PROPHETIC COMPASS
by
Marsha Burns
In a vision I saw a compass on a desk and the hand of someone plotting
geographic coordinates on a map for those who would embark on the next leg of a
divine journey into uncharted spiritual territory. I want to explore and
translate some of these coordinates into spiritual reality.
I believe that we are at the end of a 7-year era. Era is defined as a period of
time that has a particular quality or character. The past seven years have been
fraught with adversity, challenges, and changes. It is more important than ever
for us to leave the past behind and press on.
Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one
thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to
those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the
upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
We are now on the threshold of a new season. The space between the old and the
new has seemed to be no-man’s land, a place of transition. We have envisioned it
as an atrium—a large open hall that goes up through all the levels of a building
to the roof, which is usually made of glass.
When I think of being in an atrium, it is very pleasant—perhaps a place to read,
pray, or meditate, a place of rest or quiet preparation. The glass roof speaks
to me of covering as well as an open heaven and God’s glory. That’s where we are
now for a short period of time.
The old season is past and done, and the next leg of our journey is about to
begin. The new season will one of relevance. Our environment and experiences
will take on unusual importance and significance.
Small Straws: You are nearing the end of an era, a period of time marked by a
greater level of discernment and the ability to express what you discern with
clarity. Even though that season is ending, you will not lose the spiritual
acuity that you've gained. Instead, you will build on that foundation of
precision and have opportunities to expand spiritually and apply that new level
of discernment to every area of your existence. You will need to look deeply
into the details of every situation without fear of recrimination. The more
honest and accountable you are, the better able you will be to see and accept
the truth. The keys to discovery are flexibility and transparency, says the
Lord.
It is important that we stay present with God—right here; right now. We must not
dread or fear what’s coming or make presumptions with regard to what lies ahead.
Nor should we live in regret of what is already done or try to go back to old
places.
The LORD is preparing us as the Church, and there is still work to be done.
Ephesians 5:26-27 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of
water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not
having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and
without blemish.
I dreamt that I was in a school, and there were people asking me how to get back
into their classrooms. They had left their classes without permission. They had
played hooky, but then found that they weren’t where they were supposed to be
and couldn’t figure out how to get back. I had never played hooky, so I didn’t
know what to tell them. So, I began to ask other people what to do. One was a
retired police chief, and he couldn’t remember. By this time there were lots of
people milling around waiting to find out how to get back in their classrooms.
Interpretation: This had to do with those who have become disinterested and
distracted from the school of the Spirit. In this season many will realize they
aren’t where they are supposed to be and will want to return or get back on
track. Their absence has to be excused by the Principal, through God’s
forgiveness, and they will have to make a decision to be diligent and make up
the work they missed if they are going to graduate or go higher spiritually.
There are no shortcuts. We all have to do the work.
Our work is to demonstrate the kingdom and apply the Word in all things – to do
what we’ve been taught.
James 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
The number one priority for us in this season is unity with God. Our
relationship with Him needs to be like a laser beam so that when that connection
is disturbed or broken an alarm will go off in our spirit man.
If we will stay spiritually connected, revelation will be really crisp, and
there will be greater clarity in discernment, and sensitivity in awareness. I’m
talking about razor-sharp spiritual acuity. We must set our desire on higher
spiritual ground.
Small Straws: Prepare your heart to come boldly into My presence. Refuse to
allow anything at all to come between us. Now is the time to clear the spiritual
air so that you can stand righteously before Me, says the Lord, made clean by
the blood of Christ. Accept forgiveness and get ready to express the excellence
of My kingdom in your mortal existence. Be done with all things that have held
you in bondage, and be free.
First Responders: I want you, My people, to become first responders in the realm
of the Spirit, so that your actions in response to the enemy's attacks are
immediate and effective. Be aware that the longer you wait to resist and bind
the powers of darkness, the more damage can be done. Your spiritual actions are
vital to your freedom, says the Lord.
First responders are taught, trained, and equipped to respond to crisis
situations. They are in a constant state of readiness--alert and selfless. They
know that their routine could be interrupted at any moment. They do not allow
any interference or distraction to keep them from their duty to contain the
damage and bring restoration.
Our duty is to use the tools that God has given to us as we respond, exercising
our faith by the Word of God and trusting Him in the face of adversity.
Small Straws: Practice discernment and exercise your faith. Your awareness is
like a muscle that can be developed with use. Don't be afraid to activate your
spiritual acuity in everyday situations and circumstances. This is a season when
you can operate in spiritual gifts at a higher level than you ever thought
possible. Prepare yourself by faith to hear My voice, to see visions, to dream
dreams, and to have a heightened sense of your atmosphere and environment. Set
yourself to receive all that I have made available to you, says the Lord. I am
with you.
In a dream I saw a tree on property we used to own. It was a beautiful, old tree
where we once played. The tree died a few years ago due to drought and disease.
But, in the dream the tree had come to life again and was more beautiful than it
had ever been. This tree represents many in the Body of Christ who came into the
kingdom and grew in faith and devotion. But, the issues of life brought a
spiritual drought and they lost life and vitality.
Now there will be a revival of the souls of those who have lost hope and given
up. Their attention will be drawn away from their suffering as they once again
look to Me and live, says the Lord.
The external circumstances that have taken you down will now seem insignificant
compared to the strength you have gained through endurance. Your experiences
have established character and a level of maturity otherwise unattainable.
Rejoice in your survival!
In the coming season simplicity will lead to the profound. Refuse to allow
complications to take you off course. Your task is to eliminate distractions in
order to gain spiritual depth. That will mean a shift in focus from satisfying
fleshly desire to developing a spiritual desire to be one with Me, says the
Lord. This shift in desire will require discipline and self-control, but the
outcome will be worth your effort. For, you will certainly see the manifestation
of My glory as you continue to seek first the kingdom of God.
Maximize every opportunity to be in My presence and to do My work. Don’t be
afraid to exercise your faith. I will make a very clear distinction between
presumption and a faith, which cannot be shaken or dissuaded. You will know
exactly where you stand.
If you will put your trust completely in Me, says the Lord, you will experience
true unity. This is a season when you will no longer stretch up as on your
tiptoes to try to understand revelation or to see and discern as an external
exercise. Rather, you will become one with Me as I am one with My Father, and
you will know spiritual reality—not as something to be received or attained, but
as a result of being joined to My heart. It will be the overflow of intimacy.
Don’t waste time on any religious exercise. Take advantage of every moment
available to seek My face, hear My voice, and obey My leading. Plant the seed of
a spiritual desire to yield completely and instantly to the moving of My Spirit.
Demonstrate the kingdom. Do your job with excellence and confidence. You will
not be disappointed, says the Lord God Almighty!
And, we say yes and amen; let it be according to Your Word, Lord!
Faith Tabernacle
P. O. Box 1148
Kremmling, Colorado 80459
http://ft111.com
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