pray

Recognizing Jesus – Karen Austin

Whirlwind Teaching and Equipping , , , , , , , , , , ,

I have been contemplating what it is going to look like once this quarantine is lifted. We pretty much know what the world will look like, but what will His church look like? We know from scripture there were many who did not recognize the Presence of God or that Jesus was the promised Messiah.

Jacob, after a day of traveling, scripture says that he stopped at a “certain place”. He laid his head upon a rock to go to sleep. He had a dream where he saw a ladder and angels were ascending and descending. At the top of the ladder was the Lord who pronounced a blessing upon him and his descendants. Upon waking up, Jacob said surely the Lord was in this place and I know it not [Genesis 28:13-15]. It wasn’t that Jacob didn’t know of the Lord, he didn’t expect Him to be in a place outside of a designated house of worship.

We know the scribes and Pharisees did not recognize Jesus as their promised Messiah. Jesus infuriated them because of His claims of who He was and the deeds that He did such as healing the sick on the Sabbath. He threatened their religious systems and traditions, so much so, that they had him crucified. “Men and brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you the word of this salvation has been sent. For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they did not know Him, nor even the voices of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath, have fulfilled them in condemning Him.” Acts 13:26-17.

I somehow think what this will look like will be similar to the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus. After Jesus’ resurrection, but prior to His ascension, two disciples were walking and Jesus joined them. They were kept from recognizing Him. But as they reached their destination and they strongly urged Jesus to stay with them. As they sat down and He broke bread, their eyes were opened to see Him as He was. “When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.” Luke 24:30-31

I believe in this time of being confined to our homes, many have urged Him to remain. We broke bread with Him in His Word. We have taken the elements of communion. We have worshiped and cried out to really know Him. Our eyes have been opened to a greater measure of His splendor and His majesty. We have begun to see Him as He is….and the great part about this is found in 1 John 3:2-3 “Beloved, we are God’s children right now; however, it is not yet apparent what we will become. But we do know that when it is finally made visible, we will be just like him, for we will see him as he truly is. And all who focus their hope on him will always be purifying themselves, just as Jesus is pure.”

The Harvest is Ripe – Karen Austin

Whirlwind Prophetic Teaching , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Lately these words have been coming to me “Many, many in the valley of decision.” This comes out of Joel 3 and I would like to share this portion of scripture with you:

“Swing the sickle, for the harvest is ripe.
Come, trample the grapes, for the winepress is full
and the vats overflow—so great is their wickedness!”

Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision!
For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.
The sun and moon will be darkened, and the stars no longer shine. The Lord will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem; the earth and the heavens will tremble.
But the Lord will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Israel.

“Then you will know that I, the Lord your God,
dwell in Zion, my holy hill. Jerusalem will be holy;
never again will foreigners invade her. “In that day the mountains will drip new wine, and the hills will flow with milk; all the ravines of Judah will run with water.
A fountain will flow out of the Lord’s house and will water the valley of acacias” Joel 3:13-18

I believe these scriptures have prophetic insight to the days we are living. The harvest is definitely ripe and ready for harvest. Many are in the valley of decision. Many have come face to face with their own mortality and inabilities to hold onto what was normal just a few short weeks ago. Uncertainty is the new norm. But we see from scripture that Lord forewarned these days would come. He promises to be a stronghold or place of shelter for His people, for those who will run to Him.

It will be in times such as these and even as darker days appear upon this earth, in these times He has promised that new wine or the new things of Holy Spirit shall flow from the mountain of God. There will be living waters flowing to bring life to where there is death and destruction. It says water will come in the valley of acacias or valley of wilderness. The acacia tree was one of the only types of trees that would grow in the wilderness. The wood is dense and very strong and would endure for a long time.

I hope you are getting what Holy Spirit is saying to you! We, who are His, will not only endure but we will remain strong and out of us His living waters will flow to those who are in despair. We will release His life in places of death. We will sing of His glorious mercies that endure forever and the glory of the Lord will fill the house!

This is the house that the multitudes will run to. It will not be to hear an eloquent speaker. It will not be to one whose diamonds shine for all to see. No, they will flow to the house where the only garments they desire to wear are the garments of righteousness. They will flow to the house whose people have made a decision to be ones who minister to Him and out of that overflow will flow His miracles to the multitudes!

I have so longed for those days and my friends, they are upon us!

