A Seductive Wind Blowing Softly...
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December 30, 2008“And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, raising anchor, they sailed close by Crete. But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.” Acts 27:13 - 14 On the last day of fall, just five days before Christmas I awoke at 4:00 AM. Sensing that God may have something to speak to me but still being too tired to comprehend much I decided to wake myself up reading email and checking the news. What I read was upsetting indeed and then the power went out. I thought it might be the whole community but it was just 23 homes. Imagine that. I felt rather targeted by the Lord and went into our home library to pray and get a specific word concerning the bleak economic news I was reading. I heard in my spirit... “Acts 27:13” but immediately dismissed that notion because I figured it was some unimportant, obscure verse. (Forgive me Lord.) So I waited on the Lord for probably half an hour, occasionally distracted by the now burning candle on the kitchen counter and other wayward thoughts. Finally after receiving nothing more, I said, “Seriously Lord... I NEED a word from you.” He answered with “I already told you... Read Acts 27:13.” Using my battery powered laptop, I quickly found the passage and as soon as my eyes fell upon the verse, I knew it was important. “And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, raising anchor, they sailed close by Crete.” Allow me to give you the background. Paul is a prisoner being taken to Rome by ship. They stop at various ports of call along the way. (Think Greyhound Bus) When they were getting ready to set sail again, Paul warned them not to go or the voyage would be met with disaster. Paul seemed like a decent guy but these were experienced sailors and the south wind was blowing softly, seductively, luring them out to sea. Who could resist? It was a perfect day for sailing so they ignored the annoying, scratchy voice of the apostle. What could he know? He wasn’t a sailor or a weatherman or dare I say, an economist. In person he was not the picture of power. It was said of him that “his letters are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.” (2 Cor 10:10) That description reminds me of another Paul. Ron Paul. Remember that small framed, squeaky voiced man whom the media shunned and his political opponents mocked? He began warning America of an impending financial disaster long before it happened. He gave the reasons, gave examples and correctly predicted the outcome. But the south wind was softly blowing and America raised anchor and set sail again. We had no ears to listen. It was 2008 and we were headed for the gate. Those who believed that message were like the apostle Paul, bound on board a ship called America that was headed for shipwreck and we had no way off. Notice how they sailed... They sailed by Crete. The meaning of the name Crete is “carnal, fleshly”. They sailed by their carnal, fleshly knowledge and it led them directly into a storm of epic proportions. That’s where we are today. In that storm. Tomorrow I will continue to pass on what I see and what it means for us in 2009. Until then, keep seeking Him!
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Thankyou for your listening and sharing the Word of the Lord..the task of a true prophet. The Australian Prayer Network forwarded an article by John Paul Jackson called 'The Coming Perfect Storm' around its readership, late Oct, to respond to requests of what respected leaders within the body of Christ are saying about the current financial crisis facing the world. Your word confirms this. Many other prophetic people are getting the same message, thru words and visions. Pastor Joh in Berlin got a word about the Olympic Games and the spirit behind it. At the end of his article are these words..\"Tell my children it is later than you think ( the time is far spent) the adversary runs to and fro, seeking whom he can devour. He speaks in nice and sweet words all around you, in order to entice you to follow his path. Wake up! My children I am at the door! Great storms roar all over. The earth quakes, the forests burn, the rivers overflow their banks, the people rise up against one another, the fish in the sea are dying. All these signs I have given you, to indicate my coming.... Wake up! ...\"
Bronwyn Poulton at 5:14pm EST - December 30, 2008
How seductive that wind really is. I am challenged all the time to think how to position ourselves in these days. We too are still trying to balance purchases with prudence and stay sensitive to God's voice and not rely on the carnal wisdom. Thanks for bringing out the truths behind Crete. It really sinks this truth into my heart! God cleanse me from being lulled seductively into decisions that will lead to disaster.
Rob Zimmerman at 5:59pm EST - December 30, 2008
I said this right when this blew up in September and I still believe it, there is profit in chaos! And I mean this in a good way. I have been asking the Lord how to benefit and learn during these times. Is there a service I can provide because of the times? Is there a good investment I should pursue now? As much as this is hurting my business ( Car Sales Manager ) I truly believe good will come from this, I have been personally humbled.
