section 35 prophetic words of Stephen Hanson

"BABYLON WILL FALL"

Dec. 1, 2002
REV 17:3 Then the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a desert. There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns. [4] The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls. She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries. [5] This title was written on her forehead:
MYSTERY BABYLON THE GREAT THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
JOEL 2:31 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.

(The Lord showed me a strange scene. I saw the profile of a man who was looking out into the sky. As I watched him, he began to look at the sun. It was a huge ball, but one could still look at it. It was not so bright that you could not look at it with your eyes. Then I saw a woman's dress. it was dark and made of some type of crepe material. This veil then slowly began to cover the sun. The sun was becoming darker as the veil was moving over it.)
"The sun will become darkened during those days and the mystery of Babylon will veil it only from those who can't see it. It will be an agent that will be sent to darken the hearts and minds of the people. But I tell you that the veil will darken people's images of my son as well. Babylon the great will fall at that time. In that day one will see the glory of Babylon fall. I tell you that she will fall in that day. "
(Now I was shown two different cities as seen in the distance. In front of the one was a woman and she was drinking and singing. She would lift a goblet to her lips and she would begin to drink it. She seemed to trumpet the goblet as if she was trying to send a message. Everything was in a state of a party. She raised this goblet to her lips and would drink several times. Then from somewhere came a cloak or a gown of some type. It was raised and was laid on her. I noticed that it was scarlet or purple colored. As she stood there with this cloak around her she was suddenly whisked away and was taken to another place.)
The Lord then said:
"This woman was the great city of Babylon. That great whore of Babylon will continue to deceive the people of this earth. I tell you that there are many false religions and practices that even the elect will fall into in these days. Do not drink from her goblet. For in the beginning it may appear to be sweet, but it will turn sour. Do not be deceived into drinking from this cup, but drink the cup of the new covenant of my Son. "

Stephen Hanson
"WHAT IS THE SOUND OF THIS HOUR?"

Nov. 23, 2002
[9] The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, [10] and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. [11] For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie [12] and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.
HEB 13:1 Keep on loving each other as brothers. [2] Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. [3] Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.

"What is the sound that you hear, says the Lord? What sound do you hear when you stand by the ocean? Do you hear the sound of just the waves hitting the shoreline? Or is there more than just what you hear in nature? Surely, there is the sound of angel wings and heavenly choirs. Listen, my saints, for in this hour my spirit will be manifested in unusual ways. There will be unusual occurrences and there will be divine appointments set up for you. I have told you that you will entertain angels "unawares." There will be times when my angels will come to your rescue in this hour. I'm not just saying these things so that you would just seek supernatural appearances. I'm saying these things because there is an increase in my spirit coming. The stature of my saints is enlarging on the inside and their capacity to experience the things of the spirit is growing. But just as the things of the spirit are growing, so too are the things of the enemy. For with the increase in the things of the spirit comes an increase in the enemy's devices as well. As well as this there is a counterfeit spirit that attempts to copy the gifts of my spirit. Be very careful, for there is an even greater and greater need for discernment in knowing what is of God and what is not. Beloved, let it be known that there are true prophets who speak a true word, and there are ones who do not. I have said that you will know them by their fruits, and this is true. For their fruits will turn to rottenness in your bones. But there is a very subtle thing that is going on as well. This subtle thing is that there are "fallen spirits" that are speaking through some of my saints. They have begun to tap-into a counterfeit gift as they have begun to prophesy in my name. I have told you that there is an increase in the things of my spirit and in the enemy's devices in this hour. So, what must you do to guard yourselves against these things happening? 1. You must stay focused upon Me and my word like never before. 2. You must empty yourselves in prayer before Me. 3. And if you have any grievance or hidden sin, you must confess it. "
"A great army is emerging in the west, and it is not just the army of this world. It is the army of the enemy. There are many fell things that he is bringing with him. But I say that the words of my true prophets and apostles in this hour will dispel the darkness. Then the sound that you hear will be the sound of my spirit rising in this hour. It will rise to a great crescendo. Thus, would say the spirit of the Lord."

Stephen Hanson
"The Horse of Conquest"

Nov. 17, 2002
REV 6:1 I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, "Come!" 2 I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.
THe Lord showed me a deep reddish-purple sky. There was a section of the clouds that had a seam in it, that all of the sudden opened-up. Then a man on a horse emerged from the clouds. The horse and the rider were all clad in while. At first I thought that it might be the Rider on the While Horse that was Christ, but I knew in my heart that it was someone or something else. The horse and rider then marched and moved forward through the clouds. The scene progressed and continued with the horse and rider moving quickly across the sky and clouds. Now the horse pranced and even seemed to dance across the sky in the distance. It had a very proud and haughty appearance as it pranced throughout the sky.
The Lord then said:
"The vision of the horse that you saw was the horse of conquest which is also the horse of the anti-christ. The spirit of conquest is moving across the land, says the Lord. There is a disbursement of conquest throughout the land. It is the spirit of conquest that is being mobilized throughout different regions. The four horsemen of the apocalypse have not come upon the scene yet but the spirit of conquest has. The spirit of conquest can be seen in how one country stretches forth its arm into another. These moves are not moves of the kingdom, but they are moves of the "spirit of the air." The moves of conquest will increase and will become the "moves of war." So then one horse will traded for another. For with conquest comes war, and with war comes famine. So shall the riders ride throughout the land. But in the end my horse shall be victorious and it shall ride from everlasting to everlasting."

