The Prophetic Blade began as a response to the "false awakening" after 9-11.  Churches filled as people began to realize the gift of life and how fragile it was.  People were open and searching for life answers.  Jesus said that, "I am the way, the truth, and the life," (John 14:6).  The church introduced the lost and searching to their denominations and religion, but not to Jesus.  Intimate and personal relationships were not forged and were no better than the shallow relationships they had in the world.  They became spectators in the crowd while their unique gifts and talents that had laid dormant for so long continued to rust.  They were not equipped for the work of ministry, but were corrected into silence and submission.  In just three short months, the church was back to her pre 9-11 status and numbers.  The Prophetic Blade was birthed as I pondered these facts.  The purpose of this page is to share what Father is speaking to us concerning His church and bride ... and to provide you the same opportunity.  We all only see and prophesy in part, but we can see a much clearer picture and understand the heart of God when we come together with each joint supplying its part ... which the Bible says brings real genuine growth to His body (Ephesians 4).

We sincerely hope you will be blessed by what Father places upon our hearts ... and look forward to your responses.

Many are responding to the "system" of the traditional church and are justified in doing so.  Father is giving many a revelation of the change that He is bringing about.  What I believe and am convinced is dangerous is believing that Father is no longer in the "resurrection" business.  Even the early 1st century church developed traditions, dogmas, bad doctrine, and abuse of gifts and power.  We see this clearly in God's own Word.  He is not surprised by what has happened and has called a remnant to INTERCEED for our brothers and sisters in Christ.  True prophets ordained by the governing of the Holy Spirit have hearts that are broken for the church (people) and desire to not only confront in truth, but also to impart the comfort and love of the Spirit in walking many of His children into the light of the truth.  This will require an anointing from God which will only be obtainable in His presence and from His HAND. 

The Bible says in Exodus 36 that "Bezalel and Oholiab and EVERY SKILLED person to whom the Lord has given skill and ability to know to carry out all the work of constructing the sanctuary are to do the work just as the Lord commanded."  We read in the Word that Moses directed Bezalel and Oholiab and other skillful people to work on the Tabernacle BECAUSE the Lord had given them skill and ability to carry the work out.  God is still calling certain individuals to work on His Tabernacle (His church).  In Exodus 35:4-9, All the people were invited to contribute in this work on the TABERNACLE, but only the SKILLED individuals were INVITED to do the work on the SANCTUARY.  The risk that those invited had to overcome was "to be lifted up with pride."  Bezelel and Oholiab were not only invited, but appointed -- not because Father had skilled them , but becuase the Bible says that they were SPIRIT-FILLED men.  They were completely controlled by God's Spirit.  What I desire to share prophetically is that we never read of Bezelel and Oholiab looking down upon those who were building or laboring outside of the sanctuary.  All kinds of people at different levels of spirituality in relationship to God were doing the best they KNEW HOW in the work.  These skilled prophetic men set their sights on BUILDING a habitation for the presence of God that would change the lives of not only those who were not skilled, but not SAVED.  It wasn't long before it all became a DWELLING PLACE for both God and man.  We must remember that the root sin that caused the Exodus disaster was complaining rather than praying.

Father is withdrawing His prophets from the refining fires of His smoking oven and giving them guidance by a flaming torch.  They will have a mantle of FATHERHOOD and they will recognize that their covenant with the Lord was nothing of their doing.  They will be skilled and anointed with truth, mercy and compassion.

Danny Korakas, WaterMark Ministry, www.watermarkministry.org

Now Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great and honorable man in the eyes of his master, because by him the LORD had given victory to Syria.  He was also a mighty man of valor, but a leper.  And the Syrians had gone out on raids, and had brough back captive a young girl from the land of Israel.  She waited on Naaman's' wife.  Then she said to her mistress, "If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria!  For he would heal him of his leprosy."

If we look at his account a little closer, it is truly a dramatic and compelling story.  We have a Syrian decorated general who is held in tremendous esteem, but at some time had contacted leprosy.  He obviously was able to hid it for a time, but as time went on, it became a life-changing trauma that would ultimately lead to his death.  He was probably at a time where it was becoming difficult to hide.

This will be a year in which the Lord will begin bringing deep issues and hurts in the hearts of women to the surface.  It will become hard to continue hiding these issues and hurts for those who love Him.  You just need to let it come to the surface - it is here that He can shine the light of His love upon them.  Like Naaman, it will be difficult because of the fear of being exposed.  Father will not embarrass us; but we must come to Him exposed if we desire true inner healing.

We also see that in one of Naaman's campaigns or raids into Israel, he captured a young Jewish girl.  In this story we always focus on either Naaman or the prophet Elisha, but I would like to share a little about this young lady and share a few things prophetically with you.

What strikes me first of all is her willingness to help Naaman.  We must remember that this girl was taken captive by Naaman and given to his wife as a servant.  She was torn from her family and all whom she knew and dragged into a foreign land.  She must have been extremely lonely.  Many of you are lonely even through people may be constantly around you.  I gave a prophetic word once in a church that I attended around two years ago concerning women who were lonely.  The alter was full with broken and tender, but lonely hearts.  The Lord desires to take away your lonliness today.

"And it shall be in that day, Says the Lord, that you will call Me 'My Husband' And no longer call Me 'my Master.'  "I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me in rightousness and justice, in lovingkindness and mercy; I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness, And you shall know Me."

You may be like this servant girl who was without hope for a husband.  You may be single and wondering if a godly and lovingkind man even exists.  You may be married and have everything you could ever ask for in a family, but have a spiritual loneliness - one of the greatest hurts is to have a vision from God that nobody else shares or supports.  When your Bridegroom becomes the apple of your eye and your greatest treasure, you will be rich with contentment, purpose and destiny and know that He will work all things out together for your good.  He desires that not only you be rich in relationship with Him, but also with others.

Yes, she was lonely and hurt, but her commitment to the Lord birthed a supernatural compassion in her, even for her captor.  Her job as a servant did not afford her the freedoms and comforts of many she saw in her life.  She had the mundane job of a house servant and on the surface would seem that she had little to none to offer anybody except a  yes mame, yes sir, I'll get right to it, It's almost done, I'll be right there.  Sound familiar?

Most homemakers realize the value they are to their families, especially if you have children.  Most, however, also feel spiritually mundane with a feeling of little to offer the kingdom.  The Lord is going to pour out a tremendous anointing upon homemakers and moms in 2004 to not only impact their families, but also to build His kingdom.  Divine strategies will come into clarity.  Your unique gifts and talents will be manifest and He will give you the courage to activate your dreams and destiny.  Many of you have a mundane job just like this ervant girl.  But because of her commitment and love for the Lord she would bring something to pass so inspiring that Father would choose to put it in His Word.

Naaman would never have been healed and the testimony of God's mercy and compassion through the prophet Elisha would have never happened if not for this unheard-of, very unlikely servant girl.  I am sure that she had no idea of how Father would use her in such a circumstance.  You are not reading this by chance or happenstance.  Father's hand is upon your life and regardless of your circumstances, He is going to anoint, empower, and bless you for His kingdom.  You may not understand everything this side of heaven, but one thing is sure in that He loves you with an everlasting love and has a destiny and a purpose for your life that has eternal benefits in changing peoples lives - even bringing healing to the Naaman's in your life.  How do I know this?  This servant girl with no name and no reputation is being talked about today!  Would she have ever thought it?  Father is talking about you today. 

Danny Korakas, WaterMark Ministry, www.watermarkministry.org

As we build in 2004 we will come to a realization that we need not only a "sword in one hand" but the help of each other to accomplish Father's building plans.  The Master Achitect has not designed a building of dead cement stones, but LIVING stones.  This BUILDING UP will be our RELATIONSHIPS with one another and our relationship with Father. 

Psalm 133:1,3 says, "How good and pleasent it is when brothers live together in unity...For there the Lord bestows His blessing, even life forevermore."  Life forevermore is of course eternal life or salvation.  The fruit of our unity in 2004 will be the SALVATION of many for 2005.  However, a prophetic word can have as little as a 2 in a million chance of happening.  Many prophetic people have been spiritually aborted in traditional churches because of the false belief that "you can tell if he or she is prophetic IF their word comes true."  Well, we tend to forget that there is a responsibility or condition that must be accepted by those who hear a true prophetic word from God.  The children of Israel had an awesome prophetic word of "destiny" and "inheritance" and only 2 in a million were to receive this word and see it fulfilled in their lives!

I am sure this is elementary to some of you in bringing up Jn.17 concerning unity.  But with Fathers anointing upon it, it becomes a reality and THEN a revelation in our lives because we WALK IN IT.  Jesus could have prayed for many things just before His appointment with the cross.  We can only imagine what must have gone through His mind and the tremendous brokenness of His heart in being rejected by those whom He loved and came to save.  Of all He could have prayed for, He prayed that "we would be one." 

"My prayer is not for them alone.  I pray also for those who WILL believe in Me through THEIR MESSAGE, that ALL of them be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You," (See John 17).

Notice the depth and the quality of the unity that Jesus prays for.  Its not tolerant interaction or surface and shallow status quo.  He prays that we, the body of Christ move in the same depth and quality of unity that He and His Father move in!  Times are about to change church.  God is giving us the building plans but the bride must make HERSELF ready for her BRIDEGROOM.  It is an act of perversion for the bridegroom to dress the bride.

In 2004 Father will begin to look at CITIES in how they are building.  In scripture we see God not only dealing with nations, but very often if not more-so with cities.  Cities are the BUILDING BLOCKS of a nation and they all have their own spiritual climate.  Blessing and cursing, judgment and protection are granted to cities depending on their righteousness or their disobedience.  The first mention of God dealing with a city is found in Gen. 18.  "When the men got up to leave, theylooked down toward Sodom and Abraham walked along with them to see them on their way.  Then the Lord said, "Shall I hide from braham what I am about to do?"  Now this of course is a retorical question.  In reality what God was saying is, I WILL tell Abraham My plans and what I am about to do!

RELATIONSHIP will always bring forth REVELATION.  As one who was righteous and lived in the general region of Sodom and Gomorrah and someone who had family there, Abraham was granted DIVINE INFORMATION.  The Lord then says, "Because the OUTCRY against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great, and because their sin is very grave, I will go down now and see whether they have done altogether according to the OUTCRY against it that has come to Me." Since we read that there were no righteous saints in Sodom and Gomorrah, the outcry against it had to come from somewhere. Genesis 4 gives us our answer. "Then the Lord said to Cain, "Where is Abel your brother?"  He said, I do not know.  Am I my brothers keeper?"  And He said, What have you done?  The voice of your brothers blood CRIES OUT to Me from the GROUND."

