SHEPHERD’S ROD 2001

ANOINTING FOR THE YOUTH

Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! Thou hast relieved me in my distress; be gracious to me and hear my prayer. O sons of men, how long will my honor become a reproach? {How long} will you love what is worthless and aim at deception? Selah. But know that the LORD has set apart the godly man for himself; the LORD hears when I call to Him. Tremble, and do not sin; meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and trust in the LORD. Many are saying, "Who will show us {any} good?" Lift up the light of Thy countenance upon us, O LORD! Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than when their grain and new wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for Thou alone, O LORD, dost make me to dwell in safety. (Psalm 4)

There will be a measurable increase in the anointing falling upon young people. The Lord gave Psalm 4 as an outline for the attributes associated with this outpouring.

The youth are going to begin to convert the shame associated with this generation to honor and glory for the Lord and His anointing. Whenever the reference is made concerning youth, it is denoting those born since the 1973 United States Supreme Court decision of Roe vs Wade. This would include those 28 years of age and under. The Lord is going to lift His countenance upon the youth and allow His face to shine upon them with favor to prepare them for the great work ahead. It will be the role of this present generation to become "fathers" to the younger generation and disciple them in becoming the great army the Lord desires to use before His return. Both are equally important. There will be no "sidelines" for the days ahead. Everyone will participate in the "game".

These admonitions outlined in Psalm 4 are promises delegated to the righteous young generation. Conversely, there will also be those who reject the opportunity to walk with the Lord who will also be anointed with increasing measure by the spirit of this world. These two opposing anointings will continue to run concurrently with one another preparing the way for the great end-time battle of light vs. darkness. Of course, the opportunity is given to "whosoever will", however, there will be many who reject this incredible opportunity to walk closely with the Lord and be used mightily by Him.

Bob was awakened at 4:00 a.m. and informed Psalm 4 specifically applied to the youth. Furthermore, he was forewarned of the need for an emphasis to be placed upon the continued preparation of that generation for their high calling. But know that the LORD has set apart the godly man for himself; the LORD hears when I call to Him. (Psalm 4:3)

In the vision, he saw large gatherings of young people whose character and nature was being forged and molded into the very image of Christ, thus imparting His divine nature qualifying them to carry the powerful anointing promised for the days ahead. On the other hand, those rejecting this extraordinary privilege were also increasing in their anointing through the spirit of this world and the depravity that results from a reprobate mind. Psalm 4 is a promise to awaken the youth to increased divine opportunities in the cycle of the Spirit prominently advancing.

The season surrounding the upcoming Day of Pentecost will be a point of demarcation for those identified as this generation of youth . The interval between Atonement and the Day of Pentecost will be utilized for indoctrination and consecration for those things following the release that should take place during the season of heightened spiritual intensity surrounding Pentecost. The first six months will be a preparation for the second. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and trust in the LORD. Many are saying, "Who will show us {any} good?" Lift up the light of Thy countenance upon us, O LORD! (Psalm 4:5-6)

There will be an increased measure of evangelism among the young as this generation is being turned back to the Lord and prepared for the great harvest. The prophetic anointing will be a key in the conversion of this unique group. But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you. (1 Cor 14:24-25) A deep love for the prophetic power of God is being cultivated among the young. When the secrets of the heart are revealed and the thoughts and intents of the heart are proclaimed, they will surely recognize the authenticity of the Word coming to Life and repent giving glory to God.

THE GOLDEN RULE

This next move of the Spirit will be characterized by "brotherly love" and recognized as the age of the "Golden Rule". The Golden Rule will be an emphasis in the hearts of God’s people as we seek to find His pleasure by sharing in His attributes. If we will do unto others as we would have them do unto us, the Lord will correspondingly delight in us and give to us the desires of our hearts. We must be willing to esteem others as being more important than ourselves and become servants to all. The Golden Rule will become the "goal" of the Spirit for the upcoming season.

This admonition of the Spirit was spoken audibly to Bob in the early morning hours on the Day of Atonement. It was spoken audibly to accentuate its importance in the Lord’s agenda. Because God is so gracious and anxious to freely bestow the best gifts upon His children, the men and women of the kingdom are under profound obligation to consider the higher law of brotherhood communicated in the Golden Rule.

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. (John 13:34) As the Lord was about to leave the disciples he gave them a new and unique command...that they love one another as He loved them. Surely after three years of life and ministry together, they experienced such love emanating from the Lord toward them that it was beyond the expression of words. Yet, they were given this new commandment, not only as an admonition but a banner or badge of their discipleship. This great fraternal affection was to be a signature by which they might be known as His friends and followers, and by which they were to be distinguished from all others.

"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35) Never before had there been a precedent for such a command as this for a people group to be distinguished and recognized. Now, in the case of born again believers in Jesus Christ, we are not to be known by distinctions of wealth, or education, or fame, although some may possess these; we are not required to aspire to earthly honors or acclaim; we are not even mandated to adopt any special style of dress or insignia. This new royal Priesthood is to be identified by tender and constant affection and allegiance for one another.

This great command to walk in brotherly love will transcend all distinctions of country, color, social status, or denomination. The disciples of Christ are to uniformly perceive we are all in the same spiritual family with common goals having all been redeemed by the same sacred blood... each having the same eternal destination. We are to befriend each other in trials and ardently guard each other's feelings and reputation... even denying ourselves to promote one another's welfare. Amen.