Stephen Hanson
"Set Your Mind on Things Above"

We all encounter many things in this life that are difficult and require our faith to walk them out. However, God has said that we are to set your minds on things above and not on those that are below. We will find peace and strength for the journey that is ahead and a sure defense against he enemy. He will ride out the storm with us. But He also wants us to shine with the brightness of His Son, even in the midst of those trials that come our way.

Nov. 16, 02
COL 3:1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
JN 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

"Watch for the Son to shine everyday of your lives. I AM bringing Sonshine into your lives from above. You will shine with the brightness of my Son everyday as you move forward in your lives. As the days move forward there will be some of them that will be overcast by the troubles that you will endure. But I AM asking that you rise above those troubles. In this life you will have tribulation, but I will see you through the tribulation. Set your minds upon things above and not upon those on the earth. If you set your minds on things above then when trouble comes I will ride it with you. "
(The Lord showed me a scene of a landscape and a very fast moving airplane of some sort was soaring above the earth. I was in the craft with the Lord as we moved over the trees, hills, and the valleys. I was secure here as we both traveled together throughout the land.)
"When trouble comes do not run and hide from it. I say to run to Me and you will be safe from the storm. Why would you ride out the storm without Me? Why would you go into an abandoned home alone without someone else? Would you venture alone down a lonely alley at night? Would you go into the deepest part of the city without the aid of someone else? Would you send your son or daughter out alone at night? Surely, these are things you would consider in this life. You will encounter things that will test your fears and your faith in Me. I want your faith to be tested so that I will see what you are made of. Then you will be strong and ready and equipped for those days ahead. "

Stephen Hanson

"RACHEL AND LEAH--A SPIRITUAL PRINCIPLE"

Nov. 11, 2002
GE 29:16 Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. [17] Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel was lovely in form, and beautiful. [18] Jacob was in love with Rachel and said, "I'll work for you seven years in return for your younger daughter Rachel."
GE 29:19 Laban said, "It's better that I give her to you than to some other man. Stay here with me." [20] So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her. GE 31:19 When Laban had gone to shear his sheep, Rachel stole her father's household gods. [20] Moreover, Jacob deceived Laban the Aramean by not telling him he was running away. [21] So he fled with all he had, and crossing the River, he headed for the hill country of Gilead. [44] Come now, let's make a covenant, you and I, and let it serve as a witness between us."
GE 31:45 So Jacob took a stone and set it up as a pillar. [46] He said to his relatives, "Gather some stones." So they took stones and piled them in a heap, and they ate there by the heap. [47] Laban called it Jegar Sahadutha, and Jacob called it Galeed.

"It is a long time since I have considered Jacob and Esau, says the Lord. Jacob was the one who worked for fourteen years to marry his second wife. There are continued struggles in the land, says the Lord. Many have served after other gods rather than serving and worshiping Me. A covenant was set up many years ago between Laban and Jacob. Now the time has come to renew that covenant. There will be no intermarriage; in this sense, there will be no intermarriage between other gods and myself. Many were charged many years ago, not to marry outside of their religion. The races became mingled, and the foreign gods were allowed to mix with myself. It has been a subtle thing, and not always a subtle thing. The household gods were stolen and Rachel kept them hidden. There are many household gods that are hidden in your homes. Bring them forward so that they would be hidden no more, says the Lord. What are those hidden gods, you may ask? Are they not things that you spend more time with than I? So, again I say, it is time to renew that covenant. What covenant would you make with the world? You have become more like the world than like my children, says the Lord. I have called you to be separate and to step out among them. "
"You have worked for your managers for more than fourteen years, says the Lord. What is it that you are wanting to receive from your wages? Are you working to gain a prize such as Rachel or Leah? I say that your long struggle has ended. You are called to end your struggle and to go into the promised land. Then all your years of labor will be worth their time, says the Lord. "

Stephen Hanson
"SIGNS OF WHAT IS TO COME AND A PROMISE BEYOND THAT"

AN INTRODUCTION
Nov. 9, 2002
I have noticed that several of the messages that have come to me over the last couple of months have entailed and carried with them, a particular weight and seriousness of tone. I believe that the Lord has prompted these and other words, because the time is running short, and He wants all that could to come to Him to be saved, and rescued from darkness and brought into His glorious light and kingdom. God will continue to comfort and send us words of edification, but He wants His children and the world to be warned about what is coming. Having said that, I also believe, for He has said it, "that many tire of hearing these things." I believe that many of us still want our ears to be tickled. We love to hear warm messages that will comfort and bless us. We want great teaching and apostolic truth and action. These things are not wrong and are good, but I find that we would prefer these things, and some would go so far as to even deny or ignore the other over the truth of His word given in a heavy, but much needed, sound prophetic word. I for one, don't want to have my head buried in the sand like an ostrich. This introduction serves then as a backdrop of those and further messages that are of this tone and seriousness. May we listen to His warnings while it is still day, and may we realize that He loves us enough to tell us these things and prepare us for what lies ahead.

VISION AND MESSAGE

HEB 6:7 Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. [8] But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned. HOS 10:8 The high places of wickedness will be destroyed--it is the sin of Israel.Thorns and thistles will grow up and cover their altars. Then they will say to the mountains, "Cover us!" and to the hills, "Fall on us!"
(The Lord began showing me several violet-colored thistles. They were growing on plants, and they were around three to four feet in height. I looked at these thistles before me and wondered about the significance of them. After looking at the thistles, they now changed in appearance. What was once a plant that was alive and seemingly healthy, was now deteriorating. The thistles and the plants withered and died. Then the scene changed before me into something else. The significance of the thistle is that "wickedness will not stand, and will fall to the ground. )
"Thistles are a sign of the wickedness of man. At that time, wickedness will have grown to such an extent that many would even see the "beauty" in it. But you, you my people who have tasted the fruit of the land, will flower and will blossom in those days. The wicked will become more wicked and the righteous will become more righteous. The sign of the olive branch will have blossomed and have grown to a great extent."

