"THE LAND OF MY SPIRIT"

March 2, 02
ISA 58:11 The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

"Gone are the days of your hard labor, my people. You have plowed and plowed the fields. You have gone through trial after trial. You have worked at your jobs and at your ministries. You have worked at home and you have worked in between. You have gathered bread for your families. What has been the return for you for all of your services? Has all of your hard work paid off? "
"Instead of the thistle, a rose garden will spring up. I will give you a new robe that is unstained. I will lead you to wells of living water. There will be times of refreshing for you in the midst of the trials that have come. A hard wind has blown across my people. But I say, that it has not broken them. Hot deserts and the sand has blown upon their necks. You have been parched. You have been without water in a dry land. But my people, my rod and my staff they will comfort you. Not all of the trials that you have gone through, and not all of the storms that you have faced, have been without purpose. They have certainly strengthened you in this journey. They have certainly made you more like Me. But now, come to my oasis. Lay your troubles down there. I will feed you by the streams that are there. The storm will not last forever. "
"And then when you are refreshed, pick yourself up and continue. Do not think that you are alone. There are many who walk the deserts and tread the lands of my Spirit. The land of my Spirit is paved with a landscape that I have formed for you. While at times it may appear to be wind-torn and arduous, it is also paved with my oasis."

Stephen Hanson
"SURELY, THE ROADBLOCKS WILL BE TAKEN AWAY"

Feb. 23, 2002
[17] Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. II Co. 3:17
GAL 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

"This is a new era.....This is a new era for those who speak in my name. Remember how you've struggled, remember how you've been brought to places, and then were not allowed to speak forth my word? I am taking away the hindrances. I am taking away the things that have blocked you. I am opening doors and I am opening avenues of expression. There will be new freedom given to in my name, says the Lord. You will see my hand at work and you will see Me go before you. "
"For too long my prophets have been held back. For too long their fire has not been able to burn. But I say, come back to the camp. Come to my altar and surely I will pour forth my speech to you there. Surely, the enemy has tried, but surely, he will not prevail. Instead of the desert, a fountain will spring up. Surely, there have been times and seasons that have been set aside, but surely, now I say, the road blocks will be taken down. "
"You know who you are, and you know the "season" that you have been in. Grab a hold of my door and enter into the promises that I will give you in my name. My rod and my staff they will comfort you. Surely, I will spread a table before you, and surely, that table will have the bounty from my hand. It will have the "bread" of my presence, and it will have the "wine" of my anointing. "
"I will go before you, and I will spread apart the ocean. You will go across onto dry land. Surely, I will do these things. Surely, you will see them happen in my name, says the Lord. Surely, the roadblocks will be taken away."

Stephen Hanson
"THE FIGHT FOR LIBERTY"

Feb. 16, 2002
RO 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. [17] For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."
GAL 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

"In the smallest part of the earth I will cry out in this hour. I have been hidden by some of you. I have not been proclaimed, but I have been hidden away in your heart. I am not just a fancy jewel or necklace that you would wear around your neck. Do not be afraid of the gospel and do not afraid to speak in my name. My name has not been proclaimed in freedom."
(Here, the Lord showed me a statue, and upon looking at it, I noticed that it was the Statue of Liberty. Its hand was held up holding the torch of freedom, but slowly there were bands and barbed wire that was being wound around the body. This process continued around and around until it covered most of the entire statue. The statue was bound and there was no freedom to be found there. Then I watched intently as another scene was shown to me. Now I noticed a governmental building of some sort in Washington D.C. Someone was taking down some plaques---they were the Ten Commandments. I watched as these placques were being taken down in building after building, and then they were placing something else up on the wall to replace it. I listened and the Lord told me that one of the plaques was called "The freedom of Choice." This was what was replacing the Ten Commandments. )
"My people, you have had the freedom and the liberty to worship Me in this land. Do not lose your liberties. The time has come to stand up for what you believe. Otherwise my gospel will be replaced by the philosophies of this world. Your faith and your belief for what these words stand for are important. The fight for liberty is a spiritual one. Don't give up the fight. "

Stephen Hanson
"WHO CAN KNOW THE HEART?"

Feb. 9, 2002
JER 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?
EZE 11:18 "They will return to it and remove all its vile images and detestable idols. [19] I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. [20] Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God. [21] But as for those whose hearts are devoted to their vile images and detestable idols, I will bring down on their own heads what they have done, declares the Sovereign LORD."

