2016: The Year of the Rising Remnant 2/9/2016 ROB WINTERS CHARISMA MAGAZINE

2016: The Year of the Rising Remnant

 2/9/2016 ROB WINTERS  charisma magazine

Are you ready to be part of the Joshua Generation? (Lightstock )

This prophetic word for 2016 addresses neither the world, nor the church at large, but instead the remnant church.

For the past seven years (2009-2015) the Lord addressed His remnant as the Jacob Generation—who with clean hands and a pure heart daily ascended the hill of the Lord to seek His face in the secret place. This remnant received a promise of blessing from the Lord that will now be realized in this next seven-year season (2016-2022).

"Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart; who has not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He will receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Your face. Selah" (Ps. 24:3-6, MEV).

During this next seven-year season, the Lord is bringing forth His rising remnant as the Joshua Generation, who will accompany the King of Glory, the Lord of Armies, into battle. Indeed, the remnant church is entering a season not only of blessing, but also of glory and of war.

"Lift up your heads, O you gates; and be lifted up, you everlasting doors, that the King of glory may enter. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift up, you everlasting doors, that the King of glory may enter. Who is He—this King of glory? The Lord of Hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah" (Ps. 24:7-10, MEV).

In order to better understand the season God is moving the remnant church into, we need to contrast and compare the characteristics of the season we have exited with the season we are now entering.

Intimacy vs. Authority

Intimacy with God precedes authority in God. Over the past seven years, the Lord has been wooing His Bride into the holy place. Like Jacob, who at Bethel saw the angels of God ascending and descending upon a ladder through the gate of heaven, the Lord has beckoned His remnant to seek His face in the secret place. As the Jacob Generation has come to know the Lord and His purposes in the former season, He can now trust them with His authority and power as the Joshua Generation in this new season (Gen. 28:16-17).

Knowing vs. Doing

As the Jacob Generation, the remnant church has come to know God. Now as the Joshua Generation, the remnant church must do exploits for God. In these last days, it is crucial that the remnant church arise and expand the rule of King Jesus in the earth. Thy Kingdom come!

"By flatteries he will corrupt those who act wickedly toward the covenant. But the people who know their God will be strong and take action" (Daniel 11:32, MEV).

Revelation vs. Revolution

The Jacob Generation, having come to a revelation of God, must now, as the Joshua Generation, lead a righteous revolution for God. Through the spirit of wisdom and understanding, we have come to know God's ways, words and works. Through the spirit of knowledge, we have come to know God's purposes, provision and power. However, in this next season, the Spirit of the Lord is entrusting to us His divine authority and anointing that we might lead a righteous revolution. Moreover, the spirit of council is revealing God's strategic battle plans while the spirit of might is releasing God's power that we might do exploits in His name (Eph. 1:17-19).

Waiting vs. Warfare

Intimacy with God requires waiting on God. As we wait upon the Lord, our strength is being renewed, enabling us to soar as eagles, run through a troop and jump over walls into the enemy camp. In other words, waiting on God produces the strength necessary to war with God. No less than five times did the Lord exhort Joshua to "be strong and of good courage" as he prepared Israel to possess their promised land and depose the giants of Canaan (Josh. 1:6-7, 9, 18; Josh. 10:25; Ps. 18:29; Is. 40:31).

Abiding Under vs. Presiding Over

The Jacob Generation dwelt in the secret place of the Most High and abided under the shadow of the Almighty. In contrast, the Joshua Generation presided over the enemies of Canaan, trampling lions and serpents underfoot. In other words, the Jacob Generation retreated into the presence of God, whereas the Joshua Generation now advances into enemy territory (Ps. 91:1-2, 13).

Concession vs. Possession

Jacob played "Let's Make a Deal" with his Uncle Laban to obtain his prized possession—Rachel. After laboring for seven years for Rachel, Jacob was deceived into marrying Leah, Rachel's sister. After making concessions to obtain what man had promised, Jacob became disillusioned. On the contrary, Joshua led Israel out of the wilderness to take possession of what God had promised. Likewise, the remnant church is entering into a season of possession, as it is our time to possess the promises of God (Gen. 29:18, 27).

Joshua 1:3, 11 says, "I have given you every place that the sole of your foot shall tread, as I said to Moses'" (MEV).

Intimate Worship vs. Warfare Praise

The remnant church is transitioning from ministering to the Lord to ministering for the Lord. As priests, the Jacob Generation worshipped at His holy hill at the feet of Jesus. As kings, the Joshua Generation, through high praise, now executes judgments secured from heavenly courts that bind rulers of darkness over nations (Ps. 149:5-9).

