Index

  October 10, 2003

“Those Who Say They Are Apostles And Are Not” Part III
Johnny Enlow

In Parts I and II of this posting, which can both be read below this posting. I highlighted four insights concerning the need to test those who say they are apostles in our generation. We saw that Revelation 2:2 provides a foundation for a healthy debate that seems to be endorsed by the Lord. I then presented the first four of seven tests that I believe we can use to accurately discern between true apostles and those who are not. In this final post I will present the last three of the tests that I recommend considering when attempting to determine true vs. false apostles. As I have stated before, these tests may not be the definitive end-all in this ongoing debate, but I do believe they can be helpful.

5. The Test of Apostolic Impact

A true apostle will carry such anointing and power on him that wherever he is sent as an apostle, there will be natural as well as spiritual atmospheric changes. Weather patterns are affected. Winds are affected. Rivers are affected. Seismic activity may be evidenced. Powers and principalities prepare a resistance that may or may not be successful.

In Acts 14, we see an example of the apostles’ impact on a city. Verse four tells us that Iconium was a divided city. Half of the people were for the apostles and the rest were against them. This was a repeat standard situation for the apostles. Wherever they went they had a ‘ripple effect’ in the city they were in. They were in repetitive confrontations with natural and/or spiritual leaders. Anywhere they went as an apostle they carried the ‘apostolic impact’ associated with that mantle of authority. No place visited by an apostle would simply return to “business as usual”. An atmospheric change in the spirit would be the byproduct of an apostle’s visit.

6.The Test of an Apostolic Work

In 1 Corinthians 9 we find Paul again having to defend his apostleship. In verse one, as part of his defense, Paul asks, “Are you not my work in the Lord?” This test would today weed out many apostolic claims. An apostle will have the anointing on him to raise up a work from the ‘ground up’. Paul’s “work” here was the Corinthian church and I don’t know if there is any other legitimate “work” that qualifies. Paul clearly sees their ongoing existence as a proof of his apostleship. Verse two of this same chapter says,

“If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you. For you are my seal of my apostleship in the Lord.”

His apostolic work was “the seal” of his apostleship. This verse also shows us that there can be limits to one’s sphere of apostolic authority. Even the great apostle Paul could only claim this title over those he himself had built up and apparently even they were ‘examining’ him as it states in verse three.

“My defense to those who examine me is this.”

Again, I would like to point out that there seemed to be prevailing sentiment in the early church days that claims of apostleship were to be taken seriously. Paul, while himself being examined, begins to lay out the criteria for apostolic claims. Building a work was and is essential because the building of that work is part of the humbling and breaking process that can produce an apostle. There is a “death” that is required in order to raise up a legitimate work that is recognized on earth and in heaven. I say that because there can be artificial works raised up apart from the anointing. Today ‘the anointing’ is often a 4th choice of many leaders for raising up a work. Charisma alone can raise up a work. Money alone can raise up a work. Advertising and promotion can raise up a work. Works that are raised by those 3 methods or any combination of them, will be works that will be tested by fire and will be disproved as legitimate works. All works are tested by fire. An apostolic work will survive into the next generation because of the apostolic anointing it was planted under.

7. The Test of Apostolic Signs and Wonders

A final test for true apostleship is the test of apostolic signs. In 2 Corinthians 12:12, Paul said to the Corinthian church,

“Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds.”

Again the Lord has given us an insightful verse into the whole apostolic debate that existed and that yet exists. There are “signs of an apostle” that are also a mark of apostleship. Those “signs” do not include how large of a crowd can be drawn nor how large of an offering can be raised by “the apostle”. If you read Paul’s writings closely you will see that getting any kind of offering at all seemed to be a challenge for him. I say that because there is a prevalent thought in the church today that “apostolic anointing” is proven by the ability to raise great amounts of money. You can not read Paul’s writings in context and believe that he had this so-called anointing. It sounds more like those of whom he warned,

“…who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.” I Timothy 6:5

So the question is, “What qualify as signs and wonders?” Is it just anything supernatural that takes place? Does having the gift of healing qualify a person as being a carrier of signs and wonders? Well, to all the accompanying questions I have to say up front that the scripture is not clear on what manifestation of God’s power qualifies as “signs of an apostle.” Therefore it must remain a somewhat debatable issue, though I will share my perspective.

As a point of reference, let’s look at Mark 6:5.

“Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them.”

This verse seems to indicate that healing the sick did not fall under the category of being a “mighty work” and therefore unlikely to be something specifically ‘apostolic’. The fact that 1 Corinthians 12 makes the gift of healing as something readily available to many, seems to indicate that Paul operated in a spectacular anointing that superceded just bodies being healed.

Acts 2:43 says.

“Then fear came upon every soul, and many signs and wonders were done through the apostles.”

This passage doesn’t say what the “signs and wonders” were, but the whole context of them is as something superior to a simple healing service. Undoubtedly, healings were a part of it, but something else was happening that caused “fear upon every soul”.

Acts 4:29-31 gives us a little more insight.

“Now Lord look on their threats and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus. And when they prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they spoke the word of God with boldness.”

The apostles asked that “signs and wonders” be done along with the healings and then the whole assembly place was shaken. If one thought these healings were ‘set up’ or ‘not provable’ it then became hard to remain unimpacted when the whole building was shaking. This kind of phenomena was apparently commonplace for the apostles and was descriptive of the “signs of an apostle.” Paul was quick to point out that his ministry was marked by these supernatural phenomena that took place in public settings. Again, if you read Paul’s writings, it is very clear that it was not his oratorical skill that wowed a crowd to some high level of emotion. I Corinthians 2:1-5 tells us that there were “demonstrations of the Spirit and of power” that were impacting the congregation. We are still not good at recognizing the difference between an emotionally stirred congregation and an anointing touched congregation. One is soul based and the other is spirit based. The soul based ‘anointing’ is a crowd adrenaline not dissimilar to the effect of a football game on it’s spectators. Something soulish is taking place that is stirring the adrenaline of all in the stadium. The anointing goes deeper and is spirit to spirit. The ability to manipulate a crowd does not establish anyone as an apostle, but an apostle’s anointing will touch a corporate setting. This test of apostolic signs and wonders will require discernment.

IN CONCLUSION

In addition to these seven tests- Tests of Apostolic Doctrine, Power, Humility, Suffering, Impact, Work, and Signs and Wonders- I believe that every true apostle will also have been called personally by the Lord Himself. Obviously no test can be given to prove that unless there are witnesses to the calling (such as Paul had). Therefore these seven tests become more significant than if one simply believes that he were called out by God to be an apostle. These will be the proofs of not just a call to apostleship, but rather the actual fulfilling of that call. I also believe that true apostles will walk in ALL of the seven areas mentioned and not just some of them. We know that even Stephen, as a deacon, operated in “signs and wonders”. Many can have great humility. Many may have Christ-centric doctrine. Many may and do suffer “for righteousness’ sake”, yet an apostle will have experienced all seven of these.

There is one last very important insight that comes to us from that original passage in Revelation 2, on the Ephesian church that “tested those who say they are apostles.” That insight comes from verses 4 and 5.

“Nevertheless, I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen, repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place- unless you repent.”

OBSESSING OVER “APOSTLES” CAN COST YOU EVERYTHING!

This is an extremely important element of this whole issue of APOSTLES. Whether you are going about trying to establish them or going around trying to eradicate the “false” apostles, if you lose focus of the MAIN THING, you are in grave danger. The Lord was much more interested in the Ephesians walking in love than He was in them getting the apostle debate right. He was much more interested in them having a living and loving relationship with Him than He was in them knowing how to confirm true apostles. He was so much more interested in them returning to their simple lifestyle of true Christianity, that if they did not return to that original passion, He would shut them down as a church.

This is relevant to us today. As I have heard said, “The main thing is that the main thing remain the main thing.” Though we are entering a season of the restoration of apostles that is not the main thing that is taking place nor the main thing that will take place. It is not even close to the main thing. The end-time release of His Glory over the whole earth is not contingent on all having a proper concept of where apostles fit. Many who will never even use the word APOSTLE will themselves be the greatest apostles. The Main Thing is Jesus. The Main Thing will always be Jesus. The Main Thing is that Jesus’ followers exhibit love among themselves. On the priority scale, that will always far outweigh the need for apostles. If we pursue our “first love” as a church, then apostles taking their places will be a byproduct of a church in synch with the Head. If we take an exit on the ‘apostles ramp’ then we face the probability of receiving the same word the Ephesians received. The apostle debate can be good and healthy, BUT ONLY as it remains a distant priority to the “Main Thing”. MAY ALL NECESSARY THINGS BE RESTORED TO THE ENDTIME CHURCH WITHOUT LOSING OUR FIRST LOVE.

Johnny Enlow

Sep 29, 2003

“Those Who Say They Are Apostles And Are Not ” Part II
Johnny Enlow

In Part I  of this three-part posting I highlighted four insights concerning the need to test those who say they are apostles in our generation. We saw that Revelation 2:2 provides a foundation for a healthy debate that seems to be endorsed by the Lord. In this posting I am going to present the first four of seven tests that I believe we can use to accurately discern between true apostles and those who are not. As I stated in Part I, these seven tests may not be the definitive end-all in this ongoing debate, but I do believe that they will assist in the process of discerning between true and false apostles.

II Corinthians 11 is probably the one chapter of the Bible that could give us the most insight on the apostolic debate that existed even in Paul’s days. If you have time, I would recommend that you read all of this chapter in your Bible before you continue reading this, as it will be helpful to keep the verses I will be referring to in context. We see in this scripture that even back then the ‘apostle debate’ was alive and well.

In this chapter Paul is declaring and defending his apostleship as he is warning the Corinthian believers of false apostles. In his declarations are valuable keys to help us learn how to test and discern true apostles. Paul’s motivation for declaring and defending his own apostleship, is so that he will be listened to. There were a group of men that had so fooled the people through their own self-authentication of apostleship that Paul found himself having to validate his own authority to challenge these impressive but counterfeit apostles.

“For I consider that I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles.” II Cor. 11:5 “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.” II Cor. 11:13 (verse 14 then goes on to liken them unto Satan!)

From the context of the entire chapter it seems as if Paul’s statements in verse five are referring to the false apostles in verse thirteen. Evidently there had grown to be a group of “eminent apostles” who had gained a following and reputation as true apostles and Paul was in danger of completely losing the Corinthians to these men. Paul’s concern for them was not for personal power and prestige, rather he knew them to be dangerous, self-authenticated apostles who would eventually shipwreck the entire Corinthian church.


THE TESTS OF APOSTLESHIP

1. The Test of Apostolic Doctrine


“But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” II Cor. 11:3

This verse provides us with a key for recognizing false apostles. These false apostles of Paul’s time were validating themselves based on supernatural experiences they were having. However, they were phenomena and experiences not based in a life in Christ. These false apostles were probably the equivalent of witchdoctors and magicians. That is why Paul likened them unto Satan – they were deceitful workers who transformed themselves into apostles of Christ. Of course, in the next chapter to the Corinthians (II Corinthians 12) Paul speaks of his own legitimate supernatural experiences. He lets the Corinthians know that he can compete with the supernatural experiences the false apostles were claiming were credentials for those who are apostles. He also lets them know that his infirmities are an even greater demonstration of his authenticity than his supernatural experiences. False Apostles bring along new doctrines that steer away from life and relationship with Jesus Christ. True Apostles are always leading and directing us back to life in Jesus Christ. Though the doctrinal test could be written about in depth, the simple test is this- does the apostle’s doctrine lead to an enhanced relationship with Christ Himself, or does it deviate from simplicity in Christ?

2. The Test of Apostolic Power


“Even though, I am untrained in speech yet I am not in knowledge.” II Cor. 11:6

Apparently the false apostles had validated themselves and invalidated Paul based on the Greek skill of preaching. In I Cor. 2:1 Paul had already established that he could not compete with the great orators.

“And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God.”

This was an ongoing issue with the Corinthian church. They were so heavily influenced by the prevailing Greek culture that they confused natural gifting with anointing. They thought an apostle would surely be a gifted speaker with human charisma. This of course is still a prevailing influence in the Western church today. If we were to take a poll among Christians as to which leaders in the body of Christ were thought to be most anointed or respected, it is a certainty that the great orators of our time would dominate that list. It is very likely that a true apostle could be discounted sheerly on the merits of his stage presence and skill level as an orator. In 1 Cor. 2: 3-5 Paul continued,

“I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.”

If a false apostle is characterized by their impressive charisma, stage presence and speaking ability, then a true apostle is characterized by meetings where the Holy Spirit demonstrates His presence and power. You always knew when Paul was in the building because God’s presence and power came along with him.

For clarity sake let me state that a true apostle CAN have a great stage presence and be a great speaker. However, neither of those are confirmation that an apostolic anointing is on him. Neither do manifestations of power on their own, confirm apostleship. They are part of the apostolic package, but not the full proof.

3. The Test of Apostolic Humility


“Did I commit sin in abasing myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God free of charge?” II Cor. 11:7 “And when I was present with you and in need, I was a burden to no one…and in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself.” II Cor. 11:9

Another issue that had come up is that these “eminent apostles” had been ones that heavily emphasized being monetarily recompensed for showing up and ‘blessing’ a place with their presence. Paul had done all he could not to be “burdensome” to the Corinthians, so much so that his lack of monetary demand was now being perceived as something that proved him less “spiritual” than these false apostles.