"What is in the heart of man? What comes out of a man's heart? The heart is wicked and no one can understand it. Only I, says the Lord, can understand your heart. There is so much bound up in it. There are hurts, and there are dreams and there are fears. I have said that I would give you a new heart, besides the stony heart that you originally had. With this new heart you will learn to praise Me at all times. You will learn to come to Me with everything that you have in this life. Your hearts, even though hurt with many scars and wounds, will be healed. No one can plumb the depths of your hearts but I. There are areas of your hearts that only I know about. Hold them up to Me and give Me all of them. Do not hold back from Me, says the Lord. If there are corners and areas that you keep from Me then you will not come into the fullness that I have promised to you. The heart is the area that is most vulnerable and that is why you must guard it. I will knit your inmost parts together. I will refine them as of gold. I will set a border around it of brocades. I will set gems and rubies there. I will purify your darkened streams. And when your hearts are made pure again then your hearts will resound in service again to Me."
"All of your dreams and visions are bound-up in your hearts. It is with your hearts that you believe. It is through your hearts that you can also doubt. Give Me your dreams and give Me your visions. I have said that I would give you the desires of your heart, but those desires need to be set upon Me. "
"Oh my people, I have beautiful things in store for you, but these beautiful things can only happen if you you give Me all of your hearts.

Stephen Hanson
"THE POLLINATION OF YOUR DREAMS"

Feb. 1, 2002
SS 2:12 Flowers appear on the earth;the season of singing has come,the cooing of doves is heard in our land.

"This is a new day, says the Lord. Behold the old has been done away with and the new is coming. Consider if you would, how a snake sheds its skin. Each year it gets rid of its old skin. It leaves the skin behind. This is what I want you to do. There are old habits and there are old ways of doing things. But there are also some good things you have done as well. Some of you have truly laid your lives down for your friends. Many of you have had a most difficult year. But I tell you, as surely as the Springtime will come, there will be new things forthcoming. "
(The Lord showed me a single flower that was opening up. It was a daffodil and it was yellow. Then I watched as it opened up perfectly,and then it receded within its self, and the bloom was no more. Then again, I watched as the buds and petals formed and it opened once again. I watched this process with many other flowers. Suddenly, all within my range of vision was filled with various types of flowers. It was an arcade of beauty as each flower would open up and display its colors and petals. Some were rather tall and spine-like of a pastel hue, while others yet, were yellow and red. Each one was different, and yet all were blooming. Then I noticed the tops and the insides of the flowers. Inside the center of each were what one would call in scientific terms, "the pistil." I noted these shapes and then on the tips of each were the anthers, where pollen would be spread from flower to flower by bees and other insects. There was a "process" going on with each of the flowers as the "pollination" process was spread and begun from flower to flower.)
"This process of pollination has begun with many of my servants. There are new things that I have planted within each of you. There are dreams and visions that I have given to each of you. Let my Spirit "pollinate" these things I have planted within each of you. Then as each vision is "fertilized," the process will be carried from individual to individual. Then more of your dreams will be fulfilled. Then the "new" will come. "

Stephen Hanson
"THE VEIL HAS BEEN LIFTED"

Jan. 28 evening, 2002
2CO 4:1 Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. [2] Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. [3] And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. [4] The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
[13] We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away. [14] But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. [15] Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. [16] But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away 2 Co. 3:13

"My Spirit is being poured out upon all flesh ; but not all flesh receive the things of my Spirit. Truly there is a curtain that is covering many of my people's eyes. The curtain, or veil, has blinded many to seeing the truth in my word. For many would use their eyes and believe what they see. But those who believe in Me have their eyes enlightened. Thus the saying, 'Seeing is believing' has become the trademark of this world. But those who believe in Me must look beyond this world. Truly, when you are with Me then you are like Moses whose face shone with the radiance of my light. He had to put a veil over his face because the radiance of my light was so strong. But this light, this presence of my glory, is open to all who would approach Me. The veil has been lifted. "
"But even so, I see that many of you still have your veil on. There is still a film that is covering your eyes. For when you still follow the rituals and traditions of man, then your eyes are still veiled. For some of you follow this tradition and others follow that one. The whole law is filled up in the commandment, "Love your neighbor as your self." (James 2:8) When you do away with all the traditions of man, then what you have left is simply following Me. "
"Climb the mountain. Come up to where you can see the pure radiance of my light. Here the air is still. Here the world stands still. Behold my glory. Drink of that life-giving stream. The burning bush is still here. Come down the mountain; enter into the valley. Tell the people about Me. Some will listen, but others will not. "

Stephen Hanson
"THIS EARTH WILL BE REDEEMED"