Watch for the Seasons of the Lord – Karen Austin

Whirlwind Prophetic Teaching , , , , , , , , , , , ,

As I have been contemplating about this that we are facing and the timelines being set by those in authority, I keep coming back to His seasons never change. The enemy manifesting through man may try to change the days and seasons, but His Word and His seasons are forever settled in Heaven. But many in the church are not aware of the times and seasons of our Father. Many desire things to eventually go back as they have been.

I sense the Lord say “Things have shifted – a new season is upon you. My Kingdom rule and My Kingdom rein through those who are Mine is now the time you have entered. Many have said, have prayed, “Your Kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven”. But they have not embraced the part of My Son’s prayer “Your will be done”. The heart of many in My church is for Heaven to come so they may live a life of ease. For nothing to interfere with their life plans and schedules to further My Kingdom, but I have said in My Word, in this world you will have tribulation.

For your enemy is a legalist and My people are blind to the things that have given him a legal right. But I am raising up a company of those like Jeremiah who will uproot and will plant. I am giving sight to those who seek. I am causing those to raise up a standard as they come into agreement with Heaven. For in this time, there will be those with not only Heaven on their minds, but Heaven in their heart. It will be from this place of abiding in My will and My purpose that a path will be formed for others to follow. I am raising up forerunners who hear even the whispers of My heart. They are becoming so sensitive in this season to My desires that when they see them come to pass such joy will fill them such as they world can give; because they will know for this they prayed, for this they contended.

I say there is a river of revelation coming and this is what will cause My people to rise above the cares of this world, to begin to rule and rein from their Heavenly position. This will cause faith to come to a new level because they trust in Me. A partnering with Heaven is at hand and I desire you to be a part. Will you submit your desires to Me? Will you allow My desires to become your desires? I desire to trust you with the secrets of My heart. I have chosen you to be alive in this space of time, choose wisely.”

Social Media or Jesus? – Frank Work

Whirlwind Teaching and Equipping , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I often wonder how our fore fathers ever were able to get the any information out without the use of social media. To many ministries or people for that matter, have allowed themselves to be judged and swayed, by the opinions and comments of people who either like or dislike what has been posted on their social media sites. Don’t get me wrong, I am in no way against using social media to get the gospel of Christ out there. It’s when I am more concerned about whether I get likes or comments for any particular thread, than I am about pleasing and serving Jesus. If I distinguish what is good by the amount of feedback I get on every single post instead of seeking the heart of the Father, then I truly have lost sight of my first love.

Social media can be a great tool, when used in correlation in the leading of the Holy Spirit. I for one should be asking the big questions before I post anything. Questions like;

“Father should I post this to my social media for all to see, or is this just between you and I?”

“Am I posting this because you told me to post it, or am I posting it to get a rise out of people?”

“Is my post meant to bring hope in Jesus, or to cause controversy and therefore cause my brother to stumble?”

“Am I posting this to be popular and seek fame, or am I posting this because I just want to liked and noticed?”

Social media has become so warped in the past several years from its original purpose. Originally Facebook was meant for students on universities and college campuses to connect through their intranet network, purely as a means of communication through messages and pictures. Now we have what we have now. Facebook has created a generation of people that I have what I like to call, “Keyboard courage.” Basically they will say anything and offend anyone they want through social media, but are just the opposite when met face to face.

We are no longer walking as a people of purpose in spreading the gospel of Christ; we are a people dependent upon social media to do it for us. It’s a wonder that the first generation church ever made it at all. Paul the apostle was infused and connected to the throne of glory and his social media was preaching the gospel of Jesus where ever he went. Perhaps now, more than ever, I need to be more in tune with the Holy Spirit, and follow His leading instead of assuming I have it right. 

A dangerous mindset to have, in my opinion, is to walk through life with the theory of “I would rather ask for forgiveness later, than permission now.” Basically what is being expressed is, I want to do what I want to now, and I’ll worry about the repercussions later. Being selfish is a mindset of the enemy, and being chained by a spirit of selfishness is a gateway which opens up our hearts to many other spirits who will cling on to our spirit-man, and attempt to wrestle us away from turning to the Lord. Satan was filled with selfishness, as described by the scripture below;

Isaiah 14:12-14 (NKJV)

12 “How you are fallen from heaven,
O Lucifer, son of the morning!
How you are cut down to the ground,
You who weakened the nations!
13 For you have said in your heart:
‘I will ascend into heaven,
I will exalt my throne above the stars of God;
I will also sit on the mount of the congregation
On the farthest sides of the north;
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds,
I will be like the Most High.’