Consequently, we see another key for testing apostles. A false apostle has no trouble viewing his ‘ministry’ as something that demands monetary compensation and clearly focuses on financial remuneration. A true apostle, though understanding that he should be financially supported, will do all possible not to be a financial burden. A true apostle probably does not have a ministerial protocol demand that he must have a five star hotel. A true apostle would not seek a guarantee that he make a substantial profit based on his appearance. A true apostle does not respond to invitations based on the projected economic windfall. These would all be atop the list of a false apostle. This area is such a key test of who really is an apostle that it is possible to be genuinely called to be an apostle and then lose the calling by failing the ‘money test’. Requesting that expenses ‘be covered’ and requesting a private room are not unreasonable ministerial requests. However, they should remain at a request level and not at a demand level. Jesus plainly stated that “the Son of Man came to serve and not to be served.” If one is an apostle OF JESUS CHRIST then he must of necessity reflect that humble aspect of His character.

“ You think you are so wise-yet you listen gladly to these fools; you don’t mind at all when they make you their slaves and take everything that you have, and take advantage of you, and put on airs, and slap you in the face.” II Cor. 11:20 (TLB)

The true apostle Paul is ‘blown away’ at how the Corinthians allow themselves to be taken advantage of by these pseudo apostles. Here is another key for testing apostleship. If interacting with an ‘apostle’ leaves you poorer and feeling condemned, insignificant, and beat down, then maybe you are dealing with a false apostle. A true apostle builds you up in Christ Jesus and you are not just another sheep to be shorn. A false apostle wants a crowd of 10,000 people because it means adulation and a large offering. A true apostle wants 10,000 in attendance because he desires to see 10,000 built up to a new place in the Lord. He wants 10,000 ministered to by the love and power of Jesus Christ. He wants 10,000 brought to a new place of intimacy with the Lord.

The false apostles in Paul’s time “put on airs”, or “exalted themselves” as it states in other versions of the Bible. A false apostle is ‘full of himself’ and a true apostle is not. He is transparent, real, and full of humility. That is clearly the apostolic example we see in Paul. We all know about his various struggles and victories not because someone else told us about him but because he put on no airs, but was transparent and real, boasting even in his weaknesses.

4. The Test of Apostolic Suffering

In verses 23-30 of II Cor. 11, Paul gives his ‘knockout defense’ for his apostleship and points out exactly where these false apostles have failed to measure up to the true standard. Lets look at it in the Living Bible for a fresher perspective.

They say they serve Christ? But I have served him far more! (Have I gone mad to boast like this?) I have worked harder, been put in jail oftener, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again and again. Five different times the Jews gave me their terrible thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I was in the open sea all night and the whole next day. I have traveled many weary miles and have been often in great danger from flooded rivers, and from robbers, and from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the hands of the Gentiles. I have faced grave dangers from mobs in the cities and from death in the deserts and in the stormy seas and from men who claim to be brothers in Christ and are not. I have lived with weariness and pain and sleepless nights. Often I have been hungry and thirsty and have gone without food; often I have shivered with cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm. Then besides all this, I have the constant worry of how the churches are getting along; Who makes a mistake and I do not feel his sadness? Who falls without my longing to help him? Who is spiritually hurt without my fury rising against the one who hurt him? But if I must brag, I would rather brag about the things that show how weak I am.” II Cor. 11:23-30

One of the unshakeable tests of true apostleship is suffering, specifically suffering for righteousness’ sake. It is suffering that comes your way BECAUSE you carry so much authority. This is not simply pains that are common to all men, but rather pain, suffering, and persecution that come in the form of strike-back from the powers and principalities that are being challenged and pushed back. Let us note the nature of Paul’s sufferings. He was put “in jail” and “whipped times without number”. This was a suffering because his authority was challenging regional principalities and powers. Five times the Jews gave him 39 lashes. Again, this is a suffering brought on not because he ate bad salmon at the hotel buffet, but rather because when Paul showed up it challenged the ruling demonic powers. Paul says, “Three times I was shipwrecked.” This statement is something to chew on for awhile. What are the odds of being in three shipwrecks? Well, apparently the odds are high when you are challenging demonic rulers. They must have been given permission to shipwreck Paul but not kill him. Paul goes on to say that he has OFTEN been in great danger from flooded rivers. Why do rivers flood so much when Paul is around? I believe it is because the apostolic authority that he operated in was a direct assault and challenge to principalities and powers – and they were striking back. That same verse tells us that he has faced grave dangers from mobs in cities and then again from stormy seas. What becomes obvious is that though the people Paul ministered to did not recognize his apostleship, powers and principalities knew of his apostleship and authority.

True apostles do not live in “ivory castles”. Instead there is an expectation of difficulty and suffering. They don’t just desire the “power of His resurrection”, but also to know Him in “the fellowship of His sufferings” (Phil.3:10). There is no way around the correlation between “apostle” and “suffering”. It will include ‘persecution’ by words, but it will also entail much more. The apostle’s authority will bring upon the apostle a mark of suffering that exceeds the sufferings of most “normal” believers. Not one of the known apostles of the scriptures was an exemption to this fact. We should not expect it to be different today.

Johnny Enlow

September 20, 2003

“Those Who Say They Are Apostles And Are Not ” Part I
Johnny Enlow

“I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you can not bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars.” Revelation 2:2

This one verse is very insightful concerning the ongoing debate in the body of Christ about apostles. This was a portion of a letter written to the Ephesians from the Lord Himself. He is acknowledging the good things that they have done while later on chastising them for a love that has grown cold.

Just as the Lord addressed the fact that the Ephesians had to “test those who said they were apostles,” I believe He is still addressing the same issue in the church today. With the present proliferation of those calling themselves or others “apostles,” we must learn to “test” as the early church did. Whereas about 10 years ago the title of choice was “bishop,” we have advanced to where there now seems to be hundreds and maybe thousands of ‘apostles’. The quantity of ‘apostles’ is in itself evidence that this title has at the very least been greatly watered down to something less than what it was in New Testament times. I believe that it is of spiritual benefit for there to be a season of debate in the Body of Christ on what an apostle is and who can be one. Out of this one verse in Revelation we can learn many relevant insights which will help lay a proper foundation in addressing how we as believers should test apostles.

Four Insights From Revelation 2:2

1. There was no standardized ordination system for apostles.

Apparently, in the New Testament church, the system for recognizing apostles was very different from the ordination process used for local church elders. To be an accepted elder you had to be ordained by the church as such, so there wasn’t much danger of ‘false elders’. You could not just say you were an elder and simply be recognized as one. Unlike elders, true apostles were not trained or ‘set in’ by others. An apostle was called out and commissioned personally by the Lord in a supernatural way. This fact set the office of an apostle apart from other ministries such as elders or deacons. That is exactly why the Ephesians had to address the issue of false vs. real apostles. Because there was no ordination for apostles, there was a need to test those “who say they are apostles.” The Ephesian church determined that it was not wise to simply accept and believe everyone who called himself an apostle. Since many “liars” were calling themselves apostles there was a need to put them through a test to reveal true and false apostles.

2. The Lord considered it healthy that apostles be put to a test.

The fact that the Lord praises the Ephesians for having given themselves to testing apostles is another significant insight revealed in Revelation 2:2. A true apostle receives his commission personally from the Lord and not through study or an ordination service. This is both good and bad. It is good because it makes true apostles. It is bad because of the obvious fact that many can falsely claim that they have been personally commissioned by the Lord. A true apostle is a divinely empowered ambassador and delegate of Jesus Christ Himself. For this reason it was important and still is very important to know who are the real and who are the false.

3. There were more apostles than just the twelve.

There are those who believe that all of the scriptures concerning apostles are speaking only of the twelve. Therefore, when Ephesians 2:20 speaks of the church being built on “ the foundation of apostles and prophets” they believe that it just speaks of the teachings of the twelve apostles and of the prophecies of the Old Testament prophets. They believe that the titles and roles of “apostles” and “prophets” are no longer applicable or acceptable. It is important to recognize that Revelation 2:2 disproves that concept. There would obviously be no need to “test those who say they are apostles” if it were just limited to the original twelve. The belief in only twelve apostles is for sure simpler, but not biblical. There were other apostles other than the twelve and the Ephesians applied themselves to the difficult task of testing those who were in fact legitimate and those who were not. The fact that Jesus warned of “false prophets” also in itself reveals that there would be genuine prophets who were not just the Old Testament prophets. He would not have to warn of “false prophets” unless true prophets were not being recognized.

4. There were tests that could validate true apostles.

The Ephesians realized that they didn’t just have to be ‘held hostage’ by someone’s claim of apostleship. If someone was going to claim to be an apostle they needed to be willing to go through a test that in itself could prove or disprove that claim. An apostle could not be validated on simply the claim that the Lord had called him. Even if the Lord had personally commissioned him there were secondary tests that could on their own verify this commissioning. The central debate didn’t have to revolve around whether one really had or had not been personally called out by the Lord – there was an accompanying “proof in the pudding” so to speak. A true apostle would exhibit certain other qualifying apostolic traits.

Since the Ephesians were a church fathered and cared for by Paul the apostle, it is safe to assume that they used Pauline criteria in judging apostles. We know that Paul invested heavily in the Ephesian church including spending over 3 years with them. They knew what a true apostle looked like and they knew the apostolic criteria that they were taught by the very man who validated the existence of apostles.


In Parts II and III, I am going to present seven tests that I believe we can use to accurately discern between true apostles and those who are not. These seven tests may not be the definitive end-all in this ongoing debate, but I do believe that they will assist in the process of discerning between true and false apostles.

Johnny Enlow

  Aug 23, 2003

AND THERE IS SO MUCH RUBBISH!
Johnny Enlow


MARS AND THE BLACKOUT: WHAT DOES IT MEAN? 

Psalm 19:1 says, " The heavens declare the glory of God." Even the movement of stars and planets are telling of God's plan of intervention. The wise men that found baby Jesus were not just deceived astrologists, but rather understood that the heavens themselves are also speaking out the truth. 

MARS HAS NEVER BEEN CLOSER 

It is interesting days that the planet Mars was the closest to earth were the same days as the greatest blackout in U.S. history. The world's primary city was suddenly thrown into darkness in a stunning sequence of events that began at 4:10 PM. I believe that this 4:10 time is of prophetic significance. 

Nehemiah 4:10 says, "Then Judah said, 'The strength of the laborers is failing, AND THERE IS SO MUCH RUBBISH that we are not able to build the wall.'" 

This cry came from the tribe of Judah during the season of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem that began under Nehemiah's influence. Judah represents the people of God who are truly walking in all that they can with the Lord. They are warriors, they are worshippers, they are intercessors, and they have a heart for rebuilding and restoration. Yet even this tribe of Judah has experienced discouragement and their cry has come unto the Lord. "Lord, the strength of the laborers is failing, and there is so much rubbish that we are not able to build the wall!" 

PORNOGRAPHY- A MAJOR SOURCE OF RUBBISH 

I experienced a similar cry from my spirit this last weekend. I've already been very aware of the relentlessness of Internet porn, but it seems like a river of sludge and sewage that is now advancing to a new stage. I first read in our local newspaper an article explaining that the separating line between the mainstream and the world of pornography no longer exists. There are now reality shows glorifying the world of sexual immorality. Homosexuality is also being rubbed in our faces as never before. Later in the day as I flipped through the channels I saw on 'regular TV' things that I can not even repeat except to say that it was a movie that glorified the porn industry. That same day I read that a new TV series will be coming on that will show the daily scenarios of a porno producing company and all the things that they face. This was all the same week that I had a pastor from another country with tears confess to me how he is besieged by pornography in the normal course of his work. I felt the Spirit of God stir in me and say "Enough! It's time to do something". At first I thought it meant that it was time for ME to do something, but then I heard the Lord in me say, "I'M going to do something". My part of His doing "something" is this article. 

62% OF PASTORS AND LAY LEADERS HAVE RECENTLY VIEWED INTERNET PORN! 

Now, I have many disturbing facts and statistics on the porn industry. First of all, it is a 10 billion-dollar industry. Boys 12-17 years old are the prime consumers and the average boy has now seen porn by age 11. 60% of ALL website visits are sexual. There are many more disturbing facts about the porn industry and how it is decimating the moral fiber of the whole world. However, a couple of the statistics are some of the most troubling because they have to do with those who are Christians. 62% of pastors and lay leaders regularly view Internet porn and another survey states "37% of pastors say online porn is a serious struggle." I don't know if that means that the rest of the pastors just view it and think it's OK or if the fact that they were lumped together as "pastors and lay leaders" has made those numbers jump. In another survey 50% of Promise Keepers attendees ADMITTED to looking at pornography the week before the event. 

These numbers are most troubling. Those who attend Promise Keepers are by and large the 'hot' Christians and those who are trying to be what they are called to be. Even THE WEEK BEFORE Promise Keepers they fell into looking at pornography. Those 'trying to build the wall' cannot do so because of SO MUCH RUBBISH. 

Then to also read that 67% of Pastors and lay leaders recently viewed pornography, what a shock that is! This article is not being written with the intent to chastise anyone. Rather it is being written to declare that the rubbish of the porn industry is totally out of control and is causing the strength of laborers in the Kingdom to fail. There is a point where "rubbish" can be so prevalent that even those of the tribe of Judah are being overtaken. 

THE LORD OF HOSTS HAS NEVER BEEN SO CLOSE! 

The planet Mars is known as the Red Planet and can in different ways speak either of the Lord or Satan. Red is originally the color of redemption and speaks of the blood that Jesus shed on the cross. Of course, Satan the counterfeiter also shows up as a red dragon and he has worked much to make red his color. 