As all of creation growns for its redemption, a CRY goes up before God in the spirit realm. The actual GROUND cries out in the spirit when cities sin against the purposes of God.  The OUTCRY my friends going up before God is coming form the city - wide church! The spirit realm weeps over the abolition of the five fold ministry gifts.  The spirit cries out that the saints are not equipped for the work of ministry.  The spirit laments over so many  ORPHANS  (unsaved) to be ADOPTED, but a lack of genuine HOMES (churches) to love, nurture, and invest in their destiny and purpose - only DISFUNCTIONAL FAMILIES.  The OUTCRY from the ground of our cities comes up before God - because of our lack of unity as a church in building HIS KINGDOM.

 If you read the introduction to the Prophetic Blade above, you read that all it took was 3 months for the "Exodus" to occur after such promise of people coming to meet Jesus.  They were introduced to religion and not relationship.  They were introduced to our denominations and dogmas and not to Fathers FAMILY.  They were asked to GIVE with no return by leaders in seeing and helping their gifts and talents become a reality in glorifying God.  The had the wonderful opportunity to meet the SYSTEM and not the KING!  Why else would they leave?

Danny Korakas, WaterMark Ministry, www.watermarkministry.org

For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge, (Romans 10:2).

And He was transfigured before them.  His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.  And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.  Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles:  one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."  While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.  Hear Him!"  (Matthew 17:2-5).

When those around Him saw what was going to happen, they said to Him, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?"  And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear.  But Jesus answered and said, "Permit even this."  And He touched his ear and healed him, (Luke 22:49-51).

When zeal is put into subjection to wisdom and knowledge it can be extremely effective in advancing the kingdom of God in our lives.  When we read between the lines in the book of Acts we can see that the early church were zealous Christians.  They were so comitted to the cause of Christ that many of them gave their lives for it.  Their zeal was to see the Words of Christ spread to the entire world.  No wonder there was such awesome growth the first few centuries of the church before Constantine "institutionalized" it!

When zeal becomes "religious" or off target it can become destructive and negative to the church.  We read in Romans 12 that the "Judaizers" ( The religious of their day ) who tried to UNDERMINE the efforts of Paul, had religious zeal, but it was a "ZEAL WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE."  We experience the same phenomenon concerning the Pharisees in their dealing with Christ.  It what this religious zeal that put Christ on the cross!

Even in the lives of believers, we must be careful not to move in misguided  or immature zeal.  Lets go back to verse earlier concerning Peter's response on the Mount of Transfiguration.  This is a perfect illustration an lesson of misguided zeal in the area of DOCTRINE.  Many in "spirit-filled" circles have almost become unfamiliar or dis-attached from the word "doctrine."  We all need to embrace sound doctrine as Christians. especially as we move into these last days "When even the elect would be deceived if it were possible."  It is foundational as believers that we understand and have KNOWLEDGE of sound doctrine.

Listen to these words of Peter, "Let us build THREE tabernacles..."  To Peter this must have been absolutely appropriate and doctrinally sound.  This was not to be the case if we look closer.  Peter's motive may have been good but his spiritual maturity was lacking and off target in his zeal.  What Peter actually did was DEMOTE or lower Christ to that of mere men as His equal!  I believe this is why Father had to IMMEDIATELY remove Moses and Elijah from the scene.  God gently corrected Peter by saying, "This is My beloved Son, with HIM I am well pleased.  Listen to HIM."  Building these three shrines may have seemed like a good idea to Peter, but it took the focus off of Christ.

Our Lord is not looking for a secondary place in the hearts of His people.  As I stated in another article, 2004 will be a year of building, but the Lord is seeking faithful builders to advance His kingdom.  He is seeking builders who fear Him rather than man.  Builders who are not ashamed of the Gospel and reduce it to a secondary area or priority of their life.  While we have a responsibility to minister to the myriads of needs that hurting people have, our primary focus must be on people's salvation from sin. ( This ministry lasts FOREVER! ) The salvation message that has sometimes become "RARE" in prophetic ministry will once again take its place of priority in 2004.  Jesus IS the Spirit of prophecy and He came with a priority in mind - to redeem and save the humanity.

Peter's defense of our Lord in the Garden of Gethsemane is another example of "zeal without knowledge."  This time it wasn't doctrine but "METHOD."  I can picture in my minds eye the emotions and intensity of that sad evening.  I am sure Peter acted in what he perceived as righteous zeal when he cut the ear off the servant of the high priest.  If you really think about it, it would appear that Peter was really aiming for his head.  However, in all the emotion and turmoil, only got his ear!  Maybe Peter was trying to justify or back up what he said to Jesus in the uppr room that he would lay his life down for Him. (see Jn. 13) We find out however that this was not who Peter really was.  When all the chips were down and his life at stake - Peter denied Jesus.

Peter shows a lot of courage and religious zeal here, but it was misguided zeal! Standing up for Jesus here was not the issue or problem.  The problem is that Peter did not have DIRECTION from the Lord to cut the servants ear off.  Peter was not sensitive to the Lord in how he needed to handle that situation.  What is even more amazing is that Jesus was right there!  Peter's action, although seeming to be justified was not what the Lord had APPROVED.  We need to begin seeking the Lord for direction in ALL of our actions.  2004 will be a year of intense SPIRITUAL WARFARE.  Eternal decisions of light and darkness will amnifest in this presidential election year.  Marriage, homosexuality in church leadership and its acceptance as a viable lifestyle, abortion, human cloning, and euthanasia are just a few of the "BATTLE FRONTS" for 2004.  Our wisdom and knowledge from Father will be critical in our success!  Without direction from the Lord, religious zeal will be a disaster waiting to happen.  Religious zeal that is out of control along with WORDS and ACTIONS that are out of control will hinder the spirit-filled work that the Lord would have us do.

Finally the zeal for power must be brought to the surface in the church.  The disciplining of people in the church by leaders must be exercised with much caution.  The disciplining of the spiritual gifts of people has been abused by the zeal to CONTROL what is "of God" and "not of God." This YOKE OF PERFECTION that we are bridling the body of Christ with is breeding a spiritual paralysis to the BODY.  We need to remove the log from our own eye, and then see clearly to remove the speck of dust from another's eye!  We don't "grill" our children when they fall learning how to walk.  We continue to ENCOURAGE.  Quite the opposite is true in the church.

Well, Jesus reached down and healed the servants ear.  This is amazing considering this was one who came to persecute Him. This simply was not the zeal that the Lord desired or directed.  How many ears have we cut off that we need Jesus to heal?  I know with me, it is many and pray that Father would restore and heal those whom I have injured.  Especially those who will not HEAR because of me. 

Danny Korakas, WaterMark Ministry, www.watermarkministry.org

"This I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent..." (Phil. 1:9-10).

Paul prays for the Phillippians to APPROVE with DISCERNMENT those things that are excellent.  In other words, to test those things which differ from the world.  Life is full of GOOD things and even challenges.  What has value in the statement Paul is praying is that we must discern that which is good, that which is better, and that which is BEST.  Everday we are bombarded with information.  It comes through media outlets, e-mail, postal or snail mail, and personal conversation that we hear.  We receive a myriad of information everyday and we must decide what we will respond to.  This makes Paul's prayer so important and applicable to our lives today!  We must choose what we are going to respond to each day and seek the Lord to help us APPROVE and DISCERN those things which are excellent to HIM.

Most of what will come into your life will be relatively good.  Why?  Because it has been such a great tactic of the enemy for so long.  In our response to what is good, we will probably miss God's best.  We can become so preoccupied with the insignificant that it can have disastrous effects on our lives.

Many reading this will remember the Eastern Airlines crash that happened during the holidays a few years back. The flight was from New York to Miami and upon approaching Miami the light for the landing gear did not come on.  The flight engineer tried to remove the bulb so he could check it to see if the landing gear may have infact been down.  (In other words, something may have been wrong with the bulb.)  However, the flight engineer could not remove the bulb so that he could check it.  Soon, the co-pilot was working on the instrument panel trying to remove this 75 cent bulb.  It wasn't long before the entire cockpit was involved in this issue and as they were consumed with the task at hand --- they were losing altitude.  The jumbo jet crashed into the swamp area around Miami and killed hundreds of people.  For only a BRIEF period, the flight crew forgot their PRIMARY MISSION and PURPOSE --- TO FLY THE PLANE!  All of this over a 75 cent bulb.

Ephesians 4 is a reminder that the same thing can happen in our local churches.  We can become so preoccupied with good things that we lose our primary PURPOSE and MISSION.  Jesus made it abundantly clear that we were to GO out into the WORLD and make disciples.  Disciple making has been so abused in the past (example -- the sheperding movement) that we have become almost hesitant to involve ourselves in this command of Jesus.  First of all,  2004 will be a year of "Fatherhood and Son-ship."  We will never be the natural nor the spiritual fathers/mothers that God would have us be until we learn to be a son/daughter.  Godly discipleship needs to re-established in the church more than ever!  However, the mistake we have made in the past is understanding that disciple making is a TEAM EFFORT.  To be a disciple of Christ you need relationships and exposure to the DIFFERENT GIFTS that He places in His body.  If not, we risk the chance of producing a "disciple of me" as Ephesians 4 so clearly points out.

"But to EACH one of us Grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift" (Ephesians 4:7).  What is so wonderful about this passage is that Christ has given a GIFT to ALL of His children!  Each one of us has a gift of GRACE.  You cannot see light in form because it is invisable.  However, with a prism we can see that light is made up of a whole spectrum of COLORS.  In a similar way, you cannot see God's grace in your life; but as it is poured into your life, it takes on a particular "COLOR."  This unique color is your gifting that others can see and experience!  Just as it takes all the many spectrums of color to manifest light, so it is with us in being a light to the world.  It takes ALL of our gifts and colors working in harmony for those in darkness to see Christ manifest in our lives and in the world. 

