INTRODUCTION

The term "Shepherd's Rod" comes from Ezekiel 20:37 stating, "and I shall make you pass under the rod, and I shall bring you into the bond of the covenant.� This Scripture symbolically portrays a shepherd extending his rod as the sheep pass under his staff for evaluation. In this same way we, as the Lord's sheep, pass under His staff during this season as further described in Jeremiah 33:13 and Leviticus 27:32.

The purpose of this booklet is to simply outline the revelations that were received on that date in order to Biblically convey the revelation to the believer. It is not the intent of this outline to completely cover all the truth associated with these revelations. It would take a large book to adequately elaborate on and communicate all of the Biblical truth realized through these revelations.

It is our prayer that the believer will study these revelations during the course of this year to extract all the understanding the Spirit of Truth will reveal. Much of the truth given in the Shepherd’s Rod is like seed that, once planted, requires time to develop and mature. These revelations apply to the year that it is given and the years to follow as each revelation provides greater clarity and focus for the Lord’s heart for this generation.

One of the unique aspects of this year’s Shepherd's Rod was the obvious absence of the spiritual warfare normally associated with the impartation of the revelations given to us during the Day of Atonement. We felt this was a token of special grace being allotted in this hour to begin to lay hold of our inheritance in Him.

Over the past eight years we have encountered significant spiritual resistance in the obtaining of these revelations and the presentation of them in a written or spoken form. It seems the Holy Spirit is allowing a special canopy of protection and favor in certain areas for the birthing and establishing of His plan and purpose. This year there was less opposition in receiving the revelation but more in the preparation of them for the Body. That in itself may be an indication of the spiritual climate.

The hour is indeed late and the times are of a sobering nature requiring our full attention and focused determination. In fact, one of the words that we are predominantly receiving is "focus." This is requiring that we fix our gaze vertically upon Him and resist the tendency to allow our attention to be diverted or centered upon the things of this world. These distractions would cause us to miss vital and significant virtues essential in our walk for this spiritual watch.

THE CENTRAL THEME

The Holy Spirit announced, “Wise men still follow His star and seek Him with their whole heart.� Although the "Herods" continue to rule this world's system, a company of “wise-men� will pursue the Lord.

Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him. When Herod the king heard this he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. (Matthew 2:2-3)

Wise men and women still follow His star and seek Him. However, the “Herods,� embody a spiritual influence promoting a territorial form of leadership with personal agendas and selfish ambitions. This spirit will attempt to destroy that which is being birthed because of the perceived threat it would pose to that form of leadership.

“Herod� was not a personal name but a generic name given to identify this family reign. It belonged alike to all the generations of the Herodian house as known to the Scriptures. It was more of an identification or designation for this ruling authority. It is important that we recognize this as a spiritual enemy striving to work through some within the Church. Therefore, it can be confronted through prayer and intercession.

During His earthly ministry, the Lord pointed out that the Holy Spirit sent wise men, prophets and teachers as a light to the people of God. Nevertheless, the worldly-minded leadership did not receive them or their message of illumination.

Therefore, behold, I am sending you prophets and wise men and scribes; some of the you will kill and crucify, and some of the you will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city. (Matthew 23:34)

There remains in the Church today “wise-men� who follow the signs of the time and the revelation of His Word that is announcing the birthing of the Kingdom of Heaven in the earth. Our calling and admonition in this hour is to clearly distinguish the "star" revealed in the Scriptures and confirmed with numerous signs that is leading to a Kingdom reality being established for this generation.

Our wise counsel is to experientially comprehend that the Lord loves those who love Him. Those who diligently pursue Him will find Him. Although the acquisition of knowledge in the Scriptures and spiritual matters is a noble pursuit, it is no substitute for knowing Him and becoming intimately acquainted with Him in a union relationship. “Wise-men� will come to “know� their God and will display strength and take action� (Daniel 11:32).

The three staffs that were broken in Zechariah are being restored in this hour.

So I pastured the flock doomed to slaughter, hence the afflicted of the flock. And I took for myself two staffs: the one I called Favor and the other I called Union; so I pastured the flock. Then I annihilated the three shepherds in one month, for my soul was impatient with them, and their soul also was weary of me. (Zechariah 11:7-8)

The government of God is being established with the restoration of the apostolic leaders, prophetic voices and priestly teachers functioning with mature authority and power. Thus far we have only seen the embryonic stage of this calling. However, there is an escalated growth that is to take place during the coming season that will cause this ministry to begin to take shape and administrate God's purposes.

BLOWOUT—BURNOUT—BANKRUPT

These conditions will have a triad application within the spirit, soul and body of both those in the Church and outside, if we do not follow the Lord’s prescribed way.

We are given the admonition in this hour to learn from the mistakes made in prior generations. Grievous errors were made leading to the loss of the precious wine given to the Church during prior expressions of outpouring and revival. Many of the failures of those revivals can be attributed to "blowout, burnout, or spiritual bankruptcy" causing shipwreck and derailment of the divine purposes for that generation.

The people involved in those revivals were precious and Godly men and women. If that can happen to them, how much more to us in this hour when the distractions and temptations are even greater. It will only be according to great grace that we will be able to stand. However, we must do our part and diligently apply ourselves to learn all we can from the prior generations. That is the directive given to Israel through Moses in Deuteronomy 32:7. Therein we will discover the things they did right and also discern many of the snares and traps of the enemy.

We must understand the dynamics leading to spiritual blowout, burnout and bankruptcy and alleviate them in our day. Much can be learned in this regard from the examples of Mary and Martha.

But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up {to Him} and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me." But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but {only} one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:40-42)

BLOWOUT

Many times the pressure placed upon leadership to continually expand, grow, and generate greater capacity can lead to a spiritual "blowout." This can be characterized by leaders attempting to expand their ministry beyond the spiritual grace and authority allotted to them from Heaven.

It is imperative that we learn how to stay within our sphere of spiritual authority. We are given a grace from Heaven to sustain those areas for which we are assigned and equipped. Anything beyond that must be sustained through our own strength and abilities which can lead to a spiritual blowout.