MT 24:4 Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. [5] For many will come in my name, claiming, `I am the Christ, ' and will deceive many. [6] You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. [7] Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. [8] All these are the beginning of birth pains. MT 24:29 "Immediately after the distress of those days " the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light;the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.'
MT 24:30 "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. [31] And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.
MT 24:32 "Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. [33] Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. [34] I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. [35] Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
(Now I was shown a book that was being opened up that served as an introduction, or backdrop, of a scene. Then I began seeing very bright pink balls that were zooming and arcing through the air. They would encircle across the night sky and fall to the earth. This happened a series of times, with each pink or violet ball, arcing across the sky with another one following it. I wondered at this as I watched and yet knew in my heart that it represented something that would happen according to God's time table in our future. The book that was mentioned earlier, represented the "opening of a particular time period or stage in our history.")
The Lord then said, "A comet will fall to the earth at that time, and will change life as you know it. During those days the sky will become dark. You will gaze into the heavens and wonder where these things are coming from. I will prepare you for those days, and I will give you strength for the journey that is before you. Many think that I will be taking you out of the troubles that are coming. Let it be known that I will be with you, but I will "see you through them."
"But for you at this time, remain in my word and continue in the work that I've called you to do. After the trouble of those days I will come and gather my people, and you will reign and you will rule with Me, and the gates of my new city will always be open. Neither will the sun smite you by day nor will the night harm you in amy way, for I will be your light. Before I take you to be with Me though, you will see and will experience this earth change as you've never seen it before. Nation will rise against nation and trouble will be seen at all four corners of the globe. Many will fall from the faith because of the fear of those days. But you are not to fear because I will always be with you. It is all part of my plan and it is for prophecy to be fulfilled. Mark your calendars, for the next 6 months to a year will be time of preparation of these things. 'No one knows the day or the hour but of the season of those days you will have no need for anyone to tell you.' "
"Do not dispute among yourselves exactly when I will return. Do not get caught-up in senseless arguments, but strive to be at peace with all men especially those who are part of my body. Even so, my body has become splintered and has become many parts. It is not of one mind nor is any part of unity to be found. Strive to see what you have in common and not what is different from you. For this has been the great work of the enemy since he has entered my world. "
"Your redemption draweth nigh, for it will surely come."

Stephen Hanson
"SPEND TIME IN PRAYER OVER THESE MATTERS"

Nov. 6 , 2002
COL 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
PR 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

"Sing a new song to Me....Sing a new song unto the Lamb, says the Lord. A new song will be heard in the coastlands. It will be the new song of the echoing and impending war. But I say for my servants to sing a song unto Me. For while there is trouble on the front, and there is the war that is impending, I say that it is still time to sing a song to Me. For there is great need for intercession, and there is work to be done. It is the time for my great prayer warriors to march before Me. Spend time bringing these things before Me. For the great weight of battle is waged in the heavenlies. The greatest battle that is ever fought is the one that is fought in prayer. So, bring these things before my throne. "
"While you are busy deciding who your candidates will be for this election, these issues continue around the world. Will it be a political move or will it be the right move, says the Lord? Do the leaders make their decisions based on politics, or is it a decision motivated from coming before Me? My servant David consulted Me and came before Me before he went into battle. I say that it is crucial that your president does this as well. Who are your advisors and who are those that you would consult? These are "weighty" matters, and a man must not act quickly. It is time, it is time for all to come together in prayer. Light the candles upon your altars, says your Lord. All of those who are priests, come before Me. There is a sense of urgency even if you would not feel it. I have spread my wing of protection out over you all, but I say that this protection will not always be upon you. The walls of fortification will not always stand as a bulwark upon your nation. I have told you again and again, to listen to those who have warned you of these things, but you seem to tire of these things. So, I will not always warn and I will not always plead with you. So, I will not plead but I will let you know of what is to come. Surely, as I have said before, this country will go into war. After the election of these days and the governmental races, then your focus will again be on those issues at hand. But you will have many dealings with those in the Middle Eastern countries. Know who your allies are and know who those are that are not with you as well. Surely, I will see you through these difficult times, but these things will propel you into other things as well. The days are intensifying and it is even more and more crucial that you come before Me in prayer. How will these things be averted, you say? Can I hold them back, you say in your heart? I am not a God who longs for these types of things, but I have warned and warned and you have stood idly by. But that you would be strengthened in the journey, that is why I call you to prayer. "

Stephen Hanson
"WHATEVER THE SEASON IS PLAN AHEAD FOR IT"

Nov. 2, 2002
PS 118:24 This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
1KI 17:13 Elijah said to her, "Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. [14] For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: `The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD gives rain on the land.' "
1KI 17:15 She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. [16] For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the LORD spoken by Elijah.
ECC 3:1 There is a time for everything,and a season for every activity under heaven:
PR 6:6 Go to the ant, you sluggard;consider its ways and be wise! PR 6:7 It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, PR 6:8 yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.