Mars was named after the Greek god of war and if you follow that trajectory of thought Mars is more closely associated with Marduk/Satan, the evil warrior. However, we are not taught to honor Greek mythology as truth, so lets not do so. 

I believe, at least for this time, that the close proximity of Mars in the heavens speaks of the Lord coming close to us as The Lord of Hosts. This represents His intervention as Captain of the Army of God. I believe Isaiah 63:4 is applicable for what the Lord is going to do. (In it's full context it obviously speaks of more than just this). 

"For the time has come for me to avenge my people, to redeem them from the hands of their oppressors." Living Bible 

If you read Isaiah 63:2, you will see that He is described as coming dressed in RED. Again I understand that there is a bigger picture fulfillment for this scripture, however, I did feel like the Lord has spoken that this is also a present application. 

JUDGMENT IS COMING ON PORNOGRAPHERS! 

The oppression from pornography has so weakened God's people that He is going to intervene. His intervention is going to come and for a season "blackout" the power of the enemy. (For the purpose of clarity, let me say that there is even much more that the Lord is saying through these natural events, but this is the piece of the puzzle He is showing me and putting in my heart to report.) For some time now the Lord has been showing me that the river of porn sewage is really exposing our nation to serious ramifications in the spirit realm. Though this river of filth is nationwide and even worldwide, it's main fountain springs from a small geographical area of Southern California that includes the San Fernando Valley. Of course porn is now produced worldwide, but that area is an originating fountain. If the fear of the Lord is released from this source it will also have repercussions wherever that river flows. 

FIRST ON THE PRODUCERS OF PORN 

Judgment is first coming to the producers of porn. It will come in many forms. I believe the Lord has shown me that He has already repeatedly warned all of them and He will now act. There will be personal calamities on a grand scale. Death, disease, and darkness will come on those who are producing porn. It is a big deal to God. Those who have received the most warnings will be judged the harshest. Those who read this article and do not entirely leave the industry will be in danger of the most immediate judgment of God. 

SECONDLY ON THOSE WHO ARE GREATLY INCREASING RICHES BY PORN 

Next, judgment will come most severely on those individuals and companies who are making great gain from this 'rubbish'. Again, the judgment will take various forms. Cancers and every form of blood disease will invade those who do not cease to receive wealth from this wickedness. There are many "prestigious" companies that are making millions off of their connections with porn "entertainment" and these are in line for "avenging" from the Lord (as in Isaiah 63:4). Many of these companies can not resist the profit that comes from their associations with the porn industry, and yet it is in this very area that the Lord will 'pull their plug'. The connection with the porn industry will release such a cancer into the entire company that there will be tremendous failures and bankruptcies associated with these corporations and individuals. If you are in any way connected economically with a company that is profiting through the propagation of pornography I would advise you to quickly disconnect. 

Though it might take a little while for it to register, it will eventually be known that being connected to anything that is bringing profit through pornography is also bringing a curse and a cancer. I believe owners of gas stations and video stores will begin to be struck by the fear of the Lord as they are brought into awareness that this is something that the Lord of Hosts is going to help His people with. 

THIRDLY ON THOSE THAT ARE THE ACTUAL PARTICIPANTS 

There are many mixed up, rejected and sad people that are totally captive to the demons that rule in the porn industry. The Lord deeply loves them as He loves all. In His love He is not going to allow them to go to hell without having heard a clear warning. Some judgments will begin to take place in the industry that will serve as a clarion call to those who have not yet received the judgment. The fear of the Lord will greatly impact the 'stars' and many, many will leave the industry and turn to the Lord and then seek to help rescue others. Great fears and torment will be on those that continue on in a sin that God is actively judging. Again this is a BIG deal with the Lord. It is also a response to those who have cried time after time to the Lord after having fallen to pornography. There are more tears shed in America every day in repentance from pornography then tears over anything else. It has been an enemy 'bigger' than us and the Lord will intervene both internally to help us from within and externally from without. 

FOURTHLY ON THOSE WHO ARE CONSUMERS 

Psalms 26: 9 and 10 says, 

"For when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the Lord will learn righteousness. Let grace be shown to the wicked, yet he will not learn righteousness." 

This scripture has a great application as it relates to the issue of pornography. There is going to come a "learning of righteousness" that will be awakened in the world and, more importantly, among Christians. As the hand of the Lord becomes more and more evident in judgment then there will even be a quickening of righteousness in believers. Accordingly, let the fear of the Lord rest on you in this arena of pornography. Do not expose yourself to the judgments that will descend down the river of filth. Do whatever it takes to be free of the demons that vomit on you through pornography. If you know that you have no resistance to it, then do what you must. Get Internet filters, move your computer, get rid of your computer, get accountability. Do whatever it takes. Repent and get cleansing from the Lord whenever you do fall. 

An excellent resource that I can recommend for this is www.afa.com (American Family Association). They have a good Internet filter service that costs only $5 a month. This service will block objectionable material and will also help by reporting any attempts made to access inappropriate web sites to an accountability partner (wife, husband, parent etc.). 

A FINAL WORD 

We are accelerating greatly into the fulfillment of end time prophecies. The Lord of Hosts really is stirring for a season of intervention. It will be an intervention that will be in conjunction with Him activating His sons and daughters. As we speak and move to what He is initiating, then we will see His hand of intervention. As we bless according to His will, He will release blessing. As we pronounce judgment according to His will, He will release judgment. 

The planet Mars' reddish appearance is because of the high content of iron in its soil. Revelation 19:15 speaks of the Lord coming dressed in a robe dipped in blood and that He is coming to rule the nations with "a rod of iron". The close appearance of Mars is a reminder that our Lord is coming in this fashion. The blackout is a reminder that when our God draws close no other power will be evident or existent. The good news for God's born-again children is that when darkness comes upon the face of the earth we don't have to partake in that darkness. As Isaiah 60: 1-3 tells us, it is at this very time that His light and glory will be seen on us. We will be sourced with light and power that even whole nations can receive if they choose to. 

"Arise and shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; But the glory of the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising." Isaiah 60:1-

Johnny Enlow

Jul 31, 2003

A Prophetic Overview for the Summer of 2003
Johnny Enlow


Fire and Glory in Peru 

Personally this has been a busy summer as I recently returned from taking a team of 40 people to Lima, Peru. It was a trip of unprecedented favor from the Lord and I have come from there convinced that the entire nation is at the threshold of a monumental revival. At the end of this posting I will enclose a link to my briefest possible report on some of what God was and is doing in Peru. In the midst of chaos and difficulty God is about to do what few think is possible in that spiritually strategic nation. 

In America- Rain, Rain, Rain and then More Rain! 

Meanwhile, back home in America we are in a season of amazing change. After going through the driest 5-year period in at least a century, much of the country is now under unceasing rains. Here in Georgia, about 3 months of rain rectified the entire 5-year, severe drought we had experienced. Meanwhile, the rains continue and continue and there are consequences to this period of relentless rains. 

What Was Brown Is Now Green 

The most obvious change brought on by the rains is that the color green has returned. Lawns and gardens that were brown from drought are now green. Our own lawn that we had thought might be done for has encouragingly sprung back with life. This is a positive natural phenomenon that I believe will soon be what we experience in the spirit realm. First we see in the natural what we will soon see in the spirit. That which has been hopeless and barely hanging on is about to receive a latter rain blessing from the Lord and many seemingly ‘dead’ things will be brought to life. The ‘face’ of the church is about to be changed through the unceasing rains that are about to be released from heaven. 

Faulty Foundations About To Be Exposed 

A contractor recently told me that he had received over 3000 calls in the last month from homeowners with leaking basements. The rains are leaving green yards in their wake, but they are also testing the constructional makeup of foundations. That which showed no evidence of faultiness during normal or dry times, is now revealing improper foundations. Many homeowners are having to make minor to major repairs in their foundations in order to bring them up to par. This will soon be manifested in the spirit realm. Churches, ministries, and individuals that have survived and even thrived during ‘normal’ and ‘dry’ times will now be under an entirely different dynamic. These rains of blessing will also be rains of testing of our foundations. All that has been an improper foundation will soon be exposed. All that the Lord didn’t initiate will soon have severe ‘leakage’ problems that will threaten the entire building if not properly corrected. That which has been built on only charisma, self-promotion, or manipulation will soon be a structure under severe stress. That which has not been evident during normal weather patterns will soon be very evident as the rains of the Lord continue in an unceasing fashion. All foundations that were built on some spiritual ‘shortcut’ will soon pay the price for doing so. That which was birthed as a mixture of flesh and spirit will be as unacceptable to God now as Ishmael was back in Genesis. Now is the time to address the issue of foundations, before the relentless rains begin. 

Roofs Have Also Been Exposed 

In the same way that basements have had severe problems, defective roofs have also been exposed. Many houses and businesses are now showing evidence that their roofers took shortcuts when the roofing process was taking place. That which was fine before is no longer fine in light of the new heavy and relentless rains. I believe that this too, is a spiritual truth that is about to be demonstrated. There are churches, ministries, and individuals that are improperly ‘covered’ and that fact is about to be revealed. There is improper and thin covering ‘material’ that will be exposed during this coming season of rains from heaven. ‘Coverings’ that are merely political and organizational and not organically and relationally alive will allow leaks that will cause much damage. Some ‘roofers’ are not truly providing shelter and covering and this will be the season that will be revealed. The Lord will help us set up proper alignments and connections within the Body through this revealing of substandard ‘roofers’. Now is the time to inquire of the Lord concerning our foundations and coverings. 

Nationally Many Things Are Hanging in the Balance 

Israel and The New Road Map 

I believe that we are already experiencing some pull back of God’s grace on us because of some of our recent moves as it regards to Israel. In a previous posting I wrote about the space shuttle disaster ( http://www.theissacharianpost.com/2003.htm#columbia ) and prophetically shared a warning that I hoped and prayed was not going to be lived out. There is some evidence that we are headed for some trouble if things are not soon redirected. I believe that we are presently experiencing more casualties in Iraq than we should be. The covering hand of the Lord seems to have lifted some because of our wrong directives in Israel. Of course these casualties could be just the tip of the iceberg if they are not seen as warnings. I don’t clearly understand it, but there seems to be some hardening towards Israel in our government that the Lord is allowing for some greater good. Before that greater good is seen, the discipline we go through may not be very agreeable to us. 

Justice and The Supreme Court 

I believe we are still in a precarious place as it relates to Justice in America. The heart of the Lord is focused on Justice and positive steps forward have not yet been taken. I believe that the Lord has shown me that He will intervene in a beneficial way in this whole arena, but hopefully it doesn’t require a severe discipline first. We definitely need new blood in the Supreme Court and may the intervention of the Lord soon be felt there. 

New Violence and New Diseases 

There have been many recent reports of unusual acts of violence in our country and a release of several new diseases. Our country becomes increasingly susceptible to these things when certain torrents of evil, such as pornography and witchcraft, are not shut off. There has been a recent release of great darkness into the soul of our next generation through the relentless outpouring of pornography, seduction, and all that has come through the Harry Potter open door. Darkness will surely not prevail, but at times it will seem like it is. 

Healing and More Healing! 

An encouraging thing that is already upon us in this country is a great release of healing. Of course this must be in place as the antidote for the increased diseases that are being released. This healing wave is presently coming from west to east and we will shortly be back to the healing gains of the 40’s and 50’s. Assuredly, much more than we now see has been promised us and will certainly come. The CDC (Center of Disease Control) is located in Atlanta where I live. This is Atlanta’s call and destiny – to be the Center of Disease Control –but by a healing outpouring from the Lord Himself. I believe that is why physical healing has been so warred against by the enemy in the Atlanta area. Atlanta will soon step into this part of her destiny and begin to release faith into the rest of the country instead of fear as the natural CDC has done. 

The Glory of the Lord is the Great Story of the Endtimes! 

As we continue into the fast forwarding of God’s purposes, we must remember one main thing. The dominant story of the endtimes is not the advance of evil, or darkness, or the antichrist, or the ‘beast’; rather the dominant story of the endtimes is the Glory of the Lord covering the earth! It is the Army of God that will draw much more attention in the last days. It is the Bride of Christ developing into her mature beauty and spotlessness that will far outshine whatever hell’s forces can muster. Our Lord is really going to do exceedingly, abundantly, above and beyond what we can ask or think. The ending is going to be better than the best Hollywood movie. There will be danger, there will be adventure, but there will also be great romance…He will “win the girl’s heart” and they will live “happily ever after!” The happy ending is not just the rapture, though. I believe the happy ending will take place here on earth and all will know who has chosen God and who has not. Prepare to shine! 

Johnny Enlow 
http://www.theissacharianpost.com/peru62003.htm

May 9, 2003

Israel Turns 55 and God Is Throwing A Mega Party!
Johnny Enlow

ISRAEL TURNS 55 AND GOD IS THROWING A MEGA PARTY!

May 14, 2003 marks the 55th anniversary of Israel’s existence as a nation and God is throwing a mega party. There are signs everywhere, if we can begin to pick them up. This is a time like no other and we have no more time to get ready for it. The 5’s are upon us and they have great significance and bearing.

4.9, 4:59, 4/29: THE EARTHQUAKE’S MESSAGE

On April 29, 2002 there was a surprising earthquake near the northwest corner of Georgia, where the Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee borders meet. At its epicenter, it was a 4.9 on the Richter scale and for both Georgia and Alabama it represented the strongest earth movement in over 100 years. For Georgia it was said to be the strongest ever recorded. The earthquake shook Georgia at 4:59 AM local time.