This would be placing far more pressure on individuals and ministries than they are able to sustain. A blowout occurs on an automobile tire when areas of weakness began to be exposed; yet the vehicle continues at a high rate of speed until finally the pressure is so great the tire disintegrates. This can be both frightening and dangerous.

BURNOUT

The spiritual burnout occurs when people become so involved in doing things for God that they often forfeit the opportunity of doing things with Him. Very often, when the enemy sees that he can no longer withstand something, he then alters his strategy to get behind it and press it beyond its prescribed parameters. This can lead to a "works" mentality characterized by the Lord's friend Martha. It emphasizes "DOING" at a time when the Lord desires us to have a "BEING" mind-set. That is, being the possessor of His nature and character through seasons of intimacy and fellowship. From that place we emerge with fresh anointing and minister from a place of rest.

BANKRUPTCY

It would be the plan of the enemy to have individuals so involved in ministry that they neglect the times of intimacy and prayer with the Lord that brought them to the place of anointing. Such a condition would lead to spiritual bankruptcy. When this occurs we inherently began to minister in our own strength and the gifts given to us, rather than the anointing.

THE “RIFLE RANGE� OF GOD

To qualify on the "rifle range of God" we must hit the bull's-eye. This symbolic designation is given to point us to a place of accountability and trustworthiness related to the expression of His revealed Word and hidden manna for this generation. All aspects of the Body of Christ will be judged on their ability to “hit the target,� which is the Spirit of Truth. Everything that we do in this hour will be measured and judged according to the Spirit of Truth.

But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He shall glorify Me; for He shall take of Mine, and shall disclose it to you. (John 16:13-14)

We must hit the target in the “bull's-eye.� It is not enough for God’s marksmen to simply hit the target. We must hit the center of the bull's-eye. This will be a more sure word of prophecy (2 Peter 1:19).

DRAWING FROM HEAVEN’S RESOURCES

To be truly effective in the Kingdom of Heaven we must draw upon the infinite resources in Christ for the vast need of humanity. This was illustrated through a word picture depicting God's leaders going to the "bank" of Heaven to meet the needs of the people. This is in contrast to the attempt of many to meet the needs of the people through personal charisma or intellectual patterns and formulas. The Cross will once again be emphasized as the remedy for the demands of lost humanity.

An increased emphasis and opportunity is being given to draw from 1 Corinthians 12:4-7.

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. And there are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)

This is the spiritual “currency� that we can draw upon to finance the spiritual projects being prophetically set before us.

The Holy Spirit allowed a symbolic image to depict a present reality. As we need spiritual impartations to fulfill a commission from the Lord, we will be allowed to draw upon the truth of this passage to finance that purpose.

Presently, there has been a loss of full access to this deposit of spiritual provision. It is now time that we once again extract from His rich reserve to support the birthing of His design in this hour. There will be a special grace upon the truths of this passage as men seek Him with a pure heart and right motives for greater measures of His gifts and spiritual endowments.

By drawing upon this spiritual deposit we will alleviate the blowout and burnout of prior generations. Allowing the Holy Spirit to give expression through us by His gifts and anointing will alleviate the stress and pressure placed upon individuals to produce results in the realm of the soul.

We will not be able to sustain in our own strength the mandate for this hour. It is going to require direct intervention by the Lord. Abraham was impotent to fulfill his promise. It required the intervention of El Shaddai to do for him what he could not do for himself. We likewise are dependent upon this aspect of the Lord's attributes to fulfill the promises and mandates for our generation.

These revelations came at 12:20. This is a vision of government. The Church is going to apprehend a vision of government this year according to the counsel to “put your trust in the LORD your God and you will be established. Put your trust in His prophets and succeed. (1 Chronicles 20:20.) This is the perspective we must obtain.

THE HEAD OF LION AND BODY OF A MAN

The Lord continued to use a symbolic picture to illustrate an image with the body of a man and the head of the lion. This unique being was shown visiting some of the cities of the East Coast. This was displayed to indicate a visitation to the East Coast with the spiritual purposes represented by this creature. It will be characterized through the “overcoming� authority of the Lord as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. Much will be released through praise this year.

And one of the elders said to me, “Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals. (Revelation 5:5)

There is something significant about the East Coast that will experience a display of outpouring or visitation sometime in the very near future. The Head clearly is depicting the Lord coming as the overcoming Lion resting in a place of headship over man.

In the vision, Bob was instructed to pour a drink of cool water into the mouth of the lion. Naturally, this was a fearful thing. The lion had the appearance of the most overwhelming and powerful creature imaginable. At first, Bob was nervous about the instruction and poured the water as best he could although missing the lion's mouth on occasion. However, the more he did so, the more comfortable and acclimated he became and was able to finally pour the drink offering without spilling any.

TO KISS THE “SON�

He is calling us to kiss the Son.

Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him. (Psalm 2:12)

It is an imperative reality that must take place during this time. The lion like features of this spiritual expression are somewhat fearful and overwhelming. This will produce a reverential awe in our hearts that will further compel us to draw close to Him and kiss Him in loving submission. Submission is a position of yieldedness that transcends obedience.

This prophetic admonition is calling us to a place of fellowship and intimacy that will influence every aspect of our lives. We will only be able to meet the demands and mandates for this season of human history from a place of communion and personal exchange with the Lord. Once a reality, consecrated saints emerge from ministering to Him in His private chambers, carrying an anointing of Heavenly power and authority to influence this world.

PRAYER— PRAISE— PROPHECY

There will be a praise offering to the Lord through the Holy Spirit identified in Psalm 78. The sweet drink offerings that we are being allowed to offer Him can be found in this passage. The drink offering will be prayer, praise and prophecy.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving (praise) let you requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

This is another prophetic representation illustrating God's people offering to the Lord drink offerings of prayer, praise and true prophetic proclamation. This will satisfy His thirst and release Him to accomplish Kingdom objectives. Although we may miss a little at first, the more understanding we gain, the more capable we will become to "hit the mark."