1 Peter 4:10 says, "As each one has received a GIFT, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the MANIFOLD grace of God."   The word "Manifold" can be rendered "Multi-colored."  God's grace is given in the color of God's choice --- everyone is different!  Praise God.  Why do so many leaders in the church try to conform people into their understanding of how THEY feel people should be gifted?  The job of leadership is to EQUIP the gifts that God has given --- not control them.  The passage continues in verse 11 saying, "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God."  So, why would prophetic ministry be relegated back to the 1st century and beyond?  We need direction from God TODAY more than ever!  I believe much of problem may rest in hearing a person say, "Thus saith the Lord" or "Says God."  I personally am in agreement with those who are checked in their spirit by this, but I have not thrown out "the baby with the bath water!"  God would speak through the prophets of old in wonderful ways.  God is the same yesterday, today, and forever ... and He still enjoys speaking to His people and the LOST about LIFE and its issues at this TIME.

The name Lord or YWHW would need in times past to be attached to prophetic utterances to distinguish Himself from the myriad of other gods and false prophets that were worshiped in vain.  A clear distinction would have to be made when the Creator of the universe and the One true God spoke.  Today, we know Who is speaking to us in the church meetings if it truly is a word from the Lord.  This is why it is dangerous in my opinion to "tag" God's name onto something when the GIFTING we have is to see and prophesy in "PART."  Again, let's not throw out the entire gift to the body of Christ because of our traditions or lack of understanding.  We need to hear what Father is speaking to us personally and corporately TODAY through prophetically gifted people.

"When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave GIFTS to men. Now this, "He ascended" - what does it mean but that He first DESCENDED into the lower parts of the earth" (Ephesians 4: 8-9).

There are two prophetic points here.  First, captivity (works of darkness) was made captive!  Jesus achieved complete victory through the cross.  In the time frame in which this was written, a victorious king or leader of an army would lead his troops through the main gate and parade the spoils of war.  The soldiers of course would have already partaken of the "first fruits" of the battle, but what is really neat is that some of the spoils of war would be thrown out into the population as a gift of their conquest!  God's gifts to us are given as SPOILS OF WAR.  Jesus Christ won the battle over sin and death!

Secondly, the Bible says that Jesus FIRST "descended."  We also must "descend" if we are to be a gift to others.  Humility is the hallmark of the stewardship of God's gifts that we read in 1 Peter.  Jesus as our model said, "I have not come to be served, but to SERVE."  We must have an attraction for the "back seat" rather than the "front seat." Jesus said that the greatest of leaders would be the greatest of servants.  Just consider this example:  Why does an entire congregation sit on 100 year old hardback pews or fold out chairs while someone sits on a padded THRONE on a PLATFORM?  This just compounds the seperation that already exists in the church.  It's time to come DOWN! 

The building block of all life is WATER.  The church is not a building, but a living organism.  Water never flows up. It always flows DOWN.  The church needs the refreshment of humble and servant leadership!

"And He HIMSELF gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the eqipping of the saints for the work of ministry..." (Eph.4:11-12).

What is so exciting about this verse is we can see that God's gifts come WRAPPED IN HUMAN FLESH!  What is discouraging is that many churches have discarded  two of  CHRIST'S GIFTS and kept three of them.  Why?  Many have discarded the ministry and gift of apostle and prophet in the life of the church.  We read in the Revelation that it is a curse to add to God's Word.  It also is dangerous to REMOVE things from God's Word --- especially in the New Covenant (due to our lack of understanding or our experience with the abuse of them).  Let's look at the gifts of apostolic and prophetic ministry and see if they are still needed in the church today.

An "apostle" is simply an "ENTREPRENEUR" in the church.  They have the gift to recognize and start new ministries and plant new churches through fresh ideas in reaching the lost for Christ.  Apostolic people understand that the church is a living organism; if any living organism to survive, it must reproduce itself; living organisms that fail to reproduce themselves become weak and vulnerable and finally extinct.  Instead, we normally allow their gift to benefit the world as businesses profit from their gift --- instead of the church.  They understand divine strategies and how to implement healthy CHANGE.  They are gifted with fresh ideas, but unfortunately are underemployed in the church. 

The prophetically gifted are visionaries with an understanding of what the Lord desires to do in the church RELATIONALLY.  They hear the heartbeat and pulse of God and are compelled to share what they hear.  (Of course, the Bible says we are to TEST prophetic words to the plumb line of God's Word!)  True prophetic people see dangers and roadblocks ahead and express DIRECTIONAL movements for the body of Christ.  It is all these gifts working in harmony that the Bible says, "Brings growth to the body" (Ephesians 4: 16).

The word "Equip" means "to repair a bone broken or to restore it to its original function."  The Lord desires to restore the gifts to the WHOLE body of Christ.  The reason is so that we will be a gift not only to the world and unsaved, but to one another!  The Greek word for "Equip" is the word "mend or mending" and is found in Matthew when the disciples were mending their nets         (see Matthew 4: 18-22).  Broken nets don't catch fish ... and broken bodies (people) don't catch people. Jesus said, "Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men" (see Matthew 4: 18-22).  God wants to restore and equip US to be useful in our love for one another and the lost.

"From whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does it's share, causes growth to the body for the edifying of itself in LOVE" (Ephesians 4:16).

"Edifying of itself in love."  When we take away the modifiers, it says that the body causes the body to grow.  The body causes the body to grow when people are using their gifts.  The growth that the Lord is looking for is not only in numbers (width), but also in DEPTH.  We must come to an understanding of our DEPENDANCE upon one another and the gifts to us in our spiritual growth.  These gifts, wrapped in human flesh, are the only gifts given specifically by Christ.   We are Christ's gift to one another!   The greatest spiritual gifts you will ever have are the people Christ has brought into your life.

Churches that are stumbling in width (numbers) and depth (spiritual maturity or growth) suffer from three common traits.

1. There is little or no teaching on the spiritual gifts or the nurturing of them.  Little to no help is given in seeing people's DESTINIES fulfilled.
2. Those in leadership are threatened -- to the false assumption that they will risk losing their "Spot."  This is exactly the opposite of why you are called to leadership!  You are called to be the "least of these."  You are called to be a servant and to delight in seeing others move well beyond you in their spirituality.  As a Father, don't you desire so much more for your children?  So do TRUE spiritual mothers and fathers.
3. There is a high emphasis on COMMITMENT.  Commitment is good, but if it's based on attendance and tithing as a barometer of a person's spiritual maturity, we have gone astray.  We hear a lot of pulpit banging and commitment messages in churches today.  When people are EQUIPPED and KNOW their giftings to others, you will not have to worry about commitment.  You won't be able to get rid of them!  You will have to tell them to go home because they will desire to be there and love what they are doing!  Remember beloved, you are the gift and the gift is given for SERVICE.  We are never more like Christ than when we serve.  He said, "I did not come to be served, but to serve..."

Danny Korakas, WaterMark Ministry, www.watermarkministry.org

"Then Ehud reached from his left hand, took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly.  Even the handle went in after the blade, and the fat closed over the blade, for he did not draw the dagger out of his belly; and his entrails came out."  (Judges 3:21-22)

It is interesting what God has chose to put into His Word.  Some of the descriptions and events are very graphic as we just read.  Can the death of king Eglon of Moab have any relevance, meaning and purpose for our lives today?   Definitely!  And not only that, but there is a prophetic signifigance for us today as well.  What I also find interesting is the book of Judges itself.  The book covers the time between Israel's conquests of their promised INHERITANCE under the leadership of Joshua to the time of the kings.  This was roughly 325 - 350 years.  Actually these were about as unpleasant times in the spirit as it is today!  After Joshua died, Israel would backslide in their following of the Lord and His commandments.  They came to a point of even worshiping pagan gods or idols made of stone and wood. (Today these would be our material goods)  As a result of their disobedience, God would have to DISCIPLINE His people through the invasions of foreign powers.  Soon the people in their sorrow would cry out to God and He would give them a "judge" through whom He would exercise His mercy  and compassion.  Depressingly however, as soon as a godly  judge would die, we see the same falling away from God.  This cycle would continue and be so consistant that God describes the times of the judges as, "Everyone did that which was right in his own eyes." (Judges 17:6 and 21:25)

Moses saw the importance of reproducing godly qualities in others.  Moses INVESTED his time into the life of a young man named Joshua and the purposes of God grew stronger  in the next generation of God's people.  Unlike Moses, we fail to see this investment of TIME in spiritual IMPARTATION in the lives of all the other leaders and judges of this time - and we can clearly see the fruit of it.  Time is the GREATEST gift we can give others!  The reason it is so priceless is because we cannot make more of it.  Your gift of time to others is a priceless gift that will continue to advance God's purposes and kingdom.

Eglon was king of Moab at this time in history and was oppressing Israel.  He actually defeated Israel and set up his throne ironically and of all places, JERICHO! (The city of palms)  Notice that the Bible says that, "The Lord GAVE Eglon king of Moab power over Israel BECAUSE they had done evil in the eyes of the Lord."  We can certainly expect the same thing today prophetically.  The Bible says that "the Lord disciplines those He loves."  Expect a greater sense and awareness of discipline and accountability from the Lord in 2004.  A friend of mine (Clay Sikes of Lighthouse Prophecy) has heard the same message from the Lord concerning this up-coming year.  Dickey Welch from the same group that meets at the Church with No Name, confirmed and prophesied that, "Those pretending to be someone other than who they truly are will become EXPOSED - not to be beaten down, but healed of their insecurities.  Father is going to allow us to experience pressure and even defeat if our reliance continues to be upon ourselves and traditions rather than Him.  As in the time of the judges, we will continue to go "around the mountain" over and over until we learn to walk in obedience to His ways.

Jericho as we remember was an enemy stronghold that had miraculously been conquered when Joshua and God's people first went in to possess their inheritance.  The walls of Jericho were thick and formidable that blocked the way of God's people into their destiny.  However the defeat of Jericho would be STRATEGIC in that its defeat would pierce the very middle and heart of that occupied and Godless land.  These walls today represent obstacles in the lives of believers.  It can be roots of bitterness, anger, impatience, and unforgiveness just to name a few.  These "Jericho's" are enemy strongholds and WALLS that prohibit us from partaking of the fulness of Fathers inheritance for us.  Those who are walking with a heart after God in FAITH will experience and see their "WALLS OF JERICHO" crumble in 2004!