SWW at 7:00pm EST - December 30, 2008
“And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, raising anchor, they sailed close by Crete. But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.” Acts 27:13 – 14
When I read “raising anchor” in that passage I can’t help but wonder if the Fed is going to print money!! And when I read “sailing close to Crete” it reminds me that the country selected a president who promises to make economic things better through spending and stimulus packages.
A dear brother I met who works as a “hedge fund guy” recently spoke at my church. He said that The Lord has been telling him about this economic shaking for the last three years. He explained that our financial systems are setup and run in a way that is NOT The Lords way. And that somehow the world at large looks at our system as if it’s a Christian system; “tell me about God” they say “like a capitalist”. Due to this misconception he is of the opinion that God wants to expose the corruption and free the world to pursue Him directly. The brilliant guys who he competes with “knew it all” and now, after losing billions in 6 – 9 weeks many in Manhattan sit and stare at the wall all day. God has broken all their financial models. Without The Holy Spirit revealing The Father’s plan there is no understanding, no direction. This brother has suffered no loss from this crisis because he listens attentively to The One Who Is!
Many ask this brother when he thinks that the economy will turn around. His response was surprising, “To hope for a quick turnaround in the economy would be to hope that the average American remains blind to the spiritual issues found at the heart of our financial system”. “Now is a great time to be a Christian.” He warned us to avoid false “good stewardship” that is really just fear wearing a religious cloak. Listen to The Lord and follow Him closely. If it doesn’t make sense on paper but you feel that the Lord is in it – go for it! And remember that the math of the Kingdom trumps the math of this world (obedience is better than sacrifice).
Luke, who works as a real estate agent and is an associate pastor at my church, spoke last Sunday about how he felt that the Lord was saying that 2009 was a year to be fruitful, as in now is the time to get in close with the Lord and be fruitful in our relationship with Him. And out of this place of personal relationship we will bring out His fruitfulness to the world as Joseph did – in the market place. He read a parable from Luke 13:6-9 He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. 7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? 8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: 9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down. I quoted king jimmy’s version because for me personally Jesus has definitely been digging and dunging my heart. I need to continue to do whatever it takes to get in close and stay there. I encourage you to pursue Him too!
Bill Henshaw at 10:07pm EST - December 30, 2008
I read this devotional and noticed that God warned me about this past year, but I was not tuned-in to what He was saying. He spoke and I heard, but did not understand. This is the condition of the world. I know that the ultimate process to the next stage of my life is mapped out by my Lord Jesus Christ due to me being His. But when a pagan world that does not listen to the untrained ship passenger, this world has great potential to shipwreck, but God has a messenger aboard. Who is he and what is his message. Does our near-to-be President have a great pastor praying for greater purposes. We should listen to that prayer with discerning ears.
David Carter at 12:20am EST - December 31, 2008
How I wish I had known about what Ron Paul was saying so I could have prayed about it. Alas, I was too caught up in my own world to stop long enough. seems alot of the investment advise I gave my clients, there was a check in my spirit, which I dismssed. Now I seek the Lord as I have just opened a new financial planning and investment business. I too need to hear from Him for clear direction on where to place my clients funds. Lord, help me to hear you clearer!
Michael, thank you so much for sharing what the Lord has given you.
Blessings
Jo Rae Perkins at 1:49am EST - December 31, 2008
Wow!!! How I wish I had known about what Ron Paul was saying so I could have prayed about it. Alas, I was too caught up in my own world to stop long enough. seems alot of the investment advise I gave my clients, there was a check in my spirit, which I dismssed. Now I seek the Lord as I have just opened a new financial planning and investment business. I too need to hear from Him for clear direction on where to place my clients funds. Lord, help me to hear you clearer!
Michael, thank you so much for sharing what the Lord has given you.
Blessings
Marito at 11:10am EDT - March 27, 2009
Marito,
why did you copy the post from me?
Jo Rae
JRP at 10:04am EDT - March 29, 2009