In the days and weeks ahead, prophetic voices around the world will release prophecies for 2016. You'll read a handful of them on the "Prophetic Insight" section of charismamag.com.
But before we charge ahead to weigh prophetic mandates, directives and warnings for 2016, let's take a minute to look back at the prophetic words declared over 2015. After all, you can't always limit God's words to a 12-month timeline.
As I've said before, it's possible that some 2015 prophecies won't be relevant for years and others will remain relevant for years to come. So, again, before we move on to the next new prophetic word, let's review what prophetic voices declared last year and respond according to His Spirit.
A Year of New Beginnings
I prophesied that "2015 is a year of new beginnings. That means some of you are going to birth some things. That means you may be a little uncomfortable in 2015. It means you will face some transition. It means you may enter into travail. It means you will face the accuser of the brethren and engage in spiritual warfare at new levels." Was it true? It was for me and for many who I have come across in this past year. If you did not have a new beginning in 2015, there is still a new beginning available for you. As I recently wrote in my Plumb Line column, You Can Have a New Beginning in2016—You Really Can.
The Turn-Around Year
The Apostolic Council of Prophetic Elders (ACPE), led by Cindy Jacobs, declared 2015 was a turn-around year: This is the year when God will give His people the chance to recalibrate in the midst of what will seem to be a whirlwind year. To recalibrate means to correct in mid-course, modify, amend, change, metamorphose, renovate, transform, or turn." Did this word come to pass? I believe it's an accurate word in many respects. It was certainly a whirlwind year in the seven mountains of influence. How many of God's people recalibrated, or repented, remains unclear. Repentance is a key to seeing 2 Chronicles 7:14 become a reality in America. I believe the Lord requires yet more repentance; true repentance.
A Shemitah Year Mandate: Throw Jezebel Down!
Rob Winters declared a Shemitah year mandate to throw Jezebel down: "What is not commonly known about Shemitah 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." Was this a good word? I have written three books on the Jezebel spirit—including my latest: Jezebel's Puppets—so I may admittedly be biased as I believe we have long needed to throw Jezebel down. I don't think we got the job done last year, nor do I believe this spirit will be completely eradicated until Jesus returns, but we can displace this principality over our cities through transforming revival.
A Year of Revealing Hidden Things
Ryan LeStrange announced 2015 was a year of revealing hidden things: "The Father is peeling back the layers that have created a dull edge and sharpening the prophetic voices. The prophetic ministry is coming to the forefront in this season as there is a growing hunger to hear from God. Much of the church world has restricted the Holy Spirit and limited His flow in their meetings but there will be a breaking forth of genuine prophetic ministry among those who are hungry. This is a time of refining for the prophetic community. The words, revelations and voices must be on target and specific. The sword is being sharpened and accuracy increasing!" I have witnessed a number of new fresh prophetic voices come on the scene in 2015 with great accuracy. The prophetic movement, of course, is not fully restored and we all need to press into greater intimacy with Him, which produces the genuine witness.
Stay tuned in the coming days and weeks as we'll share more prophetic words. In the meantime, review these decrees, announcements, insights and directives. Grab what rings with your spirit even as you prepare your heart to receive what God has for you in the new year.
Jennifer LeClaire is senior editor of Charisma. She is also director of Awakening House of Prayer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, co-founder of awakeningtv.com, on the leadership team of the New Breed Revival Network and author of several books, including The Next Great Move of God: An Appeal to Heaven for Spiritual Awakening;Mornings With the Holy Spirit, Listening Daily to the Still, Small Voice of God; The Making of a Prophet and Satan's Deadly Trio: Defeating the Deceptions of Jezebel, Religion and Witchcraft. You can visit her website here. You can also join Jennifer onFacebook or follow her on Twitter. Jennifer's Periscope handle is @propheticbooks.
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