ISRAEL UPDATENovember 10, 2002 - On October 27, 2002, I learned of the passing of Milton Kirkpatrick, a man beloved of many, especially my father and myself.
Brother Kirkpatrick was part of the sixty-plus contingent of pastors that gathered in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Canada - and who tarried until the Spirit came afresh in what was called “the outpouring of the latter rain."
Kirkpatrick was one of the men who sought G-d, lived the experience, saw the manifestations, and then shared it with the younger generation.
My last conversation with Brother Kirkpatrick defined the type of man he was, and why G-d blessed and honored his ministry.
I inquired of him, "What in your mind stands out as the most significant fruit of the last great outpouring of the Spirit?"
His eyes lit up as he sat on the edge of his seat and stated, "Pastor, the greatest fruit that came out of that great outpouring was love for one another, and we all fell in love with Israel and the Jews, and we didn't even know why."
One only needs to remember Israel on the eve of its rebirth as a nation, and the onslaught of hate that would follow from her neighbors. G-d was and is preparing the Church…
Thank G-d Brother Kirkpatrick did not put the emphasis on signs and miracles, but rather on these men of G-d who listened and learned – then acted upon what they had learned. I can only hope that G-d seeds another fresh move of His Spirit – so that we can love one another and love Israel. Thank you Brother Kirkpatrick for living a life surrendered to G-d.
November 10, 2002 - Charles Dickens wrote in “A Tale of Two Cities” - " it was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, and it was the age of fools."
This short paragraph defines with great clarity the condition of our nation this past decade, and the results of this mentality.
America enjoyed the best of times this past decade, as we boasted of financial success and growth - yet look at the multiple billions of dollars lost due to corporate corruption, plus the sting of terrorism that has collapsed more than buildings.
America boasts of multiple institutions of higher learning, that in reality have turned into nothing more than hotbeds of liberal theology and relativism - producing nothing but confusion, cynicism, and a culture of excess, perversion, addiction, and outright hostility towards the things of G-d.
Regarding the last days, Daniel 12:4 tells us, " But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” I Thessalonians 5:3 says, " For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.”
Both the Old and New Testament writers saw the advancements of men that bring only folly and destruction, but we know during the millennial reign: "For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the L-RD, as the waters cover the sea." Habakkuk 2:14
Man can thank he's enjoying the best of times, attaining knowledge and succeeding, but only after the woes of G-d's judgment and Christ’s rule, will we be able to know and enjoy the righteousness of Jesus reign – the time of true wisdom and learning.
To be continued . . .