"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.  The weapons we fight with are not weapons of the world.  On the contrary, they have devine POWER to demolish strongholds. (WALLS) We demolish argument and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Cor.10:3-5)

The walls in our life are a little like the walls of Jericho in  that it will sometimes take patience and faithful commitment.  The Lord had the people walk around Jericho for six days in silence before they would experience victory.  Victory was sure because God had promised it   So it will be be with us!  I am convinced that this will be a year of victory over RE-OCCURING SINS!  See Acts 2:42 for the keys to the PATIENT faith that will bring down the "Jericho's" in your life.  There are no walls too high or too strong that our Lord cannot and will not bring down.  However, we must exercise PATIENT faith.  The Bread of Life is not "fast food."

In Ehuds day, Jericho of all places had fallen BACK into enemy hands!  Eglon the pagan king of Moab set up his throne in the very place that God had brought the tremendous victory mentioned earlier to His people.  We need to know that "Conquered Jericho's" can once again become under enemy control.  The devil knows that snatching defeat out of the jaws of victory can demoralize and discourage us.  We must be a people that PERSEVERE in faith.  Un-forgiveness, bitterness, and secret sins can resurface without PATIENT and PERSEVERING FAITH.

"When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.'  And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order.  Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the state of that man is worse than the first.  (Luke11:24-26)

As vessels we are created to be full.  Once we are swept clean by the saving work of Christ, we must FILL ourselves with Christ.  If we are not full of the goodness of God's love through Christ in prayer, the reading of God's Word, and fellowship - there is no other option than to be full of the darkness of this world.  (again, see Acts 2:42)  So, what about that person who persecutes you?  Or, that person who slanders you and just makes your life miserable?  Well, when was the last time, if ever, you REALLY PERSEVERED in prayer for them?  PATIENT FAITH will bring down the obstacles and walls in your life.

The good news is that the enemy can be driven out of "Jericho" again! Jericho was a part of the "Promised Land" for God's people.  CONQUERED "Jericho's" are a part of the "LAND OF BLESSING" that Father has given to us - His church!  The enemy should never have the opportunity to make a claim on the "Land" that Father has promised to His children.  Just as Ehud removed king Eglon from the ILLEGAL throne he set up in Jericho; we also must remove areas that the enemy may be trespassing in our lives.

We read in Judges 3 that Ehud was DEDICATED and DETERMINED to follow the Lord in spite of all the compromising that was going on around him.  God is looking for "Ehud's" today who refuse to compromise the Word of God as well as refusing to let the enemy RE-OCCUPY the areas in their lives where victory through Christ has ALREADY been won!

The prophetic word to you is to take ADVANTAGE of the circumstances before you regardless of the nature of it.  Eglon demanded tribute to be paid to him by the Israelites.  Ehud was chosen as one who would deliver the hard earned money of the people to their Moabite enemies who were holding them in a SUBSERVIENT position.  Many of you may feel like your in this same position.  Well, Ehud took ADVANTAGE of this opportunity when he realized God would grant him a face to face encounter with king Eglon.  Ehud's ATTITUDE was not, "I am only one person, what could I possibly do?"  Ehud made a special two-edged sword and seized the opportunity to break the power of the enemy!  We too have a two-edged sword, The Word of God!  Lets think and plan more like Ehud to take advantage of our opportunites in bringng down the enemy of God's people through the power of His Word!

"Make the most of your time, because the days are evil." (Eph.5:16)  God desires to use you, even those who may be saying to themselves, "what could I possibly offer in my situation."  The Bible said that Ehud was "left handed." In Ehuds' day and culture it was considered a sign of weakness!  Even Paul would come to understand that his weaknesses were used in mighty ways to bring glory of God!  The Lord spoke to me a few years back in a time of personal discouragment  He said, " Danny, I have more FAITH in you than you could ever have in Me." Isn't that good to know!

"Abram (Abraham) dwelt in the land of Cannan, and Lot dwelt in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent as far as Sodom." (Gen.13:12)

People whether they are believers or unbelievers FAIL for a number of reasons, but one thing is central and common to all cases.  Failure does not happen instantly, but is a process.  Just as our snctification as a believer is a "process" so to is failure.  There is usually a step by step trip that we travel down after taking the wrong "Y" in the road.

Lot is one who BELIEVED in God, but was a sad case of one who experienced a lot of failure in his life because of the choices he made.  And yes, Lot was a believer.  In 2 Peter, Lot is mentioned three times as one who was "righteous." (We are made righteous only through faith, and Lot believed in God)  However, the problem with our dear "righteous" Lot is that he did not commit his LIFE to and for the purposes of God.  We need to realize that it is possible for any Christian to do the same.  A Christian can either live a life that counts for Christ or make a shamble of  his or her life by the choices they make that has ETERNAL ramifications.  How sad it will be for those who ARE saved, but have to stand before God and give account of an empty and wasted life.  Beloved, we only have ONE shot at this thing we call LIFE.  This is your "DRESS REHEARSAL" for eternity!  There will be no more "touching - up" areas in your life that you know are lacking or even disobedient - It will be over.  We are saved by grace and this prophetic word will not determine a heaven or hell destiny.  It will however, encourage a serious look at our commitment to Christ and humanity. (see John 15:1-8)

Lots' first step toward failure came because he desired from a wrong PERSPECTIVE and motive.  Lot made choices that were all about HIM.  He made choices based on what looked GOOD to him in the natural instead of God's BEST for his life.  His choices did not take into account the fact that the wicked cities of the plain were "PROGRAMMED" for destruction.  Granted, these choices were made before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, however, if Lot had been in communion and RELATIONSHIP with God - he would have SEEN from God's perspective their influence and pending destruction.  The perspective of "SELF" whether it be saved or unsaved will be the same - selfish, secular, and spiritually blind or short-sighted.

Many Christians go down the road of failure when they SEE with "natural eyes" all the great possibilities and opportunities the world has to offer.  These individuals will SEEK what will bring them the most possessions, power, and PLEASURE.  These "signposts" all point to a life of REJECTION that has not been healed by the love of the Father.  Rejection is the greatest PAIN that we have and carry as humans.  It was not the nails through Jesus' hands and feet that caused Him the most PAIN.  It was not the 40 lashes across His body.  It was the REJECTION of those who He loved so much and came to save.  In the flesh, pain will always seek PLEASURE to relieve or comfort itself.  We can only be truly AFFIRMED in the LOVE of the FATHER.  It is only in the SECURE love and intimacy of God that we are able to give our lives to others.  Without the affimation and the love of God in our lives we will always be  STARVED of the only love that will bring us true security and contentment.  The result will always be a seeking of what we can gain.  It will be a FORM of pleasure or power to cover our pain of rejection. Why else would people form addictions such as drugs, alcohol, or even, over-eating?  They travel the "roads" of this world and the pleasures it has to offer to escape the reality of a life without relationship to God.

God's word states that everthing that the world has to offer will be destroyed.  Everything the we see around us including each other is made up of atoms that are moving and expending energy.  If everything that we can see is expending energy then nothing of this world will last forever.  So, needless to say, everything around you is on a collision course with DEATH!  Lot essentially put his faith, hope, and love into death!  This is why John tells us that we cannot be a friend of the world and yet a friend of God.  God is a God of LIFE!  Like Sodom and Gomorrah, all that is of the world is PROGRAMMED for death and destruction which ultimately will culminate in God's judgment of it.  I personally do not like focusing on "judgment stuff," but we need to embrace all of God's Word.  My prayer is that you will not INVEST or by stock into the things of this world as Lot did.  His worldly or natural perspective would lead him to failure and loss of many areas in his life.

It is interesting to see the differences between Lot and Abraham considering that they were of the same biological family, social, and cultural surroundings.  Abraham was a man full of faith who had the right perspective and outlook on life because he walked with the Lord in relational intimacy.  Lot on the other hand, was a "believer" whose mind was on the things of this world and how IT could prosper him. ( people are preaching this behind pulpits!)  Read in Gen.13:1-7, how Abraham WORSHIPED the Lord when Lot and himself came to the alter in Bethel.  We do not read of Lot worshiping the Lord - only that he had flocks, herds, and tents.  What about us?

I am sure that we can see the difference in the PERSPECTIVES of Abraham and Lot.  While Lot was looking toward Sodom how it might benefit him; Abraham was looking toward a "City whose architect and builder is God." (Heb.11:10)  Lot's trip began when he decided to JUST get close to Sodom.  This is kind of like "flirting" with the world but convincing yourself that your still not a part of it.  At this point in the road Lot was heading toward failure.  It was not "open sin" but moving in a direction not DIRECTED by God.  We find that Lot went from the plain to just outside the city, to IN the city, to sitting IN the gate which was usually reserved for those in city politics and leadership!  It didn't take long before Lot's perspective of "just flirting" became his series of many failures.

In contrast, we see Abraham moving his tents, but not toward Sodom.  He moved to Hebron in the HIGH country and built an alter there to the Lord. (Gen.13:18)  It was Abraham's perspective of right relationship with God that brought forth one of the greatest promises of all time - God promised Abraham the "WHOLE LAND." You will read that Lot lost everything that had once looked so appealing. Lot lost his wife, home, possessions, and job.  Because of Lot's lack of spiritual leadership in his home, his two daughters through incest would give birth to Moab and Ammon who would plague the people of God to this day. The Lord is sharing with you to take the HIGH road and not the road of FAILURE.  He desires that you a part of a "CITY ON A HILL."  A light that shines in the darkness and full of SUCCESS! 

Danny Korakas  WaterMark Ministry

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. (Genesis 50:20)

Can God move in our disappointments?  We talked about failure in another article which we must distinguish from DISAPPOINTMENT.  We need to remind ourselves and hear Father's voice today saying, I am in control of your disappointments.  I would assume that you, like most people, have suffered disappointment.  Maybe you are going through disappointment in a relationship.  Maybe it is a situation in the work place.  Whatever it may be, God is sovereign and is in control of your situations as His child.  Please judge this word before you pass judgment on it - you have actually been APPOINTED to DISAPPOINTMENTS in your life!

As you know, the story of Joseph is a wonderful example of how God used disappointments in a young man's life to accomplish His own goodness and purposes.  The verse I quoted at the top is the conclusion and words of Joseph as he recollected over events in his life.  Joseph now recognized (as we can without having to wait) that the disappointments which he experienced, even at the hands of his own family, were miraculously woven together by God to save multitudes from starvation in his generation. Father is calling us to a FAITH that will move in the midst of disappointment to bring a testimony of hope to others!  We OVERCOME by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our TESTIMONY.  Again, recognize that the disappointments that come our way are an opportunity to validate our FAITH as a witness to the world!

