Below are 2 postings:
1. Chuck Pierce – Contending with the Confusion of Babylon and
2. Notes of Rev. James Lair - What Does This Presidential Election Mean?
Please forgive the duplication if you have already received these. They are both very timely.
Blessings,
Dana on behalf of the Watchman Network
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Contending With the Confusion of Babylon
April 16, 2004
Dear Warriors:
Hold your shields of FAITH high! We are in the last days of the prayer focus, “Contending with your Enemy”. This next week is crucial in the war dimension. We received word from some of those that we are praying for in Iraq that much intense warfare will occur in the natural through April 23. The locals there are being intimidated by the insurgents. Pray against outside help from other nations that would come into Iraq for the aid of those who are overtaken by lawlessness. We must hold our shields high for those troops that are there on the land.
What we are seeing in the physical in Iraq is a picture of the spiritual. Pastor Dutch Sheets sent the following to me: “There is no doubt that much of what is happening currently in Iraq is spiritual in nature. Do not focus on the politics and do not expect our military to win this war on their own. We, the prayer army, will determine the outcome. Do not move on in your prayers and thinking. Let’s break through this situation. The outcome will also greatly determine this year’s elections and influence the courts for years, if not decades, to come.”
While I was preparing this and listening to the news, the following was released: “April 15: A new audio tape claims to be the voice of Osama B*n Laden offering a truce to European nations. CAIRO, Egypt - In a recording broadcast on Arab satellite networks Thursday, a man who identified himself as Osama b*n Laden offered a ‘truce’ to European countries that withdraw from Muslim countries. Britain, Germany and Italy quickly spurned what appeared to be an attempt to drive a wedge between Europe and America…The tape, which ran more than seven minutes, also vowed revenge against America for the Israeli assassination of a militant Palestinian leader and denounced the United States as using the Iraq war for corporate profiteering….’I announce a truce with the European countries that do not attack Muslim countries,’ the taped message said as the stations showed an old, still picture of al-Qaida leader…’The door to a truce is open for three months.’ This time frame, the voice said, could be extended. ‘The truce will begin when the last soldier leaves our countries,” the speaker said without elaborating.’”
I find this so interesting since I wrote about the three month intervals that the Lord showed me when He visited me in December of 2003. The real issue here seems to be that the enemy of God’s covenant plan in the earth is offering a truce if we quit moving forward to liberate and free people and nations from his grip.
Jean Steffenson, who has worked with Native American leaders for years over broken covenants and land issues in our nation, wrote the following: “Iraq has not been constantly in my spiritual radar. I have been in intense prayer regarding Iraq. I keep crying out for the Lord's intervention. There are less than 100 days until the time President Bush has said that America will pull out of Iraq. This of course could change. However I sense a real urgency from God for His army to close some ancient gates and advance on the kingdom of darkness.
The land of Iraq is soaked with blood and some of it with the blood of the martyrs. I saw hoards of hell coming from the underworld going through a conduit and forming a dark covering over the land. As you well know this is a horrific spiritual battle and it has been intensifying. I keep thinking that this is the year for secrets and mysteries to be revealed. There are some things that God wants in place and established in this window of time. There must be a shift now to create a clear sound. God made it very clear to me that this is a governmental issue. It is not just the government that America wants, the Shiites or any others in Iraq. It is God's intended government for Iraq, which will take the involvement of His Kingdom people.
Will you please make this a matter of prayer to see if you are to call the Body of Christ to concerted prayer for God's Kingdom purposes to be established in Iraq? It has been a long time since I have seen a national call to prayer for Iraq. Intercessors for America mention it along with other topics of prayer. What happens in Iraq over the next 90 days or so will have a definite effect on the elections and the very heart of America with so many families involved. ‘Ask of me and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. You will rule them with an iron scepter’ (Psalm 2:8). Iraq is the inheritance of Christ, and we as joint heirs have entered into His inheritance”.
BABYLON: A Biblical Understanding
To better understand this issue from a spiritual standpoint we need to look biblically at Babylon. Babylon, one of the oldest cities in the ancient world, was an ancient city-state in the plain of Shinar. The name is derived by the Hebrews from the root Balal which means "to confound". We can reference this area to the confusion of tongues at the Tower of Babel (Gen 11:9). “God came down to see what they were building and did not like it all.” Therefore, God does not honor any of the confusion that is there, resisting His purpose.
The biblical account ascribes the founding of the ancient prehistoric city of Babylon to the descendants of Cush and the followers of Nimrod (10:8-10). The beginnings of the city of Babylon are unknown to us except for the biblical passage mentioned in Gen 10:10. Babylon was situated along the Euphrates River about 485 kilometers (300 miles) northwest of the Persian Gulf and about 49 kilometers (30 miles) southwest of modern Baghdad in Iraq. According to Babylonian tradition, it was built by the god Marduk.
Daniel 4:30 explains the ancient exalting power that surrounds this area:"Is this not Babylon the great, which I myself have built as a royal residence by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?" Everyone that comes into power in this area seems to be overtaken by this ancient root of self-exaltation. This is what creates wars. We also find in Luke 21:24 and Rev. 6:16: in this area is great "confusion" into which the whole social order of the world has fallen under Gentile world domination.