Preparation vs. Promotion

Over the past seven years, the Jacob Generation has been prepared in the crucible of affliction and has found solace in the secret place—hidden away with God. Having passed the wilderness tests of affliction, neglect, abuse and silence, the Joshua Generation in this new season will arise, emerge from the shadows and experience divine promotion.

Reproach vs. Recommendation

The reproach of men experienced by the Jacob Generation will be overshadowed by the commendation of God.  In this season, the Lord will demonstrate that He has not changed His mind about the Joshua Generation by recommending and honoring them before men. Those that have stood in the remnant's way in the past season will be of no consequence (Is. 61:7, Josh. 1:5).

Obscurity vs. Opportunity

Years of obscurity will be swallowed up by divine opportunity. While God hid the Jacob Generation to protect and prepare them in the former season, He is now bringing the Joshua Generation to the forefront to fulfill divine destiny. Those who have been faithful over little for years will now be ruler over much. For many in the remnant church, 2016 will be a make-or-break year. God is opening doors for the remnant that no man can shut. Indeed, the remnant church is entering into a season of divine grace and opportunity that we must embrace by faith. It's now or never! No more delay!

"The key of the house of David I will lay on his shoulder. Then he shall open, and no one shall shut. And he shall shut, and no one shall open" (Is. 22:22, MEV).

Hardship & Pain vs. Harvest & Gain

Jacob labored in the wilderness for seven years to receive and enjoy his prized possession—Rachel. During this painful season of preparation, God produced perseverance, character and hope in Jacob. In this new season, Jacob's hope will be realized, as the Lord moves the remnant from a season of deference into a season of preference. The sufferings of the wilderness will not be worthy to be compared with the glory revealed through us in our promised land flowing with milk and honey (Deut. 26:9; Prov. 13:12; Rom. 5:3-5; Rom. 8:18).

Incarceration vs. Liberation

Jacob suffered a form of incarceration for 14 years under his Uncle Laban, whereas Joshua was liberated from 40 years in the wilderness. The year 2016 is a Jubilee year in which the Lord is liberating His remnant church from reproach, shame, doubt, cynicism and grief. It's a year to proclaim and experience liberty in every aspect of our lives (Lev. 25:10).

Sanctification vs. Supernatural

The degree to which the Jacob Generation sanctified themselves over the past seven years will be the measure in which signs, wonders and miracles will be wrought through the Joshua Generation in this new season. Tomorrow is here! The time is now for the remnant to arise and the Lord to do wonders among us.

"Joshua said to the people, 'Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will perform wondrous deeds among you'" (Josh. 3:5, MEV). 

Rob Winters is senior pastor of the Prepare the Way International Revival Center, an apostolic and prophetic expression of the ekklesia in Phoenix, Arizona. He is author of numerous books, including Prepare America! – Hope for a Nation in Crisis, Turning America Back to God and Prophets and Prophetic Ministry. For more information, visit his website at preparethewayint.com.

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A Shemittah Year Mandate: Throw Jezebel Down! - CHARISMA MAGAZINE

A Shemittah Year Mandate: Throw Jezebel Down!

1/27/2015 ROB WINTERS  charisma magazine

In this Shemittah year, it is crucial that a bold, uncompromising order of messengers begins to emerge in the spirit of Elisha to preach repentance and an inspirational kingdom gospel that will catalyze a remnant. (Charisma archives)

A myriad of prophetic words have been released regarding 2015, which coincide with Shemittah year 5775. While some prophets are declaring that 2015 will be a year of escalating terrorism, war, pestilence and economic collapse, others are declaring that it will be a turnaround year of divine reversals, breakthrough, multiplied grace and new beginnings. On the surface it seems as if these prophetic declarations contradict one another, bringing confusion to some within the body.

However, when these diverse prophecies are prayerfully evaluated, embraced and executed, the bride will be victorious in the season ahead. For instance, prophetic warnings regarding impending global judgments should catalyze the faithful to mobilize prayer and evangelistic relief efforts. Solemn prophetic rebukes to the worldly and lukewarm should lead them to profound repentance. Inspirational prophetic words should renew vision and restore hope among those who have forsaken all to fulfill the Master's end-time harvest strategies (Ps. 91:5-6, Esth. 9:25).

Regarding the Shemittah year 5775, it is crucial that the remnant church understand and execute all aspects of the divine directives associated with this pivotal year. In Scripture, Shemittah is the seventh or Sabbath year of a seven-year cycle, during which Israel left their fields fallow and released all debts. In fact, the word Shemittah is a Hebrew word meaning "release."

A Shemittah year is one in which nations honoring Jehovah and Israel experience peace, blessing, freedom and exaltation, while those who dishonor the Lord often reap destruction and hardship. Regrettably, the past two Shemittah years, 5761 (2001) and 5768 (2008), were characterized by terrorism and economic judgment (Deut. 15:1-2).