The fact that 4.9 is right before 5, 4:59 AM is right before 5 AM, and 4/29 is the eve before May (the 5th month), is significant. I believe that each of these numbers have the numeral 9 in them to symbolize the number of birthing. The Lord is about to birth something new in the world and release something new in the 7 states that felt the unexpected earthquake- Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina and Mississippi.

UNDERSTANDING THE NUMBER 5

In scripture, 5 is the number of Grace. I believe the Lord is drawing attention to the fact that we are at the precipice of a new visitation of Grace. Even as the 4.9 earthquake was within a week followed by much wind, rain and flooding in the southern states, so too will Israel’s 55th birthday be followed by a release of much grace. Whereas 5 represents Grace, 55 would then represent double grace, or as it is called in the scripture, Great Grace. Great Grace is phraseology used in Acts to describe the tremendous outpouring that came because of Pentecost.

PENTE MEANS 5, PENTECOST MEANS MULTIPLE 5’s

The fact that "pente" is the Greek word for "five" ought to really get our attention that God is speaking in the 5’s. Pentecost is from a Greek word that means "multiple fives" or "fiftieth". Israel turns 55 on the 5th day of Iyar (Hebrew calendar), which also happens to be in the 5th month of our calendar. That is multiple 5’s on a grand scale! Also the surprise earthquake on the ‘eve’ of several 5’s speaks of this same truth. Haggai 2 shows us that ‘shaking’ precedes ‘visitation’. The Lord is drawing attention to the visitation of Mega Grace that is also coinciding with Israel’s 55th birthday. I use the word Mega to go with Grace because that is the actual Greek word used in Acts 4:33 where it says, "great grace was upon them all". In the Greek, "great grace" is "mega charis". As I am writing this we are in the 3rd consecutive day of massive storms, tornado warnings and watches. Flash flooding is happening all over and the weather is the talk everywhere over the last several days. In the same way that the earthquake was quickly followed by the visitation of intense winds and rains, so too will Israel’s 55th birthday be quickly followed by intense spiritual winds and rains of Mega Grace.

WE ARE BEGINNING THE MEGA DAYS

There were 3 signature ‘Greats’ that came as consequences of the Pentecost outpouring- Great Grace, Great Power (Acts 4:33), and then Great Fear (Acts 5:5 - another double 5). These are important to take note of, as I believe we are about to see a dramatic increase in all 3 of these areas. There will be Mega Grace upon us as we are greatly visited by the Manifest Presence of the Lord. There will be Mega Power released as healings increase at an astounding level. Mega Fear will then be the increased lot of those who are not properly connected with the Lord of Lords. This visitation of the "megas" will be something that can not be ignored and it will be the ‘talk of the town’.

LOOK OUT!

Interestingly, the epicenter of the 4/29 earthquake was in an area that includes Lookout Mountain in Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama. This is an area that has historical significance as well as having a point from which 7 states can be viewed. It was at the base of Lookout Mountain that the last battle of the American Revolution took place. It was also atop and around Lookout Mountain that on Thanksgiving Day in 1863 the Union armies won a tremendous and improbable battle against General Bragg of the Confederate armies. This battle was a major turning point of the Civil War and was pretty much the Confederate loss that sealed their fate. President Abraham Lincoln had stated that he did not think the South could be defeated without taking Chattanooga. The word Chattanooga means Lookout Mountain in Cherokee, and this was now the 3rd time that Union forces were attempting to take Chattanooga. Chattanooga was considered to be the gateway to the South and the Confederates defended it by means of their strategic positions up on Lookout Mountain. It was pretty much a miraculous turn of events that allowed for Generals Grant, Sherman and Hooker (primarily Hooker) to take the Mountain and totally turn the tide of things in the South. Sherman fortified himself in Chattanooga and used this as his staging base for his assault on Atlanta and it’s subsequent razing and burning. Atlanta was vital because of the lifeline of the railway, and it could only be taken because a gateway was opened by the taking of Lookout Mountain. The entire area where Confederate and Union armies were positioning and repositioning is the area where the Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia borders meet.

A HINDRANCE TO ATLANTA BEING TAKEN IS BEING REMOVED

I believe that the Lord is also saying that we are in a time where He is removing strongholds that have prevented Atlanta from being spiritually taken. The GRAY has been in control of Atlanta and the South, and the Lord has graced the BLUE that it might now remove the GRAY from its high places. The Confederate color of gray speaks of the mind of reason (gray matter) and of confusion, cloudiness and distraction. The Union color of blue speaks of revelation, clarity, truth, understanding and open heavens. His revelation will free us in the South from our confusion and mind of reason!

AS ATLANTA GOES, SO GOES THE SOUTH

The spiritual landscape of Atlanta will be razed when this invasion of the Blue Army shortly takes place. It will be followed by Atlanta being set on fire and then burning to the ground. This will be the Fire of God that will be released to consume all that is in its path. What this will look like in the natural is beyond our ability to project. A certainty is that it will contain the 3 "megas" of Acts- Mega charis (Great Grace), Mega dunamis (Great Power), and Mega phobos (Great Fear). These last 2 will always accompany "great grace".

7 SOUTHERN STATES GET READY TO BE UNDER THE BLUE

I believe that the Lord is releasing a spiritual ‘changing of the guard’ in the 7 states that felt the 4/29 earthquake- Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina and Mississippi. Though this area has been referred to as the "Bible Belt", it has primarily been a Religion Belt. This Religion Belt is gray and is sourced by a religious spirit. The Lord is shaking that belt off and putting on us a blue belt of Truth, which is the belt of Truth of Ephesians 6:14. This scripture tells us that when this belt is on we can then stand our ground.

ALL THIS BECAUSE ISRAEL TURNS 55!

In case you didn’t believe it before, you will now see that God too celebrates birthdays. Nothing in His Master Plan happens coincidentally. He is also a Master at interweaving multiple mini-plans into His one Master Plan. Israel’s birthday celebration will unleash the MEGA GRACE all over the world. At the same time He is doing something regionally specific for the South and Atlanta. If you pay attention and search out His hidden wisdom for your own area, you will see Him interweaving other Master Touches of Destiny for your region. The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof and He has a redemptive plan for your part of the earth, wherever you might be. He only looks for agreement on earth so that He might act mightily. His eyes run through the whole earth looking for those who will believe. May He find you.

Johnny Enlow

 

   May 1, 2003

The Present Division Will Be Future Multiplication
Johnny Enlow


THE PRESENT DIVISION WILL BE FUTURE MULTIPLICATION

There is an overwhelming trend in the Body of Christ that is bringing great despair on many pastors and leaders. It is also causing great stress on those who are not involved in church leadership. There seems to be a new phenomenon in the last 18 months or so, of long-term, seemingly unbreakable church relationships breaking at an incredible pace. Though divisions have always been a part of the normal church scenario, I believe that a new degree and dimension to these divisions has recently ‘kicked in’. It seems that it is no longer just the perennially discontent going from church to church. Cofounders of churches and movements have found themselves at odds and have even parted ways, often devastating those under them. Tight-knit leadership teams that have been together for years are suddenly dissolving and heading in different directions. A cursory glance can make it look like Satan is having a hay-day.

WHEN CELLS DIVIDE THEY MULTIPLY

The Lord has personally encouraged me about this awful looking trend and dynamic by reminding me of the truth of our natural bodies. It is as our cells DIVIDE that they in fact are MULTIPLYING. What looks in the small picture like division, is actually multiplication when looked at from a big picture perspective. What is positive for the state of the overall body can be a temporary ‘stresser’ for the individual cell. As we see church leaders all across this land parting ways, I believe that we will see a positive end result. The reproductive parts of the Body are being separated so that they may now produce more life in different cells.

SOME OF THE DIVISION IS SATAN

Now of course, in the midst of this process, there are still Jezebel spirits and other plans of the enemy at work. Unfortunately, our need to ascribe motive to ‘moving on’ is what often opens the door to other spirits. What I mean by that, is when we try to figure out why we no longer desire to ministerially associate with our long-term co-laborers, then we can come under the influence of the Accuser. Satan is enjoying this season because he always enjoys disputes, factions, and divisions. He also knows it goes against Jesus’ plea "Father, that they may be one." However, even in the midst of his present enjoyment, Satan is unaware that he is still serving the greater purposes of the King of Kings.

WE ARE BEING REPOSITIONED FOR HARVEST

The coming harvest will be so unimaginably awesome in it’s scope and size that the Lord of the Harvest is now making strategic preparations for it. As the prayers go up to the "Lord of the harvest" (Mt. 9:38), He is preparing additional laborers for this harvest. I sense that the Lord is in the process of positioning second and third tier leaders into first tier positions. He is also realigning leadership relationships so that greater fruit can come from those that already function as first tier leaders (pastors, etc.). Great DIVISIONS are taking place so that great MULTIPLICATION can be the net result.

THE MYSTERY OF LAWLESSNESS IS ALSO PLAYING OUT

2 Thessalonians 2:7 speaks of "the mystery of lawlessness" that will eventually surface the antichrist. Terrorism is a manifestation of lawlessness and is part of the unfolding of this mystery. I believe this mystery will also be further revealed as judgment begins "in the house of the Lord" (1 Peter 4:7). We are presently in a season where the Lord is coming first against lawlessness that exists in the Body of Christ as false freedom. There are many of us who have never had our rebellious DNA removed and during this time the Lord is shaking it out of us. Many pastors and their churches were birthed out of rebellion and I see the Lord is drawing attention to those original foundations and requiring a ‘clean up’ and ‘clean out’ of that rebellion. As many lose a large portion of their congregations, it will become a great time for soul searching on these matters. Be encouraged to know that the Lord is tearing many things down to rebuild them back - minus the lawlessness.

In simplistic terms, it is an unteachable spirit that is the proof of a lawless spirit. If we are a horse who accepts no harness, then we will begin to become ministerially expendable to the Lord. Spiritual ‘lone rangers’ have actually served an emergency purpose in the Body of Christ, but I believe that the Lord will phase them out in favor of those who understand being properly connected to the rest of the Body. It grieves me to know that many greatly gifted and anointed people who passionately love the Lord will be phased out by the Lord if they do not deal with their personal lawlessness. Many of these operate in great power but still carry ‘unhealed wounds’ from previous church skirmishes. Ministers of the Third Day will no longer be allowed to minister while having these wounds but must first have them healed. As a result of the present shaking and tearing down, God is drawing attention to many with these wounds and requiring them to receive healing before they can be installed or reinstalled into their ministerial destinies.

SO WHAT’S HE SHAKING FROM YOU?

Haggai 2 tells us that it is SHAKING that precedes the Glory. This is the good news about what is going on. There is divine purpose to this present shaking and it is that we might be able to carry the glory we are praying for.

It is a good time for personal inventory to consider the thing or things that the Lord might want to shake from us. Whatever our position may be in the church, He is wanting to shake something OUT of us and also shake something INTO us. If we are being moved, we want to be sure that it is a repositioning for greater fruitfulness and not just a separation and removal because of our rebellion. May the Holy Spirit accompany these words and provide you with "Truth in your inner parts."

Johnny Enlow

 Apr 22, 2003

Babylon and Jerusalem...An Unfolding Mystery
Johnny Enlow


BABYLON AND JERUSALEM

In the Bible, no two cities are more spoken of and prophesied about than Babylon and Jerusalem. No two cities’ future destiny is more contrasted than these two cities- Babylon as the ultimate bastion of wickedness and Jerusalem as the ultimate bastion of hope, righteousness and restoration. It is not coincidental that as we get into the last of the ‘last days’ these two places become central focuses of Divine activity. Though there is an ultimate spiritual Babylon and spiritual Jerusalem, there is first a fulfillment in natural Babylon and natural Jerusalem. Actually, the destinies of both of these spiritual and natural cities are interwoven as one giant mystery to be played out in these last days.

NATURAL BABYLON

Saddam Hussein has rebuilt the ancient city of Babylon and is now an actual city in Iraq. Of course, Babylon in the Old Testament wasn’t just a city; it was an entire nation and empire. Geographically Iraq contains what was the basic ancient Babylonian Empire, though it also expanded to cover much more area. Interestingly enough, Saddam has said that he is some sort of reincarnation of Nebuchadnezzar, the ancient king of Babylon during Daniel’s days. His prime Republican Guard unit has been called the Nebuchadnezzar and Saddam has clearly stepped into the pride and spirit of the ancient Babylonian leader. He has also set himself up to be judged in a similar fashion as he has apparently failed to read all the history of Babylon and Nebuchadnezzar.

NATURAL JERUSALEM

Jerusalem has already been for some time, a dominant news story and place of international focus. Four major religions consider it a vital city for their spiritual fulfillment and destiny. Any religious group that would attempt to further a geographical takeover of this city would find itself in an explosive inferno of violent backlash from the other groups. Natural Jerusalem is clearly a microcosm of the overall spiritual war in the world. In the midst of this tension the promises and prophecies of scripture still stand.