Mankind is looking for something as a standard by which to measure. Brotherly love and living by the "golden rule" will be the "rule" by which the church will receive its authority. Those willing to adopt these principles will find great blessings, favor and anointing.

TIMES OF RESTORATION

The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly. (John 10:10)

This will be a time to redeem stolen property, spiritually and naturally. The thief has gone about seeking to steal, kill, and destroy, yet it is the desire of the Spirit to give life and grant it abundantly. The Lord will restore those things that have been stolen if we will identify them and bring them before the throne of grace through faith, trusting Him for their recovery.

"So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust, my great army which I sent among you. (Joel 2:25) This would include not only finances but also stolen joy, spiritual opportunity, and issues involved in every arena of our lives. An anointing will be present to recognize the areas in which the thief has successfully seized and captured our inheritance. This grace will aide in our identification of those things which can be restored. The redeeming of natural and spiritual resources will help facilitate the advancement of the great army of the Lord.

Many times the Lord will allow us to go through seasons of difficulty and discipline in order to develop our spiritual character. However, the enemy will often times take advantage of those opportunities to try and afflict us and worsen the calamity. However, there is the promise of the Spirit to redeem and restore all that has been stolen so our latter condition would be greater than our former . Not only would spiritual character be developed but also the things stolen from us would be restored in multiplied fashion. We have an example of this principle through Israel. Thus says the LORD of hosts, "I am exceedingly jealous for Jerusalem and Zion. But I am very angry with the nations who are at ease; for while I was only a little angry, they furthered the disaster." Therefore, thus says the LORD, "I will return to Jerusalem with compassion; My house will be built in it," declares the LORD of hosts, "and a measuring line will be stretched over Jerusalem."' Again, proclaim, saying, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts, "My cities will again overflow with prosperity, and the LORD will again comfort Zion and again choose Jerusalem."'" (Zech 1:14-17)

Likewise, the thief has also been incredibly successful in his pursuits because of a lack of knowledge by the corporate church in spiritual warfare and walking in our destiny. In either case, the Holy Spirit is releasing an anointing that will help us identify the realms giving access to the enemy so all avenues can be sealed and full restitution obtained.

The job of the righteous will be to redeem that which the enemy has stolen. We will especially be called to recover and heal those who have been wounded in the church. The "blind, lame and halt" are to be revitalized by those developing in righteousness, thereby retaking ground previously relented to the enemy. Even the gifts of the Spirit that have been stolen or perverted by the enemy will be redeemed during the coming year and years to follow. The righteous must begin to restore all of these things the enemy has successfully stolen or perverted within the church.

Pastors and leaders will find a special anointing and grace during the upcoming year to begin to reinstate those previously used by the Lord but who have withdrawn because of wounds they have sustained in their attempt to serve the Lord.

GREAT TEMPTATIONS

In the next portion of the visions, Bob found himself in the passenger seat of a 1930 automobile. This automobile was considerably worn with many dents, scratches and abrasions showing considerable wear and tear. The vehicle denoted the year of his birth and signified his life and ministry. Each of us is journeying in comparable means denoting our lives and ministries.

Bob gratefully recognized it was the Lord driving the vehicle in a very calm and unpretentious manner. Suddenly, Bob noticed a bright shiny sports car driven by Satan himself. This vehicle was very beautiful in appearance and seemed to have the ability to travel at great speeds getting from one destination to another in a very short period of time. There were no dents, scratches or marks to distinguish its character and it seemed this vehicle would easily pass the vehicle in which the Lord and Bob were traveling.

Uniquely, the enemy was unable to pass the vehicle in which the Lord and Bob were traveling; although, from external observations, it seemed to have the ability to do so. There seemed to be some unseen force that prohibited this vehicle from passing the Lord and Bob. Even though the enemy’s plans appear righteous and able to facilitate us to our destination quickly, in reality it will only result in delays, detours and dead-ends. There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. (Prov 14:12)

As the vehicle proceeded parallel to Bob, the devil could be seen holding a basket of apples. These were "golden apples" and looked to be the most delicious he had ever seen. The apples were symbolic of the temptation and seduction of Eve in the Garden of Eden...the fruit of deception. The enemy offered the basket of apples to him in a very enticing and alluring manner. Everything within Bob’s soul desired not only the vehicle the enemy was driving but also the golden apples that were the most appealing his eyes had ever beheld. This represents the enemy’s attempt to offer those things inviting to the eye and the soulish realm, in an effort to distract us from the divine purposes for which we are created.

"Keep watching and praying, that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Matt 26:41) Not only will this vehicle be appealing to leadership but especially to the people. It would be very easy for the crowds to be drawn to this type of ministry that is dazzling, seemingly powerful, and possessing all of the modern and popular accessories. However, that is the deception of the enemy and the temptation offered to Eve in the Garden of Eden, to receive Kingdom dominion in an unrighteous manner. That is why 1 Thessalonians 5:23 must become reality in us, sanctifying us complete in our spirit, soul and body.

As the Evil One offered the basket of apples with the false promise they would do him no harm, Bob reached with his hand as though he was going to take one; instead, he overturned the basket spoiling the enemies plan and the elements of his temptation. This was to denote the upcoming days as times of great temptation and treachery.