PSALM 78

Psalm 78 is a strategic Psalm for this hour to introduce fresh expressions of praise and worship to begin to provide "hallow" ground upon which the Lord is free to walk. To “hallow� means to consecrate or make holy.

This Psalm can be divided according to the following outline from Barnes Notes:

I. A call on all the people, addressed to them by the king or the ruler, to attend to the instructions of former times the lessons which it was of importance to transmit to future generations. (Psalm 78:1-4).

II. God had established a general law which he had designed for all the people, or which he intended should be the law of the nation as such that all the people might set their hope in God, or be worshippers of Him as the only true God, and that they might all be one people. (Psalm 78:5-8)

III. Ephraim the most powerful of the ten tribes, and their head and representative had been guilty of disregarding that law, and had refused to come to the common defense of the nation. (Psalm 78:9-11)

IV. The wickedness of this rebellion is shown by the great favors which, in its former history, God had shown to the nation as such, including these very tribes. (Psalm 78:12-66)

V. The reason is stated, founded on their apostasy, why God had rejected Ephraim, and why he had chosen Judah, and made Zion the capital of the nation, instead of selecting a place within the limits of the tribe of Ephraim for that purpose. (Psalm 78:67-68)

VI. The fact is declared that David had been chosen to rule over the people; that he had been taken from humble life, and made the ruler of the nation, and that the line of the sovereignty had been settled in him. (Psalm 78:69-72)

David represents a form of leadership devoted to Prayer, Praise and Prophecy. The three P's will spiritually “hallow� or dedicate to God those places of worship. Ultimately, the Lord wishes to “hallow� us, the “ground� upon which He is desires to rest.

A DEDICATED TEMPLE

At the time Solomon dedicated the Temple, the priests of the Lord gathered in unity as one voice, arrayed in white linen, representing their consecration. From that “hallowed position they offered to God praises, prayer and prophetic proclamations. When this was done, a divine cloud appeared as a visible representation of the Lord's manifest Presence to occupy His sanctuary. Solomon had provided "hallowed" ground upon which the Lord was willing to rest.

The construction and dedication of Solomon's Temple provides a prophetic depiction of the high mandate for our generation. We are the temple of the Holy Spirit and it is in us that He desires to dwell. It is through us, His Body, that he will fulfill every purpose of Heaven on the earth.

This reality will demonstrate the beginning of the “tabernacle of David� form of worship. Expressions of this will become more evident on the East Coast if the Lord can find “hallowed� places devoted to Him. Once established, it will begin to spread rapidly.

On the morning of Atonement, I was also given a prophetic dream that emphasized the importance of this reality. In it I observed what was to be determined as places of worship. They were illustrated as Churches and other facilities used by Christians. On the surface they appeared strong and built upon firm foundations. However, the Holy Spirit allowed a view of the ground upon which the facilities were built.

In actuality, the buildings were constructed upon foundations that were infiltrated with tunnels and secret chambers. It looked very similar to scenes sometimes depicted during World War II and the Vietnam War when the enemy prepared elaborate networks of underground tunnels and compartments. However, in this prophetic analogy the tunnels were occupied by evil spirits represented by serpents. The two serpents occupying these tunnels and rooms under the foundation of Christian facilities were the Python and Cobra. The Python is a symbol illustrating the spirit of divination. In Acts 16:16 we discover the apostle Paul rebuking this spirit working through a young girl.

And it happened that as we were going to the place of prayer, a certain slave-girl having a spirit of divination met us, who was bringing her masters much profit by fortunetelling. Following after Paul and us, she kept crying out, saying, "These men are bond-servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation."

And she continued doing this for many days. But Paul was greatly annoyed, and turned and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!" And it came out at that very moment. (Acts 16:16-18)

The term translated “divination� is the Greek word “puthon� from which we get the English word, "python." This can represent a form of counterfeit spiritual revelation masquerading as the Spirit of Truth.

The other evil spirit was featured by the Cobra and finds its origin in ancient Egyptian spiritualism representing the spirit of control and manipulation.

These two spirits had secretly infiltrated the foundation upon which the Churches had been built. Because of this network of tunnels, the ground was weak and vulnerable and incapable of sustaining the weighty presence of God He desired to bring.

I continued to watch as the Lord enlisted three brave and specially equipped men to invade the tunnels and eradicate the enemy. I was amazed at the valor and strength of these men and their willingness to serve in this manner.

Within a short season, these soldiers of the faith began to emerge from the network of tunnels eroding the foundation, with scores of serpents formerly hidden and occupying the network of tunnels. I was amazed, not only at the number of their victims, but also the speed with which they were able to extract them.

I believe this is a picture of the "hallowing" of sacred ground upon which the Lord desires to visit. This is true not only with our places of worship but especially within us as individuals. From this experience, we have begun to earnestly ask the Lord, by His grace, to "hallow" this ground within us and extract everything that would erode the foundation upon which He desires to build.

The Python is divining and the Cobra is the controlling spirit. Prayer, praise and prophecy will begin to identify and eradicate the spiritual opposition that has polluted the very ground upon which the Lord desires to establish Himself and His Church. These are the three men that were sent into the tunnel.

It will cause love to began to overflow from our spirits because of the reverential fear and awe that will be established in the hearts of sincere believers.

THE GOOD SHEPHERDS

Approximately six years ago, Bob and I were both given revelations at about the same time, depicting the two forms of "shepherds" identified in Ezekiel 34. In the experience, a very expensive trunk was displayed moving down the highway loaded in the cargo section with closely sheared sheep. The sheep were a pitiful site in that they had been so harshly sheared that their skin was bleeding from cuts and gashes. The individuals driving the trunk were heard commenting on how wonderfully "the Lord" had blessed them with a bountiful harvest of wool.

In reality it was not the Lord who had blessed them but their own ambitions and willingness to abuse the sheep in order to gain the blessing. Finally, the men became so weary from hearing the crying and bleeping sheep that they lifted a lever on the trunk, expelling the sheep along the road in which they were traveling, which was Highway 78.

