role of the New Testament prophet differs somewhat from the Old, yet there are certain elements of the anointing that remain the same. Prophets “root out and pull down” and “build and plant” (Jer. 1:10). They hear what the Lord is doing in the earth and have the ability to cause the people to prosper (Amos 3:7; 2 Chron. 20:20).
In Ezra chapters 4-6, we see that prophets have the anointing to prophesy when to build in order to finish (5:1-2, 6:14). Work on restoring the temple had been stopped by the opposition – until the prophets brought word that it was the Lord’s time to build and finish. Under their anointing, the opposition was silenced and the work resumed, prospered, and was completed (6:13, 14).
Today, the prophets are speaking that these will be days of contrast, conflict, and completion. The purposes of God are moving forward in the earth; you have to be awake to it or not. It’s starting to sound repetitive, but I continue to hear the Lord say that you have to know what’s going on (and be prepared) in order to participate. (See Matt. 25:1-13.)
By Invitation Only
I once felt the Lord led me to post something on our ministry Facebook page. Concerning salvation, I wrote that in essence, when Jesus died on the cross, God sent everyone a “friend request.” All are invited to personally receive the gift of salvation. This invitation, however, requires a response – much like a friend request. To ignore it is the same as refusal; all are invited to the “invitation only” experience of salvation. (John 3:16, 17)
In much the same way, all believers are invited to take part in God’s plans for this time – by invitation only. Being free to participate in something is different than being free to do whatever you want. In other words, God has a place reserved for you if you want it, but you have to know what’s going on in order to participate.
Perhaps you are familiar with the seasons we are in and are part of the Third Reformation network of believers. If not, be sure to reference previous articles we have written, and to take advantage of resources and materials written by the prophets. Of particular interest are those by Dr. Bill Hamon of Christian International Ministries, who specializes in the times and seasons within the earth –particularly within the church.
Not only must we be aware of God’s purposes in the earth and our part in them, but also, we must stay alert to directing others within our spheres of influence. It is indeed a time when the Lord will not fail us. (Heb. 13:5) This promise, however, is given within the context of the boldness required in not fearing what man might do to us! (vs. 6) We will need this godly confidence in the days ahead.
Major Change
Not long ago, my husband and I had lunch with a dear friend and former prophetic mentor. As we finished, she said she sensed the Lord had a word of wisdom for us to give to her and her husband.
Immediately, a word was brought forth. My husband began to tell of some of the practical preparedness steps we were taking for days ahead, and the Spirit led me to tell them, “Don’t expect things to stay the same.”
In this new era of change – He’s calling it forth. Change is imminent and inescapable. Major change, in fact, is here; it doesn’t have to look like major change to be major change.
We see this illustrated in 1 Kings 18:41-46. Elijah heard the “sound of abundance of rain” – before it arrived. We tend to think Elijah sent his servant to look again for the cloud seven times because of his great faith; I believe it was because he understood that major change was here, before it looked like it was. You could call it faith or you could call it fact. Elijah knew it didn’t have to look like major change to be major change.
Many have been waiting for the drought concerning God’s promises to end. The drought is over. Those who have endured the process are about to be taken to the next level. A word of caution though, you have to think a little different to get to the next level.
This is not a time to be affected by low self-esteem. In the area of ministry and calling, there will be many who are vaulted to another level. Make sure you are not hampered by a low estimation of what God can do through you. The time of small beginnings has been for a purpose, and His hands are about to finish the work. (Zech. 4:9, 10)
Pay attention to the next 60 days – or two months. Previously (last October) I had a word to especially be seeking the Lord for strategy in the next five months. Now, I believe we are to especially be seeking the Lord to call forth His change over us in the coming two-month period.
Covenantal Blessing
There is a move within the Spirit to reestablish covenant with the Lord. This applies to nations, states, ministries, and businesses – almost any level you could think of. Within any blessing of covenant, however, there lies an inherent curse. Those who choose not to be sheep are goats. (See Matt. 25:31-46.)
In Deuteronomy 29 there is a record of the covenant renewed with Israel in Moab. The purpose of the covenant was that “He may establish you today as a people for Himself, and that He may be God to you.” (vs. 13) Yet along with the blessing was a curse… if one chose not to do that which caused one to be blessed according to the Lord.
Verses 18-20 of this chapter warn of this curse upon individuals who claim a group covenantal blessing while determining to follow the dictates of their heart, rather than God. This passage shows that such individuals will be separated out that the curses may settle upon them.
We must recognize that obedience is key to the season we are in, not because it earns us anything or is our duty, but because it indicates commitment of heart and brings the blessing. Those who do not obey do not have an “acceptable sacrifice.” (See 1 Sam. 15:22, 23; John 15:10.)
In this era of change, we will see God continue to divide and separate men according to their hearts. (1 Tim. 5:24, 25) The end will be to reveal a people who will be called holy unto the Lord, who will display His glory and provide a place for Him to dwell in covenant. In the midst of shaking, these who remain in spiritual Zion will find a refuge from the storms. (Isa. 4:3-6)
Lord, may we be those who in Your presence… remain.
Pray
1. That all believers would be spiritually awake to what the Spirit is saying and doing in the earth. (Rev. 3:2, 3)
2. That the Lord would bring forth His change over your life. (Isa. 42:9)
3. For the renewal of covenantal blessing in your nation, your city, and the spheres of influence in your life. (Deut. 29:9-13)
Act
1. Be aware of what the Lord’s prophets are saying to the church. Plug into prophetic ministries by receiving newsletters and utilizing teaching materials and resources. Suggested ministries for consideration include Generals International, Christian International Ministries, MorningStar Ministries, Encounters Network, and WhiteDove Ministries. (2 Chron. 20:20)
2. Repent of any areas of disobedience the Lord may bring to light, and renew your commitment to obey Him. (Deut. 30:19; Josh. 1:8)
Diane is a writer, speaker and minister ordained with both Christian International and Generals International. Her articles are regularly featured on The Elijah List, as well as platforms like Charisma Magazine, Charisma News, Intercessors For America and others. She and her husband, Allen, co-founded Starfire Ministries with a vision to see the kingdom established beyond the four walls of the traditional church. They host a podcast with Charisma Podcast Network, and serve as Church Mountain, Regional, and Montana Coordinators for the Reformation Prayer Network, and as Media Mountain Leader/Facilitators for C.I.’s Culture Influencers.