"This is the day that I have made. I ask you to rejoice and to be glad in it. Why do I ask you to rejoice in it? I ask you to rejoice in the storms and in the daylight. No matter what a day brings forth, I ask you to rejoice in it. "
"When the day of trouble comes, do not run away from Me and hide but run to Me. Run to my high tower. There are all "days of trouble" that come to you in various ways, and in those days, while they may be difficult, they will pale in appearance to those days that are coming. "
"I have mentioned to you from various prophets what is coming. I have mentioned about the fall of your economic system. But I have not mentioned to you specifically how I will see you through it. Some people hoard money and put it away. Some people fall into all kinds of debt and are never fully able to recover from it. But I tell you that I own the cattle on a thousand hills. If everything is falling down around you, I still own the system. If I do then, am I not able to supply all your needs? However, there are still good practices that you need to learn. I say that it is good to put aside whatever you can and I will multiply it. I know that there are many of you that live from paycheck to paycheck, and it is difficult to save when you are just getting by. Learn the habit of putting aside something. I will assuredly, supply all your needs according to my riches, but in the day of disaster remember how the prophet helped the widow. She gave to him all that she had, and the oil continued to flow. There was then enough for her and her son to live off of for many days and years. In the day that the system falls around you, and everyone is in a state of panic, you will still have oil and bread in the house. I will look after those who have come after Me. "
"Be assured and do not be so foolish that you think that these days will not come. They will, for I have said that I am shaking the systems of this world. I am shaking to see who will put your trust and faith in. So be not like the foolish one, but be like the ant or the squirrel who plans for winter. Do not just think of the moment and the day that you are living in but plan ahead. "
"Consider the seasons and see how they change from one to another. Consider how in one season you may have plenty and enough. Know that each season is different. Know that there is a season for the church and there is a season for this world as well. The season you are now in is in anticipation of many of things that are in the forefront. As this season moves on other things will become more of a reality. Political events and the rise and fall of rules will take the forefront then. "
"Whatever the season is, plan ahead for it. Then you will not be overtaken when disaster comes. "

Stephen Hanson
"THE END OF ALL THINGS IS COMING"

Oct. 30, 2002
1TH 5:1 Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, [2] for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. [3] While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. NIV
Jeremiah 30:7 Alas! for that day will be great, so that none will be like it; it will be the time of Jacob's [unequaled] trouble, but he will be saved out of it.[Matt. 24:29, 30; Rev. 7:14.] Amplified

"The time has now come for all of my saints to be gathered unto Me; I mean to be gathered with Me in the spirit. You must hold firmly unto Me, all of you. There are perils that are coming upon the earth that will be greater than any peril that man has witnessed. It is the time of those things that I have prophesied from long ago. Beware of those who say peace when there is no peace. Woe to that man or woman who says that they speak for Me and they proclaim peace upon the earth when there is turmoil. Surely, this nation and this world will be shook; it will be shaken unto its roots. Now is the time to be gathered unto Me like never before. Now is the time to know who it is that you believe in. Now is the time to put your trust in Me like never before. "
(The Lord showed me a scene of a house that had become rubble. It was all stone and only parts of the walls were still standing. It looked very much like what an old stone house would look like that had been on the prairie and had been deserted many years ago. I then saw various churches, one of which was of brick that was collapsing. On one of the doors of a church was a sign that read, "Keep out." I saw perhaps two or three different churches that were stone or brick that were in the state of being abandoned and falling into ruin.)
"The sun will be darkened during those days....This is the time of Jacob's trouble. When everything seems to be going fine than you must be certain of your relationship with Me. There will be more distress in those days than ever before. Do not put your hope in the world system for it will fail you. You will see the stock market crash more than it did during the deep depression. I tell you that treaties will not be successful ones that will be made during those days. Many of the freedoms that you now have and that you have taken for granted, will no longer be available for you. You will be persecuted for your faith. These freedoms have been ones that you have long enjoyed. Many of your brothers and sisters around the world have faced persecution like you have never known before. Do not ask when these things will happen, but know assuredly that they will happen. But you my people, you who put your hope in Me, continue in the work that I've called you to do. I've called you not to live as unwise but as wise making the most of your time because the days are evil. I have a plan and that is to redeem my people. I also have a plan to snatch as many away from the evil one as I can. But I tell you these things because time is swiftly running out. "
"It will be clearly seen who hears from Me in this hour for there will be a confusion of voices in this hour. You will know those prophets who have spoken in my name not because of the pleasant and enticing things that they have said, but because of the truth in their words. Many will say, "Surely these things of judgment are not upon the horizon." But I tell you that the sky and the times that you live in are not filled with the prophecies of cherubs and meadows. It is high time that many of you grow up. It is high time that some of you put away your pet doctrines. "
"The judgment has begun, but it will increase and extend to all four corners of the earth. But even in the midst of this judgment there will be opportunities for those who have followed after Me. There will be opportunities for continued ministry, and I will protect those families who have followed after Me. Surely, the wicked will become more wicked and the righteous will shine like the stars in the heavens. From everlasting to everlasting, my servants will be an inheritance to Me, and I will bring my servants into my kingdom for ever and ever."

Stephen Hanson
"FOLLOW MY SPIRIT AND NOT THE PERSON"

Oct. 26, 2002
[21] By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. [22] Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people. Ex. 13

"The pillar of fire was before my people in the Old Testament. It guided them and kept them safely within the bounds of my presence. It kept a burning reminder of my presence before them and all around them. There was the cloud that followed them by day as well. I used these two images as a reminder to my people then of my abiding presence. "
"I now have the fiery presence of the HolySpirit within you to guide you. It burns within you day and night. There is not a cloud now because you can distinguish easily about my presence. A cloud is oftentimes indistinguishable. It is often hard to understand it or understand its borders. But nevertheless, it was easily seen during the time that I guided my people. You now have a "cloud of witnesses" that have gone before you. They serve as a reminder to you of those that have gone before you. The Holy Spirit while oftentimes, hard to understand, is now inside you. It is like a cloud or a fire because of its abiding, yet moving presence. "
"Listen to the voice that guides you. It will lead you to those places that I have in store for you. I have the "fiery" presence of my Holy Spirit burning within you as a desire to pave the way before you. It is like a path that is being burned in a field. Do not neglect the guidance of my Holy Spirit. You have my word and you have the inner witness of the Holy Spirit. Both will serve as what has gone before you and what is in store for you. "
"While you have the guidance of the Holy Spirit within you, you now have those who serve as pillars around you. My holy apostles and prophets now serve as a form of pillars of fire and clouds by day. But you do not follow them. It is very important that you follow the "Spirit and not the person." For many have fallen into error in this hour by following a man and not Me. "
"FOLLOW MY SPIRIT AND NOT THE PERSON."