The first big disappointment for Joseph came when he was 17 years old. (Gen.37)  Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery to nomad traders who did business in Egypt.  A few things led up to this.  First, Jacob played favorites with his sons.  How could you not expect friction within this household when you give one child a special and expensive gift and the others nothing?  This of course would naturally instill in a young man a superior ATTITUDE toward his brothers which just fueled the fire even more.  Parents run the same risk today.  The unfavored child, by your actions toward the favored child, becomes even more extreme.  Most reading this know the story of Joseph, but their is a prophetic significance for the church today within this story.  Joseph obviously moved in the prophetic gifts.  He had dreams and visions from the Lord -- along with the interpretations and revelations of the dreams.  The problem with Joseph was his stewardship of the prophetic gifts that the Lord had blessed him with. 

I have read many responses to the revelations that people have had concerning the church.  I believe that many of these "visions" of what the Lord desires to do in the body are genuine.  However, many have also responded like "Joseph."  Many receive a prophetic word from the Lord and then automatically SPEAK or WRITE what the Lord has revealed without the wisdom of divine DIRECTION!  This is PRESUMPTION and is very tempting and dangerous.  EVERY prophetic word that the Lord gives the church is a word from His heart!  It is very precious to Him and is a priceless gift to the church when handled with the CHARACTER of Christ - with mercy and compassion.  Like Joseph, instead, we tend to beat down those whom the Lord loves and has called US to touch and PRAY for.

EVERY prophetic word from God that we receive for the CHURCH is given FIRST for the purpose of PRAYER.  We never read of Joseph PRAYING in the early years of his gifting.  We do, however, see Joseph moving in PRESUMPTION.  Nothing he said was untrue; however, there are just some prophetic revelations that do not need to be spoken.  And if they are to be spoken ... how do we speak or communicate them?  We must speak the TRUTH, but it must be from the right motive and our willingness to be a part of the solution.  There is no such thing as "Prophetic Complaining!"

We need to know that everything, including spiritual gifts and understanding has been GIVEN to us.  What do we have that we have not received from God? (see 1Cor.4:7) 

Joseph suffered a lot of disappointment in his act of presumption.  The wonderful message that Father has for us today is that He can take our disappointments and even our failures and work them out for good if we continue to love Him and OTHERS.  In fairness to Joseph, it is very difficult and lonely to have a prophetic gift from God that nobody else supports or shares in.  Unfortunately, this is the situation of many people who are prophetically gifted.  This is especially hard on those who are new in the faith with prophetic leanings and those who are just begining to understand and move in their calling.  As the the body of Christ, we NEED the prophetic gifts that are wrapped in human flesh.  Prophetic individuals need to be embraced and encouraged in their gift from God rather than silenced into "submission" because of a lack of prophetic understanding.  I encourage prophetic fathers and mothers to arise and pour into the lives of this upcoming generation that WILL see visions and prophesy to the nations the glory of God! (see Joel 2)  There is no telling how things would have gone for Joseph had he been equipped and nurtured in his prophetic gift.  We need to remember that when our children (those who have children) were learning to walk, we did not "spank" them when they fell.  Those who are learning to "walk" in prophetic ministry should not be "spanked" as well when they fall.  What they really need is to be encouraged and nurtured.  Leaders need to realize that everybody in the congregation who hears a "slanted or mixed" word will not fall into Biblical error!  If congregations are truly being taught and equipped in the gifts for ministry, they will of course understand that even they THEMSELVES are guilty at times of "missing it." Come on leaders, give your church family some credit!  Communication and understanding, along with encouragement and development, are essential in developing the prophetic gifts (PEOPLE) in your church body.

In realizing that the Lord will take our disappointments and work them out for good does not excuse us for our faults and abuse of what God has entrusted us with.  You can be sure that, along with working things out, as we MATURE in our calling, Father will correct and discipline us!  We must be able to accept some of this correction from MAN.  Yes, Father will normally use an individual in spiritual authority to bring clarity and correction to our lives.  However, if those who are correcting are not encouraging and nurturing, it will cause an IMMMATURE or under-developed prophetic person to become defensive and adverse to authority.  Their disdain of authority is not right, but has points of validity because at this point, leaders have FAILED to be leaders!

Well, Joseph must have thought more than once concerning his attitude toward his brothers in that empty cistern. (Gen. 37:24)  Like many of us, the Lord would yet teach and correct Joseph how to PROPERLY USE his God-given abilities and gifts in the area of prophetic dreams.  What stands out in the life of Joseph, and why he grew into the man he was, was that through all the disappointments we read of in his life, he always remained faithful to his trust and belief in God.  Joseph never faltered in his FAITH in God!  Joseph's faithfulness to God through disappointments should be an encouragement and model for us today.

A very big DISAPPOINMENT came to Joseph's life when he was in Egypt. (Gen.39)  Joseph was falsely accused and thrown into prison.  Joseph had become a slave to an Egyptian official named Potiphar.  Joseph was FAITHFUL to Potiphar and was promoted to head servant.  In the critical TEST that Joseph was about to encounter, we can clearly see God working behind the scenes.  Joseph was a young and well built young man and Potiphar's wife tried to seduce him.  We experience the same TEMPTATIONS today as the enemy tries to foil God's purposes and destiny for your life.  Joseph was away from home where nobody he knew could see him.  He lived in pagan Egypt where "everybody" was just doing it.  Seeming to have been deserted by God, and of course in the sexual prime of his life, deserted and lonely - why not?  Who would know?  We read, however, that Joseph still remained faithful and committed to the Lord.  He recognized that an act of SIN would weigh on his conscience -- causing him to run and hide from God who was the only who could truly empower and validate his purpose and future in life. 

This was not all!  As a result of his FAITHFULNESS, Joseph was falsely accused and convicted as a rapist!  Would God allow such a horrible disappointment?  We can be sure that God ALLOWS disappointment to be part of our lives.  The reason being is that WE have so much to do with it!  We may  never know the reason WHY this side of heaven.  I have learned that it is always wise to ask, "Father, WHAT are you doing in this circumstance and what have you called me to do?" rather than "WHY?" -- which Father seldom answers.

Joseph's vindication finally came as it will with us who remain faithful.  However, his vindication came as a result of another DISAPPOINTMENT!  Even in this, God was actively in control to bring about Joseph's ordained destiny. (Genesis 40) Joseph would have to endure a prison cell for 2 years of seeming hopelessness.  Joseph not only at this time MATURED prophetically, but also learned PATIENCE and HUMILITY along with WISDOM in using the gifts that God had given him. 

In Genesis 41 we have the story of Joseph's PURPOSE AND DESTINY!  In his lowliness, Joseph was exalted!  The cupbearer was finally forced to remember Joseph when GOD gave Pharoah a couple of dreams.  Joseph was released from prison and brought before the king to interpret his dreams (prophetic ministry).  God honored Joseph in his faithfulness and willingness to learn in humility.  It was now that Joseph was elevated to second in command over the greatest nation of that time!  What is amazing is that when Joseph was READY, it happened "overnight."  God knows what He is doing in your life -- reguardless of your disappointments. 

Be faithful my child and steward well the gifts that I have given you.  They are not yours, but from Me to give to others.  Look to me in your time of need and disappointment and I will show you the areas in your life that I desire to touch.  I desire this because I have a wonderful plan and destiny for you. 

Danny Korakas, WaterMark Ministry, www.watermarkministry.org

"And it happened after this that Ben-Hadad king of Syria gathered all his army, and went up and besieged Samaria.  And there was a great famine in Samaria; and indeed they besieged it until a donkey's head was sold for eighty shekels of silver, and one-forth of a kab ( about a half of a cup) of dove droppings for five shekels of silver." ( 2 Kings 6:24-25 )

This is one of the most DESPERATE situations that I have ever read or heard about.  Ben-Haded was waging war on Israel and had finally pushed to the capital of  Samaria.  What is interesting is that some time prior to this (2 Kings 6:8-22),  Ben Haded attempted to conquer Samaria  -- only to have his band of raiders blinded by the prophet Elisha.  These blind men were led into Samaria and instead of being killed, they were given GRACE in the form of a meal and sent home!  This is incredible -- considering these were enemy combatants!  Why did Elisha direct the king to let Syrian raiders go?  This is a question that maybe you can answer and send in.  I personally do not know and can only speculate.  However, there IS a prophetic word for the body as we continue in this story.

First of all, we need to understand what a seige is.  A seige is when nothing gets IN and nothing gets OUT. ( I am sure you can see the parallel in the church) Your enemy camps outside your walls and essentially starves you to death or surrender.  Nothing or nobody is allowed to get into the city and nothing or nobody is allowed to leave.  You are put into a DEFENSIVE POSTURE.  I would assume that this famine was much more severe than your "average" famine.  The Bible says that this famine was "great."  The situation concerning this great famine within the city walls was so DESPERATE that to buy a donkeys head for food would have cost you about $10,000.00!  And a half a cup of bird droppings would have cost you a mere $800.00.  I can only speak for myself, but I am not real found of "head cheese."  Carole and I have horses here at the farm and know that there is not a lot of meat on a horse's head.  As for the bird dung,  I cannot even imagine!  This was a DESPERATE situatuion; however, it gets even MORE DESPERATE!

"Then, as the king of Israel was passing by on the wall, a woman cried out to him, saying, "Help my lord, O king!"  And he said, "If the Lord does not help you, where can I find help for you?  From the threshing floor or from the winepress?  Then the king said to her, "What is troubling you?"  And she answered, "This woman said to me, 'Give your son, that we may eat him today, and we will eat my son tomorrow.'  And I said to her on the next day, "Give your son that we may eat him"; but she has hidden her son."

The situation had become so DESPERATE that there was not even a morsal left on the threshing floor.  The grainaries were empty and the winepresses were dry.  Water at this time was being cut off from the city and people were moving into areas of insanity.  People were actually eating their own children for survival.  I know this is hard to digest or even read, but it is in God's Word.  We need to understand what the Holy Spirit is speaking to us and why Father chose to put it in His Word.  What is amazing is that this woman, even after having an entire day to reflect upon her actions, did not show remorse or repentance!  I see many times in society this same mindset.  People, and even believers, are willing to "DEVOUR" others for their own perceived survival.  INSECURITY, whether it be natural or spiritual, will desire others to fail at the expense of making oneself  look good.  "Control" is another aspect of an individual who is either naturally or spiritually insecure.  Spiritual jealousy is a problem in today's church that we must overcome.  My good friend, Keith Smith who is the Sr. minister at Providence Outreach in Jesup, Georgia  is a great example of a man who is willing to sacrifice for the people Father has brought into his life.  He takes joy in seeing others move beyond him in gifts and talents and seeks to equip them to the best of his ability to see their purpose and destiny fulfilled in Christ.  It is these type of individuals who are true "leaders" in God's eyes. 