For thus says the Lord GOD, "Behold, I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out. As a shepherd cares for his herd in the day when he is among his scattered sheep, so I will care for My sheep and will deliver them from all the places to which they were scattered on a cloudy and gloomy day.�

"And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries and bring them to their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the streams, and in all the inhabited places of the land.�

"I will feed them in a good pasture, and their grazing ground will be on the mountain heights of Israel. There they will lie down in good grazing ground, and they will feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel.�

"I will feed My flock and I will lead them to rest," declares the Lord GOD. (Ezekiel 34:11-15)

When this was done in the vision, the Lord expressed in a very grieved manner that He would hear the cries of the sheep and would someday release the blessings of Psalm 78 with the emergence of a righteous priesthood or "good shepherds" after His heart. This year during the revelations of Atonement, Psalm 78 was given to fulfill this prophetic promise.

GATHERING THE LAME, THE BLIND AND THE HALT

We are to gather the lame, blind and the halt and bring them into the camp. We are actually to compel them into the camp. Although they were wounded by those within the household of faith, good shepherds are going to emerge with a heart of compassion to minister restoration and reenlist them into their calling and purpose.

The coming season will experience increased grace to bring in the wounded soldiers and minister healing for their spirit, soul and body. Their mended wounds will then become the source of their greatest spiritual authority.

Many are called to a place of leadership but have suffered rejection, betrayal and discouragement from a variety of sources. Some have also been involved in prior expressions of outpouring that has now been rescinded or lost. Their gifts and callings are irrevocable and it is the Lord’s express desire to place them in the place of their ultimate fruitfulness and authority.

This will be more than an invitation. It will result in a persuading of the people to return. Ezekiel 34 describes the good shepherds that will characterize this form of leadership who brings renewal and restoration. The great gift of righteous leaders will also indicate a change of command in various areas.

During the last century there were two very notable outpourings of the Holy Spirit characterized with healing and deliverance power. Nonetheless, there was not the full restoration of our inheritance during those expressions. It is much like Israel who came out of Egypt but the initial generation did not fully inherent the promise. There are leaders in the order of Joshua and Caleb who will now begin to introduce the fruit of that promise and prepare a generation to cross the Jordan into their birthright.

Each of those generations had the opportunity to experience apostolic ministry. We are now being given another chance to walk in our heritage.

BOB RECEIVES AN EMAIL

In yet another highly symbolic picture, Bob received an email at 2:05 AM. Although Bob does not have a fax machine or computer for e-mail, he was given a spiritual dream indicating that "he had mail." This divine mail provided a blueprint. It came in three parts and bore the signature of Heaven on it and contained 1 Timothy 4:14-15.

Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed upon you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. Take pains with these things; be {absorbed} in them, so that your progress may be evident to all. (1 Timothy 4:14-15)

This passage is a call to move on to maturity and the perfection gifts. The three times this will occur is during prayer, praise and prophetic proclamation— “for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.� (Revelation 19:10) These have the heavenly mark or signature on them. This is a form of spiritual “e-mail� or heavenly communication.

This is an affirmation of the powerful spiritual gifts the Holy Spirit desires to impart at this time through prophetic utterances and the laying on of hands. It will not merely be the reciting of prophetic promises but the realization of words already spoken for which we have been groomed these last ten years.

Paul acknowledged that spiritual gifts were imparted to Timothy by the laying on of hands by the leadership. This season will see an increased anointing being conferred by the laying on of hands by God ordained leadership. Not only that, there will be a stirring within many people of the gifts that have been lying dormant over the last season.

This fresh anointing will begin to identify the calling and gifts within many people as they are positionally placed within the body into their place of anointing. This will be the responsibility of the "good shepherds."

The expression "laying on of hands" can also be an indication of the close fellowship that many will begin to experience as ministry teams are joined with common purpose and vision. It is implying a much more personal and intimate setting of exchange and fellowship.

True humility responds immediately to the inspired Word. He is going to introduce the word of truth and those anointed with the garment of humility will react without delay. It will be life to those who do. A virtuous response will provide grace... lifesaving grace. It is once again pointing to the sanctification of the entire man in spirit soul and body.

FEAR OR FAITH

Yet once again, the Holy Spirit has highlighted the spirit of fear as a predominant stronghold resisting the Church and the birthing of Kingdom purposes. This season will be exemplified through either faith or fear. The fear of a thing is oftentimes more damaging than the thing itself.

Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.

Then Moses called to Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, "Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land which the LORD has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. (Deuteronomy 31:6-7)

The Islamic nations and belief system cannot destroy the USA in this hour, but fear can do far more damage. Panic will amplify in its ability to stifle and hinder, when given opportunity. This will be especially true for those apart from God and in some cases, with the people of God if an occasion is given to this evil spirit. It is not a time to be outside of “Goshen� and divine grace. This plan of the enemy is being identified so we can seal every access this spirit may utilize against us. Our call is to be strong and of good courage. Perfect love cast out all fear. We are given the spirit of love, power and a sound mind.

There will be many testings in the Church during the coming days. It will result in either faith or fear… joy or panic. Those who minister in the realm of the Spirit will begin to enter greater levels of joy and faith. Those who do not will begin to experience fear and panic.

“WISDOM� UNITES WITH “UNDERSTANDING�

In the following allegorical scenario, Bob watched as a Heavenly spirit adorned in red spoke with another adorned in blue/green. This was "Wisdom" speaking with "Understanding" by his side.

He then heard them convey an unusual expression, “Allay-o, Bob.� This was a unique phrase that was communicated during the visions. It had the spiritual significance of meaning “a way open.� “Allay� is defined as, “putting to rest; to quiet or lay to rest (fears, doubts, and the like). A divine way is being accessed to acquire the grace to be free and find rest for our souls.

Divine wisdom consolidated with understanding will provide “a way�. God’s way is being opened to us if we will follow His prescribed instruction. It is an open door of opportunity. God’s “ways� will always provide rest and lay to rest our fears and doubts. This was pointed out by the Spirit of Wisdom speaking with the Spirit of Understanding standing by his side to give clarity.