Stephen Hanson
"THE SCALES HAVE BEEN SET; WHAT IS YOUR DECISION NOW?"

Oct. 20, 2002
DA 5:27 Tekel: You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting.
ISA 40:12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand,or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance?

(The Lord showed me this morning a balancing scale. On one side of it were children and other people. On the other side were several different types of guns. They ranged from elaborate to simple. I looked again at the side where the children were and now there many people with their arms stretched out for help crying and wailing as they stood upon this side of the balancing scale. They appeared to be in some type of cage that held them there upon the scales. ) "The balancing beam has been set on one side for the tragedies of war on one side and on the other, the various weapons that will be used. Is there to be a balance made between these two things? Can men, women and children be "weighed" with the other? Is there something that you see that will balance these two extremes out? Surely, there is a balance that is to be made but it is not what is being offered here. "
"I looked for justice and found none upon the earth. I looked for compassion and peace and there was none. I looked for understanding and there was none. Oh, such are the tragedies of war and such are the signs of your time! Are there counselors that are wise enough for the job that is before them? Do they have the interest of all in their minds? "
"Oh America, you are split between two extremes. On one side is the war abroad and the fear that is instilled there, and on the other is the fear instilled on your own streets. You have some who speak of your economy and others who speak of the fear within Washington. Where will you go and where will you be to hide from these things? Now is the time to find where your true comfort will lie. Does your security rest in guns and war or in Me, says the Lord? Do you have peace of heart to withstand the journey? In the coming months and year, you will know and you will understand. Never before have you had to make such a decision. Never before has the balancing scale been set like this. "
"The scales have been set; what is your decision now?"

Stephen Hanson
"WHAT ARE YOUR RIGHTS AND WHAT ARE YOUR FREEDOMS?"

Oct. 19, 2002
[16] Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. [17] Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. I Peter 2

"What is the song of America at this time? What is the song that echoes from coast to coast? What is the banner that flies over your country? What do those stars and stripes mean to you as a people? Do they mean freedom and liberty for all or do they mean an enslaved spirit that has been captured? Truly, those that founded your nation founded it upon the principles of freedom and liberty. Freedom is something that must be given though. Some demand freedom because of their "rights" as an American citizen. There is freedom to voice these things but some abuse it. I have said that I have come to give you freedom but not to use your freedom as a context for evil. How do you use your freedom? "
"These are important considerations particularly when you have been attacked by another country. What are the freedoms that are present in many other parts of the world? Do some exercise these rights as you do? Surely, many do not have the rights that you have as a country. "
"There is coming a time when many of these rights will be taken away from you. You may well lose many of the freedoms that you now have. But the freedoms that you have as a son or a daughter are different than the freedoms that you possess as a citizen. You have all rights to my throne and the things of my spirit. You have the promises of my kingdom. You have the Holy Spirit and the Comforter as a guide. You have the promise of eternal life. You have the promise of forgiveness of sins. You have many of these promises and more. "
"The real question is how will you exercise your freedom as a U.S. citizen? Will you show compassion on others or will you demand your freedom? A baby or a child, that is confined to a playpen is so confined because of the protection that is needed for them. Until recently you have been protected from the onslaughts of others. The wall of protection has been lifted off from you. You have felt the invasion force from outside your borders. When a child has had its borders broken down it is left to the whims of its own behavior. Will you seek my counsel in the matter or will you follow the answers of your own age? "

Stephen Hanson
"THE RESTRUCTURING OF MY CHURCH"

Oct. 12, 2002
1CO 14:26 What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.
AC 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. [43] Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. [44] All the believers were together and had everything in common. [45] Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. [46] Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, [47] praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

"There are many things that are happening in the church today. The rise of the foundational ministries has been at the forefront for a number of years now. The gospel is being proclaimed in more countries around the world than it has at any other time in history. Men and women are being saved from the brink of despair. But a new wave is coming that none have known about or no one has even heard of. This wave will bring with it a complete restructuring of the church. "
(The Lord showed me at first a wave in the ocean that kept curling and rising to its peak and then coming forward. The scene then changed and I saw what was the structure of a house. It seemed to be on blocks or huge beams as if ready to be moved, as when builders would take a house to move it from one place to another. But now I saw huge beams and heavy structures fall into place where they needed to be at the bottom of the building. Parts of the house had been entirely cut into sections vertically. I now saw the entire top structure of a church. Its outside adornment and edifice were entirely cut and it was floating upon the water, and was in the process of sinking into the ocean. )
(Now I saw the entire church fall, as when a building would be demolished. It fell downward and as it fell, a single object was left. This object was a cross. The cross now rose higher and higher, and underneath was a tower. As it rose, a fountain was underneath it, moving it and propelling it higher and higher. The water from this fountain was energizing and active. It was a source of life around the cross and kept it fed and nourished.)
"As the structure of my church changes, my cross and Holy Spirit will become more and more important. "
(I saw the podium of a church where one would preach from. The podium fell, and with it a person came running into the church, from where the podium had been. They ran around inside the church carrying a torch. The torch was carried by this person, but it seemed that it was carried by others as well, as in a relay race. Various people were being fed in the church as well. There was nourishment given as a spoon was given to people to eat from. The sense I had was that the poor were coming into the church as well and were being fed. I saw a Bible and again, various people were teaching and preaching from it. There wasn't just one person who came to the podium to preach. Those who had something to say from the word, were given a chance and an opportunity.)
"Dear people do not be surprised at the outcome of this re-structuring process. Stand firm in your intimacy with Me. Watch and wait as my hand moves upon these things. "