"Now it happened, when the king heard the words of the woman, that he tore his clothes; and as he passed by on the wall, the people looked, and there underneath he had sackcloth on his body.  Then he said, "God do so to me and more also, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat remains on him today!" (2 Kings 6:30-31)

We can see that the situation is becoming worse and more and more DESPERATE!  We read that the prophet Elisha, the one who may have had the answers from God to save the city, was a marked man!  The king most likely was recalling back to when he had the Syrian army within his city walls, blind and at his will to be killed.  We recall that Elisha commanded they be released.  This must have angered the king to the point of rage, especially after witnessing what he just heard from this woman who along with another ate her own child.  Beloved, this is an incredibly desperate situation.  But it gets even MORE DESPERATE!

Elisha prophetically knew that the king was on his way with an officer to take his head off!  Elisha in his DESPERATION had to come up with something quick!  "Then Elisha said, "Hear the word of the Lord.  Thus says the Lord:  'Tomorrow about this time a seah of fine flour shall be sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley for a shekel, at the gate of Samaria.'" (2Kings 7:1) Elijah ( Elisha's spiritual father and mentor) prophesied both drought and rain.  So here we are in a famine with no rain, no food, and people eating each other under a siege by a pagan nation.  Elisha's prophetic gifting was still intact in that he knew the king was coming to take his head off, but  where was the "double portion" of Elijah's mantle to bring rain and relief?  I believe it is clear.  It wasn't until Elisha became DESPERATE that he brought the true word of the Lord!  It wasn't until he was desperate that God took ownership of his words.  I believe like most of us, Elisha became complacent until he truly realized how desperate the situation really was.  Is it today?

The story continues with the officers rebuttal to Elisha's prophetic word:  "So an officer on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God and said, "Look, if the Lord would make windows in heaven, could this thing be?"  And he said (Elisha), "In fact, you shall see it with your own eyes, but you shall not eat of it."(verse 2)  This man obviously did not believe the words of the prophet and his fate would be sealed by his lack of  FAITH.  As I have stated in another article, your chances of seeing a prophetic word fulfilled in your life can be as much as 100% or as little as 2 in a million.  Only 2 out of a million coming out of Egypt ( Joshua and Caleb) would witness the prophetic word of a promised land fulfilled in their lives.  Two men,  regardless of the situation or what they saw in the natural, believed God and had faith that He would fulfill His promises!  The story does not end here, it gets even more DESPERATE!

"Now there were four leprous men at the entrance of the gate; and they said to one another, "Why are we sitting here until we die?  If we say, 'We will enter the city,' the famine is IN the city, and we shall die there.  And if we sit here, we die also.  Now therefore, come , let us surrender to the army of the Syrians.  If they keep us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall only die." (2 Kings 7:3-4)

What we have here are four pitifully desperate leprous men.  They cannot go into the city for there is nothing there.  Beside that, they were considered "unclean" and would have to beg in their desperate condition which was no different from those inside the city.  So, here we have these pitiful men standing with their backs against the city walls with the Syrian army facing them as if they were "sitting ducks."   These men were at a point of such DESPERATION in their lives that they felt they had nothing to lose and everything to GAIN!  It would be this mind-set that the Lord would use to bring to pass the words of the prophet! God would use the most DESPERATE of the DESPERATE to fulfill His purposes. God would use four desperate leprous men who were completely reliant and broken to extend His grace and kindness to a disobedient and rebellious people. 

These four leprous men arose at TWILIGHT to go to the Syrian camp.  As they came to the outskirts of the camp, they were surprised that no one was there.  The Lord had caused the army of the Syrians to hear the noise of chariots and horses of a great army.  The sound was so tremendous that the Syrian army thought that it was not only one, but two of the greatest armies of that time - the Hittite and Egyptian. (see 2 Kings 7:5-8)   The Bible continues saying that the Syrians fled in haste and fear -- leaving food, clothing, and provisions at "TWILIGHT!"  For every step that those desperate leprous men took at twilight, their steps were as the sounds of a GREAT ARMY!  It would be through these desperate and reliant men that the words of a desperate prophet and the purposes of God would be fulfilled.  Sure enough, just as the prophet spoke -- the officer saw the abundance of food at the city gate, but was trampled to death by the people and would not partake of it because of his lack of faith in what God could do. (2 Kings 7:17-18) 

The situation in Samaria as described in 2 Kings was a terrible time in history.  Many prophetic lessons are to be gleaned from this story.  Israel was warned prophetically that national disobedience would reduce the people to these terrible acts (see Leviticus 26:29 and Deuteronomy 28:53, 57).  We learn from these leperous men that good news and good fortune are meant to be shared (see Proverbs 15 and 21).  We see that it is through desperate and reliant men and women that the Lord delights and fulfills His purposes on the earth through!

The prophetic word for us is ... How hungry and desperate are we?  1 Corinthians 15:46 says, "...The spiritual is not first, but the natural and then the spiritual."  Here in the West, we have but to look at our "NATURAL HUNGER" to see our present state.  We have had a couple of generations now that have raised "picky eaters."  How many times have you heard ... "Oh, they don't like that.  They're just picky eaters." Why?  Because they have never had to go without.  Some are "fast food" eaters.  Like Burger King, they want it fast and want it "their way."  Then we have the "over-eaters."  These are those who feast upon the goodness God has provided, but becuase of their INACTIVITY become unhealthy.

The spiritual parallel is that many have become picky eaters of the "Bread of Life" or God's Word.  Some have picked and chose what they want to believe and NOT believe!  Some become "picky eaters" of God's Word rather than embracing the whole Word of God.  We make excuses for our lack of understanding by relagating New Testament doctrine to the 1st century.  This takes the power of God away from the church and leaves us with an INCOMPLETE DIET of God's Word.  This incomplete or "picky diet" will cause us to be powerless and lethargic.  The "Fast Fooders" want it "their way" and fast rather than spending TIME with the Lord and in His Word.  Father is doing a quick work in His church; however, we mature by PROCESS.  We mature in our eating habits as we grow "older" spiritually.  This demands discipline in our habits of spending time with the Lord and seeking His face.  It is then that our appetite is for every word that proceeds from HIS mouth.   Over-eaters love the Word of God, but are hearers rather than "doers."  The COMFORT of having so many Bibles, church services, and resources has made us complacent rather than DESPERATE.  We need a balance of both hearing and doing to be SPIRITUALLY HEALTHY!  When you look at the countries around the world where the church is persecuted and desperate, you see a growing and spirtually healthy church!  Is it any coincidence that we will soon be at banqueting table having a feast with our Lord and King?  I look forward to seeing you there!

Danny Korakas, WaterMark Ministry, www.watermarkministry.org

"There should be no poor among you, for the land the Lord your God is giving you to possess as your inheritance, He will richly bless you, IF only you fully obey the Lord your God." (Deut. 15:4-5)

Jesus tells us in His Word that we would always have the poor among us.  This seems like a contradiction in that earlier the Lord said, "There shall be NO poor among you."  Jesus realized that there would always be the poor among us because for the most part we do not follow the model the Lord would have us as believers.  No nation on earth has a greater monetary or net worth in resources as the United States.  What is interesting is that a small percentage of the wealthy own a large percentage or most of these assets.  This is not only true for America, but is a common occurance in almost every other country.  Sadly the greatest burden of poverty falls on the children of the world.  According to reputable resources and the Ad Council -- 1 out of 5 children in the "UNITED STATES" live in poverty or are under nourished.  Why, with so much technology and breakthroughs in farming, do we still still have such devastating poverty?  God responds in a tremendous way in the earth by the actions of His people.  We see this clearly in His Word.  For every dollar spent on ministry to the poor, the typical church spends MORE than five dollars on buildings and maintenance! ( See Barna Research.)

There is a prophetic cry in the spirit going up before the Lord for our lack of mercy for those within our own congregations and city that go without.  We tithe to the SYSTEM while people right in our own fellowships are having their lights shut off, or scrapping by for their next meal.  I have seen it many, many times.  ( Do they lose their car, house or meal before we respond?)  The call to minister to the poor did not start with Jesus' teaching on the subject.  Father has ALWAYS called those who are His to be focused and available to the poor and oppressed.  The scripture at the top of the page is much more than a directive; it is how believers should function as a family and society! 

This is a powerful verse of hope and strategy if we take in its full application.  Moses points out that there should be NO poor among us if we OBEY the Lord our God.  All that we have in this great nation has been given to us as an inheritance and a gift from God.  It is ours to possess and this is exciting.  But it is only our right to possess if we obey the Lord in how we give to the poor and needy.  This promise of abundant life from God is real, but it is also CONDITIONAL upon our faithfulness and obedience to Him.

"Give generously (to someone in need) and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in EVERYTHING you put your hand to.  There will always be poor people in the land (especially within the unsaved). Therefore I command you to be open-handed toward your brothers AND toward the poor and needy in your land. (Deut.15:10-11)

I am sure that you also picked up that this was not an "optional recommendation or suggestion"  Moses realized that the true identity of our heart would be revealed in our willingness to help the poor.  It is no accident that the Lord used "money" in many of His teachings and parables.  The Lord will test us in our giving to see how ATTACHED we are to Him or to our possessions!  I for one have stopped traditional tithing to meet the needs of those who are TRULY in need.  I find tithing to ministers who not only give of themselves to the poor, but also equip the needy to succeed, to be a very good INVESTMENT.  I rejoice when I can give to someone who has a genuine need and does not have the ability or resources to pay me back.  This has been the churche's downfall!  We seem to want a RETURN on our investment.  We expect the lost to act like mature and responsible believers in their spending habits overnight and with this mindset we choose not to give them "Gods" money.   We have forgotten the greatest of investments -- our TIME.  Give someone in need your TIME!  God blesses this gift so much because He knows what we are giving away is something that we can never make more of or get back.  It is sowing our time into the needy that brings life change and enrichment into their lives.  Like the old cliche ... we give them fish along with teaching them how to fish for themselves.