The beginning of wisdom {is:} acquire wisdom; and with all your acquiring, get understanding. Prize her, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. She will place on your head a garland of grace; she will present you with a crown of beauty. (Proverbs 4:7-9)

When wisdom and understanding unite it provides a divine way into the presence of God and a place of fruitfulness and spiritual authority.

The mixing of red and green produces yellow, the counsel of God. From the consolidation of Godly wisdom with the Spirit of Understanding, genuine Counsel will emerge leading us to the Spirit of Might and Power. Careful adherence to the Spirit of Counsel opens the door for the full release of the Spirit of Might.

CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES

Without the intervention of prayer, there will be a loss of constitutional rights in our nation. In an effort to legislate protection against terrorism, our leaders will make decisions that will reduce our present rights. It can influence the Church if we do not take our position of authority through prayer.

The new legislation could influence public gatherings and other potential targets with severe restrictions and governmental red tape. This could especially have an impact on evangelistic-type meetings drawing substantial numbers of people. If we do not pray, the governmental restrictions will have adverse effects on meetings of this nature in their attempt to address terrorism. If we will respond to our call to "kiss the Son," it can release the authority that will overwhelm the adverse effects of decisions of this nature.

Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned. (Colossians 4:2-3)

These types of governmental decisions can also have a detrimental effect on the financial support of various spiritual endeavors. The restrictions can place fear within the hearts of people and spawn reservations in them for the full release of necessary resources.

RESTRICTIONS ON FISHING

The Lord wants to begin to release a strong spirit of evangelism but present legislative decisions can hinder that purpose. In Bob’s visions, he saw a large “fishing lure� being delegated to the Church with a sizable book intended to bring in a notable catch of fish. This is a symbolic indication of an evangelistic anointing being released to bring many people into the Church who have a divine purpose and calling. It is now time for these individuals to enter their place of fruitfulness and anointing.

And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. (Matthew 4:19-20)

AN AFFIRMATION

As a further affirmation of this spiritual reality, the Lord also gave me a vision of the night showing a large and very deep body of water. The water was crystal clear and a perfect temperature. Simply being in the water was one of the most pleasurable experiences one could imagine. However, without realizing it, I was being drawn deeper and deeper into the water until the surface could barely be seen and yet the bottom was undetectable.

In this place a certain reverential awe and fearfulness began to emerge. The Scriptures point out, the Lord dwells in deep darkness. In this place, one is completely vulnerable and at the mercy of God. It was both exhilarating and terrifying. It is a place in which man meets with God without pretense or disguises.

As I began to make my way towards the surface I was drawn to an underwater rock ledge. There I discovered a fishing lure that was resting upon one of the crevices. I could tell it had been a very productive lure but the line had been broken and the lure was lost.

I began to grasp the lure but was forbidden by the Holy Spirit to do so. I was then instructed to return to the surface and bring a man back to the location of the lure in order to retrieve it. I was not permitted to restore the lure but this man was.

I was later instructed that the lure represented a powerful evangelistic mantle previously worn by someone. Unfortunately, the lure or mantle was lost when the line was broken, severing the flow of grace essential for this commission. The Lord is now preparing to restore it. It will rest upon someone or a company of people who have discovered God in a place of deep darkness who are having their character and nature groomed according to His preparation.

RELEASING THE FISHING BOAT

Bob was shown in symbolic form that a fishing boat is to be released during early spring to “hook� those at the bottom of the food chain. This will take place throughout the world to attract those both large and small. A vehicle or boat is often used to illustrate a ministry. This ministry will target the lost at a penetrating level, especially those hidden in the deepest areas.

That day Jesus went out of the house and was sitting by the sea. And large crowds gathered to Him, so He got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd was standing on the beach. (Matthew 13:1-2)

Bob was given a large lure with a hook on it, but no bait. The “lure� is the attraction of the Lord Himself. Simply a pure unfolding of His love for lost humanity conveyed through transparent vessels. This should result in a substantial harvest among the poor and downcast.

At this Bob was also given a “fingernail file� to illustrate the smoothing out of our sometimes rough and prickly words. This is to file down the edges on our expressions to allow a more free flow of compassion. However, the file will also provide a tool by which the hook can be sharpened. This will allow us to begin to speak in love. The hooks will be much more effective when spoken in genuine love.

A CALL TO REPENTANCE

We are living in a day characterized as the "harvest" generation. Seeds of “light� and “darkness� are coming to full fruition. This is the 30th year since the legalization of abortion. The judgment for the shedding of innocent blood is coming to a place of maturity. There is a strong call to genuine repentance for this sin. This can be diverted by individuals through repentance.

The judgments of God will become more evident this year for unrepentant sin. They will become more apparent primarily because of abortion although it is for a number of other justifications as well. It will open the door to cancer, plagues, viruses, and other such sicknesses.

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you. (James 4:8-10)

There is a strong call to repentance. Many will discover a release of grace to bring genuine repentance within the Church for the issue of abortion. A spirit of travail and repentance will fall on individuals and corporate bodies to offer to God tears of contrition and remorse over this issue.

A DIVINE MARK

This is the year Ezekiel 9:4 will become more apparent.

The LORD said to him, “Go through the midst of the city, even through the midst of Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations which are being committed in its midst. (Ezekiel 9:4)

There is an angel coming with the ink horn and quill to begin to mark individuals. This will alleviate the strategies of the enemy that caused shipwreck during prior expressions of outpouring and revival during previous century.

The judgments spiritually typified in Ezekiel 9:6 will escalate. It is a dangerous time to be without the Lord’s mark resting on our lives. Various forms of sicknesses and viruses are a description of the judgments expressed in this passage. Individuals can alleviate this form of justice through repentance.

Viruses, diseases and plagues will begin to come to a heightened place of concern. What was sown in 1973 will begin to come to harvest. The keyword is REPENTANCE. Repentance can seal access to these forms of judgment through the blood of the Lord Jesus.

As the Scriptures point out, the judgments begin with the household of God and those who are closest to the Temple. This is to pave the way for an inspired priesthood that is coming.