Stephen Hanson
"THE PRESENT BATTLE YOU ARE FACING"

Oct. 5, 2002
"This nation will be propelled into war. The events that are leading up to the decisions of the United States will be clearly seen by all. There will be ramifications of this decision. For this nation will face a myriad of things because of it. The ruthlessness of this leader and his persistence to carry out his crime, will test the people of the United States more than anything it has yet faced. The fortification of buildings and the strength of your resolve will not save you. But there is a strength and a resolve that will run much deeper than this."
"Your high tower will not be your nation but it will be Me, says the Lord. Through sorrow and through grief, you will still be sustained. You America have stood the tests of many things. Even though you have been ravaged you will not fall. You will spring forth from the ashes of this war. You will not be utterly cast down, says the Lord. But there will be captivity given to those who have gone into their country."
"The land of ancient Babylon will fall, says the Lord, and this ruler will come unto captivity as well. But even as this ruler falls there will be others who rise up. In the mist of the turmoil and in the midst of the bloodshed, there will be alliances formed with new partners. You will know who your friends are and you will know who your enemies are as well. You will know those you can trust. You will know those nations by their standards, says the Lord."
"Oh America, you are a nation that has faced many wars, but this one will propel you into many things. You will not escape the onslaught and you will not escape the crisis, but you will rise above it. And it will come unto a great end, the great end of the ages, says the Lord. And it will be the end of all wars at that time, says the Lord. That will be the end of all suffering and that will be the end of all pain. And you America, will be sustained through the battle, says your God. You will be found in freedom after this. You will not escape the sword entirely, but you will find peace afterwards."

Stephen Hanson
"HOW TO JUDGE PROPHECY CORRECTLY" (A WORD FROM THE LORD)

Oct. 5, 2002
1TH 5:19 Do not put out the Spirit's fire; [20] do not treat prophecies with contempt. [21] Test everything. Hold on to the good. [22] Avoid every kind of evil.

"There are a lot of prophetic words that are out there now at this time, that are not from Me. There are words that come forth from man's own imaginings. It is important to know what is from Me and what is from your own heart. These are serious things in the body of Christ at this time. How shall you weigh the matter? "
(The Lord showed me a balancing beam and as I looked at it I noticed some papers on one side. Then upon looking closer at it, I noted that it was a Bible. On the other side were some other papers that appeared to be loose and not all together. Then there was a heavier "weight" on this side as a person sat upon the side with the loose papers. I looked again at the first side where the Bible had been and the chain or string broke from above. The "weight" of the word of God caused it to break. I felt that the other side where the loose papers had been was someone's prophecy, and they had then attempted to sit down upon the balancing beam and level out the weight. However, their own weight or identification with their own prophetic word, was not nearly enough "weight" to balance out the other side.)
"So in the process of weighing one's "word" (prophetic word), look back to the word of God."
(Again the Lord showed me a balancing beam. On the left side appeared to be something very light and on the other side there appeared to be much more weight. As I looked at either side I noted that the objects on the heavier side were fish. There was several of them heaped up upon the balancing beam. On the lighter side it was rather difficult to tell. They appeared to be just a few fish but in looking closer, they seemed to be feathers. This side was equally balanced with the other side that had all the "weight" of the fish on it. Then the lighter side changed. A dove had been hidden within the feathers and it flew away. That side now raised to the top. It was no longer balanced with the other side.)
Dear friends I belive that the interpretation here is that the Holy Spirit was present within the feathers or word that was upon the balancing beam on the left side. No matter what the "quantity" of the words, as seem in the quantity of fish, they may not be truly from God, obviously if the Holy Spirit is not present within them.
(Yet another balancing beam was shown to me. Now there was a person lying down face up on either side of the structure. On the left side it was encased in a shell of some type and the person seemed to be almost like in a mold of some kind. This side was dark in appearance. On the right side it was much lighter in appearance and I could distinquish the man that was lying down upon it. I asked the Lord what this meant, and He said:
"These are two people, one is shrouded and hidden from Me, but the other one is open to Me." )
"There are words from me that are true. They "spring forth" from a heart that has been fully given to Me. There are words that are false as well. You will know them for they produce no fruit in them at all. Finally, there are words that fall into a mixture. These words have been mixed into a batch that are a mixture of man's words and my own. A lot of what you see and hear, falls into this category. "
"But in the process of judging prophecy, don't throw out the baby with the bath water. Don't throw away the prophet and don't despise prophecy. "

Stephen Hanson
"I AM WITH YOU OUTSIDE THE CAMP AND WITHIN IT"

Sept. 28, 2002
2SA 7:5 "Go and tell my servant David, `This is what the LORD says: Are you the one to build me a house to dwell in? [6] I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought the Israelites up out of Egypt to this day. I have been moving from place to place with a tent as my dwelling. [7] Wherever I have moved with all the Israelites, did I ever say to any of their rulers whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, "Why have you not built me a house of cedar?" '