Jan. 26, 2002
(My little girl Destiny, 3 1/2, wanted me to read to her this morning. This made it difficult to spend time in prayer listening to what God had to say. I told her that I wanted to go pray and she said, "God is here for you." Later I mentioned again about going to go and pray in the other room and she said, "God is here, there aren't two Gods." Oh, the heart and mind of a child. We probably need to listen to them more.)
[20] For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope [21] that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
RO 8:22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.
There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. [8] All these are the beginning of birth pains. Matt. 24

"There have been natural disasters in the earth this year. There has been the spread of hot fire upon the land. This will be a year of more such things like this. The earth has been in travail. It is experiencing birth pangs. These things are a sign of my soon return. "
"I created this world to be filled with the garden of my delight. I created man and woman to tend this garden in the beginning. But sin entered into the heart of man and woman. Evil spread its foul stench. Because of this the earth has been in turmoil ever since. The garden no longer exists as it did in the beginning; but man has been redeemed by the blood of the lamb. But I planted a garden in the middle of man's heart. This earth and everything in it will be redeemed. The disasters that come upon the earth are a result of that original sin. All creation awaits the adoption of the sons of God. For I have many things in store for my church to do. The harvest has been plentiful. I await the laborers. "
"My word has been going out unto the ends of the earth. The harvest has been ready. It is now time to bring in the full harvest. But even so, there will be a division upon this earth. The distinction between my sheep and the goats in this hour, will be quite evident. Evil will become more evil, but my sons and daughters will shine with the radiance of the sun. "
"So, remember when you see the signs of my birh pangs around you, know that this earth is in travail. It will continue unil the time of my return. Then this earth and everything in it, will be redeemed. "

Stephen Hanson
"WILL YOU BE READY?"

Jan. 19, 2002
MT 24:36 "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. [37] As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. [38] For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; [39] and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. [40] Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. [41] Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.

(I was shown a scene of a medieval castle in the background. It had various windows and turrets like any castle would have of the time period. Then I saw a few people walking away from the castle and they then unfurled a huge banner. Each of them held this banner between them. Then I heard "The King is Coming." I saw several people blowing trumpets as they heralded the coming of the King. The scene then shifted to seeing a feast that was being offered. Everyone was eating and seemingly was having a "jolly time." I saw someone lift a glass to drink from it and then the they broke the glass and threw it on the floor. Everything on the table became a mess, as plates, glasses and food were thrown around. This was all part of their party they were having evidently. The scene shifted back to the trumpeters again. They began blowing their horns again and again. I heard their cries: "The King is coming"......... "The King is coming"......... "The King is coming"............ )
Then the Lord said:
"So will it be at my coming. There will be eating and drinking and partying. As it was in the time of Noah so it will be at my second coming. Will you be ready or will you be caught-up in the festivities around you? Pray that you will not be caught unaware. Pray that you will be ready. This is not a time to sit idly by. Trumpet my return, I say to my heralders. Sing a song to your King before His return. Buy oil that is refined. The world goes ever on and on, and much of it is oblivious to Me. Will you be ready?

Stephen Hanson
"WHEN YOU FLY DO NOT FLY ALONE"

Jan. 12, 2002
(Below this word from today is one that was given to me about three ago that concerns some of the same things.)
"To wait upon the Lord gives strength"
(I saw an eagle being lifted up on the currents of the wind. He was soaring and would dip down and then up again, as the various wind currents would carry him throughout the sky.)
"Soon the whole sky will be filled with my eagles. There will no longer be the lonely eagle. From the north a cold wind is blowing. A cold wind that brings the agents of the enemy. There is another type of bird that flies the air."
"Beware my prophets, for there are other birds that fly with you in the same air. You need to beware of the devices of these birds. There are many strange and unusual teachings that are abroad in the body of Christ at this time. The enemy spreads his wings in the midst of these teachings. You need to be banded together with other eagles so that when the wings of the enemy comes, you will then be prepared."
"I will spread my net out....I will spread my net out in the sky. I will help you catch 'these strange beasts.'"
These are some of the strange teachings that abound in this hour:
1. One is that you must cast out demons for every little malady that you have.
2. One is that you will reach perfection before I come back. While I want to bring my body unto maturity,they will not be "perfected" until I come back.
3. Another is that you all must "fall down" under my anointing. There are no formulas" for how these things are done.
4. Another is that you must forsake your job and families to follow Me. I ask for discipline in your lives and not running away from "responsibilities."
5. Lastly, I have given shepherds to the body of Christ; and they are to care for the sheep. A shepherd is not the only 5-fold minister in this hour. Many have lorded over their churches rather than being a servant.
"These are but a part of the things that the enemy has used in this hour. When you fly, do not fly alone. Then you will not be taken by surprise by these strange and unusual teachings."
EPH 4:14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.
ISA 40:31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
1TI 4:1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. [2] Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.