The "golden apples" are the very opposite of the Golden Rule. They were so inviting to the natural eye, their beauty would deceive the very elect, if it were possible. These are representative of the "goals" of man rather than the "goals" of the Spirit. By being made aware of the devises of the enemy, we can begin now asking for the fortification of the Holy Spirit allowing us to withstand these onslaughts of evil.

The Tempter is going to try and offer to God’s people all that he can in an attempt to disengage us from the divine purposes to which we are called. Even the vehicle in which we are traveling appears as though it would not reach the destination as quickly as others. However, the Deceiver’s vehicle did not bear the marks of dented bumpers depicting the calloused knees of intercessory prayer. Neither did it display the scars and scrapes of hardship that develop character essential to bear the anointing that is soon to be dispensed. Additionally, the apples are symbolic of the lies, distortions, and enticements coming against the minds of God’s people as the Impersonator unleashes his arsenal.

Although we desire for all to reject the enemy’s basket of "golden apples," unfortunately many will actually embrace those deceptions. It will be difficult to discern this false ministry as the devises of the deceiver because of the mistaken impression that it will allow us to achieve our promised destination in a more expedient manner. We must be willing to pray and intercede for ourselves and our brethren to triumph over this temptation and fervently follow the admonition of the "Lord’s Prayer"...lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

When the enemy offered the kingdoms of this world to the Lord as an enticement, he actually offered something that was to be the Lord’s destiny, but in an unrighteous manner. The Lord would receive the kingdoms of this world as His inheritance only in the Father’s mandated design. This will also denote the invitations of the enemy toward us. He will offer to us the opportunity to reach the goals and objectives that have been set for us, but by unrighteous means. This makes the temptation much more subtle and cunning, requiring the discernment of the Holy Spirit in us to recognize the enemy’s sponsorship. The "golden apples" can also be related to the quail eaten by the children while in the wilderness. Their flesh desired the quail but the manna was the Lord’s divine provision. The Deceiver will withhold no attempts to do all that he can to derail those in their final season of preparation.

This will be a very dangerous year and we should gladly "leave the driving to the Lord". Even if we are traveling in what seems to be an outdated, neglected vehicle, with the Lord as the driver, all are safe and secure. That which is not of faith is sin. We must cultivate faith in the Lord as our Guide to take us to the place most beneficial and the manner most appropriate to the Spirit of Wisdom. Anything that surfaces in our lives that is not of faith or righteousness must be dealt with expeditiously and harshly, extracting it from our soul and spirit. The enemy intends to exploit any seeds of corruption that exist in our soul in an attempt to divert us from our destiny. Great and measurable outpourings of the Spirit are eminently facing the church and the enemy will do all that he can to keep us from attaining that heritage.

The righteous calling for us during this upcoming season is to SPOIL THE SPOILER. There will be an anointing of the spirit to disrupt the plans and schemes of the enemy once they are identified through our spiritual discernment. In this spiritual conflict, there will be those anointed with apples of gold in settings of silver as a word to destroy and disrupt the plans of the enemy. These will be done through righteous men and women who have determined in their minds they will not turn back to the spirit of this world.

Now the heart of the king of Aram was enraged over this thing; and he called his servants and said to them, "Will you tell me which of us is for the king of Israel?" And one of his servants said, "No, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom." (II Ki 6:11-12) As with Elisha, the Lord will anoint certain ones with the spirit of revelation to uncover the plans of the enemy and expose them to the church. Once the plans are brought out of darkness into light, the battle is half won.

The declaration is being made, "choose you this year whom you shall serve". The line of demarcation is being drawn, and the great separation between light and darkness... righteousness and unrighteousness is being established as those who truly belong to the Lord are being separated unto Him. We must not allow ambiguity to exist in our heart concerning our commitment and devotion to the Lord so opportunity would not be furnished to the tempter to find a place in our soul. We must eventually be as the Lord on the night of His temptation when He announced the enemy was coming but had no place in Him. "I will not speak much more with you, for the ruler of the world is coming, and he has nothing in Me; (John 14:30) The ruler of this world must find no place in us into which to sink his hooks of corruption and temptation.

The 1930 vehicle also represented that which the Lord is going to anoint. It was humble and unbecoming in appearance denoting the spiritual attributes we are to have if we desire His anointing. "For My hand made all these things, thus all these things came into being," declares the LORD. "But to this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word. (Isa 66:2) This will allow the vessels to be transparent in their nature so no flesh would glory in His presence. The vehicle the enemy was driving was dark and possessed all of the modern comforts and attributes appealing to the eye. However, it did not have the authority to pass the vehicle the Lord was driving, even though it had the apparent ability to do so. This vehicle will be very appealing to many and will require the discernment and anointing of the Holy Spirit to resist.

The Lord’s vehicle was also brown denoting servant-hood. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. (Phil 2:5-7)

The servants of God possess the willingness to seek the Lord for daily manna. We need the revelation of His voice each and every day in the coming season. Even if we lose the taste for the manna as did the children of Israel, we must be willing to receive the Lord’s supply and not desire or embrace alternative provisions such as the quail. It is imperative we not allow ourselves to become discontent or over anxious with the things the Lord has us doing no matter how seemingly small or humble they may seem. The Lord is looking for obedience, while the enemy is offering enticing alternatives.

