March Forth on March 4th

Over the past several months we have heard numerous prophetic words from many local, national and international prophetic voices regarding 2005 being a year of unprecedented favor, blessing and overflow for the Body of Christ. For many it will be a year of exiting the wilderness and entering the long awaited land of promise. At the risk of being redundant, I felt impressed by the Lord to reemphasize certain key tactical maneuvers that will thwart Satan’s attempts at keeping us in a wilderness of defeat and secure our breakthrough and entrance into our Canaan land of promise in 2005.

Ya Gotta Believe

This month an internationally known prophet conducted a series of meetings in the Phoenix area. During these meetings he prophesied that those in the southwest region of the U.S. that have been experiencing unprecedented rainfall, including Arizona and California, would be the first to experience the rain of revival. He also indicated that the Body of Christ in this region had been plagued by a spirit of unbelief that was keeping us from experiencing God’s blessing. Not unlike the children of Israel, we were neither entering into God’s rest nor their land of promise because of unbelief.

Hebrews 3:19 “So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.”

The wilderness is a season of internal warfare, where the Lord works within us to conquer pride, selfishness and ambition and develop in us humility, selflessness and a servant’s heart. The wilderness is often an extended season of preparation, where the Lord brings us through difficult, character molding circumstances that often involve disappointment and defeat. Multiple dream dashing experiences often produce hopelessness, fear, cynicism, unbelief and a resignation that must be overcome once the wilderness season is complete.

For a great number in the Body of Christ, that wilderness season has come to a close. Many who have had their dreams dashed or delayed for years will suddenly find favor, promotion and opportunity in 2005, if they will simply believe.

No More Crumbs!

This prophet also prophesied that we must no longer be satisfied with eating the crumbs that have fallen from the Master’s table, but instead anticipate feasting at His banqueting table. In contrast with the wilderness season, the land of promise is a season of external warfare, where the Lord favors and empowers us to take ground from the enemy to expand the kingdom of God. To obtain and enjoy the promise in this year of favor, we must shake off the cynicism and resignation of wilderness unbelief, and arise in the conquering spirit of Joshua and Caleb to claim the spoils of war in our land of promise. It is a new season where we must strip off wilderness mentalities of scarcity, lack and defeat and through praise and prayer enter boldly into our long awaited inheritance.

This blessing and empowerment is not only for our own enjoyment, but for us to have influence as ambassadors of the kingdom of God. In this new season of promise, the Lord is equipping and commissioning us to proclaim liberty to the captives, heal the sick and brokenhearted, empower the weak, and save the lost in every venue of influence that He has given us.

Abundance and breakthrough are on the horizon for the Body of Christ, and March 4^th, 2005 will be the beginning of a great crossing over into that land of promise for much of the Body of Christ.

Disease, Discreditation, Discouragement & Distraction

Aware that many are approaching the Jordan River and are starting to “cross over” from the wilderness into the promised land, Satan has begun an all out attack on the Body in January and February of 2005.

I personally know of many that have been attacked physically in their bodies since January and have been rendered ineffective. Others have had previously resolved personal issues suddenly rear their ugly head. Still others recently have been distracted off course or discouraged through unexpected hardship, financial difficulty or betrayal. Over the past couple of weeks, I know of some that have been wrongfully accused and discredited in the marketplace due to no fault of their own.

Despite these recent hardships, the Lord wants us to:

1. Recognize with Wisdom the subtle attacks of the enemy.

2. Retaliate with Worship in triumphant declaration of our victory.

3. Rest in Winning, knowing that our redemption draws near.

We are on the edge of entering our promised land. Hold fast and allow the Lord to fight in your behalf. March 4^th, 2005 marks the beginning of a new season of favor and blessing for the Body of Christ. So march forth on March 4^th!