Lord guard our hearts against haughtiness and selfish ambition. Protect our minds against the voice of the enemy who would speak lies in an attempt to turn our hearts away from you. Fill us Lord with Your wisdom and Your truth.

Speaking the Word of the Lord in Power – Karen Austin

Whirlwind Prophetic Teaching , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

How many of us believe that our words have power? But do we really? We know that scripture says out of the abundance of our hearts, our mouth speaks. [Luke 6:45] It is in times like these, when the pressure is on, that what we speak is what we are really believing. I have to ask myself, what is it that I have been saying? What is the greater truth that I’m believing in my heart? This is why scripture says for us to hide His Word in our hearts so that is what we will not sin against Him and so what comes out of our mouth is releasing His Kingdom power.

As I have said before, this is our time. We were born for this. It is time that we speak and act different than the world. How else are they going to know who to come to for help in their times of distress if we act and speak like those who have no hope? In the past they may have heard us proclaim Jesus and His promises, but they are looking at us now to see if we really believe what we have been saying.

So we, as His ambassadors on the earth, have to come up higher in our believing and in our speaking. It is time to agree with Heaven. We have to have Heaven’s words in our mouth which release peace, power, healing and hope. He is looking for those who will partner with Him.

Prayer:

“Father, I repent for agreeing with the spin the world has taken on this virus pandemic. I understand that is all they know, but it is not all that I know. I know Your Word is true and I choose to agree with You. May we be instruments of Your peace and healing in this time of distress in our nation, in our cities and in our families. May we lead people out of chaos and into knowing Your divine peace, healing and Your abundant love. Thank You Father, for You have chosen us to be alive in this time. May we rise up to accomplish all that you have assigned us to do to expand Your Kingdom in the sphere of authority You have given us. We look to You and praise You for Your redemptive purposes in times such as these, We rest in You.”

“May the words that come out of my mouth and the musings of my heart meet with Your gracious approval,” Psalm 19:14

Whats Eating at You??? – Gary Florence

Whirlwind Teaching and Equipping , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Before we dive into What’s Eating at You??? Part 2 I would like to say to you that if guilt, shame and condemnation really has never been an issue in your life. I would like to encourage you to right now begin to thank the Lord for that and to give Him praise and to give those who have at times or maybe even as they read this struggle with this, please give grace and your prayers. Guilt, shame and condemnation can be very real.

When you look at yourself in the mirror and all you see is your faults, failures and shortcomings it can have an impact on how you do life. Your relationships with your spouse, your children, other family members, coworkers etc. can become very strained because a lot of the times the way we see ourselves is the way we see others. If we are the judge and jury towards ourselves we can become the judge and jury concerning others faults, failures and shortcomings. Someone might be asking the question “Why share this part of your life with us, we do not know who you are, we will never meet you?” “You are opening yourself up to criticism, finger pointing and even judgment.”  My answer to those questions would be if just one person who stumbles upon this blog and can identify with what I am sharing and would then be willing to allow the Holy Spirit to walk them through the process of freedom from guilt, shame and condemnation it would be worth allowing you into a portion of my life.

In Ephesians it declares that we would be blameless and holy before God even before the foundation of the world. I do not know about you but that is hard to wrap my mind around that. So if I am “now” in Christ, that blameless and holy before God is part of who I am and that when God looks at me I am clothed with the righteousness of Christ Jesus. WOW!! So if I could see through the lens of God at me, He sees me without guilt, shame and condemnation. Just think about that for a few moments.

Take a deep breath inhale and now exhale, you are awesome in the sight of God and you are not what the enemy or others have labeled you as being. You may be thinking to yourself “I do not feel blameless or holy.” It’s not based on feelings but on His word about you. Next time I am going to allow you to walk down memory lane with me on a day in which I was a total train wreck, have you ever been a total train wreck? Then I will share what happened the following day when the Holy Spirit arrested me and asked “Do you want to be set free from guilt, shame and condemnation?” I cannot wait to share with you these keys He shared with me.