In Isaiah 11 we find a Divine Order: Israel, in her own land, as the center of divine government of the world and the medium of the divine blessing, and God calling forth a remnant from all other nations. We are contending for that remnant to come forth. Anything else is politically "Babel" (confusion). This area is so deceptive spiritually because it has a political and religious structure that has formed a handshake to attempt to thwart God’s redemptive plan for this age in the earth (Rev 17:5-18, Rev 16:19; 18:2-21). That is why we are contending.
We are contending for a major transference of freedom, salvation, wealth, and political liberty. Babylon also means "the gate of god." This area was known as a “holy place of the gods” and ancient etymologists explained it as meaning "place of the seat of life". Some even thought this was “Paradise”. The Garden of Eden was located here. Its great god, Merodach, became the head of the Babylonian pantheon, partly through the influence of Babylon as capital, and partly because the city was the center of his worship.
I believe this is why there is so much confusion in the area. We have not understood the spiritual dynamic that we have come up against. We do not war with flesh and blood; in this are principalities and powers. The Church must rise to a new level of power. Other important passages to read are: Rev 14:8; 16:19; 17:5; and 18:2, 10, 21.
This is a year of mysteries. Babylon is one of the major mysteries to understand in the Bible. The characteristics ascribed to this Babylon can apply to many other places in the earth:
(a) as ruling over the kings of the earth (Rev 17:18);
(b) as sitting on seven mountains (17:9);
(c) as the center of the world's merchandise 3,11-13);
(d) as the corrupter of the nations (17:2; 18:3; 19:2);
(e) as the persecutor of the saints (17:6).
In many areas, Rome and New York are both likened to Babylon. Rome was thought by both Jews and Christians as being antagonistic to the Kingdom of God, and its downfall was confidently expected.
I declare that all of the confusion from this situation in Babylon break from around your thinking. This confusion is producing political chaos in the earth. I pray that our President remain focused to get to the end of this season. I pray that we hold our shields high and contend. In Matthew 16: 13-20 the Lord promised us that the gates of Hell would not prevail against those who had revelation of Him. We need “strength at the GATES!” Read Isaiah 28:6. I pray that our troops have a spiritual alertness like never before to hear “a word from behind them telling them which way to GO”.
We are approaching a time where we see a transference of wealth into the Kingdom of God. Keep contending with your enemy, remove the tempter’s covering, and possess the spoils to advance the Kingdom of God. Stand against confusion that would allow a surprise attack.
We must not draw back from our enemy at this time in the history of the church, nor in the history of this nation. Moses told the children of Israel in Deuteronomy 2:24, “Rise ye up, take your journey, and pass over the river Arnon: behold, I have given into thine hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land: begin to possess it, and contend with him in battle.” The time has come to cross over and battle for the inheritance of this land.
This is a season to contend for our faith. Religious spirits will arise to stop our faith from increasing. Contend means to vie with a rival and bring to close a point of contention. This word is linked with struggling for victory. Another word very closely related to contend is “wrestle”. Eph 6:12 says, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Wrestle comes from the word pallo, which means to vibrate or shake. Shake your enemy off of your back. This word also means a contest between two in which each endeavors to throw the other to the ground. The victor is decided when the opponent is held down and the victor’s foot is put upon the opponent’s neck. This is linked with the Christian’s struggle with the power of evil.
Do not be afraid to contend this season! Satan knows that we are on the verge of breakthrough! The enemy has heard of the anointing that is being released. Consequently, he must counterattack by releasing a horde of seducing spirits now!
We are nearing the last 10 days of the 40-day prayer focus, “Contending with Your Enemy, Removing the Tempter’s Covering, and Possessing Your Spoils”. This is a crucial time when we must continue to contend with the enemy to see the Lord’s purposes accomplished. For your reference, I will copy the final 15 days below. (The entire prayer focus can be found at www.glory-of-zion.org.)
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Day 26: Read Ps. 37. Be sure your desires are aligned correctly. Temptation is linked to desires that are not within God’s boundaries.
Day 27: Read Mt. 4. Resist Satan’s temptation in your wilderness. Remember, the Spirit of God led Jesus into the wilderness. Stop in the midst of your hard situation and see the Spirit’s leading.
Day 28: Read Luke 10:25. Don’t be drawn into the enemy’s trap. I like to say it this way: don’t swing at curve balls. The enemy will try to say things that will make you respond in a wrong way.
Day 29: Read the Lord’s Prayer from Luke 11. Ask the Lord to deliver you from temptation.
Day 30: Read Genesis 22. Temptation is linked to our testing. See how God tested Abraham’s faith and revealed Himself to Abraham as Jehovah Jireh.
Day 31: Read Genesis 14 and 15. God revealed Himself to Abraham as the ‘Possessor of Heaven and Earth’. This was in the context of war. Abraham gave to Melchizedek. Then notice the covenant God made with Abraham. Ask God to reaffirm your covenant with Him.
