Monday, October 29, 2012

Bobby Conner - We Are In Decisive Days

      In a prophetic encounter recently, I was shown that one of the most serious problems confronting Believers today is the sin of self-centeredness. Self-centeredness is extremely deadly and subtle in an insidious way. It's not as innocent as taking the largest hamburger from the plate.
      As Believers, we're called to focus on the Lord Jesus Christ, in whom we "live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28). According to Galatians 2:20"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me..." It is Christ who is my life. Awakening to Christ-within and dying to the self-life is the Cross every Believer must embrace.
      Recognizing that evil self-focused nature is the first step of repentance. Where does this self-life hide? We become self-centered when we turn our gaze away from God's purposes to our own desires, needs, agendas and ambitions, our own troubling situations and weaknesses, and even our own manifold blessings, gifts and anointings...instead of turning our focus to Christ and Christ alone!
      We are also self-centered when we assert our own will, our own good ideas or our own fervent zeal to achieve our own righteousness, accomplish great works or gain a form of godliness in our own strength. Remember how the Lord responded to those who recited their spiritual resume to Him inMatthew 7:21-23:

"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in Heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'"

      Any work born from the self has no eternal value. It's merely "wood, hay and stubble!"
       What will save us from self-centered ways? Turning our eyes to Jesus! Focusing on the purposes of God! For this, we need the grace of God.
In this same prophetic encounter, I was shown an enormous funnel descending from Heaven to earth. The small spout of the funnel opened up to Heaven and the large mouth of the funnel opened out upon the Believer's head. All of Heaven's grace, blessings and promises, all that we need pertaining to life and godliness, were pouring down without ceasing and without measure from the generous, lavishing heart of our Father to His children. As Jesus Christ assures us, "Do not fear, little flock, it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom" (Luke 12:32).
      The funnel represents Heaven's blessing in proportion to our focus. If we choose to turn our mind and heart to the Word of God and the Spirit, the exceedingly great and precious promises for our lives and the lives of our loved ones, our city and nation, then the blessings of Heaven will overtake us!
       Upon seeing this funnel, I heard the Lord say, "I am about to turn things around!" What is He going to turn? The Lord is about to turn our selfish hearts away from our own self-absorbed fears and pride to the loving heart of our Father. He is about to turn our selfish gaze away from our own self-centered desires and self-dependency to a radical desire for dependency on our faithful Lord and Savior!
       As we seek to set our firm focus upon God and the establishing of His Kingdom, then He will release blessings upon us and all those around us (see Matthew 6:33)! Let's sing that old hymn together:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
Decisive Days: Acquire Divine Direction For Troubled Times
      If I had only one word to describe these days, it would be decisive. The choices we make in these days will have long-lasting effects for generations to come. These are dreadfully dark and dangerous days, yet we will discover that these are some of the most decisive days!
      None of us can afford to enter these crucial times uninformed about the situations that confront us. We live in some of the most turbulent and transformational days in human history. Underestimating even little events can have huge and long-lasting consequences. The challenges we face demand our utmost effort. We must awake from our slumber, come to our senses, and take a strong stand for faith (see Romans 13:11-14 AMP).
      We are at war for the destiny of our nation and many of the nations around the world. The ancient landmarks are being removed; in many aspects, we are losing the moral compass and course of the soul of our nation.
       None can afford to fall prey to the paralyzing spirit of apathy. We cannot continue to simply go with the flow, adding to the sense of aimlessness so prevalent within our world. It is time to take our stand (see Ephesians 6:13). The road to restoration is repentance. We must repent and return to the Lord.
      If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
      Prayer is powerful and productive; waste no time. Lift your cry, interceding for godly breakthrough within our land. Join the prayer in Psalm 25:4-8 (MSG):
Show me how You work, God;
School me in Your ways.
Take me by the hand;
Lead me down the path of truth.
You are my Savior, aren't You?
Mark the milestones of Your mercy and love, God;
Rebuild the ancient landmarks!
Forget that I sowed wild oats;
Mark me with Your sign of love.
Plan only the best for me, God!
God is fair and just;
He corrects the misdirected,
Sends them in the right direction.
     Yes, Lord, school us in Your ways, lead us in the path of truth, rebuild the ancient landmarks, and send us in the right direction(see Proverbs 14:12).
Bobby Conner
Eagles View Ministries

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