THE MYSTERY UNFOLDS

As surely as natural Jerusalem and natural Israel will have a simultaneous fulfillment of destiny with spiritual Jerusalem and spiritual Israel, so too will there be a geographical fulfillment of all that has to do with Babylon. Just as the forces of hell have gathered even geographically to conspire against Jerusalem and Israel, so too has there been a concentration of demonic forces gathered over literal Babylon. Just as judgment on literal Babylon always brought a future blessing to Jerusalem, so too when judgment is brought on the geographical demonic powers of Babylon will there be a release of new blessing for Jerusalem and Israel. There will also be a worldwide opening up of the Muslim world to the good news that is in Jesus Christ. If only a natural war is fought in Iraq, then all that will be further stirred is more hatred and violence in Arab nations. However, as our spiritual warfare begins to ‘degrade’ the evil powers behind Islam, the effect will be the opposite of what could be assumed. The powers that have ruled in Babylon for multiple centuries have been blinding the eyes of those under the deception of Islam. This has caused them to see things in a totally distorted fashion and has released fear, hate, despair, and destruction among them. Winning the spiritual battle will also greatly simplify and expedite the natural war (and future wars) as the cloud of lies and deceit will be lifted from the region.

THIS IS THE SAME POWER DANIEL WENT UP AGAINST

Daniel 10 tells us of the Prince of Persia and how he was able to keep Daniel from receiving revelation for 21 days until Michael, the archangel, assisted in the process. As we know, geographically this all took place in Babylon and verse 4 tells us that Daniel was by the Tigris River. Daniel 10:14 says, " Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days…" Michael was coming to tell Daniel information concerning the future of Israel. This information was important enough that a very strong principality was restricting its access. For it to require Michael’s activation seems to tell us that this Prince of Persia is either Satan himself or a second in command. As Michael is the guardian over Israel and Jerusalem (Dan. 12), so also is the Prince of Persia the usurptive guardian and evil power over Babylon. It is a power strong enough to operate worldwide and to have bases of power worldwide. However, its home base is geographical Babylon. I believe it is THE antichrist spirit, a spirit who’s strongest characteristic is anti-Semitism. It has many disguises and manifestations, but the anti-Semitic element of it is its most difficult to cover up. This evil power has periods of great power and influence in Christianity itself and is only now being finally uprooted in most Christian circles. I believe that this evil power operated in the Crusaders, in many centuries of church leaders, in Hitler, and most recently it has been operating in the power behind "radical Islam". This spirit carries the "gates of hell" but of course they will not prevail against the true church of Jesus Christ.

A MYSTERY: WHY IS IT BASED IN BABYLON?

What is somewhat a mystery, at least to me, is why this evil principality is based geographically in the land of Babylon.

We know that the Garden of Eden was placed in this very region. Was this God planting something in Satan’s ‘backyard’ or did the Serpent’s temporary victory give him a base of authority? Does this region constitute a place where Satan was literally cast out of heaven to? If so, why was this the chosen location for him to be cast out to? Whatever all the right answers to these questions might be, one thing is clear – from the very beginning, this has been a region that has produced great spiritual plots for overthrowing God. From Nimrod to the Tower of Babel, to Nebuchadnezzar, to the present day scenarios, this region has produced many that have conspired against God and against His anointed. In Revelation 17:5 we read the term "Mystery Babylon". I believe we are in the days where at least the beginning of this mystery is starting to unfold.

Johnny Enlow

Apr 10, 2003

The Nine Deadly Embrace

Dennis Walker is a pastor based out of Las Vegas, Nevada where he and his wife, Lynnie (also my sister) oversee 3 local congregations. They also are itinerant ministers who oversee many churches in several different nations. Recently as we were traveling together in France and Switzerland, Dennis shared on these truths the Lord had given him. I was impressed at how important this revelation is and how timely it is to what is taking place in much of the body of Christ. The material came to him prophetically, but it has a timeless value to it, as this is an ongoing area of challenge in the overall church. I believe that you will be blessed and instructed by this revelation.

Johnny Enlow



THE NINE DEADLY EMBRACES

By Dennis Walker

The Reemergence from the Nine Embraces

A few weeks ago, as I was spending time with the Lord in my tent (that’s a story for another time), I fell asleep and had a vivid and disturbing dream. I dreamed about a friend from the past that had given himself over to an evil lifestyle. Even though I had spent long hours with this person trying to be a facilitator for healing and health, he continually returned to old habits. He finally walked away from a healthy Christian lifestyle to give himself fully to the things that bound him.

In the dream I saw this friend coming back to a relationship with Christ and coming out of the bondages of his past. The dream ended with a voice from heaven that said, "He is reemerging from the nine embraces." I immediately awoke with that phrase resounding in my mind: "The reemergence from the nine embraces." I began to ask the Lord about those nine embraces. Almost as soon as I began asking, the answer came as a "divine download". The words came faster than I could write them on my computer. This is what the Lord spoke to me: There are nine embraces that progressively lead a person into bondage. They start out not looking too deadly but soon become very toxic spiritually. They are divided into two parts: The first part being those things that an individual embraces, in the second the person is being embraced by predatory spirits. In brief the nine embraces are as follows:

1. The embracing of an offense. 2. The embracing of a lie (about that situation). 3. The embracing of accusation/judgment. 4. The embracing of bitterness.
TRANSITION
5. The embrace of deception (about life in general). 6. The terrible embrace of fear/depression. 7. The embrace of obsession. 8. The smothering embrace of control. 9. The suppressing embrace of the identity.


The Word of God tells us that the devil and his hosts are astute and crafty. We also know from the Word that they operate by strategies and methods.

Ephesians 6:10-12
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles (Grk. methodeia - methods) of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

We also know that the Devil’s objective is to possess fortified positions in our lives, using thoughts and perceptions to accomplish that objective.

2 Corinthians 10: 4-5

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments (Grk. logismos - thoughts) and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought (Grk. noema - perception) into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

We would be wise to be aware of the enemies’ objectives and the methods that he uses to accomplish his goals.


The Slippery Slope

In Luke 17:1 and Matthew 18:7 Jesus tells us that offenses are sure to come. The Greek word for offense is "skandalon" from which we derive our English word "scandal". The meaning of the Greek word is "a snare" or "a trap". Embracing an offense becomes a primary strategy of the devil to bring people into bondage. The embrace of an offense is just the entryway into even more manipulation by demonic forces. It is a very slippery slope. Those who embrace offense have fallen into a snare or trap of the Devil. To embrace offense is to decide not to deal with a problematic situation in the way the Bible teaches. The Bible is very clear on the right way to address an offense, it is through loving confrontation.

Matthew 5: 23-26 reminds us to reconcile with our brother before approaching God.

Matthew 18:15-17 teaches us exactly how to handle those who have offended us.

Matthew 18:21-22 commands us to forgive one another.

Luke 6:37 admonishes us not to judge or condemn one another.

The basic concept from scripture is that there is only one just judge who will judge all men: the all knowing and all powerful God. No one escapes his scrutiny and no one escapes his judgments. Toward the last part of the Book of Revelations it says, "Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are your judgments." We are asked by God to defer to His judgment which is always true and righteous.

It is when we do not obey the commands of scripture and decide to become our own judge that trouble begins. We embrace the offense and make internal judgments about the individual who has done us wrong. In our hearts we write that person off, judging his heart and motives. As soon as we do that we have stepped on the slippery slope; we have opened the door for the devil to be our chief counsel. Believe me; he enters through any door open to him.

The Downward Spiral

After embracing an offense, opening the door to demonic forces, we begin to have some real inspired thoughts. The problem is that this fountain of wisdom comes from a poisoned well. Evil spirits of interpretation begin to replay the events and words in our mind giving a different spin to them. Suddenly things become clear; we begin to truly understand the hidden motives of our recent adversary. Lying spirits begin to feed us the erroneous conclusions. Unless we are truly walking in the Spirit and in accountable relationships with other brothers and sisters in the Lord, we will relive the events of Genesis chapter 3. The devil will offer the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. We will bite the forbidden fruit. Our eyes will be opened. We will see our brother’s shame. Death will enter again. But once again this is only the beginning…

We begin a downward spiral into bondage and death. After embracing the lies that the devil begins to feed us, we begin to bring accusation and judgment against the person or people who offended us. Eventually we become bitter about our wounds, causing us to feel the same emotions all over again from the original wounding. The Bible warns about the spirit of bitterness that can defile many. At this point, I believe we are then "turned over to the tormentor", as Matthew says. When this root of bitterness springs up we begin to be contaminated with and embraced by deception. As deception overtakes us, we begin to be turned from the truth of Who God is and who we are, opening us to the terrible embrace of fear and depression with an often unexplainable source. This spirit of fear then leads us to a place of being embraced by a spirit of obsession. This can manifest itself as an obsession over anything, seemingly good or bad. Obsessions then take hold of us. The smothering embrace of demonic control can then begin to wrap itself around us controlling us and attempting to control others through us as well. Then finally there becomes a suppression of our very identity as a demonic presence assumes our position in life. Now a spirit even speaks through us, using us to accomplish it’s purposes.

The Freedom of God’s Embrace

I believe that all of this is totally avoidable and completely reversible. In the midst of this downward spiral the goal of the enemy is to cloud the voice of God so that we don’t turn to Him for deliverance and restoration. No matter how far we have gotten into this process all we need to do is to come back to the original offense, releasing it to God. We must come back to the one and only true judge in order to be released from the dungeon of despair. We must give our offense over to our Righteous Judge even if we don’t think the person who offended us deserves to be forgiven. We must give it to Him because we deserve to be free and because God can only work in the situation when we release it to Him. When the devil no longer has a right to control, manipulate and persecute you (Mat. 18: 32-35), then it is not too hard to kick him out of your life and home. Remember God’s desire for you is blessing and not cursing. He wants to heal us and set us free to emerge from these nine most deadly embraces.  

Mar 29, 2003

Ask Me For the Nations...
Johnny Enlow


Ask Me For The Nations, NOW, While They Rage

Psalms 2:1,2 "Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against His Anointed..."

We are in an accelerated time of nations "raging" and of ‘rulers and kings’ plotting and planning. Much of the raging and plotting has been against "His Anointed." This represents the Lord Himself, but has a specific application to representing the nation of Israel as well. Entire nations are conspiring how to rid the world of Israel and whoever defends Israel. This will prove to be a "vain thing."

Meanwhile, many other realignments of nations are in the making. Many traditional political relationships among countries are being eroded and new ones seem to be forming. The United Nations and NATO alignments seem to have taken a serious blow and other alignments are now being made. The nations of the world are abuzz with activity as many are in secret counsel together plotting new political maneuvers.


God Is Laughing At All Their Plots

Psalms 2: 4 "He who sits in the heavens shall laugh: The Lord shall hold them in derision."

While the nations are raging and plotting and conniving "He who sits in the heavens", is not wringing His hands in concern or alarm. He has no worries over His Master plan being messed up. He is not only at peace and firmly in charge, but He’s also feeling so sure and secure about what is to happen that He laughs both at the rage and at the plots. They will both be in vain.

God is addressed as "He who sits in the heavens" as a reminder to us of His Sovereignty. He sits up there and not only laughs but He holds these plotters "in derision". The Hebrew word for ‘derision’ is laag and it is quite an interesting word. It means "to laugh to scorn" and "to mock". The implication of this word is that you are ‘laughing and mocking’ while imitating a foreigner. There is a speaking back of the same words that the ‘foreigner’ has said but in a mocking, derisive way – something many of us practiced as kids.


You My Sons and Daughters, Ask of Me The Nations!

Psalms 2: 7,8,9 "I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, You are my Son, Today I have begotten you. ASK OF ME AND I WILL GIVE YOU THE NATIONS FOR YOUR INHERITANCE AND THE ENDS OF THE EARTH FOR YOUR POSSESSION. You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel."

As we can clearly see, this invitation to ask of Him the nations, comes in the midst of the nations and rulers of nations plotting and planning many things. If you read this verse as saying that the nations are given to THE Son, Jesus, rather than to us, just remember that we are His Body and have been given authority to represent Jesus and accomplish His directives here on earth.

This then is what I am hearing in my spirit as a directive of the Lord for this crucial time in our world. This whole war with Iraq has the potential to make us passive and to be as bystanders. It can be tempting to jump into much speculation on what scriptures may or may not be being fulfilled. We can be distracted trying to connect what nation from what prophecy applies to the situation. Though this can be of value when directed by the Holy Spirit, let us not forget this very specific scripture in Psalms 2, and realize the potential built into it. The Lord is saying that the fate of all nations has not been signed and sealed. We are not here to simply figure out what the Lord has already etched in stone. He is placing more authority in the requests of His sons, than in what nations and rulers of nations attempt to bring about. This is quite an awesome privilege and responsibility.

"You shall break them with a rod of iron." This speaks of a level of absolute authority given us over the powers of darkness that rule the nations. The Lord is really stirring His people at this time to direct spiritual bombs against the demonic powers ruling in Iraq. I believe that the Lord will allow the natural war to go on as long as it takes for us to spiritually crush the evil principalities of the region through prayer and praise. The natural speaks of what is taking place in the spirit – and it is very intense. I do believe that many scriptures from Jeremiah 50 and 51 do have an application for this war. There is judgment on the spirit of Babylon and on Babylon. However, I do not believe that the Lord desires Iraq to become desolate and uninhabitable. Rather I believe He has good desires towards the Iraqi people and that He wishes to remove the blindness of their hearts that they see Jesus as He really is.