The commissioning comes after the temptation according to the Lord’s example in the wilderness. Some of the main commissioning will come around Pentecost. The vehicle the Lord was driving was buffeted and battered to denote that many have gone through difficulty and hardship in their walk with Him. However, it has produced a cloak of maturity and righteousness necessary to carry His anointing. Most of the wounds received by the people have been in the church, even as the Lord Himself received His wounds in the house of His friends.

This will be a year of the testing of our faith and faithfulness. The just shall live by their faithfulness to the Word of God and His daily provision of heavenly manna. Another expression of faithfulness is simply obedience. Walking in humility and obedience to the revelation of the Spirit. This will produce the righteousness of God, which is His ultimate objective for us. Righteousness based in truth produces the divine nature of Christ.

FOURFOLD PLAN OF THE ENEMY

When the Lord was lead into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit, the enemy approached Him to tempt Him in His spirit, soul, and body. Our adversary’s deceptive plans have not changed. This manner of temptation will also be the designs of the enemy as he attempts to find issues in our spirit, flesh and soul that will defile us and delay our divine purposes. The following four examples of Satan’s schemes provide the outline he will utilize in this hour.

The temptation to change the stones into bread by a miracle was an appeal to Christ to step out of His divinely appointed path for the sake of satisfying His human appetite. Although He possessed the power to quench the desire of His flesh, He had not received the "Word" from the Father to do so. His was a life of perfect obedience to the Father as the ultimate example to us to do nothing but what we see the Father doing and speak only what we hear from the Spirit. We can never use the power and anointing of God in a self-serving capacity.

The second temptation was to prove His Sonship and presumptuously demonstrate His certainty in His power and authority as the Son of God by casting Himself from a pinnacle of the Temple. This temptation was at the opposite extreme from the preceding. The first was a temptation to distrust, the second that of an elaborate, unwarranted demonstration of presumption. Presumptuously plunging Himself into needless peril would have been a violation of the nature and character of God. The Scripture quoted by the adversary was recited in a mutilated form. He quoted "He will give His angels charge concerning you," leaving out "To guard you in all your ways". It is contrary to the design of God to build a kingdom by means of flamboyant display and exhibitions, rather than by the patient, divinely appointed processes of humble demonstrations of the Spirit and power.

The third temptation was the most crafty of all. Inconceivable as this may seem at first, this was the bold form in which the Adversary embodied the idea of achieving power for good and holy ends by a compromise with corruption at the outset. It was an appeal to holy ambition and a righteous destiny, but upon the grounds of doing evil that good might result. The kingdom was to be won, but in the manner Satan suggested would have been at the expense of spoiling the King. The enemy will present before us "the kingdoms of this world" in an effort to ensnare us in the pride of life and use the divine gifts delegated to us in a selfish manner.

Additionally, there will also be a great effort of the enemy to deceive and beguile the church as he did with Eve in the Garden of Eden. But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. (2 Cor 11:3) The times dictate our keen awareness of this plan of the enemy and supreme grace so we too would not be led astray by his cunning words and shrewd deceptions. As the Lord increases the anointing upon His people, there will be great enticement to use those gifts and attributes in a presumptuous or self-serving fashion although the temptation will come in a very subtle and unassuming manner. We must be very cautious and aware of this plan of the enemy, making certain that all decisions that are made have been prayerfully considered and follow meticulously the leading of the Spirit in order to avoid these snares and traps.

SATAN THE "SUPER-SALESMAN"

This will be the year of Satan, "the super salesman". We must choose carefully whom we shall serve. He will be approaching the church with very appealing sales pitches and seemingly appropriate agendas, yet anointed with the spirit of anti-christ. It should be our continual prayer that the Lord will set a guard around us at all times so that every decision we make be appropriate and in the purpose of the Spirit. The enemy is going to attempt to get us ahead of the Lord. The vehicle in which He was traveling was very speedy and beautiful and would seemingly carry us to our desired destination in a much quicker manner. However, as the vision unfolded it was apparent that Satan was unable to pass the purposes of the Lord even though the vehicle conveyed the misleading appearance of being capable of doing so. All decisions should be made carefully and prayerfully, especially in the upcoming season.

The ultimate purpose of these temptations is to disqualify us from our anointing. Those who refuse the "golden apples" will embrace the "golden rule." Conversely, those who reject the "golden rule" as their banner, open the door to be overcome by the "golden apples."

This will be a year of righteousness and wickedness. We will either make great strides towards righteousness or we will take the detour of wickedness and the pursuit of the spirit of this world. One thing is certain, this will not be a year of stagnation. We will be moving in one direction or the other.

The thief is coming primarily to attack our love, joy and peace. His primary objective for the upcoming season is to attack the fruit of the Spirit in our lives because He knows it is divine character the Lord is going to anoint. Where the Lord is able to find His character and nature, there the anointing will be abundant. Therefore, the enemy is going to endeavor with all he has to destroy the fruit of the Spirit in our lives with the hope the Lord will not find His nature and character but the spirit of this world residing in His people. Our admonition for this hour is to continue to allow the Holy Spirit to impart and develop in us the fruit of the Spirit... foremost among them love. It will be our adversary’s greatest aspiration to cause us to do things displeasing to the Lord. Furthermore, the enemy is going to attempt to bring all manner of affliction and infirmity in his effort to destroy our peace. If we will be willing to rest in the Lord, an impartation from heaven will be released to us to see us through this battle more equipped for our purpose than ever before.