What is not commonly known about Shemittah is that it is derived from the Hebrew root word "shamat," which is used nine times in Scripture. In three instances "shamat" is translated "throw down" and is used in the passage where Jehu commanded two eunuchs to throw Jezebel down from a second story window, killing her. Jezebel's demise at the hands of Jehu ultimately resulted in the obliteration of Baal worship in Israel.

Could it be in this Shemittah year that the preparation of the bride and expansion of the kingdom of heaven on earth are contingent upon the exposition and elimination of the Jezebel spirits among us?

2 Kings 9:33 "He said, 'Drop her down.' So they dropped her down and some of her blood splattered on the wall and on the horses. Then he trampled her."

Jezebel was the wife of King Ahab, who reigned in Israel during the time of Elijah. Ahab and Jezebel were devout worshippers of Baal and Asherah, and led all of Israel into idolatry. Jezebel hated and massacred all of the Lord's prophets, except for Elijah and 100 prophets of the Lord that were hid in caves by Obadiah, the palace governor (1 Kin. 18:4).

Jezebel is witchcraft personified. Witchcraft is a rebellious work of the flesh, exercising counterfeit spiritual authority to manipulate others for selfish, ambitious purposes. Jezebel can operate through a man or woman and has three main modes of operation, the first being Gain and Maintain the Platform.

Through a political spirit, Jezebel attempts to manipulate leaders through flattery, favors or finances to gain favor. Once Jezebel shares a platform with legitimate authority, she abuses that platform to achieve her personal agenda. If this first mode of operation fails, Jezebel uses witchcraft in an attempt to Seduce and Reduce Leadership.

Through a seducing spirit, Jezebel often traps leaders through sexual sin. In the church, Jezebel operates through a religious spirit, sometimes posing as a prophet or prophetess to usurp spiritual authority. When leaders compromise morally or spiritually, guilt causes them to forfeit their spiritual authority, opening the door for Jezebel to take over. If these first two forms of manipulation will not work, Jezebel then aggressively plays the Blame and Shame Game.

Through a spirit of fear, Jezebel will use ridicule to demean and undermine or use intimidation to threaten and challenge legitimate leaders in an attempt to overthrow them (1 Sam. 15:23, Rev. 2:20).

While there are many legitimate reasons for the spiritually lukewarm condition of the church worldwide, one principal root cause is compromise in our pulpits. While some messengers have been deceived into becoming Mammonites, hedonists or narcissists, others have been seduced, intimidated or in some other way manipulated by Jezebel. Consequently, the gospel truth has been compromised. Prophetic messages on repentance, holiness, the fear of the Lord, travailing intercession, the burden of the Lord and the fellowship of Christ's sufferings have been exchanged for a self-centered gospel of prosperity and boundless grace.

In effect, many messengers have tickled the ears instead of touched the hearts of their congregants, heralding what members want to hear instead of what they need to hear. As a result, the church at large is complacent, unarmed, egocentric and ineffective. Without a doubt, in order for the church to be transformed into an energized, equipped, selfless and formidable army, we need a new order of messengers to emerge—an Elisha company.

While Elijah challenged and executed the 450 prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel, he feared Jezebel and therefore failed to confront her 400 prophets of Asherah. Three years later these 400 prophets counseled Israel's king to war against Syria—a war in which Israel was defeated and King Ahab was killed (I Kings 18:19; 22:6). Intimidated by Jezebel, Elijah ran for his life, prayed that he would die and resigned from his prophetic ministry. However, under the ministry of Elisha, Elijah's replacement, Jehu emerged to execute Jezebel and eradicate Baal worship in Israel.

In this Shemittah year, it is crucial that a bold, uncompromising order of messengers begin to emerge in the spirit of Elisha to preach repentance and an inspirational kingdom gospel that will catalyze a remnant. Only then can a Jehu army arise in the zeal of the Lord to violently throw down Jezebel—the prophet killer, and eradicate Baal worship throughout the world (2 Kings 9:30–10:28).

Father, raise up an Elisha company of messengers in this hour. Let them break off all chains of Jezebelic deception, manipulation, intimidation and compromise so that they might boldly preach prophetic, inspirational kingdom messages that cut to the heart. Use this new order of messengers to inspire and catalyze a Jehu army to arise and throw down Jezebel, in all of her expressions, throughout the world, in Jesus' name, amen.

Rob Winters is president of Prepare the Way International, an itinerant prophetic ministry based in Glendale, Arizona. He is author of numerous books, includingTurning America Back to God and Prophets and Prophetic Ministry. For more information, visit his website at preparethewayint.com.