Let’s Ask Him For Iraq

Let us lift up petitions before the Lord asking Him to give us Iraq as an inheritance. Let the Kingdom of God really come to bear in Iraq. May the land where Abraham was born be healed. May there be a work of geographical redemption for the region of the Garden of Eden. May the rivers from which Daniel saw his revelations be a place of life and hope and restoration. May the land where ancient heroes of the faith have trodden be soon freed from the tyranny of the principalities that have ruled for so long. May the prayers of all the saints in Iraq overflow before the Lord. May the blood of all the martyrs of this region be now remembered by heaven. Join with me in this petition. We are not waiting on heaven, heaven is waiting on us. The Lord says. "My sons and daughters, ask of me the nations." That is the teamwork of the last days. The Lord who sits in heaven has all the power. He is the B-2 bomber (to the 100th power) with the heavy ‘payload’. He needs us to give Him the ‘coordinates’ for where the ‘payload’ should come. He actually doesn’t need us but He has chosen to need us. He’s telling us, "I’ve got all the power, I just need you to ask me for it." I believe that how all the nations ‘play out’, is largely ‘negotiable’. All of creation groans and travails longing for the manifestation of the sons of God (Romans 8). The more we fail to "ask of Him the nations" the more groaning and travailing we will see coming from the nations. Prophetically the nations are raging, prophetically it is time to step into our God-given commission to ASK FOR THE NATIONS.

Johnny Enlow

February 20, 2003

George W. Bush and Our Destiny as a Nation  Part 1
Johnny Enlow

I would like to share some foundational issues regarding George W. Bush and our national destiny that I believe much of the American Church is missing. I think many of us are not aware of what a hugely divine God-send it was for us to be able to have this man as president of our country. We must not forget the grace that was extended to us as a nation when this righteous man, that we did not deserve, became our supreme commander. God has stirred my heart to remember the 2000 election and His divine intervention on our behalf. He has also had me up for hours the last several nights speaking to my spirit things concerning several issues that I would like to address……George Washington’s vision of the destruction of America and what it means for us today…..the ‘prophetic angst’ that is appearing during these trying times…. the potential war our country is facing….. and our nation’s relationship with Israel.

Even the blanketing of snow the east coast is now experiencing and the fact that it was on the day we celebrated President’s Day, has prophetic meaning. It is going to be a challenge for me to weave together all that the Lord has impressed upon me, but I trust He will help me. Because of the length of this particular article, I will be sending it out in two parts. The second part will be sent out next week.


PART I
George Washington’s Vision

There has been much attention and credibility attached to a vision that has been credited to our first President, George Washington. You can find the text of this vision in various prophetic web sites as well as at www.geocities.com/Athens/Aegean/2444/gwvision.html .  I will not display the full text of this vision here, but if you have not seen it, it is very insightful. The vision was apparently told by George Washington to a man named Anthony Sherman who at age 91 told it to a man named Wesley Bradshaw. It was first published 2 years before the Civil War and since the vision contained fairly detailed information on the Civil War it gained some deserved credibility. The vision foretold 3 severe tests for our country. One was the Revolutionary War, one was the Civil War, and one was a future invasion of America where cities, towns and villages were burned and destroyed by invading armies from Asia and Africa. In this 3rd test for our country, things looked very bleak until there came a supernatural response from heaven that dramatically changed the tide in favor of our country. The end of the vision is very positive for our country, but the circumstances leading up to the end are not desirable by any point of view.


"Son of the Republic, Look and Learn."

As George Washington received this revelation, he was addressed by a voice, that before detailing every sequence of the vision said, "Son of the Republic, Look and Learn." He was instructed that the 3rd test for our country would be its’ most severe. From Asia and Africa thick dark clouds joined into one and in their midst a "dark red light" could be seen. These came with vast armies that devastated the whole country.


Why would God allow this vision to gain such present day credibility?

This is a central question I would like to pose to all.I believe that God is willing that this 3rd sequence of the vision NOT be fulfilled, as it relates to the judgments on our nation.

Washington’s vision was not told to anyone before the Revolutionary War, so it had no chance of being very useful towards that first ‘test’. The vision had only been out for 2 years before the Civil War and it lacked the credibility that it had foretold anything as of yet. I believe the fact that there is now solid belief that this was in fact a vision from God helps us greatly in knowing what to do with the information. I see no evidence of God ever expecting His people to just wait and receive a specifically foretold judgment. No more than the people of Nineveh were to just accept Jonah’s prophecy over them are we to simply accept and receive the inevitability of this 3rd test. Not only so, but I believe that the Lord has built into this vision the very evidential threads of a possible new destiny. I believe that by giving us George W. Bush as President, the Lord was saying that a new destiny is accessible.


George W, the Son of the Republican

I believe that is has been very divine the great attention given to the W in our Presidents name. As we also note he is of course the son of a previous Republican President. I believe that the Lord left ‘hints’ in the original vision of a time when a new splice of destiny would be available for our country. In the vision there was an instruction not just to "Look" but also to "Learn". ("Son of the Republic, Look and Learn"). The thing to learn is that a prophesied destiny over any one or any place is generally "negotiable". The only things that are irreversible are things that pertain to God’s master plan and the fullness of time. All other issues whether for good or for evil are reversible and subject to "splices of new destiny". Moses did not receive that which God ‘prophesied’ for him because of an incident of disobedience. He never entered the "promised land" because he smote the rock instead of speaking to it. It brought in a new "splice of destiny" for his life so that he did not receive even the good thing that God Himself had "promised" him. Likewise the people of Nineveh activated a new "splice of destiny" through their deep repentance after Jonah’s prophetic word to them.


George W represents an opportunity for a new "splice of destiny"

I believe that the original George W’s vision can be amended during the time of this 2nd George W. This Son of the Republic has been provided to us by the Lord, not because our country ‘deserved’ it, but because "His people" raised intense prayer and intercession to Him on behalf of our country.


A Land of Gore or a Burning Bush experience

Our presidential choices in 2000 were Gore and Bush. By a small majority the people of this country would have voted in Gore, but by an electoral process that was injected by our founding fathers, Bush was eventually proclaimed winner. Weeks of prayer and repentance while the election hung in the balance were the determinants in getting a divine intervention from God. Even as the "burning bush" in the Bible represented the divine intervention of God into Israel’s destiny, so too did a modern day "burning Bush" represent God’s intervention into the destiny of America.

Though Al Gore seems a decent enough person, I believe had he been elected we would be on a course for a complete fulfillment of George Washington’s vision. If you look at Websters’ very first definition of the word "gore" you will see that it means "blood." It secondarily means "to wound with something pointed." I believe that, prophetically speaking, this is where we were soon headed. Though the specter of war hangs over us, we are in an offensive posture rather than a defensive posture. I sense that so many of us "prophetically minded" people have forgotten the new grace God gave America in giving us Bush as President and not Gore. We clearly knew that we were being blessed with something we did not deserve based on the righteousness of the nation.


"Though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be white as snow."

I’ve been asking the Lord the last few days to give me some further confirmation that what I am hearing from Him is in fact the truth. I believe that this east coast snow fall is a prophetic confirmation of the truths I’m sharing. Washington DC, New York City, Boston, and Baltimore are among the many cities that have received record or near record snow fall. These cities that have been bracing in fear for terror attacks during these days have been totally blanketed in white. The snow fall came on the day we celebrate President’s Day – again I believe the Lord bringing attention to the Presidential office. We celebrate President’s Day specifically in honor of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, as they were born February 22 and February 12, respectively. They were also the Presidents during the first 2 severe tests of George Washington’s vision, seeing us through the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. As I was seeking the Lord as to the meaning of the heavy snow cover released on President’s Day, I was reminded by the Lord of a scripture I had just read yesterday.

"Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Isaiah 1:18

During the election days many prophetic people were saying that having Bush as President was going to cause a national steering towards righteousness, which is what this blanket of snow represents. This is happening and will yet happen to a much deeper degree. Even as this natural snow has impacted all of life in these cities, so will a release of righteousness impact these very same cities as well as the whole nation. This has already been granted us if we will simply believe it...

I will release the second part of this word next week, delving further into this and the above mentioned topics.

Johnny Enlow

Feb 27, 2003

George W. Bush and Our Destiny as a Nation- Part II
Johnny Enlow

George W. Bush and Our Destiny as a Nation


PART II- Homeland Insecurity?

The Problem of Prophetic Angst

One of the present problems over the prophetic community in our country is something I’ll call "prophetic angst". This is where legitimately prophetic people become influenced by the angst of our nations ‘soul’. I believe that our nation has always had a somewhat apprehensive and insecure ‘soul’. Even while winning the Revolutionary War it is said that as few as 3% of the country took part in the struggle for Independence. Prevalent in America was apathy, self-interest, uncertainty, and fear. Many supported the opposition and it is quite miraculous that such a small remnant was able to bring about Independence.

There is at this time no known clear prophetic voice in our country, from which our national leaders could gain much benefit, even should our leaders be inclined to listen. Many ‘proven’ prophetic voices totally missed the mark for the Y2K time period and no one that I know of conclusively stated, "You have nothing to worry about." Some did better than others, but most seemed under the influence of the prevailing national angst.

Even now, for the recent serious situations facing our country, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of clarity coming from the prophetic camp. This is simply an observation and not a criticism. Many are praying that the President would be open to the prophetic, but then whose prophetic should he be open to. We have ‘prophets’ saying "Go to war!" with no concern and we have ‘prophets’ saying "It will be the start of World War III!". I am not mocking either one, but just stating that there is not a consensus to go on. We are still very much in the ‘baby stage’ of the prophetic. There are ‘warnings’ released often through prophetic sources, yet not a one that I know of even foretold of the major 9/11 attack. I see and perceive many prophetic words and warnings being given that are tinged with our national angst. In general, we get our clearest national words by those who are here from other countries and are more immune from this anxiety and fear of our nation’s ‘soul’.

A problem with this prophetic angst is that the very thing it is warning of – FEAR- is what it ultimately releases. When you are not free of the national angst then it can’t help but show up in your prophetic words. I believe that when you are under this national angst it makes you prone to picking up ‘second heaven’ revelation, which is only seeing what Satan’s plans are. Sometimes that can be relevant, but often it is not. When Elisha’s servant Gehazi saw all the hosts of Syria surrounding them, what he saw quickly became irrelevant once his eyes were ‘opened’ to see the armies of God. (2 Kings 6: 13-17) Gehazi didn’t have to pray or intercede against the Syrians, he only needed to see God’s awesome armies that were surrounding the now much weaker looking Syrian army. I believe there are some good things God has decreed over our nation and over our President that our eyes must be opened to seeing and believing. As a good rule of thumb, if we can’t see the ‘third heaven’ antidote to the ‘second heaven’ revelation, then maybe we shouldn’t share it. It will always release fear and anxiety. Even if the truth of the ‘second heaven’ revelation stirs intercession, fear based intercession accomplishes very little compared to faith based intercession.


America, Impregnable?

Several days ago I found myself a little under the national angst. I began to ask the Lord what we needed to be looking out for and where the breaches in our ‘spiritual national security’ might be. I will only report to you what I loudly heard in my spirit. "America is impregnable." I then saw a picture of all the borders around this country with a very thick fortified stone wall all around them. I’ll admit that with all the reports of potential terrorism coming in, it has been a challenge for me to believe what I heard in my spirit. Yet the Holy Spirit continues to repeat it over and over again to me.

Though I have knowledge of the word "impregnable" it is not a word I am ever aware of having used. I looked it up in the dictionary and it means, "incapable of being taken by assault." What does that mean? Well, I believe that the Lord has shown me that the prayer cover that has come up from our nation is very strong. Those who have prayed and interceded should be encouraged to know that their prayers have actually made a serious difference. There is a thick stone wall in the spirit realm all around our nation and it is providing great protection. There are terroristic plots and plans on an ever increasing fashion directed towards our country, but the Lord has not allowed any to prosper against us.


So does that mean nothing bad can happen to us?

No, but I believe that it does mean that our prayers for protection have been responded to by God. When a protective prayer cover is in effect then nothing outside the divine counsel of the Lord can take place. That is a place of security we can rest in. It doesn’t mean "cease to pray" but it does mean "cease the panicky prayers." Again it is the prayer OF FAITH that changes things and not the prayer OF FEAR.


Israel: A wrong move there can make us vulnerable.

Everything to do with Israel is now so key to all other world issues that it simply cannot be ignored. I believe that the Lord has in George W. Bush a man who recognizes that decisions made concerning Israel carry serious natural and spiritual consequences. I believe that it is in his heart to do precisely what the Lord would have done for Israel. I have ultimate faith that he will make decisions that show wisdom and prudence. Israel is becoming an increasingly "burdensome stone" (Zech. 12:3) as it requires an ever increasing amount of wisdom to know how to bring about fairness and justice to that region. The chronological order of God’s great plan for Israel is not clearly evident, making it a challenge to simply ‘implement’ it. ‘Kicking out’ all enemies from Jerusalem and Israel is simply not that simple, and if done wrong is also unjust. We need Divine Wisdom to flow to our commander in chief and that is something worth praying for.


Is America 'destined' to also turn against Israel one day?

"And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it." Zechariah 12:3

I have heard this very scripture used as proof that the United States will also one day turn against Israel and thus incur God’s wrath. First of all, let’s note that it does say "though all the nations…" It is not a conclusive proclamation. Even if that were taken as conclusive "all the nations" it is not synonymous with "all countries", as it is only speaking of people or ethnic groups. I do not believe that it is an irreversible fact that all countries will turn against Israel. If you believe the ending for George Washington’s vision for America, it seems unlikely that such a good ending could occur for a nation that was against Israel. I believe that we do damage to the potential destiny of our country if we dogmatically believe that she will one day be against Israel. New York City, which is clearly a vital organ of this country, is in some ways a virtual extension of Israel. There is a reason the terrorists are insistent in targeting this city. Yes it is our financial center, but it is also home to several million Jews. We have the potential as a nation, as we identify with Israel, to be reckoned spiritually as a virtual extension of Israel. I believe that is God’s desire for us.