Stephen Hanson
BEWARE OF THE CARRION

Jan. 30, 1999
Birds of prey--a carnivorous bird (such as a hawk or owl), that feeds wholly or chiefly, on meat by hunting. From this description, one can see that this type of bird's primary function, is one of hunting, and is carnivorous, or flesh-eating. It is important to realize that the enemy has emissaries which he is sending out in this hour, to attack and "devour" the servants of the Lord. We although, are not to be ignorant of his devices, and are to know that through reliance upon His Spirit, and the strength we can find in fellowship with others of like mind, "one little word will fell him."
"For our strength is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Eph. 6:12

"There is a fight in the heavenlies--it is a fight between the hosts of wickedness and my prophets.
If you would see an eagle flying high in the heavens above, you would see him on currents of my Spirit. You would see him, as occasional gusts of wind, carry him higher and higher. But there are new territories I AM bringing my eagles into; they are not always ones you have been familiar with. For there are distant lands and unfamiliar territory, I AM bringing many in this hour. There are birds of prey which can assault my eagles. Beware of carrion which feed on the meat of my servants. They wait to see what is in the storehouse. They are spies of the enemy--and they would come and rob the nests, and take the young. You each have your own territory to guard and watch over in your canyons, high in my Spirit. Watch over the young, for those are the ones which the enemy is looking to take. For these birds of prey work in groups; they are emissaries of the evil one, and because they work in groups, they can do greater harm. So, in this hour, I AM asking many of my prophets, my eagles, to stand guard over your nests. For you are responsible for those in which you are training. For they are the vulnerable ones now. They would soon "take to flight" and learn that which you have taught them. But I AM not just speaking to the young, because many of you are unaware of the enemy's tactics. Many in your solitary ways, have become blinded to these things. In you own "worlds," and in the areas of your own territories, there are blind areas to your vision. There is strength in numbers, and with a multitude of counselors, you can wage war.
So I AM asking you to study "his ways," so that you are not ignorant. My people suffer for lack of knowledge. Be not so consumed with seeking prophetic words, so that you are unaware of these things. You see...the carrion "swoops down," and deceptively attacks. He comes when you least expect him to. He does not come through the front door, but through the back. But one little word will "fell" him. The proclamation of my word will send him "reeling" back to his dark chambers. So, use the sword of my Spirit, and let it pierce the darkness. Train those who are younger, and learn the way of spiritual battle. And then the spiritual hosts of wickedness will fall, and they will run and flee, and my word will be triumphant over these other birds of the air."

Stephen Hanson
"THE SOUND OF MY EAGLES WILL NOT FAIL"

Jan. 7, 2002 evening,
ISA 40:31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
ISA 55:11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

"The voice of the Master speaks....I speak in the stillness of the evening. I speak in the quietness of a moment. In the midst of family I will speak. In the midst of laughter and joy I will speak. I am there in many of the moments that make up your day. There is eternity to be found in a single moment. There is a music in the stillness of a moment. "
(The Lord showed me an eagle flying in the sky, but it was also a man. This eagle/man was caught on the wind's currents and sailed upon it. He would fly, dipping down and soaring on the wind, caught by the various currents that carried him upon it throughout the sky. I then noticed that it seemed to fall and plummet to the ground. I wondered at this and then the scene changed. )
I heard a voice say:
"We will catch it and bring it down."
(After the eagle had seemingly fallen, I then saw a long trumpet placed to its mouth. Each of the eagles were blowing this trumpet. I saw the sound that came forth and it was as of visible puffs or circles, that were emanating throughout the sky. These "rings of sound" would then be caught by various antennae or "stations" which were strategically placed at certain points on the ground. The "rings of sound" would be carried from each of these stations and then carried onto the next place.)
(When I had heard the voice that mentioned about bringing the eagle(s) down, I noticed that there were several people on the ground. They were shooting flaming arrows into the sky. There was also a net that they were attempting to throw out into the air, so as to trap and bring down these eagles.)
Again I heard:
"We will bring it down.....We will bring the eagles down...."
The Lord then said. "The meaning of this is that there are many in the body who would try to stifle the prophetic. They want to bring it down. They want to cage it. But I tell you that my eagles will soar, and they will soar even higher. The echoes of the words that I give to them will be transported on the winds. NO one will keep that sound, or the truth of that word from accomplishing what I have destined it to do."