In Matthew 25 is the parable of the sheep and goats.  This chapter speaks of the most awesome and terrible judgment that I can find in Scripture.  The goats ignored the needs of the poor and the hungry.  They ignored those without clothes and those who thirsted.  They did not visit or pray for those who were persecuted and in prison and the Lord said to them, "Depart from Me, you cursed into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels." (Matt. 25:41)   It wasn't the sin of "commission" or what these people DID that brought this terrible judgment upon them, it was the sin of "omission" or what they DIDN'T do.  Jesus speaks to us today in Matthew 25:40 and says, "Whatever you did for one of the LEAST of these brothers of mine, you did for Me."  The story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-36) is another wonderful illustration that we know so well, but fail to live.  Ministering to the poor is one of the most pleasing acts of WORSHIP that we as the church can send up to God.  Father is not just looking at "corporate" giving, but our "individual" giving.  He is looking at YOUR giving.

We notice in Luke 10:31 that a PRIEST (Levite) happened down the same road as this beaten and needy man.  However, we read that he just passed by on the "OTHER SIDE."  The fact that he was a priest represents one who has been given the HIGHEST calling and commission to minister to the poor.  Not only did he pass by, but he moved to the "other side" as to somehow make himself believe that there was not a need.  Maybe he was so BUSY with his ministerial duties and thoughts that he was blinded to the needs around him.  Maybe it was racial prejudice.  Father is raising up a prophetic voice for the poor and oppressed!  A people who are stepping to the front to proclaim abundant life for all who are willing to obey God. 

The Spirit of the Lord is upon us as His people.  See Isaiah 61 to finish hearing what the Lord is speaking to you today!  

Danny

The Bible is replete with commands to praise God.  Have you ever REALLY thought about this?  Are God's greatest affections toward Himself?  The Bible says that He does all things for HIS glory that He might be admired, exalted, and praised.  Do people really embrace that God can be uppermost in His own affections rather than us? 

First of all, do we naturally like people that are like that?  We normally do not take much pleasure in folks who are enamoured with their own strengths, intelligence, wealth, or their physical looks.  We seem to be turned off by people who desire to show off their knowledge or business people who boast how they made their millions.  We begin in childhood boasting that "mine's bigger, mine's better, and mine's more beautiful."  If we are honest with ourselves, we normally have a comment under our breath of how someone is dressed or "barely" dressed to draw attention to THEMSELVES.  We may love the people, but the means of drawing praise and attention to one's self is always a turn-off for most.  Why?

I believe the problem may rest in that we realize certain individuals are not being AUTHENTIC.  In quoting Ayn Rand, John Piper, in his book, Desiring God, explains these individuals as "second-handers." They choose not to live from the joy that comes through achieving what they VALUE for its own sake.  Instead, they live second-hand from the compliments of others.  They have one eye on their action and another eye on their audience.  We just do not admire second-handers.  But, can we put God in this category?  I certainly hope not!  So what's the difference?  Well, first of all, God has no weaknesses and therefore does not need our praise or affimation to get by! 

So why does God still demand our praise?  Doesn't the Bible say that "Love does not seek its own." (1Cor.13:5) and "God is love."  Lets look at PRAISE for a greater understanding of what it might mean for US.  What do you do when your team scores the winning points on the last play of a close game?  Of course you stand and yell with hands clapping in your excitement. This in essence is praise.  Many of you reading this have had children.  Remember looking at your little newborn baby?  You would say, "Look how beautiful he or she is."  This also is praise.  We are praising the beauty of a newborn baby.  Now imagine these same feelings you may have had in just these two examples, without the opportunity to EXPRESS them.  We EXPRESS or speak these feelings within us because of the joy it brings us!  We find tremendous happiness in our expression of joy.  And our JOY doesn't seem to be COMPLETE until we express it to another!   Father created us to be a people of EXPRESSION.  He created us in that our expression of PRAISE to HIM WOULD COMPLETE OUR JOY!  You see, God does not need our praise. He demands our praise because He knows it will COMPLETE our JOY!  I, as a father, desire this for my children.  I love when they are full of joy and happiness and  it brings a smile to my face.  It is no different with our Father in heaven.  He smiles when we are full of joy! 

Beloved, your JOY will never be complete until you EXPRESS your praise to God. He has given us PRAISE as a precious gift that we have taken so much for granted.  Depression and anxiety among youth and adults is at epidemic proportions.  Pharmacutical companies are getting rich from the demand  for drugs to take away the emotional turmoil of humanity.  The remedy is abundantly clear:  PRAISE and EXPRESS your love to your Father who loves you and He will complete your joy!  There is so much to be said here and more at stake  than you may realize.  Prophetically speaking, I wrote in another article that 2004 would be a year of intense spiritual warfare.  Joy will be an essential ingredient in your life if you desire COMPLETE victory.  Why?  Because the Bible says, "The JOY of the Lord is our STRENGTH."  The STRENGTH and POWER that we need as believers comes through the JOY of the Lord and our joy comes through our expression to Him. 

"But let all those REJOICE who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for JOY, because You defend them;  Let those also who love your name be joyful in You.  For You O Lord, will bless the righteous.  With favor You will surround him as with a shield" (Psalm 5:11-12).

It is true that there are many different expressions within the prophetic umbrella.  Art, writing, music, and speaking are just a few.  There will be a common thread among all prophetic expressions that Father will use to build up His body and to confront the world and the CHURCH of sin - "The joy of the Lord!"  Who wants to listen to words spoken in anger, hurt, and frustration -- even if they are TRUE?  I have learned a great deal of this myself lately.  I have actually distanced myself from people of whom I care the most about and am trying to minister prophetically to.  Even now, I can only ask forgiveness from those I have hurt because of my own hurts.  If you move in prophetic ministry,  I encourage you to seek the joy of the Lord and allow HIS STRENGTH to flow through you.  People are drawn to those who are positive, strong, and full of joy! 

I believe we envision and interpret the words and ATTITUDE of Jesus by our own words and attitudes.  I believe Jesus was full of JOY and it overflowed from Him into the lives of others.  This is why even those who were confronted with shameful sins were not only convicted, but comforted.  This should be our model as prophetic ministers. 

Danny Korakas, WaterMark Ministry, www.watermarkministry.org

But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you.  Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay.  Your people will be my people and your God my God." (Ruth 1:16)

Many times our hearts are warmed by stories that end in a "Cinderella" type way.  What is so neat about this story is that it is true.  It is an exciting story of hope and provision.  It is a story told by God Himself to give us assurance and confidence that He will meet our needs.  The story of Ruth takes place in the time of the Judges in biblical history.  As I stated in another article, this was not a time in history in which we see much spiritual growth.  Actually, it was quite the opposite. We see the nation of Israel backsliding as it partook of the worldy influences of its neighbors. 

The first step in this wonderful story is that Ruth chose to follow Naomi and the God she served.  There was something in Naomi's life that must have been attractive and inspiring to Ruth, even the midst of all the tragedy that they would have to endure.  Before we go any further, I feel it is important to understand the prophetic "types" that Boaz, Naomi, and Ruth ( the main characters of this story) represent.  Boaz - the "kinsman redeemer", represents Christ our - Redeemer.  Naomi, represents the Holy Spirit in that she led Ruth (a gentile, to her redeemer), and Ruth who represents you and I. 

"Now it came to pass, in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land.  And a certain man of BETHLEHEM, Judah, went to dwell in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons.  The NAME of the man was Elimelech, the name of his wife was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion.  And they went to the country of Moab and REMAINED there. (Ruth 1:1-2)

One thing interesting about the book of Ruth is the precision in listing everyone by name.  There seems to be a concerted effort to mention every person in this story by personal name except one, whom we will read about later.  Another, is that the name "Elimelech" means: "he who trusts in God."  Bethlehem means: "House of Bread."  So here we have a man who's name means to literally "Trust in God",  moving from the "House of Bread" to the pagan land of Moab!  Even in the midst of famine conditions (both natuarally and spiritually) we can have assurance that God will meet our every need.  He has PROMISED in His Word to not only teach and comfort us by His Holy Spirit, but to feed, clothe, and to provide shelter to all who TRUST in Him. (spiritual and natuaral provision)  Elimelech did not live up to his name and moved his family to a land that was founded on sin and rebellion.  Moab as you may remember was the product of incest and deceit.  After Lot and his daughters escaped Sodom, the daughters spoke amongst themselves and the firstborn said to the younger, "Our father is old, and there is no man the earth to come into us as is the custom of all the earth.  Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him and preserve the lineage of our father."  (see Gen. 19)  The fruit of this incestous act of deceit would give birth to Moab, the son of the eldest daughter, and Ammon to the younger.  The ancestors of these two brothers would plague the Israelites and the people of God to this very day.

The bible goes on to say that the sons of Elimelech and Naomi took for themselves Moabite women as wives.  It wasn't long before Naomi's husband and two sons died within the ten years that they were living in Moab.  Naomi arose with her two daughters in-law to tell them that she was going to return to Bethlehem because the Lord had visited His people by giving them bread.  Naomi spoke to her daughters in-law to, "return each to your mothers house.  The Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me.  The Lord grant that you may find rest, each in the house of her husband."  So she kissed them and they lifted up their voices and wept.  And they said to her, "Surely we will return with you to your people."  But Naomi said, "Turn back, my daughters, why will you go with me?  Are there still sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?  Turn back my daughters, go - for I am too old to have a husband.  If I should say I have hope, If I should have a husband tonight and should also bear sons, would you wait for them till they were grown?  Would you restrain yourselves from having husbands?  No, my daughters; for it grieves me very much for your sakes that the hand of the lord has gone against me!"  Then they lifted up their voices and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her.  And she (Naomi) said, "Look, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law... ( Ruth 1:3-17) It is here that we have Ruth's embrace of the One true God and the statement at the top of the page!

Ruth chose to follow Naomi. a "type" of the Holy Spirit to her God and  home.  Ruth was confident that the Lord, in whom she had come to trust through Naomi's witness , would take care of her future.  Orpah. on the other hand, returned to the "world" around her including her "gods."  Ironically, we never read or hear of Orpah again.  Naomi tested the commitment of both of these young women as the Holy Spirit will with us.  It is of tremendous importance to understand that God WILL test us.  This validates and confirms VICTORY in our lives.  There is no victory without a test!  It was only after Ruth was DETERMINED to FOLLOW after Naomi, that she was permitted to enter into the House of Bread.  The decision of Ruth to follow after God would change her life forever as well as ours as we will see later! 