Those who do not have the mark of "holiness unto the Lord" run the risk of exposure to the discipline and justice being released in this hour. The Ezekiel 9:4 passage is likewise pointing to the sealing of a righteous priesthood. The anointed articulation of praise, prayer and prophecy will help designate those to be sealed with “holiness unto the Lord.� It is also speaking of the release of multiplied levels of the gifts of the Spirit.

THE COLOR IS EMERALD

Emerald is the color and stone for this year. It is a precious stone of a rich green color. This gem was the first in the second row on the breastplate of the high priest. It is said to be the Hebrew word “nophek� meaning the "glowing stone."

It is mentioned in Revelation 21:19 as one of the foundations of the New Jerusalem. The name given to this stone in the New Testament Greek is “smaragdos,� which means "live coal.� This could signify many saints who will have their lips cleansed with the coals from the altar in preparation for the fresh truth forthcoming without leaven or mixture.

The emerald is often attributed to the tribe of Levi (although some say Judah). This position is certainly consistent with the call for the emerging righteous priesthood of inspired teachers. This will be a holy priesthood and a new pastoral/teaching ministry that will be described as the “faithful and true shepherds.�

"Then you will know that I have sent this commandment to you, that My covenant may continue with Levi," says the LORD of hosts. "My covenant with him was {one of} life and peace, and I gave them to him {as an object of} reverence; so he revered Me, and stood in awe of My name.

"True instruction was in his mouth, and unrighteousness was not found on his lips; he walked with Me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many back from iniquity. "For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and men should seek instruction from his mouth; for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts. (Malachi 2:4-7)

The emerald rainbow, or halo, that surrounds the throne of God in Heaven is a reminder of the covenant of God. We are now living in the generation that will be characterized by the revelation of the Kingdom of God. Our call is to come up higher through the open door allowing fresh revelations of His throne or Kingdom. It is His covenant promise that some generation will come to know the fullness of His inheritance and become the righteous generation.

We are living in the Feast of the Open Book, a designation often given to the Feast of Tabernacles. The emerald represents an invitation to come before His throne to be intimately acquainted with Him and the administration of His Kingdom design.

And He who was sitting was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance. (Revelation 4:3)

I asked our friend who is supernaturally gifted with understanding in light, sound and color, what his perspective was on this passage and the fact is it called a rainbow, yet emerald in color. The following was his brief response:

Ever see an oil slick? Ever see the colors of the rainbow in it? In some oily puddles we can see interference colors because the thickness of the oil film is in the range of the wavelengths of visible light. Different colors of light are reflected in and out of phase throughout the oil providing a rainbow effect. Depending upon the quality of the oil and the intensity of the light, the rainbow effect could be far greater than one made of water vapor, [and] the [particular] oil under these conditions could appear a dazzling emerald green in color. Could it be the "Oil of His Spirit" being revealed?

The emerald also denotes the priesthood and the color for the year is green. Green is often associated with the color of harmony and unity. There is no color known that green will not harmonize with, as depicted with the green foliage that blends with every hued flower. It is symbolically associated with the color of immortality and also of humility.

The joy of the Lord is our strength. We must stay in the joy in order to make it through the coming season. Nature will continue to declare the handiwork of God this year. It started with the storm named Hannah. It is denoting the coming of special grace or “Go.� The green light is pointing to the grace to release many into their calling and commission within the Kingdom framework for this hour.

There will be a restoration of the spiritual Urim (light) and Thummim (perfection). This will result in an impartation of the spiritual qualities which give a perfect light.

AND THEN THERE WERE FOUR

During the revelations, an audible expression was given with multiple levels of potential application...“and then there were four.� The number four will provide insight and prophetic directions during the course of this year and the days to follow.

1. Four is considered a cardinal number was a sacred and complete number with the Hebrews. It occurs very frequently in the Old Testament and the New Testament.
2. It is considered to indicate completeness.
3. We have the four rivers of Paradise. (Genesis 2:10)
4. The four winds (Spirits) of Heaven. (Ezekiel 37:9; Daniel 7:2; 8:8; 11:4; Zechariah 6:5)
5. The four winds. (Matthew 24:31; Mark 13:27)
6. The four corners of the earth. (Isaiah 11:12; Revelation 7:1; 20:8)
7. The four corners of the house. (Job 1:19)
8. The four cities mentioned in Joshua as the allotment of inheritances. (Joshua 19:7, 21:18)
9. Nehemiah's enemies sent to him "four times.� (Nehemiah 6:4)
10. The four kinds/families of destroyers. (Jeremiah 15:3)
11. God’s "four sore judgments.� (Ezekiel 14:21)
12. The four generations. (Job 42:16)
13. The four “beasts" arise, representing four kings. (Daniel 7:3, 17)
14. The four horns" seen by Zechariah as the powers that had scattered Israel and "four smiths" as powers that would cast the four horns down. (Zechariah 1:18 21)
15 The “four gates�, “four wings�, “four chariots�, “four living creatures," each with four faces, four wings, etc. The bearers of the throne of God. Ezekiel 1:5. The visions of John illustrating that there were "four living creatures" before and around the throne. Revelation 4:6; 5:6, 8, 14; 6:1; 15:7; 19:4. John saw "four angels" of destruction loosed for their work in Revelation 9:14

Four is oftentimes represented as the number of the Spirit. This is denoting a divine opportunity for intimate relationship with the Lord. The fourth man in the furnace was the Lord. There were originally three but then there were four.

From these expressions we derive an open door for the release of revelation without measure to those who seek Him with their whole heart for they will find him. This will be a time to start a deep personal relationship with the Lord.

NATURAL AND SPIRITUAL GOLD

Natural and spiritual gold will again be found in the West particularly Northern California. The gold (glory) will be seen in some places where He discovers humility and integrity of heart.

This will be applicable to those who have been growing and prepared for special ministry to reveal the nature and character of the Lord.

PSALMS 103

Psalms 103 has often times been described as the spiritual “buffet� table of God. We need to all bring our gifts back into the Church. There must also be the restoration of those who have significant spiritual gifts but who have been wounded in times past. The hour is late and the Church must begin to minister to those sitting dormant outside the Church whose gifts are an integral part of the things about to unfold.

