Dear Friends,

On August 17^th at 9:24AM, the Lord spoke to my heart. He said, “The world is burning and My people are asleep. I am about to write ‘Ichabod’ [literally, there is no glory] over individuals, ministries and the doorposts of churches who will not listen to My message of preparing as a bride would prepare.” This refers to the church preparing for the return of her Bridegroom, Jesus.

I believe the Ichabod process is already starting to happen with those who are going about their lives business-as-usual. People are being convicted to make choices. What amazes me is that some are entrenching themselves in selfishness and some are content not to question what God is actually doing in this time frame. There are also those who are in the process of selling out completely, waiting for the Lord to revive their hearts. I’m convinced nothing is ever going to be as it was, and we as a body are not yet ready to overcome this world as Jesus did and has been asking us to do all along.

At present, the predominant spirit throughout the church appears to be fear, followed closely by lethargy and lack of focus. As the Holy Spirit brings conviction, many believers are attempting to justify the abundance of blessings they have kept for themselves. (This goes far beyond money.) They live in fear of what they’ve been given and at the same time, fear they will lose everything. Some want to hunker down until the darkness passes and things can “go back to normal.” In general I also see believers robotically going through their days, while harboring  hatred for “the bad guys” in their hearts, and hoping the Lord will protect them from all the bad stuff. When does loving our enemies come in? (Only by the grace of God. We all need to address that one!)

Be assured and enthusiastic; this is Father God’s season to purify His church. Regardless of what is going on around you, whatever the source, the Lord is raising up a bridal heart in those who have chosen to prepare themselves for the presence of the Lord, so we can truly love God and love others. He’s calling those who will listen to choose Him and His desires as their priority, surrendering wholeheartedly to become totally devoted to Him.

Since the middle of August, the Lord has been quieting my spirit so I can see past the intrusions in my life that distract me from the things that He considers important. He’s called me to cease from speaking until He releases me from it. (Those of you who know me know how impossible that would be without the power of the Holy Spirit.) I’m to drop everything and spend time with the Lord, so I can hear His heart and speak anointed words where needed, instead of words that fall to the ground with no effect.  I don’t know how long this will last, but I trust the Lord to make this time useful to His purposes. I know He’s taken me to His altar to kill anything in me that is of the world. At this point, I don’t even now how to practically be around people. Talking with my hands is futile; no one knows what I’m saying. Mini chalkboards are out, and people get uncomfortable when I’m crying. Being tucked in with the Lord is the best possible place to be!

This is far from me trying to be “super spiritual.” It’s a matter of obedience and reverent fear of Who He is and an awareness of me being powerless to overcome the darkness that is rapidly approaching. My insides are screaming and I want to share concerning the heart of Jesus that is breaking for His church, but I can’t. That would be premature. Too much is at stake to run ahead of God and speak before the Lord has set all things in place and put an anointing on what He wants me to share.

I strongly suggest you take whatever steps God gives you at this point so you can hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to you, your family, and those around you. What the Lord is saying to my heart fits the plans He has for me and the place I fit as a member of the body of Christ. If you desire it, I’m convinced God will give you eyes and ears to know how to head in the right direction and a heart that desires to be completely His. He knows how to equip and prepare us to live an overcoming life in these times and seasons for His glory.   …We are all His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, so that we would walk in them. Eph. 2:10 NASB.

I’m convinced the Lord is ringing a very clear death knell to the flesh. I know that if I don’t respond to Him in diligence, I will miss His quiet voice of direction. It’s almost like He’s saying in the Spirit, “Respond, or else I will have to go to someone who will hear and share what I want My people to know.” Those words may sound harsh, but in reality they are full of love. God gives all of us the opportunity to join Him in what He’s doing. How sad when we don’t hear Him or choose not to join Him.

Please spend whatever time it takes to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to you and respond as wholeheartedly as you can. Walk prayerfully so you don’t misrepresent the Lord with foolish, fleshly actions; but be diligent and responsive to His voice. Time is short! Even so, trust the Lord to prepare you for what lies ahead. This could very well be an amazing and glorious time in church history! What a privilege to be invited to be part of it!

Lord bless you,

Jim Corbett