Stephen Hanson
"A YEAR OF MANY THINGS"

Jan. 5, 2002
EPH 2:1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, [2] in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.
[7] For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. [8] And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. 2TH 2:5

"This is a year....This is a year of new things. This is a year of gaining back what the cankerworm has stolen. This is also a year of finding the culprit who started this war on America. Remember that there is a spirit at work behind every political thing. There is my spirit or there is the spirit of the world. The spirit of the world is the enemy at work behind the scenes. Much that happened originally with the bombing of Sept. 11 was the result of the enemy's work in men's hearts. So, remember that this is not just a "man" but that this is the enemy. One evil person, can be replaced by a host of others. So, you may find the instigator, but this war will not be found out until the enemy at work behind the scenes is chained. "
"You do not attack this spirit with the things of this world. You use the weapons of my arsenal. I tell you that there will be skirmish upon skirmish this year. This present war will continue for many more months. I tell you that there is a new thing coming as well. For just within the last few weeks a new coin and currency was founded. It is the European coin called the Euro. It was made in order to make things simpler. But I tell you that it will open other doors. For while it is good that countries be united , this united effort will open the way for a political leader. He will be able to work in the midst of those countries who are united because they have a common thread of currency. New alliances will be formed. There will be alliances between his country and those who consent to his leadership."
"But in the mean time, it is time for my church to continue its efforts of bringing the world into a knowledge of Me. I AM going to rid the church of much of their false pretences. I AM going to bring down those leaders who have exalted themselves. A true church will be found where people are joined together in prayer, where the agendas of man are absent. You will meet together in homes. You will sing songs to Me. Your agendas will be absent. I tell you that I will tear down the pulpits that have elevated a man or a ministry. There will be many who will find the true sheep pen. For where two or more are gathered in my name there am I in your midst. "
"I say, guard your hearts during this year. Let them be found in the habitation of my Spirit alone. Seek the narrow way. Seek the way less trodden by men. Climb the mountain along the cliffs and ravines. Though the way may be found with stern upgrades and craggy hills, I will be there. I will be there. Amidst the mountain streams. "

Stephen Hanson
"THE STAGES OF A CANDLE"

Dec. 31, 01
MT 5:14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

(God showed me in a vision, a single candle burning. It burned brightly in the darkness around it. He told me to look at the flame. As I did, there were now countless flames on a spiraling-type device that were all lit. This device spun around and around very rapidly, and then all of a sudden, each of them went out. )
He then said:
"The candles of many of my servants have gone out. They have been snuffed out by your neglect of Me. They once burned brightly. They once shone in the darkness. They were once filled with light. But then the cares of the world and other things, drove them out. How can the flame be re-lit again? I tell you, it is not a difficult thing. "
(Again the Lord showed me some candles. There was a single row of many of them. The first one was being lit and it stayed lit. Then the second, third and fourth ones were lit. But as each successive one was lit, the previous one(s) would go out. I also noticed that there was a lot of wax around the tops and shafts of each of the candles were they had been burning before. All now seemed to have gone out again.
Now the Lord asked me to look again at the candle. As I watched, the top of it opened up very much like a flower or rose, would blossom. I watched as each top of the candle blossomed, and then blossomed again. It was as if inside each of the successive "blossoms", a new blossom would appear. Finally after perhaps ten stages of this process, the flame appeared again at the top of the candle, and it was burning very brightly.)
"This is the process that each of your candles needs to go through. You need to "blossom" in your time spent with Me. You need to "blossom" in your times spent in giving to each other. Then your candles will burn brighter than ever before. That is what needs to happen. Let the flames grow brighter and stronger. Then that candle will shine to the world around it. "

Stephen Hanson
"LET THERE BE A SAFE ABODE AT HOME"

Dec. 29, 01
PS 84:3 Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young--a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.

"In the cold of winter don't let the cold wind of sin enter into your hearts. The winds blow and they blow many things. Don't let them blow over your trees . Ice storms will come this winter like never before. They will hit the eastern parts of the United States. But again, don't let the ice enter into your hearts."
(The Lord showed me a snow scene. There was snow everywhere on the ground, and a car was traveling through a landscape. It was on a winding road going somewhere. But then again, I saw lights that people were carrying as they were walking, so that they could see in the darkness. Then I saw a lighthouse that was shining its light throughout the land. It was night and all that the light could find was ice. The ice covered the land in all directions. Then I saw a bird's nest with eggs that were nestled down inside of it. I saw a mother bird as she gently covered each of the eggs with her wings. They appeared to be safe and warm in their nest. )
"This message is for all of those who are enduring this winter....."
"In the midst of the world around you and its ice, keep an eye on your (nests) at home. Make sure that your children are safe and warm. Let their nest be a safe and warm abode for them. This is an important time for families. In the midst of all the turmoil in the world, there needs to be "warmth" in the fire at home. The world "pulls" at your families. You are pulled in many ways. But let your homes be safe from the storms around you. "

Stephen Hanson
"WISDOM AND SORROW"

Dec. 22, 01
ECC 7:2 It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart.
ECC 7:4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.