Day 32: Read Deut. 20. Read Deut 32:30. One can put 1,000 to flight, but two can put 10,000 to flight. This is a valuable principle of multiplication. Ask the Lord for an increase in strength.
Day 33: Read 1 Sam. 30. This is a transition chapter. The activities in this chapter released David into his next level of anointing. Especially notice verses 24-25. Receive new strength. Pursue and retrieve all!
Day 34: Read Is. 9:3. The division of the spoil was a joyous feast for the people. Rejoice!
Day 35: Read Esther 3 and 8. Let God develop your strategy to take back what the enemy has plotted to take from you.
Day 36: Read Deut. 8, especially verses 18-20. Increase is a harvest principle. Increase rises through faith and follows deeds that are linked with faith. Increase comes through supernatural Kingdom connections so we can all enter into a multiplied, synergistic corporate measure of increase. Increase is also a reward for obedience. A fundamental question we need to ask ourselves is: What is wealth? There are several ways to look at wealth in the Bible. Power means vigor, strength, force, or capacity-whether physical, mental, or spiritual. Wealth means material substance, strength, and the spoils of war necessary to accomplish God's plan on earth.
Day 37: Read Luke 19. Ask God what you have and how to multiply it.
Day 38: Read Ps. 115:14-16 and 2 Chron. 20. Ask God for increase. Ask Him to give you a mind for increase. Ask Him to open your heart to any prophetic word that will bring you success and cause you to be able to rake in the spoils that the enemy is holding.
Day 39: Read Ps. 82:4. Declare deliverance from the hand of the wicked who has tied up any of your wealth.
Day 40: Read Mal. 3 and 2 Cor. 10:3-6. Declare that the generational curse of “GOD ROBBING” will be broken out of your bloodline. This is one of the four major generational curses. Tear down mindsets of poverty. Poverty has a voice which says, “God is not able.” There are philosophies in your life that have developed wrong mindsets over wealth. Dismantle unbelief over provision. “Prove Me NOW” says the Lord! Look up and see the windows of blessings that He wants to open up. Watch Him overcome your devourer.
Do not be afraid to contend in this hour. Loose a SHOUT OF VICTORY that Babylon will let go and come under the subjection of God’s Kingdom plan!
Blessings,
Chuck D. Pierce
Notes of Rev. James Lair - Senior Pastor - Church of the Living Christ - Ojai, CA
Subject: What Does This Presidential Election Mean?
I recently attended the National Pastors Convention in San Diego with several thousand pastors from many different denominations. During one of the general sessions, the Master of Ceremonies introduced a pastor from Uzbekistan. He had traveled the farthest to attend the convention. I don't remember his name, and even if I did, I know I couldn't pronounce it. However, I do know this: I will never forget this man.
Right away, I liked him. He was humble, sincere, and gracious. He apologized for his broken English, though I thought he spoke very well. As the MC interviewed him, he began to share about his ministry in his country that borders Afghanistan. He talked about the church he pastors of a few hundred people. He also shared how it is illegal in his country to be a Christian. You see, his church is an "underground" church. Amazingly, his city also has 3 underground Christian schools. He talked about how the Christians have been arrested and even killed in his country.
Then, as the interview was about to end, he began to speak very urgently and passionately. He said something to this effect: "I would like all of you to know that my church and the Christians in my country are praying that President Bush will be reelected."
I was stunned. I knew that this gathering had to include many pastors from all over the political spectrum and I was certain this would not go over well. Immediately, there were murmurings and rumblings throughout the audience and the MC seemed a little uncertain about what to do next.
However, this pastor would not be denied. Grasping the microphone firmly in his hand, he continued, "The officials in my country are afraid of President Bush, so they don't persecute Christians as much. Under Clinton it was very bad for us. Many of us were arrested, put in jail, and some were killed. With Clinton, it was very bad. But under President Bush, it has been so much better, so we are praying for him."
The murmuring ended. It was suddenly very quiet. The MC paused. Then he just asked us to stand and pray for this man and we did so with great passion.
Choking back tears, I was immediately struck with this realization in my heart: this coming election was not just about me or my church or my country. This coming election would affect the entire world. And while there are many Christians and churches in this country that may not support our current President, there is a group of Christians halfway around the world who are desperately praying for his reelection.
All of the sudden, the election became something very different for me. It is not just about the economy, gay marriage, or weapons of mass destruction. It's about the persecuted church around the world. As believers, what issues should be more important to us? This transcends politics. This is about the Kingdom of God! For which Christ suffered and died, and for those believers in other countries who are suffering and dying as well.
I was also convicted in my heart about praying for our President. And I wonder, which church is praying more fervently for him: the persecuted church in Uzbekistan or the prosperous church in America? It makes you think.
As the Apostle Paul said in Hebrews 13:3, "Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering."
Remember, this election is not just about us. It's about them.
James Lair (jlair@ojaiclc.org) Senior Pastor, Church of the Living Christ
190 E El Roblar Drive ~ Ojai, CA 93023!
v: 805.646.1296 ~ f: 805.646.2975
e-mail: clc@ojaiclc.org ~ www.ojaiclc.org