"The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge." (Ruth 2:12)

As soon as Ruth arrived in Bethlehem (House of Bread), she went out into the field of Boaz to glean for herself and Naomi among the reapers.  Boaz, upon meeting Ruth in "his" field instructed Ruth not to glean from another field and to, "stay close by MY young women."  Boaz assured Ruth that as long as she was in HIS field and among HIS people, that nobody would harm her.  This is a wonderful picture of Father's PROVISION and PROTECTION.  Ruth would respond to Boaz, "Let me find favor in your sight, my lord; for you have comforted me, and have spoken kindly to your maidservant..."( Ruth2:13)  Now Boaz said to her at mealtime, "Come here and eat bread, and dip your piece of bread in the sauce (vinegar)." ( We see these same words of  love from Jesus in the upper room!

Ruth returned to Naomi with an abundance of provision and purpose!  Ruth told Naomi of all the wonderful news of her day, and Naomi would respond, "Blessed be he of the Lord, who has not forsaken His kindness to the living and the dead!"  And Naomi said, " This man is RELATION of ours, one of our CLOSE RELATIVES."  Chapter 3 continues with Naomi telling Ruth, "Now Boaz, whose young women you were with, is he not our relative?  In fact He is WINNOWING barley tonight at the THRESHING FLOOR.  Therefore wash yourself and anoint yourself, put on your best garment and go down to the threshing floor..." (Ruth 3:2-3).  Ruth obeyed and said, "All that you say to me  I will do."  The Holy Spirit in our lives is continually giving us direction to go to the threshing floor to meet our kinsman-redeemer.  The "Cinderella story" begins here, with Ruth's OBEDIENCE to follow the direction of Naomi.  The bible says that Ruth obeyed without a second thought! This really is what PURPOSE and destiny is all about.  We read and hear so much today about a "purpose-full life."  We have books, resources, and conferences attempting to tell us what our purpose is.  This generation more than any other in history is searching for its identity and purpose.  Sadly, how we have shaped society has much to do with this.  Most are going through the only LIFE they will ever have, just to hang on.  Nothing eternal to live or die for.  The answer for purpose WILL NOT be found in a book or a conference.  The formula has always been the same - They are the words of Jesus to "Follow Me."  Those who choose to follow Jesus in obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit will find destiny and purpose! 

"Now it happened at midnight that the man (Boaz) was startled, and turned himself; and there, a woman was lying at his feet.  And he said, "Who are you?"  So she answered, "I am Ruth, your maidservant.  Take your maidservant under your WING,  for you are a close relative."  Then he said, "Blessed are you of the Lord, my daughter!  For you have shown more kindness at the end than at the beginning,  in that you did not go after young men, whether poor or rich.  And now my daughter, do not fear.  I will do for you all that you request...Now it is true that I am a close relative; however there is a relative CLOSER than I. (Ruth 3:8-12)

This "closer relative" is the one I was talking about earlier.  Out of all the names mentioned in this book along with the importance of this individual as one who might perform the duty of the "CLOSE RELATIVE"(vs.13), you would think a name would be mentioned.  Prophetically, the name does not belong to a person!  This "close relative" is RELIGION!  In Chapter 4 the book closes with Boaz going to the city gate, "and behold, the close relative of whom Boaz had spoken came by."(4:1)  This "close relative" was willing to redeem Ruth as long as there was something in it for him (religious system).  But as soon as the RELATIONSHIP was offered with Ruth, a rejection quickly came.  This is exactly what religion desires!  It want's and desires what you can GIVE it financially, in attendance and in dead works without RELATIONSHIP.  This close relative said, "I cannot redeem it for myself. (religion can never redeem)  Buy it for yourself. (see Ruth 4:5-8)   And this is what Jesus, our Redeemer did.   He PAID the ultimate price with His life.  It was Boaz that desired Ruth stay the night at His feet.  It was here at the THRESHING FLOOR that Ruth would sit at the feet of one who would redeem her without condition.  Boaz covered her with his shawl and generously provided and blessed her.  The question of why a wealthy man like Boaz would sleep on the threshing floor is easy to answer:  It was a priority for Boaz to watch and protect His HARVESTED crop!  Boaz was protecting his harvest and the labor of those who "worked in the field."  Boaz stayed CLOSE to what was His, so that no THEIF of robber would have any part of it!

"So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife..."  Ruth, a gentile (you and me) in a far and away pagan land followed Naomi (a type of the Holy Spirit) to Boaz, her kinsman-redeemer (a type of Christ) where she found purpose and destiny at his feet.  As her bridegroom he imparted into her a future that would effect every preceeding generation up to this day.  Ruth would give birth to Obed, who was the father of Jesse, who would be the father of King David.  Out of whose lineage the Christ, Messiah would be born.  This should give us tremendous hope, for we now realize that this poor and widowed woman from Moab would be brought into the Messianic lineage.  This is the picture of God's grace -- to take us as sinners from rags to riches! 

Any of you who may be reading this, who are widowed or have been abandoned by a spouse:  I have given you Ruth as an example and model of My desire for your life.  I know your pain and have walked with you as I reached for your hand.  All I ask is that you close your hand in mine, and allow Me to lead you into the life that I have laid out for you.  There are many like Ruth who need to came back to the House of Bread.  Lie at My feet and I will give you rest.  I will comfort you and call you My own.  I will give you hands full of purpose and provision - this is My promise.

This is a tremendous story of "rags to riches" through a woman's desire to sit at her redeemers feet.  It was here that the "alabaster box was broken at the feet of Jesus by a broken woman.  Religion has been a close relative for many, for to many years now.   This close relative will demand much from you and give you little in return.  This IS a close relative if you find yourself striving for spiritual approval.  Religion will have you in program after program, singing in the choir and every function there is to sing in, commitee after commitee, teaching class after  teaching class and so BUSY that you have no personal and intimate RELATIONSHIP with Jesus.  Everthing is DEAD WORKS without a love relationship with Jesus.  The bible says that many will come to Him in the last of days and proclaim all of their great "WORKS," only to hear, "Depart from Me. I never KNEW you." Our Redeemer is desiring an intimate relationship with you today.  He desires to give us purpose and provision, just as he did Ruth.  The word for you who are seeking their purpose in life is simple.  "Follow Me!"  No man, book, or formula can give you purpose in life - it comes from Him who designed it and He desires to lead you into it!

Danny Korakas  www.watermarkministry.org

"The people came to Moses and said, 'We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you.  Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us.'  So Moses prayed for the people.  Then the Lord said to Moses, 'make a serpent and put it on a pole.'  So Moses made a bronze serpent and put it up on a pole.  Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze serpent, he lived."  (Num. 21:7-9)

"And he (Gideon) said, "I do have one request, that each of you give me an earring from your share of the plunder. (This was in reference to the defeat of the Ishmaelites whose custom it was to wear earrings)  Gideon made the gold into an ephod which he placed in Ophrah, his town.  All Israel prostituted themselves by WORSHIPPING it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family."  ( see Judges 8).

BUT:  "Hezekiah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father David had done.  He removed the high places, smashed the SACRED stones and cut down the asherah poles.  He broke into pieces the BRONZE SERPENT that Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had been burning incense to it."

What is interesting about both the bronze serpent and the golden ephod is that they were never intended to hurt or harm God's people.  On the contrary, quite the opposite, especially with the bronze serpent.  Even the golden ephod may have had good INTENTIONS.  However, there was something about these two objects that became a disaster for God's people because they eventually led to a departure from TRUE worship.

We read in the Bible that because of the people's COMPLAINING and insolent WORDS, God sent poisonous snakes into their camp to discipline them.  Well, this certainly brought forth an attitude change in the hearts of the people.  The people of course quickly repented and God directed Moses to mold a snake and set it on a pole in the middle of the camp.  Anyone who was bitten and dying would live by simply looking at the Lord's provision for their healing.  Those who refused to look at God's PROVISION died.

We see clearly in John 3:14 that what may have been perceived as a strange way for God to heal was to be a "type" or a picture of God's way of forgiving and healing us from our sin and sickness through Jesus' death on the cross.  Why didn't the Lord instruct Moses to mold a bronze lamb?  After all, "Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world."  It is clear in Galatians 3:12 that He (Jesus) became a curse for us.  "He was made sin on our behalf." (2 Cor.5:21)  And He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross. 

The Israelites were careful to preserve this bronze serpent for about 10 generations!  However, over the years it became a religious relic and icon.  So much so, that it resulted in the abandonment of worship in spirit and truth.  I would like us to look closely at the scripture verse to "worship in spirit and truth."  First of all, can you see spirit in a literal sense?  Of course not, the Bible says that the spirit is invisible and like the wind.  We truly worship in spirit when we do not NEED the external VISION of a choir, a worship band, or a Sunday morning occasion.  These are certainly wonderful expressions in themselves; however, do we REQUIRE them (What is visible) to live a life of worship?  Do we need events or icons in our lives to stimulate us to worship Him who is invisible?   Father desires worship that is from our heart and INTERNAL.  He desires that we have such an intimate and personal relationship with Him that we do not need people or things to MOTIVATE us to draw near, but that we draw near because of our love for Him.  The word "truth" in the original context and language means "to be hidden."  We worship in "Spirit and Truth" when we do not require what is seen or to be seen.

The Bible continues to say that until Hezekiah's time the Israelites had even burned incense to the bronze serpent!  Burning incense is a "type" of sacrificial prayer.  We can see that even the prayer life of the people had become "RITUALIZED."  Sadly, we see many denominations encouraging "canned prayers" -- as if these were to move the heart of the Father when all along what really moves His heart is a REAL and genuine conversation from OUR heart.  Our Lord just wants us to be real.  I know this may seem judgmental, but it is not meant to be -- to have a personal prophecy spoken to me with "Thus saith the Lord" puts me in the "really" judge this prophecy mode!  I mean, I don't speak to my Father in Old English and neither does He to me.  We have ritualized with tradition so much of the church that even its lingo has become a "bronze serpent" in the name of the Lord!

As I continue, it is important that we stay focused on the "SYSTEM" and not the people who have been innocently INOCULATED over the course of years by the traditions of men.  Hezekiah destroyed this stumbling block of ritual and traditions of man and