The "super-salesman" is simply the spirit of deception that has been identified as a predominant nemesis for this generation. The scriptures plainly exposes this spirit as a stronghold within the end-time church. Because you say, "I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing," and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, (Rev 3:17)

In the admonition to the Laodiceans, the church which most appropriately describes this generation, the Lord announces our delusion that we are rich and increased in goods having need of nothing. However, that is a deception, for our true condition as seen from heavens perspective, is that she is wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked. This correction clearly identifies the spirit of deception as one of the prevalent defiling fortresses during this generation. We must overcome this enemy if we are to sit with Him on His throne as He overcame and sat with the Father on His throne. In fact, we shall overcome this enemy for the Book of Revelations goes on to describe the Bride in all her beauty adorned for the King.

In order to overcome the enemy and his deceptions, as the Lord did when led by the Spirit into the wilderness, we must also share in His divine nature and character to confront the same counterfeit appeals. We are not adequate in our strength to triumph over the enemy. It is only in His strength we are made strong and equipped to prevail over all the enemy can deliver.

The plan of the enemy is to utilize the spirit of deception and delusion against us in the arena of the body, soul, and spirit. The instrument of His destruction will be the deceiving spirit that would convey we are in one condition when in reality we are in another or sidetrack us on detours and dead-ends. If he can deceive us in this manner, it would cause us to go into combat without being fully equipped for the battle. All the forces of hell will be released against the church in the great end-time battle. His only opportunity for victory is to attempt to seduce the church into entering the battle lacking the full armor of the Spirit. Our promise is to be like the Lord. He is the first fruit among many brethren. When the grain of wheat falls into ground and dies it is for the purpose of producing multiplied grains of wheat like the original seed. If we are to win the contest ahead, we must be like Him. That is our promise and our destiny. We cannot settle for anything less. Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is. (I Jn 3:2)

When Satan appears as the "super salesman, he will do so in a very appealing and attractive manner. In fact his appearance and attributes would seem to allow us to reach our destination in a more speedy and productive manner. However, that is the deception. We must remain in the vehicle the Lord has placed us in and the one in which He is "steering."

YEAR OF THE TRANSMISSION

This is the year of the "transmission". The Lord continued to utilize the automobile to illustrate spiritual directives for the upcoming season. Bob was shown the transmission of the truck as representing the Spirit of the Lord as our intermediary "transmitting" the power and resources of heaven to the earth, thereby mobilizing His people. The transmission is defined as an assembly of parts including the speed-changing gears and the propeller shaft by which the power is transmitted from an engine to a live axle. But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises. (Heb 8:6)

The transmission functions as a mediator (to transmit as intermediate mechanism or agency) conveying power from the "main engine" or source of heavenly power to the axle mobilizing the church to move forward to its destination. There will be a shifting of gears by the Spirit as a continued and multiplied outpouring of His anointing is released to us. This will be especially applicable to those who have allowed the refining preparatory work of the Spirit as we escalate the pace towards the destinations of the Father.

This will clearly mark an increased measure of spiritual activity for both the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness. There will be increased angelic activity for the righteous and heightened demonic activity for those who have rejected the Holy Spirit and have set themselves in opposition to the Lord and His church.

The transmission provides the source of power that propels the vehicle forward. As greater ratios come to the transmission from the engine, likewise the vehicle will be capable of moving at a greater pace. The tempo of the Spirit will increase as this transmission of power is delegated to us from the resources of heaven. We will see a marked increase in the power of God released to the church.

We will also be receiving elevated measures of "Transmissions" from heaven as the revelatory gifts increase, thereby facilitating us in our preparatory process. The Lord is not only going to expand the unveiling of His purposes, He is also going to develop the listening ears of His people to receive His "transmissions" as disciples being instructed by a master tutor. The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of disciples, that I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word. He awakens me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple. The Lord GOD has opened My ear; and I was not disobedient, nor did I turn back. (Isa 50:4-5)

Likewise, there will be a transformation of our "mission" on the earth as greater clarity and focus is released to us as the Lord’s emissaries in this world. With this shift of gears in the "transmission", we will begin to see the government of God take on greater clarity as we move towards the appropriation of His government in the earth. That will transform us from a defensive posture to an offensive one...instead of simply trying to hold our ground we will begin to take ground. It will also distinguish the revelation of the Lord as the "Good Shepherd." The "transmission" taking place will reveal the "Good Shepherd" as the operator of the vehicle in which we are traveling. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

This portion of the revelations also highlighted the season surrounding the upcoming feast of Pentecost as a pivotal time of transition for the church. Again, we are admonished to allow the term between the Feast of Tabernacles and the season of Pentecost as preparation for those days that follow the "shifting of gears" that will transpire around Pentecost.

Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; The Lord is going to allow us, through His provision of great grace, to rule in the midst of our enemies . The "transmissions" from heaven will begin to reveal our weaknesses and shortcomings so they can become our strengths through the work of the Good Shepherd in our lives. Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults. Also keep back Thy servant from presumptuous sins let them not rule over me; then I shall be blameless, and I shall be acquitted of great transgression. (Psalm 19:12-13)

This scripture will begin to reveal our hidden or unknown sins so the appropriate work of the Spirit can be done in us. As these areas are exposed to us we should immediately repent of them and ask the Lord to extract them from us so they can not be exploited by the enemy during this season of great temptation.

As in the days of Esther, the enemy has set out for our destruction, however, the Lord has brought us into the kingdom for such a time as this to be equipped and prepared by the Spirit to prevail over the plans of the Liar and capture the adversary in his own designs. Left to ourselves we would be helpless and defeated, nevertheless, equipped by the Spirit we are a great overcoming army of many banners.

Graciously, the Holy Spirit is going to reveal the areas of weakness in us first before the enemy has opportunity to exploit those deficiencies. Although this is going to be a year of great temptation and deception, opportunity is being given for us to prepare for it beforehand by allowing the Holy Spirit to condition us for it. If we will be sensitive to the Voice of the Spirit and immediately repent of those areas of sin and weakness, then a grace will be released to extract those areas from our nature so the enemy will have no prospect to victimize.

REMOVING THE WEDGE

In the next portion of the visions, Bob found himself holding an implement similar to a garden hoe. With this tool he was instructed to cast it into the sands of time and withdraw that which he detected below the surface. After following this command, he discovered a wedge had been extracted from the sand. A wedge is defined as something causing a breach or separation He was instructed this instrument represented the division that has penetrated many within the Body of Christ. The wedge is the efficient agent the enemy has used to bring separation and alienation between brethren, loved ones and the church family, prohibiting much of the blessings rightfully belonging to the church. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, coming down upon the beard, {even} Aaron's beard, coming down upon the edge of his robes. It is like the dew of Hermon, coming down upon the mountains of Zion; for there the LORD commanded the blessing-- life forever. (Ps 133:1-3)

When Bob inquired as to the specific nature of this wedge, the Lord acknowledged it was primarily emerging from unresolved anger. That is not to limit the issues causing division to this one spiritual atrocity. There are many issues splintering the church, families and friends, however, many can find their roots in this agent of the Accuser.

This is the allotted season when unresolved anger will be uncovered as one of the great entanglements fragmenting the Body of Christ and keeping us from the unity and fraternal affection that should characterize the church. Unresolved anger is being identified as a predominant stronghold of the enemy residing within the church keeping us from the harmony described in Psalm 133 producing the anointing oil and the blessings of God. This has especially been true in the great racial divide that exists, even within the church. This wedge has been driven by the enemy to separate brethren. It is the old warrior adage to divide and conquer.

The spirit of divinely granted repentance as portrayed in II Timothy 2:25-26 will produce the provision from heaven that will extract this wedge allowing us to escape this snare of the enemy, having been held captive by him to do his will. When thus accomplished, unity is the sure result and brotherly affection that will produce powerful expressions of the anointing of God.

Unresolved anger leads to depression and a spirit of confusion. We dwell in confusion continually when this evil opposition prevails. When unresolved anger, whether known or unknown, resides in our heart it causes us to hear communications through a demonic filter distorting comprehension and perception. It makes our hearing of the discourse and admonitions from others become perverted and misconstrued, precipitating the hearing of one thing while they are expressing another. This amplifies the division and separation of brothers as wrong perceptions only fuel the unresolved anger and divisions. It is imperative we develop the spiritual insight allowing us to see Christ in each other and the important contributions each makes to the whole. Without one another functioning in the Body in our appointed place, the Body would be fragmented and incomplete.

Over time unresolved anger can actually mature into a root of bitterness which will completely defile. All manner of evil works result from a root of bitterness resulting in the depletion and destruction of our fruit. During the upcoming season, there will an impartation of grace allowing us to identify the areas of unresolved anger thus producing divinely granted repentance freeing us from the distortions and divisions created by this stronghold. It is important to denote, these identifications of enemy fortresses require a response on our part, calling upon the grace of God to extract these issues from us...thus allowing the work of the Spirit to be complete. The end result is true fraternal affection towards our brethren of every race, color and creed producing the oneness and wholeness greatly pleasing to the Lord. This opens the corridor allowing the release of His anointing from the resources of heaven.

If these strongholds are allowed to persist, it not only distorts our perception and communication with our brethren, it also distorts our view of the Lord, composing an inaccurate image of Christ. We must see Him with an unveiled face in order to "behold and become." Unresolved anger, depression, and bitterness are deep-seated veils clouding our view of the Lord and restricting our ability to be transformed into His image. These are areas of identification the Lord is desiring to address in His people during the coming year and days to follow.

When these malicious fortifications are present they will also tend to cause people to selfishly insist upon their own way. However, the scriptures admonish us to, "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the LORD, and He will have compassion on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways," declares the LORD. (Isa 55:7-8).