The Father’s Heart in Prayer – Frank Work

Whirlwind Teaching and Equipping , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I don’t know about many of you, but this past several months have been a real time of seeking the Lord on decisions and paths that are in front of us. When I say, “us” I mean my wife and I. Before I was saved, my wife was the spiritual head of the household. She did all the things she possibly could do to maintain the presence of God in our home. It was a battle for her, a real struggle, especially since I was in the camp of the enemy. So here you have this spiritual struggle in a home, a home divided against itself, while all the time, our children were trying to figure out what their role was in all this. Prayer is not an easy task, and quite frankly I don’t think it’s supposed to be. The act of “praying” is easy. Assuming the position of prayer, head down, eyes closed mumbling away the prayers that you have listed out that day or come to mind at that moment, and then I’m done.

Here let me outline the prayer I do with my wife in the morning to give you a better perspective of what I mean;

Father we thank you for this day; I ask that you watch over and keep us, guide and direct us, be with us as we go about the task of the day. We ask that you watch over. Watch over our two children and their spouses, watch over our 3 grandchildren.  Watch over our parents and family members. We lift up our home, our vehicles and our finances. Help us to be good stewards of those things you have placed with in our hands. Open our eyes to see and our ears to hear what You are doing in and around us so that we may follow the path You have for us this day. We thank you Lord for your sacrifice on the cross for our sins and help us to be in remembrance of that as we go out this day. We thank You and give You the glory, in Jesus name, Amen.

Now I don’t think that is a bad prayer, I covered all the bases as far as our personal life and gave God the glory at the end. So I should be set for the day, right? Problem is, if that is my first conversation with the Lord in the morning when I first wake up, I am missing so many facets of Him, and the very essence of who He is. I am never really getting a true sense of direction for the day that lies ahead. What I am doing is hoping that He will hear what I am praying and answer those prayers according to my expectations.

I still believe that Jesus was giving a command when He spoke the following words, “This is how you should pray.”

8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen”

When Jesus refers to “them” he is speaking of the heathens who use vain repetition hoping to be heard (Matt 6:7). Prayer to me is an intimate communication between myself and Jesus. Prayer isn’t just asking for something selfishly, but it’s aligning my heart with the heart of the Father. Yes there are moments when we can come before the “Master to Petition Him” (Luke 18) He listens to His children and would never turns His back on the elect which are covered in the blood of His Son. Selfishly praying will not yield a fruitful prayer life, but only disappointment and eventually mistrust in Jesus that He will not accomplish anything in your life. This is a direct assault of the enemy against the body of Christ. When we see our prayers not answered, the enemy, who is Satan, will begin his assault on our hearts and whisper to our spirit man, “You see, He doesn’t care about you, He won’t answer you because He has no time for your request.” The enemy is relentless when it comes to attacking the body of Christ, he will never cease, there is nothing he wants more than to draw your focus away from God, and onto yourself.

Finally here to me is the clearest direction on how we pray and how we can align our hearts with His and to know without a shadow of a doubt what the Fathers heart is concerning any situation in our life.

3 Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

This is the best description in my opinion of what it means to have the desires of your heart answered. Because it’s not about us at all, it’s about the Fathers heart for us. When we line our hearts up with His heart and His will, the Holy Spirit will cause our hearts to line up with His heart. At this point, His desire will become ours and we will be praying in line with His will for us. The keys to this are in the scripture I just shared, “Trust in the Lord, Feed on His faithfulness, Delight yourself ALSO in the Lord, and THEN He will grant the desire of your heart.”

If we as Christian really do give our lives to Jesus, then we are saying we trust in fact that Jesus knows a better way for us to pray and ultimately serve in a “right spirit” in His kingdom.

Prayer can Affect the Unseen Realm – Karen Austin

Whirlwind Hearing the voice of the Lord , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

“God will give swift justice to those who don’t give up. So be ever praying, ever expecting, just like the widow was with the judge. Yet when the Son of Man comes back, will he find this kind of persistent faithfulness in his people?” Luke 18:8 TPT

As I was pondering all that we are seeing happen in the world, the fear, the storing up of more than is necessary, the extreme measures that are being called, and this verse came to my mind. Here He is saying we need to be ever praying…not just when a storm of life comes our way.

I just read of a college professor who stopped class early and said he needed to pray. Any student who wanted to leave could do so, but those who wanted to stay could. The professor then began to pray for the students, their families and the world. Then another student began to pray. So we see, even in the midst of a pandemic, God is moving upon the earth. Actually, God releases some of the greatest demonstrations of His acts when it is the darkest.