"Out of the midst of many trials there is a great wisdom that I pour forth. The well that holds wisdom must also have known sorrow. 'There is a way that seems right unto a man but the end thereof, is the way of death. ' Many trials would seem to lead unto a way of death, but I tell you that they will bring you more life. For new things will spring forth from these trials. The water of sorrow and wisdom can mix together to fill up this well of mine. Sorrow is a necessary incredient in knowing how wisdom is needed in this life. Sorrow and wisdom come from the same aspect of my love. Out of the midst of much pain and suffering there is a wisdom that flows. It flows from the mountain's streams and brooks. "
"Godly sorrow produces repentance. It leads along right paths to find God's answers for things. It has been said that "it is better to go to the house of mourning than to the house of feasting." For one learns to number their days in this way. One learns that life is be taken seriously. That does not mean that there is not laughter. That does not mean that there is not joy. That does not mean that there is not freedom. But one learns a certain "depth" in their life experiences. One sees the value of life. One sees that tragedy can happen to all. One sees that "truly all things can work together for good for those who love God." Wisdom will come forth even more from the midst of these many trials. It is something that I give from my heart unto a man. "
"Learn from the trials that you experience in this life. May you learn lessons from them. Then sorrow and wisdom will have mixed together to form a useful union. "

Stephen Hanson

"BE AS A LION IN THIS HOUR"

Dec. 13, 01
JN 10:1 "I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. [2] The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. [3] The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. [4] When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. [5] But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice." [6] Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them.
Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. [18] I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." John 21
MT 7:9 "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? [10] Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? [11] If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! [12] So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

"The lion roars....the Lion of Judah roars. From my holy temple my spirit is roaring through my servants. I am giving you the spirit of the lion in this hour. The lion is the king of the beasts. I am king over my people and I have set you to be as kings and as priests as well. A king watches over his land and his people. He has authority to exercise judgment in the land. I am calling many of you into places of authority in this hour. But a rightful king knows his subjects. Do you know those whom you serve? Are you familiar with their needs? As a father or as a husband, do you know the needs of your family? As a shepherd, do you know your sheep? Do you know those whom I've entrusted to your care? As a boss, do you know your employees? As a teacher, do you know those whom are your students? Each of you has a sphere of influence. I have given authority to many of you in certain areas. But do not exercise control over them. Care for them and nurture them. What father would not care for his own children? What father would not give himself up for them? And so as a father to my people, that is how you should be. But a father also knows where boundaries should be made and set. A father knows what is appropriate for his children. A father knows the good things that he can give to his children. Do not exercise your authority in wrong ways. Know what you must do to care for them. Saul was a king who knew nothing about these things, but David knew his people because he had learned how to be a shepherd first. If you are faithful in the little things then I will place you over more. For it is in the little things that you prove your faithfulness to Me. It is in those things that your heart is shown whether it is for Me or not. Then as you are faithful in these things I will entrust more to your care. These are the things that I am calling more of you into."

Stephen Hanson

"THE NEW RAIN IS COMING"

Dec. 5, evening.
ISA 35:1 The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, [2] it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God.
ISA 32:2 Each man will be like a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in the desert and the shadow of a great rock in a thirsty land.
ISA 32:15 till the Spirit is poured upon us from on high, and the desert becomes a fertile field, and the fertile field seems like a forest.

"Out of the desert are coming a people who are sowing into the midst of their longing to be with Me. They have spent many years in this desert. They have longed to find springs of water. They have traveled through miles and miles of deserted desert. Their spirits have oftentimes been parched. Their hearts have oftentimes been lonely. Their trials have seemingly gone on without ending. But there is the beat of drumming in the distance. There is the sound of an approaching storm. It is the sound of my renewed rain. I have said that I would come with the latter rain. I have said that I would pour forth my spirit. I have said that I would let that rain fall. I now say that that rain will fall in mighty torrents. It will not just rain for forty days and nights but it will rain without ending. And it will indeed, cover the earth. It is pouring, it is pouring down rain from my spirit. See those with weary faces as the rain of my spirit replenishes them. Let the rain of my spirt seep into every crack and crevice. Let it heal all of your hurts. Let it fall and let it cause forgiveness to reign. "
"You have seen many moves of my spirit. You have heard of the Toronto blessing. You have heard of the great healing movement. You have heard of the time of my prophets, and you have heard of my apostolic move. But this last move will be greater than any of the other ones. For again this rain will come. It will fall from one corner of the earth to the other. It will blanket the earth. For I am coming to my people in new and unusual ways. They will be filled up without measure. They will perform miracles and wonders in my name like they have never done before. But remember, it is NOT by might or power, but by my SPIRIT. The rain will seep deep into your spirits and it will mold a people of character. Receive the rain of my spirit. Take of it. Drink of it. Let it cause you to rise up in your journeys. Then will the desert no longer be a dry and parched land. It will produce a beautiful array of plants. "