"Now is the time to come out. Now is the time to come together, says the Lord. Many of you are strangers in distant lands. The body is made up of many parts and each of those parts is important for its sustenance. Some are needed in the outskirts of the community. If a stranger came to town and he was dangerous to the community how would you know of his arrival if you were all gathered together? How would you know of his whereabouts? Likewise, if someone came to the mountains and no one was present there, how would you know of them? Those that are in the streets and those that are confined to their homes--each of these groups of people is without a community. They are needed by you. There are many that do not know of the gospel because they never come to your churches. How do you find them? I say unto you, where are your churches? Are they not your homes? Are they not the streets upon which you walk? Surely, I am with you when you minister unto them. "
"I am tired of the pomp and circumstance that I hear and see in your churches. If you want entertainment then watch a movie. I have heard the cries of many of you that are outside the camp and I have heard the pleading that has gone on within the camp. To each of you I say that your place is secure. But to those who are in a building just for the sake of coming together, I would say, 'Why not join a social club?' "
"I am perfecting and I am maturing my saints in many ways. Many of you have agendas and purposes that are not of Me. To those pastors who are at the reins in your churches I say that you must beware. "
(Here the Lord showed me a stagecoarch with several horses pulling it. The person who was driving the stagecoach was furiously steering and whipping the horses as it came around a corner. Then as it turned quickly, one of the wheels came off and the stagecoach fell to the ground.)
"This is the danger that you run into when I am not steering your churches. Too many of you are in the driver's seat. "

Stephen Hanson
"PREPARE YOURSELVES FOR WHAT LIES AHEAD"

Sept. 21, 2002
In the midst of unrest and world turmoil, it is always best to find shelter. God has promised to be a high tower for us in our time of need. When the nations rage and we find that there is no rest to be found in the mist of the storm, run to that place of habitation that can only be found in Him. The world will go on as always in its attempt to conquer and to war, but we can rest assured that a time will come when the peoples of the world will learn war no more. They will lay down their spears and their swords for the King of Peace will be their ruler.
ISA 2:4 He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples.They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.
[4] He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God. 2 Thess. 2

"The wind blows in a new season in the Lord. The world is spinning and moving around as usual, but the seasons change and there are new developments. What are the new developments, you may ask. They are the new policies that are being developed by this administration. While they may appear to be new, they are not always new. For war has always been on the hearts of mankind. When will the nations stop their unrest? When will man no longer lift up the sword for battle? I tell you that it will go on until I return. But until then, nation will take up the sword against nation, and the blood will run deep. "
"I tell you that this recent development with Iraq will not just be a skirmish, but it will be a full blown-out war. Do you think that I care not for all people? I care for those who have become corrupted even by the demise of world dominion, but shouting and having diplomatic relations with a tiger, comes to no avail. So, when all the other resources have been used up the only one left is war. But what will be left after the dust settles? What kind of country and what kind of people will be left? Out of the ashes and out of the desolation, will come yet another ruler. Beware, for at that time, one will promise peace. With smooth lips and a golden tongue, he will promise many things. He will be raised up above other men; and because of his office and because of his position, he will dole out lands, and treaties and promises. "
"So watch as the wind changes, and prepare yourselves for a secure habitation. Run to your high towers and give yourselves to prayer. "

Stephen Hanson
"THE WORLD WILL BE SHAKEN, BUT YOU WILL FIND REST IN ME"

Sept. 15, 2002
2PE 3:3 First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. [4] They will say, "Where is this `coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." [5] But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. [6] By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. [7] By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
[6] You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. [7] Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. [8] All these are the beginning of birth pains. Matt. 24

"It is here.....It is here, says the Lord; the times that I have mentioned in my word. The times of travail are upon us. I have held back my hand for a long time waiting for all who might come unto Me. The signs are everywhere and are all around you. If you do not see them then you have grown accustomed to them. When you hear about cyber chips being planted under your skin then you know that these things are upon you. When you hear about the Pledge of Alligance and the Ten Commandments being questioned in your schools then you know that this time is near. When you see the collapse of governments and the formation under the cause of Al Qaida, then you know that these things are forming."
"Under the last few years and decades, these things have been forming, but just recently they have come to the forefront. Everything that can be shaken will be shaken. So, what do you do when you see the world around you coming apart and going into chaos? You keep your feet firmly planted in my word and you listen to that still small voice that is in you. I don't want my children to be caught off guard when these things happen. I want them to be prepared and to be ready."
"In these last days scoffers will abound at every corner. They will question my return. The very elect will be deceived into thinking that life goes on as usual. But my travail that is coming upon the earth, is meant to be "a wake-up call." Know that things will get worse around you. The world is in a state of unrest until my return. But even as the world goes on as usual, and gets worse and worse, my Spirit will lead my children unto places of rest and will keep them under the shelter of my wing. "
"Be assured that there will be many new developments in the Middle East this year. Be assured that this war that is impending upon the horizon will soon strike. Be assured that your world will be shaken. But even as it is shaken you will find rest in Me."

Stephen Hanson
"UNDER THE CAUSE OF FREEDOM OR MY CAUSE"?

Sept. 14, 2002
3] For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. [4] The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
LK 14:31 "Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? [32] If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. [33] In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.