INVITATIONS OFFERED TO CITIES

The Lord is looking for cities upon which He can place the seal of His name. These will not only be cities of refuge but also cities of exportation, as ever increasing measures of His glory will begin to be experienced in the church. The cities which embrace this invitation and join together in unity will impart Divine Light to other areas of darkness throughout this nation and the nations of the earth. There will be certain cities across the nation that will be receiving invitations from the Lord to become cities upon which He desires to place His name and all of the divine attributes expressed through His name. One of the key elements in this invitation is to allow the Lord to do it His way and not by the methods of man. It is extremely difficult for the Lord to have His way entirely within cities and churches without the control of man inhibiting the flow of His Spirit and anointing necessary to accomplish divine purposes. Where His name is there His presence will be also.

The cities that will be receiving these invitations must be willing to enter into unity among the leadership without schisms and division and self-serving agendas nullifying the grace of God.

With this invitation a question is also being posed, "will the leaders of these cities be willing to lay down their own agendas in order to take up His divine invitation and opportunity?" Tokens of this opportunity can already be observed, particularly in other nations where the people humbled themselves and prayed, seeking Gods face and finding Him.

RETURNING TO INNOCENCE AND SEPARATION

This is the season in which we are being beckoned again to wash in His redemptive process, returning to the place of innocence before Him. In so doing, we will enter an arena of continual gladness in the presence of the Lord. The release of power in the coming year is to produce righteousness in us and all of its many benefits. The righteous shall inherit the earth. The color for this year is white as a great emphasis is being placed upon the development of righteousness in God’s people. I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire, that you may become rich, and white garments, that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see. (Rev 3:18) The great directive for this season is to be clothed in righteous-spotless garments that the shame of our nakedness would not be revealed. Great grace is being released for that purpose if we will embrace it and flow with His Spirit.

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. (Ps 23:1) We will receive greater revelations of the Lord as our shepherd in the coming season. Not only will we receive greater revelations of the Lord as shepherd, we will also obtain greater understanding of ourselves as His sheep and all of its implications. The Lord’s sheep hear His Voice and another they simply will not follow. As the impartation of revelation of the Lord as Shepherd is released to us, we will obtain greater measures of enlightenment of the Lord’s Voice and distinguish it more clearly than ever before. In so doing, we will then be able to distinguish the enemies voice and reject the appealing qualities of his arsenal.

We must come to understand that we are the seeds of God and the sheep of His pasture. With this revelation we will see many of the troubled waters being calmed by the Lord with merely a word. This revelation will be an authority over the opposing winds agitating the seas attempting to prohibit us from "navigating to the other side". His voice will silence these demonic forces as He did on the Sea of Galilee. Understanding will be the key that unlocks these resources and authority of heaven. Revelation with understanding will be imparted to the shepherds commissioned by the Spirit and placed in the church to delegate to her the attributes of the Good Shepherd.

This will also be a year of great separation. The insight with understanding being communicated to the church will bring a clear distinction in the attributes of the "sheep" and the characteristics of the "goat" nature. "And all the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left. "Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. (Matt 25:32-34) This will produce a clear differentiation between the two. It is the desire of the Holy Spirit to extinguish the goat nature within the church. It is His earnest desire that all embrace this important work of atonement. However, those who are unwilling to allow this sanctifying work will be sanctioned to wander at their own discretion. Conversely, those allowing the attributes of the sheep to be amplified will follow the Shepherd more fully.

The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, they have committed abominable deeds; there is no one who does good. (Ps 14:1) To harbor unbelief breeds corruption. As the voice of the Lord is heard more clearly by the sheep, great impartations of faith will override the spirit of unbelief. This alienation and extraction of unbelief will sift the seeds of corruption from our innermost being, distinguishing us from a life of impurity. The sheep who come to know their shepherd intimately will recline in green pastures and rest beside still waters. This will produce the promised peace in the midst of storms.

Expressing proclamations in agreement with His Spirit will produce spiritual Life allowing those things to come to fruition. The expressions of our lips, when spoken in agreement with Him, will become reality. We will begin to see the fruit of our lips coming into fulfillment. As we tell of His wonders, we will begin to BEHOLD His wonders. This will be the spark that ignites the fire among the youth spoken of earlier. A great hunger and thirst for the supernatural power of God is being imparted to that generation. As they behold the true manifestations of His Spirit in the earth, a holy fire will be ignited bringing that generation to the point of impartation.

TRUTH SPRINGING FORTH FROM THE EARTH

The "spotlight" of the Holy Spirit will be on the kingdom truths expressed in this passage. The salvation here promised is not restricted to the future life in our Heavenly home, rather it signifies deliverance of all kinds... rescue from trouble, distress, and calamity in this generation. All who truly reverence Him and possess the Fear of God rather that the fear of man, may expect His impressive support and aid. This depicts the confident assurance of God’s people that He will intervene in the troubles of His people and will deliver them.

It is the heart’s cry of all God’s people to see the Glory abiding in the land. For Thy lovingkindness is before my eyes, and I have walked in Thy truth. (Ps 26:3) The benefits of the Kingdom (His glory, lovingkindness, mercy, righteousness and peace) are produced by the Spirit of Truth. If we are going to be fruitful, we must be faithful to the Spirit of Truth. The Spirit of Truth will expose the spirit of deception. When this is accomplished, great conflict results between the two camps. Again, we are confronted with making choices. If we embrace the correct commission, we will be catapulted to greater measures of lovingkindness and righteousness and experience heightened expressions of His glory. This again denotes the continual testing with which we will be challenged.