Stephen Hanson

"TRIALS COME AND GO"

Dec. 1, 01
[11] When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. [12] Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall I CO. 13
JAS 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, [3] because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
[6] In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. [7] These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. I Pe. 1

"I am the Lord of your trials and I am the Lord of everything in your life. The sun shines and the rain comes down. Do you think that I have not made both of them? When trials come, and they will, know that there is a reason for them. There are many reasons for them. One is that, through these trials I am purging you and making you, like unto my image. "
"Do you see yourself when you get up in the morning? Is it your image that you see in the mirror? Or do you see, under the surface, my spirit within you? If I am truly working in your life then you will see Me in the mirror. Thus, the time will come when "you no longer will speak as a child, reason like a child, for you will put away childish things. You now see through a mirror dimly, but then you will see "face to face." See Me in the trials that come into your lives. See Me there to perfect you. I know that there have been many painful ones that have come your way. Many of you wonder why they seem to continue. It is because I want you to be like gold. Gold must be purified. It is a precious metal and you are precious to Me. The peaceful fruit of the Spirit will come when you have passed through these trials. You will be like one vast garden to Me. On that vast hillside there are many fruits shining in the sun. "
"Look at the finished product. Look at what comes forth from these trials. Then you will not be weary and then you will not lose heart. Lastly, learn to be thankful with everything that comes your way. Then your attitudes will have changed. There is good in the midst of all these things. My good will come "shining through."

Stephen Hanson

"THE WINTER OF CONTENT"

Nov. 25, 01
ISA 55:12 You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.
[8] The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." John 3

"This winter will not be a "winter of discontent." The frost and the cold will not hurt your spirit. This will not be a time of forgetfulness. This will be a time of remembrance. When the spring comes in the new year, there will be new things to consider. The north wind blows, and blows in things from a distant land. The war will continue, but the new year will also bring new resources. The new year will usher in new things. The new year will bring in new things for you. "
1. It will bring in new things for families.
2. It will bring in new resources for jobs.
3. It will bring in a new awareness of spiritual things--a new
discernment of what is of God and what is not.
"Families who were once at odds with each other, will nurture and love as a reflection of my love. My kingdom will be established in your midst. My kingdom will come, but it has already come in your hearts. "
"Rise up oh ye eagles.....For you will rise up on the wings of my spirit. Rise up above the tumult of this hour. Then the trees will break forth into singing, and the land will see the glory of the LORD. "

Stephen Hanson

"WATCH OUT FOR THOSE WHO PROCLAIM THEIR OWN GOSPEL"

Nov. 17, 2001
MT 7:15 "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. [16] By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? [17] Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. [18] A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. [19] Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. [20] Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
1JN 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. [2] This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, [3] but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.
"Watch out for those who would do harm to the gospel. Watch out for those who speak out of their own hearts and not My own. You will know them by their fruits. Do thistles come from a fruit tree? Watch out for the thorns for they will prick your skin. There are those who proclaim their own gospel in this hour. My gospel is not a gospel of dissension. My gospel does not separate brother from brother. I was willing to be found by those who would not seek Me. I carried my cross and I ask that you carry yours as well. These are the dogs. These are those who tear and bite at one another. I say to avoid them at any cost. They will be exposed. They are of a different spirit. Their mouths pour out their foul words. Oh my people, watch out for deception in this hour....It comes in many ways. I have told you that false prophets would arise in this hour. I have told you that if it were possible, that the very elect would be deceived. I say, some truly have been. But I say, to stand upon my word. It is everlasting. Search the scriptures, and search my spirit as well. Test the spirits to see whether they are from God or not. Then you will not be caught off guard. You cannot imitate peace. You cannot imitate joy. You cannot imitate love. You will see that the fruit is rotten. You will see that it was picked too soon. You will see that its taste is bitter. Do not eat of this fruit. For if you do you will be partaking in their rottenness. "

Stephen Hanson
"LOOK TO THE ROSE AND NOT TO THE THORNS"

Nov. 10, 01
1PE 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [4] and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you, [5] who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. [6] In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. [7] These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. [8] Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, [9] for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