COMMENTS ON PSALMS 103

Psalms 103:1 Hallow the name of the Lord with your actions, conversations, expressions and presentation.

Psalms 103:2 When we focus on the Lord we stay in peace and this will help maintain our help.

Psalms 103:3-4 As we forgive we are also forgiven and establish a righteous relationship between God and man. Then we will begin to lay hold of the faith for healing and began to experience the full measure of the Lord's redemptive nature.

This redeems our life from destruction and obtains victory spiritually, mentally and physically.

Psalms 103:5 We shall eat the fruit of our mouth. When we bridle our tounge we will begin to renew us. What we speak will then be in alignment with God. We will begin to believe what we speak, therefore speak good things and blessings.

Psalms 103:6 This year we will see the justice of God. They will see a justice both in the Church and in the world. There will be a judgment against sin both in the Church and in the world. He will begin to justify His righteous servants.

Psalms 103:7 God Revealed His character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel...Exodus 6.3. Those who are mature and seek the Lord's presence will come into his redemptive nature in a greater measure. Those who are maturing and growing in righteousness will know His sufficiency. Those who have submitted to His pruning processes will know his redemptive attributes on a personal level.

Psalms 103:8-16 There is shortness of time on the earth. We must begin to redeem the time. Ezekiel 36:25-26. To those who cry out for purity will begin to experience His cleansing power. Many will be freed and cleansed from all manner of sin including homosexuality, drug addiction and other bondages. Mental instability and insanity and unbridled thought life will begin to be sanctified and regained when individuals pursue the Lord with sincerity and a contrite heart.

This is a promise from the Lord if those who seek him with sincerity press in to receive the benefit of His promise. There is a substantial cleansing coming to those with honest hearts within the Church. Many have desired to be free but have been unable to lay hold of that level of purity. There will be a grace to help many achieve that place in Him.

Psalms 103:17-18 The mercy of the Lord will begin to cleanse spirit and flesh by revealing our sins to us (2 Corinthians 7:1). This will include even the curse of the bloodline afflictions. This is in order that we may be set free. All past curses and generational bondages can be broken so that our children do not encounter the same difficulties. He will begin to reveal these to us. This will give the next generation a fresh start. The Lord wants to begin to set the next generation on the proper course early on.

Rich blessings will be given to those who keep his covenant of love. That is, to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31).

Psalms 103:19 The Lord's Prayer will unveil the hallow ground so that he can begin to establish His kingdom. The Holy Spirit is emphasizing "hallow ground" upon which he can establish His purposes. This is literally indicating cities and regions upon which He desires to place his feet and do a great work.

Righteous teachers will begin to build upon the hallow ground and it will spread rapidly. It is often said that sin spreads like wildfire but the Lord is also able to make his righteous standard spread likewise. Things can go worldwide quickly.

Psalms 103:20 The release of the angelic army to push back the armies of darkness and bring the Rhema (an inspired word) that the Holy Spirit will give the saints.

Psalms 103:21-22 This year, the righteous servants will bless the Lord because of the protection and abundant grace of God. This is indicating a call to the abandonment of soul (Psalm 22:1). To those who abandon their personal soul to Him and their selfish agendas, will become righteous servants. They will bless the Lord because of his abundant grace. They are the priesthood who will abandon their life to the Lord.

[NOTE FROM PAUL KEITH: We did not begin writing the Shepherd's Rod's until 1994. The previous revelations were simply depicted in outline form. We contemplated rewording portions of the revelation for the sake of clarity. However, we chose to leave the outline mostly as it was originally written in order to protect the integrity of the insight. We made just a few minor changes in order to improve readability.

There are certain aspects of the 1993 Shepherd's Rod that may not have pertinence to this day. However, there are definite highlighted areas that were imparted to many individuals at that time that are just now beginning to flourish. By receiving the "spirit" of the revelation we can glean understanding for this day. The "cleaning out" mentioned below has been an ongoing process within many saints for the past season of the spirit. The time of inheritance is upon us.]

SHEPHERDS ROD 1993
by Bob Jones

THE YEAR OF YOUNG MEN

Daniel - “God is Judge�
Shadrach - “The breast was tender�
Meshach - “Waters of quiet�, “biting�, “who is what thou art?�
Abednego - “Servant of brightness�

The choosing of young men. God is raising uncompromising young men. They are young, handsome, and brilliant and will be able to speak the language of the Chaldeans (the world). They will be skilled in communication of the Gospel to a lost world.

THE YEAR OF CLEANING OUT

Jacob “He will take by the heel.� We are not yet Spiritual Israel. We are Jacob and in this year of rest/peace we are to clean out the barns (our heads) of all of the junk of the past. For after a year of rest/peace and the cleaning out of the junkyard of the mind the Lord will begin to teach us spiritual genetics. We are to clean out the junk of the generations so that the barn (mind) can be ready for the next harvest. The junk we were comfortable with in the past we must discard for the things of the future.

Junk was stored in the barn. There was stuff that was once new and useful but now it was broken down and didn’t work. These things were childish toys and we are to discard them and grow into maturity (Hebrews 6:1) (to grow up and become Israel “Prince with God�). For so great a cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1) were watching and the angels are waiting to begin their work. The angels cannot bring the new grain to our barns (soul and mind) until we make room for it. They will fill it with seed-faith, rhema and words of knowledge. The words (seeds) will need to incubate and eventually be hatched. The grain deposited will be a great word of knowledge (and awesome invitation).

Jacob has labored for the last six years for Laban (white-washed) and he has crossbred between the rods in order to strengthen the herds (sheep and cattle). We have gone from faith crossbreeding to faith and strength crossbreeding to strength. Jacob shall absolutely take hold of Esau’s heel and prevail and come forth. Division shall come in and between the Church. The churches that crossbreed will be strengthened and the churches that inbreed will become weak.

For we are called to spoil Laban as Jacob did and to spoil Egypt as Israel did. Spoil has a double meaning. Both Laban and Egypt were spoiled (with blessing) as long as Jacob and Israel remained in the land. Then they were spoiled (with ruin) when they left.

