"...Then David said, 'God has broken through my enemies by my hand like a breakthrough of water.' Therefore they called the name of that place Baal Perazim. And when they left their gods there, David gave a commandment, and they were burned with fire." 1 Chronicles 14:11
 

INTRODUCTION

Despite the downward turn in the American economy, which has had an effect on all areas of society, including religious, I have recently been receiving reports from many friends in ministry telling how they are seeing great breakthroughs in their churches or ministries.

We can attest to this ourselves. If one word could describe the impact of our ministry from the beginning of this year, it would be breakthrough (see report below under February Ministry)! This falls exactly in line with my main scripture for 2008, Isaiah 60:2, "For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you."

MODERN PHILISTINES

This does not mean that we have arrived on easy street! In fact, breakthrough can be a very tense and pressured place. The very meaning of 'Baal Perazim' is 'Lord of the Breakthrough.' This is talking about a baby breaking the water of the womb. Any mother will tell you that is not a pleasant experience. It is an anticipation of birth pangs! David had a word from God to go up against the Philistines and the Lord would give him breakthrough. We have to do the same! One of today's 'Philistines' is the secular media! For years, their agenda has been largely opposed to God's people and the advance of His Kingdom.

BAD NEWS IS GOOD NEWS

The intrinsic nature of media is that it thrives on bad news and fear. A large part of the blame for our present economic woes lays at their feet. The state of the economy is subject to many complex issues. A 30-second sound bite is just one frame out of a whole movie, totally inadequate for presenting all the issues and, in fact, distorts the real situation just like a magnifying glass makes things appear a lot bigger than they are! Our economy is based on public confidence, and nothing affects that more than the media.

FORWARD MARCH!

The Kingdom of God is not subject to the whims of human economic affairs. It will advance according to the Lord's agenda and not man's! In these unsettling times, let us keep our hearts attuned to God's timetable and His Kingdom's only direction - forward!

We will be tested, distracted and tempted to turn away, but let us not be "...conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2).

May we continue to see breakthrough in 2008 and beyond! #