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have {its} perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4) The testing produces choices which we must make in righteousness as we choose this day whom we shall serve. We must especially pray for a guard to be placed before our tongues so that our words are spoken in agreement with Him. Our prayers should continually ask for a covering to be placed around our hearts so we will not embrace deceptions but only the Spirit of Truth. All of our words should be galvanized with charity. Even if words of correction are necessary, when galvanized with charity they can be embraced because love never fails. As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ (Eph 4:14-15)

If we do not cultivate a love for the Truth, especially in the season ahead, we will be turned over to a spirit of delusion. The one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. And for this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they might believe what is false... (II Th 2:9-11) Unfortunately, many erroneous doctrines continue to be embraced in the church providing veils that separate us from the One we seek. A powerful release of the Spirit of Truth is coming to guide us into ALL TRUTH, dispelling the lies that have been taught as truth.

Although the Lord has given you bread of privation and water of oppression, He, your Teacher will no longer hide Himself, but your eyes will behold your Teacher. And your ears will hear a word behind you, "This is the way, walk in it," whenever you turn to the right or to the left. And you will defile your graven images, overlaid with silver, and your molten images plated with gold. You will scatter them as an impure thing (menstruous cloth); and say to them, "Be gone!" (Isa 30:20-22) Teachers will emerge who have encountered the Teacher and heard expressions from His lips that will provide clear and concise direction, preventing us from stepping waywardly to the right or left. The path we have been called to travel is straight and narrow. We can only remain on this path by being ushered by the Spirit of Truth and embracing every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God. The scriptures are not a matter of private interpretation, but men moved by the Holy Spirit will speak from the anointing of God revealing the mysteries of the Kingdom that will present the Bride without spot or wrinkle.

Idolatry and precepts of man will be put away and dispensed as "menstruous cloth," an impure thing. The prophet Isaiah utilized this wording to portray to the nation of Israel the hideous nature of false teachings and idolatry esteemed by God’s people. According to the Law of Moses, cloth used for this purpose had no redeemable value and was good only to be burned. Much "gold and silver" has been generated from teachings that have measures of truth but have been taken well beyond their scriptural foundation. This has caused great confusion and disillusionment among many and has brought a reproach upon the church from the very ones most needing the Good News of the Gospel. The Lord is announcing His intention to begin dealing with these issues. Truth shall spring forth from the Earth through the hearts of His people as the Spirit of Truth descends upon the church. "When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, He will bear witness of Me, and you will bear witness also, because you have been with Me from the beginning. (John 15:26-27)

The teachers that will be maturing will primarily be commissioned to DIRECT the people to the Truth... He is the Truth. Christ is both the Way and the Truth and the Holy Spirit is the Guide who shows the way to the Truth. The Lord is desiring to be the Teacher for all who believe. Anointed instructors will present to the people the seeds of biblical truth and point the way for each to cultivate their own relationship with the Lord. It is His great pleasure to enlighten His people in the ways of Kingdom Life.

GENERAL INSIGHTS

There will be a continuation of the patterns of natural disasters, earthquakes, storms, drought and rain as experienced in the past several years. However, our focus in not to be placed upon these areas of hardship except to delegate the authority of the Spirit through intercessory prayer to combat the adversities. A great responsibility is being placed upon the church to intercede, not only in the areas of natural disaster, but especially related to Israel and our willingness to stand in the gap for the natural seed of Abraham and the sovereign land of Israel. A book of remembrance will record those who are willing to take their stand in the Fear of God for Israel during the days of her hardship. Those who possess the fear of God greater than the fear of man will vigorously stand in the gap for Israel and find favor with God in the days of travail. We should not only pray for the peace of Jerusalem, but also the veil be removed so Israel and her Arab neighbors will recognize the Messiah and return to Him and discover the Prince of Peace. A great harvest awaits the Arab nations.

Although there will be continued fluctuations in the economy, the Lord did not reveal a collapse.

For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; He will save us– Your tackle hangs slack; it cannot hold the base of its mast firmly, nor spread out the sail. Then the prey of an abundant spoil will be divided; the lame will take the plunder. And no resident will say, "I am sick"; the people who dwell there will be forgiven their iniquity. (Isa 33:22-24) Satan is not going to be able to hold his ship together as the Lord begins the process of unveiling His government. The Government of God has been in the embryonic stage of development. In the coming days His Administration will begin to mature and take shape and exhibit some resemblance of what it is intended to be. The Cross of Christ is the answer for all of the problems of humanity, and we are the agents through which He has chosen to appropriate His great redemptive plan. This government will not be a ship charged by the plans and efforts of man to set sail...the wind of the Spirit will take this great "ship of state" called the government of God to its ordained destination.

This is the year the righteous will " pan for gold"...gold that never perishes.--- The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. (Ps 19:9-10)

PSALMS 100 & 101

The insights provided by these Psalms will continue to generate revelatory blueprints into the heart and plan of God. This will be a year of increased anointing on praise. As true praise and worship ascends to the throne from the hearts of God’s people, it will produce greater manifestations of His presence.

The theme and prophetic highlights for the entire revelation given for this years Shepherd’s Rod can be found in the verses of this incredible Psalm. We hope each reader will fervently pray for the reality of these Kingdom truths to be manifested in our lives, families, churches and cities.