THE CARPENTER’S SQUARE (JESUS)

The Lord is going to lay a carpenter’s square on our being. This right angle square will be placed on our flesh (carnal nature) and our spirit. It will square us up to II Corinthians 7:1.

That which did not measure up will be cut away and even the roots of those things which are cut away will be destroyed.

This will be a circumcision of the flesh (carnal nature) and spirit. The cutting away will bring tenderness (Galatians 5:23) and will be grace for us to be tender toward the Lord. Tenderness is a testimony to the New Testament circumcision which means being sensitive to the Holy Spirit (Romans 4:11, Colossians 2:11 and I Thessalonians 5:23). The circumcision knife is a special surgical utensil. He will cut away confusion, ambition and the like (James 3:14-16). He will cut away with line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, there a little, until we measure up to the purpose of His will. He will cut away until that which is of the Holy Spirit will remain. When this is done, men will be thankful!

This carpenter’s square will be used to build. To square up lumber (saints) so they can be joined and become a common building (common union, communion). They will fit naturally together. This will be done in the year of rest.

Isaiah 55:10. The carpenters will nail it down. The church will conceive the will of God and a youth movement will begin. The foundation will be laid for the new grade school.

THE YEAR OF FAITH, REST (SABBATH) & ELEVEN

Hebrews 1:1 “Fathers and prophets; all through whom God spoke including Abraham (faith)�

Hebrews 11 “The Honor Role of Faith�

Hebrews 11:11 “Sarah by faith conceived�

Psalm 32:11 “Rejoicing because of Faith� “Restoration of Joy� Joy and gladness breaks the yoke of bondage.

Isaiah 55:11 “The word will not return void, but accomplish its purpose�

Proverbs 11 “fool vs. wise�

Psalm 110 “The day of thy power� “Faith of God�

THE YEAR OF THE BOOK OF HEBREWS (PRIESTHOOD-MELCHIZEDEK)

Hebrews is the New Testament Leviticus. Priesthood

God is looking for faith (Hebrews 11). He is looking for the champions of God through faith.

The prophets will speak out of the fatness (goodness) of the tongue; goodness of the inspired word to the people will produce faith.

Hebrews 11:11 The church that feels that it is past the child-bearing age can bring forth His purposes through faith. It can receive strength to receive the seed necessary to produce life.

MAN FROM THE NORTHEAST

In the land of Chickadee, King Chamberlain (Mordecai) shall come forth. This man shall bring forth new words (rhema). A chickadee is a small bird; generally with black, gray and white feathers. They are a passerine (songbird) found throughout the world. They have a predominant crest on the head and are predominantly found in Northeastern United States. In Isaiah Cyrus was a man who came from the east. This man will be a dreaded champion from the North and East.

NATURE

Nature will begin to reclaim what is rightfully hers. People will say “what a great tragedy of nature�, but nature will say “I am reclaiming what man has wrongfully taken away.� i.e. swamps, desert, etc. We will possible have another “El Nino�, we will know by Christmas. The earth will be cracked from the west to the east from drought and cold.

TERRORISM

Terrorism will take a new twist. It will come to the U.S. from people who want their own way. It may come in the form of poisonous nerve gas.

PROCLAMATION OF TRUTH

Men of God will begin to boldly proclaim the Word of God and that which is to come. The prophets will boldly proclaim visions of tragedy. The heavenly warnings shall begin this year and proclaim “all is not well.�

In this “year of rest� there will be truth that will be broadcast on television out of Southern California. The truth will be about the geophysical, economical and the political condition. The world will know the truth (the true condition) this year and yet it will not set us free. It will tell us that if we continue in this path, the consequences will be thus and so. The truth will be revealed so that men can make decisions, but most of the people would make none, it was not because they did not believe these true things. Rather, it was because of complacency and they just didn’t care. The U.S. will be the telltale sign of the condition of the rest of the world.

This year we can be as clean and as close to Jesus as we choose to be. For the truth will make it so. Many will not turn from their sins. The will need real wisdom for real wisdom draws us close to Christ.

NEW AGE BLACKMAIL

There will be an increase of the blackmailing of Christian leadership. Pastors will need to be especially careful of women who are purposefully coming to take them out (cause moral failure). This is the strategy of the New Age movement, that women would be exalted above men and usurp authority over male leadership.

AWAKENING IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

DICHOTOMY OF SIN

Our definition of dichotomy: Two truths which contrast each other.

The temptation of Christ studied in comparison to the temptation of Adam and Eve:

Knowledge Vs. Wisdom

Satan tempted Christ through knowledge. Christ’s answer was through wisdom
Knowledge comes forth as a man pleaser. Wisdom comes forth in the fear of God
Knowledge of the Word only is law. Wisdom of the Word is mercy and grace
Knowledge of the mind works against the inspired Word (rhema) of God. Wisdom knows the proper use and application of knowledge

Ishmael Vs. Isaac
Rebel Vs. Son
Fool Vs. Faith

Moves in presumption, his own will and against sound council. He has on year to repent When he does move it is by faith. Circumcision of the heart makes him tender toward the Spirit. Only the tender can be directed by the Spirit’s bidding.

Knowledge: There will be archeological finds of parchments which will be like the Dead Sea Scrolls. Satan, through knowledge, made parchments 2,000 years ago that would deny the blood, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Satan will be satisfied with people living a so-called Christian life as long as it is bloodless and resurrectionless. This will assure that they will be damned to hell with other non-believers. Christianity without the blood and resurrection would be a powerless occult. Satan is already moving upon so-called Christian leaders to teach a Christian lifestyle apart from faith in the blood and resurrection. This lifestyle would center itself on works. These men will poison the Gospel with the pen.

Wisdom: Mercy’s tense is Past-Present. We obtain mercy for past failures (sins) by not incurring consequences (judgment). Mercy covers our past up to the present. To cover what we were, not what we are. Grace’s tense is Present-Future. We receive grace for the present and grace for the future. Grace is divine enablement for the Present-Future of our Divine Destiny

We who embrace the cross shall come into its power I Corinthians 1:18. This is the resurrection power of God.