This is the focus that we are to have..what is happening in the unseen realm. “While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18.There is much activity happening in the unseen realm. He is doing so much that we are not aware of. This is why we pray. Prayer is what releases that which He desires to do in the midst of trials upon the earth.

The second part of the scripture I started with deals with whether when Jesus returns, will he find faith on the earth. What is happening with the virus is only a portion of what will take place before His return. It is His people, you and I, which must partner with Heaven. We must remain in faith, trusting Him and His delivering power, instead of agreeing with the fear and unbelief that will flood this earth. Just as the virus is contagious, so is fear. But so is faith!! I have been in conversations where doubt and unbelief were being spoken. I just began sharing God’s point of view and His faithfulness and the conversation turned around as they then agreed with truth. It is our position of being seated with Him in heavenly places (our place of authority) and then releasing upon the earth the wisdom that is from above. “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.” James 3:17

Remember, it is in the midst of gross darkness that we are called to rise and shine, for the glory of the Lord has risen upon us! So my friends, let’s use wisdom. Let’s say what He says. Let’s do what He did. Let’s become a beacon of hope, life and love wherever we are in this dark world.

Whats Eating at You??? (Part 1) – Gary Florence

Whirlwind Teaching and Equipping , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Romans 8:1 says “That there is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ” yet so many of us find ourselves living under that very thing and more times than not you will find shame and guilt lurking around condemnation. In Heb 12:24 it says “and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood (Jesus’), which speaks better than the blood of Abel.” Why is it than we can easily find ourselves stuck under the old when we have before us something new?

For most of my Christian walk I was under this very thing. Every time I would sin this guilt, shame and condemnation would just eat at me and eat at me. Please do not get me wrong when we sin we should have a healthy conviction stir up within side of us but the key word is “healthy.” I would find myself days even weeks later confessing the same sin over and over knowing deep down in my heart that God had already forgiven me the first time I confessed it. The shame, guilt and condemnation was overwhelming. It would consume me at times. Then what would really confuse me is that even though I would feel unworthy to be used by God, He would still use me, sometimes it even felt like He would use me even more in people’s lives when guilt, shame and condemnation was screaming louder in my head.

I would be like “God how and why would you continue to use me to speak in other’s lives when it feels like my life is spinning out of control?” Many times I would just take myself out of the “game” and say to God “I am going to sideline myself until I get this “sin” under control” because the guilt, shame and condemnation would ramp up the intensity when I would step out in spite of it. Does this sound familiar to anyone reading this, do you find yourself shaking your head in agreement with what I am saying?

If this is you I want to let you know that there is hope for you to get out from under shame, guilt and condemnation. We will continue our discussion the next time we get together.

Peace as a Weapon (Part 3) Karen Austin

Whirlwind Teaching and Equipping , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Wherever we walk in peace, i.e. our job, home, it will crush satan’s plans. True peace is the condition of a heart that trusts God, regardless of our circumstances. The peace of God is the power that will lead us to victory over ourselves and the strongholds of the enemy. Peace is a barometer of our trust faith and trust in God.

“Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you.” Philippians 4:6-9 AMP

“And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall GUARD your hearts and minds (THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS) through Christ Jesus.” Guard – Mount, guard as a watcher, to protect, to hem in, keep with a garrison, Picture a fort build around your mind that is what peace will do!

“The Lord will give strength to His people, the Lord will bless His people with peace.” Psalm 29:11

We must seek peace because, as we all know, it does not just fall on us in times of trouble. Remember that our words and our actions must sow peace and unity. When we don’t know which way to go, this scripture is key: “For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace...” Isaiah 55:12. Our knees may be shaking, but we will have a supernatural peace within.

It seems like every day, more and more fear is being unleashed upon the earth. Television and social media are now big proponents of spreading fear. There are no natural solutions to things we are facing and will face in the future. But as we, His Bride, walk in peace, we will not only receive our answers but we will shine as a light in dark places. In this hour, I believe His Bride will know unprecedented peace. ‘He will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed upon You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3. This peace will be a fortress to many. A true sanctuary on earth.

Now is the time to be armed with the peace of God. This peace will be a profound contrast to the fears that are coming upon the world and causing men’s hearts to fail because of fear. It is through abiding in His supernatural peace, we will crush every manifestation of the enemy in our lives.

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27