How far will the "burning Bush" take us?

I believe that for as long as President Bush leads our country there will be favor and grace to steer our nation into a desired destiny. The Lord has shown me that there is actually more righteousness and wisdom coming from the White House right now than from over 90% of our churches. Once Bush’s ‘reign’ is over we will know if we went far enough taking spiritual ground to correct the course of this ‘ship’ called America or if severe judgment remains our future lot. Our justice system must be touched before he leaves office. This IS an area that requires prayer support and again I have faith that there will be success. Roe vs. Wade does need to be overturned, not only because it will greatly reduce abortions, but also because it will reduce our nation’s accountability for allowing state sanctioned killing.

I believe the Lord will be helping during this time with a ‘mighty wind’ from sea to shining sea that will release an unprecedented revival in our nation. This revival is a sure thing and is upon us even now. This revival must go deep enough to bring wholesale changes to our churches and to bring a more acceptable unity among the races. The Lord’s desired destiny for us is to actually be the ‘melting pot’ of all nations. Racial and ethnic healing that takes place in this country will then be exported to places of great racial and ethnic distress and will bring healing to those nations.


Where we ARE in trouble…

I saw a vision of the United States with 2 small red flashing X’s near the Los Angeles area. I believe that one represents Hollywood and one represents the San Fernando Valley area from which most of our nation’s pornography comes from. These 2 X’s represent things that God will not put up with much longer. They are places ripe for a direct ‘hit’ from the Lord. I am not prophesying this ‘hit’, but just reporting what I see and sense is coming. Hollywood is in a steep decline in what it is producing and it must stop. Seduction and the occult are being broadcast all over the country as well as all over the world. The sludge of pornography must not go unchallenged as it is infecting mainstream America and the Church in a great way. These 2 spiritual cesspools are in danger of bringing a much greater national judgment on us if the Lord doesn’t discipline them directly.

Our god of mammon and those who worship it can not continue to go unpunished. One way or the other it will happen. The national revival we will experience must go deep enough to topple mammon or our economy will eventually take a more direct hit. The present sputtering economy is nothing compared to what will take place if we don’t voluntarily dethrone mammon from our lives.


On Iraq

I believe our President is doing everything possible to avoid war. Though he is being accused of being a warmonger, I believe he is doing all he can to remove Saddam with as little blood shed as possible. We have to show full willingness to take whatever measure is necessary to remove Saddam and we are doing that. We would not be believable if we didn’t bring a sizable show of force to the area. This is also a signal to us believers to pray that Saddam leave in some capacity. However, once we as a country have done all the ‘barking’ that’s possible, we must ‘bite’ if the barking doesn’t work. If you know history you know that we can not simply leave Saddam alone. Among other historical figures who were allowed to ‘cheat’ is Hitler. It was very costly not to deal with him earlier. War is never desirable, but this past century every time we failed to engage soon enough, it was quite costly later. It could even be said that George W must finish what his dad did not. Saddam is a dangerous figure bent on the destruction of Israel. He is clearly in the path of God’s divine judgment. If the United States is not the arm of justice upon Iraq, then Israel itself will have to bring that judgment. Yes, I know many Christians are in Iraq that could face untoward situations in the future. Yet even in the recent years over half the Christians have already left Iraq. As it is now, Iraq already has an undesirable climate for Christians. The follow up reconstruction will more determine these Christians’ fate than anything else. Again war is never desirable, but not going to war can be even more costly. Our leaders are in touch with so much more information than they are at liberty to say that we must simply pray a covering of the Lord over their decision making process and then trust the wisdom God puts in them. We can not neglect doing what we must do out of fear of reprisals and more terrorist attacks. Even if more attacks are forthcoming there can be no letting up on the fight against terrorism.


In light of some recent events that include the nightclub disasters, I will shortly be sending out a Part III….

Johnny Enlow

Feb 28, 2003

George W. Bush and Our Destiny as a Nation- Part III
Johnny Enlow


PART III – George W. Bush and Our Nation’s Destiny


I had written that which preceded this section early last week. Since that time there has been a virtual avalanche of prophetic feedback regarding the upcoming days and in particular March 3rd. I have personally received nothing from the Lord regarding March 3rd and so I have nothing to share regarding that day. Because of the many words out there and the call for prayer, I will definitely join in with intense prayer. Even if nothing noteworthy was ‘destined’ for that day, it could still ‘become’ a noteworthy day with enough unified and intense prayer. May the principality behind Islam take a serious or deadly hit on March 3rd. The Lord had spoken to me that the ‘veil of Islam’ will be lifted this year and if that is the day for it, then praise God!


NIGHTCLUB TRAGEDIES AND TOYS-R-US ROOF CAVE- IN

I want to share my perspective on these very recent mini-disasters and what they might mean. First of all I want to state that I don’t believe God ‘caused’ these disasters, but rather He is using the disasters that happened to speak some greater truth.

I believe that these 3 stories, all heavily covered by the media, continue to point to the Los Angeles area as a vulnerable place for a judgment from God. This would go along with the flashing red X’s that I saw in a vision that represented the Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley areas.


Chicago’s Southside Nightclub Tragedy

Again, the context for why Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley are vulnerable is that they are originating cesspools for filth that contaminate the whole nation and many other nations as well. Immoral entertainment and seduction are being massively released from these points and are contaminating even God’s children via television and the web. Unbelievably there has been an even more precipitous moral slide since 9/11, in what is coming out of Hollywood. Now the occult is also being interwoven into the whole mix coming out of Hollywood. In the light of this I believe that the nightclubs and Toys-R-Us store which were recently destroyed represent this perverse ‘Kingdom of Entertainment.’ They are the spotlighted targets of ‘bizarre’ calamities. Chicago’s Southside, where the E2 Nightclub disaster occurred, is also where Hugh Hefner has been ‘credited’ with establishing, since 1953, America’s Sexual Revolution. Chicago has been called " the Center of the Sex Revolution." Hefner openly practices and promotes extreme hedonism and ‘celebrities’ from all over are constantly photographed at his renowned Playboy Mansion. Despite this he has been ‘honored’ by the city of Chicago in having a street named after him because of the millions of dollars he has brought into the local economy. I believe Hugh Hefner is the man most responsible for opening the ‘gate of smut’ into our nation. His own version of pornography is tame compared to what now flows freely, but he opened the gate that now releases much more vile material in the L.A. area. So I believe the Lord wishes us to see a greater message that He is speaking in these ‘strategic’ mini-disasters. That is that He is drawing attention to sources of seduction and pornography.


Rhode Islands’ Nightclub Tragedy

Again, the uniqueness of two bizarre, deadly nightclub incidences in such a short span of time has drawn the attention of the world. The Rhode Island tragedy was much more severe, with many more casualties.

This deadly nightclub fire occurred in the city of West Warwick and I believe that the location again gives us some prophetic threads. What I heard in my spirit was that the Lord would begin out WEST a WAR against WICKedness. The word "wickedness" is derived from the word "wick" because it is the thing on which the fire descends and holds. So I believe that this calamity on our East Coast is actually prophetically pointing out WEST, being the present focus of the Lord’s soon intervention. Again, the Lord did not ‘kill’ those in Rhode Island to make this point, but being God, He is able to use the disaster to further warn us.


The Toys-R-Us roof collapse

My sister-in-law was sharing a scripture that the Lord had showed her last week, which seems very applicable to this issue.

"Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people, for the salvation of thy anointed, THOU DIDST CRUSH THE HEAD OF THE WICKED, laying him bare from thigh to neck." (Hab. 3:13 RSV)

This verse is applicable in so many ways. First, we see that this is the Lord’s aggressive intervention on behalf of His people. The ‘attack’ out of Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley is so overpowering that an admitted 40% of pastors are heavily affected by on line porn. Statistically, the church is no better at divorces, abortions and other immorality than the world is. Much of that is the relentless stream that comes out of the L.A. area. If we were strong enough, it wouldn’t affect us, but we are not. The Lord, "for the salvation of (His) people", is going to intervene.

Toys-R-Us in the outskirts of Washington DC received a very high amount of snow on President’s Day. This snow sat on there for a few days and then received some significant rain. This combination caused the roof to collapse, though thankfully it seems no life was lost. Toys-R-Us as a store is not wicked. However, the name itself speaks of an identity with ‘toys’ - being ‘given over’ to ‘toys’ to the place that Toys ARE Us. This is being "lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God" and the scripture warns us of this dynamic of the last days (2 Timothy 3:1-4). So symbolically, what took place at this Toys-R-Us is the ‘head of wickedness being crushed’. The rain and the snow both symbolically represent intervention from heaven – and He is doing so "for His people’s salvation."

I believe "laying him bare from thigh to neck" is representative of pornography and gives this whole scripture a unique application for today. (This is obviously not the full contextual application of this passage, but the Lord uses scripture both ways.)

The city where this Toys-R-Us roof collapse is located in Lanham, Maryland. Now this may be prophetically ‘too much’ for some of you, but in my spirit I heard LA ‘n Ham. One of the definitions of "ham" in the dictionary is "a showy performer" and "an actor performing in exaggerated theatrical style". In other words, theatre that has gone too far. Of course as most know L.A. is the shortened nickname for Los Angeles. So where is the "Ham" in L.A.? As I have been saying, both Hollywood as well as the San Fernando Valley have gone much too far in their "acting" and they have gone grossly overboard in being "bare from thigh to neck".


Last Word

Now I am aware that the L.A. area has many outstanding believers and ministries. Neither am I prophesying any specific judgment nor the timing of it. I just believe that it will be soon, as I sense the Lord’s "ENOUGH!" with these immoral influences coming out of the L.A. area. I believe that we can pray for enough "laser like precision" that the message be clearly made to the nation. We should pray for mercy in the midst of the judgment. However, the judgment IS mercy. The "fear of the Lord" must come back on both believers and unbelievers.

As a caution, it seems that those believers who live out in the L.A. area should stay very sensitive to the Lord for any sudden ‘shift’ He would direct them in. Our God is well able to save "in the midst of the fire" as He did the three Hebrew children in the book of Daniel, as well as save in a ‘Psalm 91 fashion’. Of course, this does not give license to presumption. If you are in the L.A. area just make sure that the ‘passover blood’ is on your ‘door posts’, because our Lord is coming to deliver us!

Johnny Enlow

Feb 10, 2003

The Columbia Tragedy: Does It Also Mean Something?

Johnny Enlow

February 4, 2003

AND I WILL SHAKE ROME!

Johnny Enlow

January 31, 2003

"JUSTICE, JUSTICE, JUSTICE"

Johnny Enlow

January 16, 2003

THE “I”LANDS WILL SEE IN 2003!
Johnny Enlow

“My righteousness is near, My salvation has gone forth, And my arms will judge the peoples; THE ISLANDS WILL WAIT UPON ME and on my arm they will trust.” Is.51: 5

“Behold the nations are as a drop in the bucket, And are counted as the small dust on the scales; Look HE LIFTS UP THE ISLANDS as a very little thing.” Is.40: 15

The veil is coming off the “I” lands!

The “I” lands will become the I AM lands as God removes the veil from the “I’s”(eyes) and they will begin to see that which the prince of this world had formerly blinded them to.

There are 3 categories of “I” lands:

The Lord is clearly moving and doing a wondrous thing among all the nations. However, I believe that there is a particularly intense intervention of God that has already begun and will greatly intensify among the “I” lands.

First the Lord is speaking, of course, to the ISLANDS as in the scriptures above. I believe that there are repentance and revival winds blowing on the literal islands of the world. All God’s people who live on islands should step into greater faith and boldness and believe the things that the Lord is showing them for their ISLANDS.

The second category of “I” lands are the nations of the world that are under ISLAM. I hear the Lord saying, “The evil powers that are behind Islam will I SLAM”. There are one billion souls held in bondage by the principalities behind Islam. The Lord of Hosts has begun a major military operation to shatter the powers of darkness that enslave His people. He really will SLAM the evil principality behind Islam. In all the Islamic lands the Lord is removing the veil that His people may begin to see that which they could not formerly see. This year multiple thousands will come to know Jesus, as their eyes are opened to see Him in His Beauty.

The third category of “I” lands are the nations of the world that begin with the letter “I”. There are 9 of these “I” LANDS. Israel, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Ireland, Iceland, Ivory Coast, India and Italy. Some of these 9 are even in 2 or 3 of the “I” land categories and I believe that these are particularly “hot” nations. Indonesia, for example, is an ISLAND, is also ISLAMIC, as well as being a nation that begins with the letter “I”. It will be very “hot” in the spirit in Indonesia in 2003. I will go through these 9 nations and give some snapshots that I believe the Lord is showing me.

ISRAEL: All Eyes Are On Jacob

A natural phenomenon has taken place in very recent years. Suddenly out of ‘nowhere’ the name “Jacob” has become the most popular name for newborn baby boys in this country. There is not a famous actor, athlete or other ‘star’ that has spurred this attention to the name “Jacob”. I believe it is evidence of creation itself understanding what is close to God’s heart.

This year more of the ‘blinding veil’ will be removed from Jews than has ever happened in history. As Christians continue to love, support and pray for Israel, God is melting their heart resistance to Jesus. The “prodigal son” is really being conditioned to turn to Jesus. ‘Secular mindedness’ has dominated in Israel, but this year there will be a great Spiritual Awakening in Israel. Eventually this path will lead to Jesus as all other paths quickly dead end in emptiness and even despair. All spiritual paths that are not Jesus Himself will not be able to quench the great fear that will increasingly come upon Jews. Jesus will become more and more attractive to His own who rejected Him.