"From glory unto glory I am changing you into my image. There will always be trials and there will always be things in your life that are not always pleasant. But I take all of these and I shape them into the image that I am seeking in you. I have fiery furnaces that are prepared for each of my servants. I have trials that have been set aside for each of you. The fire will not burn you up, for it is my fire. What the enemy thinks is his is turned into my purposes. You cannot be conformed into my image without these trials. Do not try to flee them. There is always the rainbow at the end of each storm. You are never tempted beyond what you can endure. At the end of each trial the peaceful fruit of my Spirit will be yielded. Then your faith will be stronger. Then your patience will be rewarded. Then you will know what a servant truly is. Remember that I am in the fiery furnace with you. It is something that we go through together. Remember that a rose is not a rose without the thorns that it has. Remember that I wore a crown of thorns as well. But now those thorns have been turned into an eternal crown of glory; and so will your thorns as well. So, look beyond the trials, for that is where the glory will be turned back into glory. There are eternal purposes in these things. So, consider the end result of them. Look to the rose and not to the thorns. "

Stephen Hanson

"THE WALLS OF THE NEW CITY"

Nov. 3, 01
LA 1:1 How deserted lies the city, once so full of people!How like a widow is she, who once was great among the nations! She who was queen among the provinces has now become a slave.
REV 21:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. [2] I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. [3] And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. [4] He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
NE 2:17 Then I said to them, "You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace."

"Do you see how the city has laid in ashes? Once it was beautiful and teeming with life. I tell you that just as the walls during Nehemiah"s time were torn down and then were rebuilt, that the city of New York shall be. There has been much done to you, my people in America. But again, the walls will be rebuilt. A new spirit has emerged from your midst. You are more united than you have ever been. Your sorrow will teach you wisdom. Remember that it is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to a feast. I have told you to number your days. Make the most of your time, for indeed, the days are evil. "
"Remember though, that there are greater walls that will emerge. For the walls of the great city, the "New Jerusalem" will come. They will come shining forth as a bride. And the walls of that city will house my splendor. My gates will always be open. Nothing evil will be allowed to enter into it. So set your hope on this future city. "
"Again I say, out of the ashes will come a people. A people who will renew their strength in Me. They will not be swayed by the things that they hear. The terror that comes at night will not deter them. I say, America you have felt the onslaught, and you have felt the fear. You have felt like what it is to have an enemy come into your own home. You say, "But what can I do?" I say, to be untied in prayer; to have a single cause, and to pursue that cause is important. Do you not know that there is a spiritual battle that has been raging that you can not see? This is where the real battle is fought. You have generals and you have leaders on this earth that make plans and strategize. Remember though, that I AM your Commander-in-Chief. I AM involved in the midst of the battle. "
"Above the ashes and above the smoke, I have a city that is coming. Remember that the dwelling place of God is with men. For I have a house that I AM building and it stand the forces of time. Seek those things that are above for that is where your true hope lies. "

Stephen Hanson

"SEEK THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE SPIRIT"

Oct. 27, 01
GE 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. [2] Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
GE 1:26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."
JN 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He was with God in the beginning.
DT 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.

"I AM the God of the three-in-one. Many would seek for just the Father. Many would seek just the Son. Some would seek just the Spirit. But I would say that there are three of us within. In the beginning it is said "That God created the heavens and the earth--and the Spirit was hovering upon the deep. " You know that it is said that "In the beginning was the word and the word was "with God, and the word "was God." You pray to the Father, you pray to Me, the Son. "
"Consider for a moment, how water forms itself. Water flows in rivers, in streams, and in the oceans. Consider how water becomes ice. It changes its structure. You see its effect during the winter months. Consider how water becomes steam. It forms itself in geysers and various places around the earth. Are not all three of these water? They are manifested in different ways but they are still water. So it is with the Father, the Son, and the Spirit. "
"Consider how you as a person are formed and made. You are a Spirit, and you have a mind, a soul. And you live within the frameword of a body. You are made up of each of three aspects. Another example is that of a family. You have a father and a mother; and you have a child or you have children. "
"We are one, would say the Lord. Remember what I told those in ancient times: "Hear oh Israel, the Lord thy God is one. " Do not try to give special allegiance to one over the other; do not, for this is how various cults have formed. It is important to note that the Son has gone to the Father. It is important to note that God is Spirit. Remember that Moses could not behold my face. I ask you to seek my face. I ask you to look into my eyes, but to know that I AM Spirit. The word became flesh and dwelt among us. That creative power was in the beginning. For the heavens and the earth were created through that word. Before all time began, I was there. This is truth, and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free. "
"Seek the Father, the Son, and the Spirit."

Stephen Hanson