Because Israel is the “apple of His eye (I)” a most glorious unfolding will begin to take place in that land. Also because Satan knows of God’s love for Israel, he will stir great hatred and anger towards it as we have already seen. I believe that soon Israel will strike back so severely on one (or more) of their enemies that it will receive world wide ‘scathing’ over what they did. This strike back will be considered very excessive and it will be used by the enemy to stir much greater worldwide hatred for Israel. May we as a country not join in the anti-Israel spirit, as it will not bode well for us if we do. Israel is not “sanctioned” by God to kill and destroy whom they wish. However, they are “sanctioned” by Him to perform necessary measures of self-defense. There will be a greater and greater satanically induced ‘trend’ to not grant Israel the right of adequate self-defense. The Bible has some pretty clear prophecies on what will happen to those nations who “cross the line” as it regards to Israel.

INDONESIA: The ‘Hottest’ Land on the Earth

Indonesia is the ‘front lines’ of much of what is going on in the spirit. It is the most populous Islamic nation in the world and the 5th most populous overall. Indonesia is made up of thousands of islands with over 100,000,000 who live on the main island. Even in the natural it is a place of multiple volcanoes, which also applies in the spirit. As an Islamic nation it has the most Christians, and there are entire areas that are virtually all Christian. It is a place of increasing confrontation between Islam and Christianity as the relentlessness of the Kingdom of God continues to advance. I believe that the Lord has shown me that some of the ‘purest’ Christianity is developing in parts of Indonesia. There will be places where believers both operate under the power of His resurrection and are also very much joined in the fellowship of His sufferings (see Phillip.3: 10).

A tremendous harvest is coming!

I believe that the Lord has shown me that one day more than 80% of Indonesia will be made up of those that profess that salvation is through Jesus Christ. There are spiritual volcanoes that the Lord is releasing through these islands as His Arm is activated towards those who put their hope in Him. Truly many entire islands will be ablaze with the fire of God and they will continue to release ‘volcanic explosions’ even to the most ‘imbedded’ Muslim, Hindu or Buddhist islands. Lift up your heads, oh Indonesia, for the King of Glory is coming to you!

IRAQ: Babylon the Great is Fallen!

This is of course a very active ‘hot spot’ of the world right now. Saddam Hussein has been rebuilding ancient Babylon. Though the Babylon of Revelation represents much more then what Saddam is doing, he has definitely been stepping into the pride of that spirit and will be judged even as a precursor judgment of what awaits the final “Babylon”.

The “Prince of Persia” will be crushed!

The satanic principality behind Islam has it’s seat between Iraq and Iran. It is probably the “prince of Persia” that Daniel dealt with and that required the intervention of Michael the archangel. This principality is responsible for enslaving over one billion souls and the Lord of Hosts is coming to set the captives free. He and His mighty angels will crush this power of darkness and the veil of darkness will be removed and millions and millions will one day see and know Jesus as Lord and Savior. 9/11 was primarily about this principality striking back at the country from whence targeted prayers were coming. This of course has led to an ever-increasing amount of targeted prayers that are at this moment eroding the blinding power of this principality. We will see a tremendous increase of rage from this principality as it is facing it’s impending demise. The rage will be a sign not of it’s strengthening but rather of its’ weakening. This evil power will be absolutely crushed by the Lord and these ‘dark’ “I” Lands will all see.

IRAN: “Flipped” Like a Pancake

There is a hidden movement of grace and glory in Iran that will astound the world. Beneath the surface of this “axis of evil” is a flow of God that will ‘flip’ this country like a pancake. There is such a bottom to top change coming that once it reaches the top we will see Iran ‘flip’ almost overnight. I believe that the Lord is showing me that there already is significant ‘secret embracing’ of Christianity that is taking place among some ruling elite of Iran. I see this greatly increasing until the point it will no longer be a ‘secret embracing’ but the secret will be out.

A “Phillip” anointing is released on Iran!

I believe we will hear multiple reports of translations in Iran such as happened with Phillip in the Scriptures. I believe many of the ‘elite’ in Iran will hear of the Lord through this way. I see imprisoned pastors still preaching to their congregations as they are transported in the spirit to various gatherings. I believe the church in Iran will walk in the spiritual culture and atmosphere of the early church with angelic interaction and supernatural encounters being commonplace. The spirit of revelation will be abundantly upon them and some of the purest form of Christianity will be produced in this land. This “axis of evil” will release some of the greatest apostles upon the world. They will not necessarily be known on earth as apostles but they will be clearly recognized in this way in heaven. Wherever these apostles walk, evil powers will tremble and shake.

IRELAND: You will become Fireland!

If there is a 2nd apple of God’s eye it is Ireland. This small, insignificant, overlooked island full of many insecure stereotyped people will breakthrough from being a Land of Ire to being a Land of Fire. Fear not people of God in Ireland for you shall not always feel forgotten. God is this year releasing judgment on the idols of this land. The reconciliation work is almost done and the Arm of the Lord shall mightily come to rescue those who trust in Him. As a nation you shall yet again bless the world!

Holy Irish Taverns will open in many places!

The nature of the anointing on Ireland will be outrageous courage and outrageous joy. God loves the laugh of the Irish. He just wants to be the Source of this joy. The wrongful pursuit of joy has ironically caused great emptiness and sorrow in this land. Yet it is the very inheritance of those who are His sons and daughters. Church, do not yield to the religious spirit that would weed out the laughter and joy. Soberness is not the proper response to drunkenness but rather as Paul said “be being filled with the Spirit.” The Lord will make Holy Irish Taverns to be more popular than the unholy Irish taverns. As believers partake of this available outrageous joy they will be filled with outrageous courage and will go all over the world performing amazing Kingdom exploits.

One Irishman will chase a thousand and two ten thousand!

I see men and women from Ireland going all over the world with very little more than a smile on their face. They will not need great training or understanding but God will accompany them with many signs and wonders and they will be used by God to shame the wise. Many will carry mobile Holy Irish Taverns and will bring great joy and great courage to brothers and sisters who are in much distress. Great anointing and authority will be carried in simplicity and transparency. They will go as David’s mighty men and perform many great exploits “against all odds”. They will rid entire towns and villages, of demonic spirits, in almost an overnight fashion. This authority and anointing will not flow in ‘sophistication’ and the “wise” will surely miss it. Rejoice Ireland, for this year a major portal of heaven opens over you!

The Great Divide WILL be Healed!

I saw a vision of men lying down sideways on a great crack across this island. The appearance of them when looking from high above was that of a zipper track. I then saw a hand came down and pulled up from one end to the other on this “zipper” and it connected and covered the crack.

I believe this speaks of a track of reconciliation that is being laid down over a great divide in Ireland. The Great Divide manifests as a Catholic- Protestant issue but I believe that the roots are actually something different. I see that at this time there are just a few zipper ‘teeth’ that are missing and then we will see the Arm of God intervene in a wondrous way.

ICELAND: A Great Thaw is Coming

I saw a drop of the Sun fall as a teardrop onto this island and begin a widespread “melting of the ice”. A great spiritual thaw will begin in this year upon Iceland. This “thaw” is not primarily upon the ‘unbelievers,’ but upon the so-called “believers”. There is a “form of godliness” in much of Iceland that is not acceptable to the Lord. It is a powerless, passionless, prayerless “expression of religion” that is a wineskin that will not survive the coming outpouring. All true intercessors in and for Iceland know that a response from heaven is on the way. Hope and rejoicing is coming to Iceland.

IVORY COAST: Arise and Shine- In the Dark

Though this country is presently in turmoil and ‘darkness’ it is the best of years for the gospel of Jesus to make great gains. Many previously hardened hearts will be greatly softened this year and it will be a banner year for the Kingdom of God. Political solutions will come out of an active shining church. With proper prayers and with fearless ‘shining’ there is real hope for ‘unexplainable’ quick resolutions to the present turbulence. As believers give themselves to the Lord they will find faith arising in their hearts and they will see the Salvation of the Lord. This is a season of the Lord’s blessing on the Peacemakers in the Ivory Coast.

INDIA: Your Idols are in God’s “Cross Hairs”

In much the same way that God took on Egypt’s idols one by one during the days of Moses, so the Arm of the Lord will begin to execute His Fierce Wrath on the idols of this country. The “spirit and anointing” of Elijah is released upon India so that “Baal” may be openly humiliated. The Lord will anoint His servants to set up public humiliations of false gods. Many will turn to Christ as the after effect of these demonstrations of Gods’ superior power and might.

Highly flammable oil is falling on you!

I saw a vision of oil dropping from heaven and greatly igniting existing fires all over India. It looked like oil but it acted like gas. There are some major beachheads of God being established in India and the Arm of God will really be activated all over the land. I see God’s tears over India and He will begin to respond to His own tears over this nation. There are 100’s of millions of desperate needy souls who have not yet even been legitimately offered the Living Water. The religious blinding of souls will begin to be cured in many places and millions will taste and see that the Lord is good. Be prepared India, for there is a tremendous fast forwarding of God’s purposes over you this year!

ITALY: A Fire in the Bottom of the ‘Boot’

I see a fire beginning to burn in an obscure place in the bottom of a boot called Italy. This fire will affect the ‘walk’ of the entire nation. Passionate worship in the Houses of the Lord will carry an anointing from heaven to break dark chains and open blind eyes. God will arise and begin to scatter His enemies.

Corruption and Religion will begin self-inflicted death!

The major ruling powers of Corruption and Religion will begin to deal deathblows to each other and to themselves as the Lord begins to stretch forth His Arm over this nation. Confusion will invade the camp of the enemy and even as in biblical times a great self-inflicted slaughter will take place.

The blood of many martyrs will come up as a memorial!

Much of the Lord’s coming intervention in Italy will be His own response to the blood of some of the early church martyrs. The ‘harvest time’ for that blood will now begin to manifest and what seems impossible with man will be the very thing that God will do. All the nations of the world are but a drop in the bucket to the Lord and the “powers’ in Italy are even less than a drop to Him.

ALL “I” LANDS OF THE EARTH TREMBLE AND REJOICE FOR THE INTERVENING ARM OF THE LORD SHALL BE EVIDENCED!

Johnny Enlow

January 8, 2003

I woke up in the middle of the night and in my spirit heard this word strongly resound. I then saw a group of meandering, circling people, of which I was a part, on a dusty road. We were making some very gradual advancement on this road but most of the movement was slow and circular. Suddenly I could hear this ‘thundering herd’ sound behind me and when I looked behind me there was a multitude of stomping young people that was headed our way raising quite a cloud of dust. Instantly I knew we had some limited choices before us. We would either turn straight ahead and start running as we saw this torrid pace being set behind us. Or we would move aside and save ourselves this way. Or we would get run over. The impact of this stampeding youth movement was immense on the entire crowd that was with me. As the stampede approached I heard 2 words. NO EXCUSES. NO AMBITION.

The group of "meandering, circling people" is the Church. As a Church most of our movement is "slow and circular". There is gradual movement forward but it is rather insignificant. Suddenly the Lord is releasing something on the youth that is going to be quite awesome. The last 2 hotels I stayed in towards the end of 2002, I was assigned room 604. The spirit of the Lord spoke to me "Isaiah 60:4". It reads, "Lift up your eyes all around and see. They all gather together, they come to you; Your sons shall come from afar, And your daughters shall be nursed at your side." The year 2003 will see a major release of the Holy Spirit on His "sons and daughters". It will still be accelerating even when 2004 begins. The mark of these freshly anointed ones will be NO EXCUSES and NO AMBITION. They will shame us with their resolve and willingness to count and pay any cost. Where we are used to ‘patting ourselves on the back’ for the most minimal advancement, they will blow past us and challenge us by their pace. They will be holy and have no toleration for sin. We will be stirred to greater holiness by what we observe in them. We will no longer even ‘feel’ like a Christian if we can’t run with this pack. This youth stampede will not necessarily infuse the institutional ‘church’ with the Holy Spirit. By and large they will run outside the walls of the traditional church. They may ‘go’ to conventional churches but by and large the "stampeding" will not be permitted within the church. There will be exceptions of course but most churches will not "run" with them. In the spirit, all churches that don’t adjust will be "run over" and cease to be relevant to true Christianity.

These young people will not live in the meandering circles of making excuses. They will also carry the mark of NO AMBITION. They will not care about titles, status or position – either in the church or out of the church. They will be those who "seek first the kingdom of God". This will be the nature of the anointing on them. They will embrace whatever the call on their life is whether it be highly visible or highly invisible. They are the faceless, nameless champions of God and when they are fully upon us the church will be another. Men with titles such as "Bishop" "Prophet" "Apostle" will toss these titles aside as they see ‘nobodies’ far exceeding them in fruit, authority and anointing.

During this STAMPEDE run of young people the Lord will rearrange even the "true church". There will be multitudes and multitudes and multitudes of new converts through this young army and the Lord will make a safe place for them to grow. The church will not be "perfect" but in comparison we will be amazed to remember what we used to call church. It is impossible to describe the magnitude of transformation we will go through. It will be just what many of us have been yearning and interceding for – but it will require much more adjustment then most of us have planned for. It will be most AWEsome and most FEARsome. This ‘army’ will usher in a new level of the glory of the ‘latter house.’

Johnny Enlow

January 8, 2003

This is the first ever posting of The Issacharian Post...

"I saw a ripple of explosions from an underground source leveling a long line of major brick, concrete buildings"