"A war is upon the way. A war is impending upon the horizon. Those things that are being entered into with Iraq will be brought to the forefront. The lion has entered your streets. You will see the fire and you will see the smoke as it is portrayed upon your screens. It is right to rid the world of the evil of this man and this regime. For too long things have gone on. It is true that for the time I have stayed my hand for a moment. Your borders had been entered into with the tragedy that came just over a year ago. I saw, and I have seen, a great spirit enter into the hearts of the American people. It has been the cause of American freedom. It banded many of you together under this cause. It unified many of you. But I say that there is even a greater cause. It is right to believe what your flag stands for, but it is even greater to believe in what I stand for. I am a God that stands for freedom. I am a God that stands for justice---but you cannot have a cause without a belief in the Creator."
"The drums roll and the music plays....But what song is the music as you enter into this new cause? There is the song of the Republic, and there is the song that your forefathers sang as they came to this new land. But will this new song be a dirge or will there be triumph? I say that it is not wise to enter into these things quickly. If my people will enter into prayer and will join together concerning this impending war, then I will listen. But if it is just a cause for the sake of a cause and for freedom, then you have entered into battle without my counsel."
"You will see the smoke rise and you will see kingdoms topple. But evil cannot be entirely vanquished. You cannot get rid of evil with a single ruler. For as one falls another springs up. It is true that my kingdom will endure forever. It is also true that you will see wars and hear of wars until my return. It is also true that my saints will shine like the lights in the heavens. But it is also true that with the increasing light there will be increasing darkness. "
"The real fight, as you know well, is not with an earthly leader, but it is with the deceiver. For he has deceived the hearts of many, and he has corrupted certain leaders into believing that they are all-powerful. This battle and this war, if you choose to enter into it, will effect the lives of many. 'As one domino falls, so does the whole stack.' "
"So, lift up your hands, my people. and intercede for this cause. Do not merely join together under the flag of your nation, but join together under my banner."

Stephen Hanson
"TAKE CARE OF YOUR FEET"

Sept. 8, 2002
[15] and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. Eph. 6
JN 13:12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. [13] "You call me `Teacher' and `Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. [14] Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. [15] I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. [16] I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. [17] Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

(The Lord showed me two feet of someone. They appeared to be a man's feet. As I looked down upon them I noticed that someone was washing each of these feet. They carefully took a cloth and wiped the dust off and cleaned the feet and ankles of this person.)
Then He said: "This is what I want my people to be doing more than anything else."
(Again the Lord showed me a pair of feet. This time the person was wearing a type of sandal that was leather and seemed to be pretty sturdy. I noticed them as they walked. Then the Lord had me focus in and look at each of these feet. I looked at the toes and some of them were split and bleeding. The back of the heel was cut and was red. All along the sides of the foot there were calluses and the foot was rough in appearance.)
"These people have shared the gospel with many people. Their feet are worn and tired from the journey. They have shared their lives with them; but they have gone about this alone. They need others to serve them. They need others to wash their feet. I have asked you to shod your feet with the gospel of peace, but your feet have grown weary in service of this. Return to Me and I will comfort those wounds, says the Lord. Share the gospel but don't walk long in your journeys back to Me. The ground may be uneven at times, but I can make straight paths for your feet. Walk as I have called you to, but learn to rest in my presence as well. "

Stephen Hanson

WHAT IS THE TRUTH"

Sept. 7, 2002
JN 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
JN 14:15 "If you love me, you will obey what I command. [16] And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-- [17] the Spirit of truth.
JN 18:38 "What is truth?" Pilate asked...
JN 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. [7] If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."

(The Spirit of the Lord showed me a ring that was suspended in the air. I looked at it as it hovered in front of me and noticed its shape and beauty. It was spinning around and around, and from side to side. It would rise up and "shake" and I then noticed that it had various designs on it.)
The Lord then said:
"This ring is not actually a ring, but it is a "band of truth." This ring represents my truth that has been established in my word. You will notice that this ring is very beautiful. My word and the truth that is established in it, is a very beautiful thing. There are no impurities or marks upon this ring. It shines and rises. Study my word and you will find the truth that has been hidden for ages. What has become of truth? I will tell you. The truth has been replaced by a lie. The enemy has deceived many into thinking that the truth is something that you can become as a person. It is a very subtle lie. I am the way the TRUTH and the LIFE. There is no truth that can be found other than in my son, Jesus Christ. Many have been deceived into believing this lie."
(The Spirit of the Lord again showed me the ring. It was very beautiful. As I watched it, I noticed that it began to spin again. It was spinning in mid air and then I saw several people with their hands and arms raised as if to reach it. The ring then came spinning down and wound around them. They were safe and secure in this ring. I then noticed a strange thing. When the ring came down around them, each of these people then entered into the ring itself. They seemed to enter into another world which the ring itself was. The scene then changed and I saw many people who were seated at desks as if in a classroom studying. At each of their desks they had a book open and they were searching for something. On the pages of each of these books, and on the computer screens that were on their desks, I saw the word TRUTH there. Each of these people were seaching for this word and what the word actually meant. None of them seemed to be able to find it in their searches. I heard, "Man has searched for ages about what is the meaning of life.")
"My people, what will you do with the TRUTH that I have given you? It is established in my word. Speak the TRUTH. Believe the TRUTH, and share the TRUTH."

Stephen Hanson
"WHO IS THE GIVER OF YOUR GIFTS?"

Aug. 31, 2002
EPH 4:7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. [8] This is why it says: "When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men."
EPH 2:19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, [20] built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. [21] In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. [22] And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

"Where is the church headed and where has it been going? Over the last few months and year, new plateaus have been reached. New alliances have been formed. New alliances have been formed between apostles and prophets. Strategic plans have been made for cities. Strategic plans have been made for regions. My church is being built upon the foundation of my apostles and prophets. But with this new wave of apostolic and prophetic strategy, what has happened to the Chief Cornerstone? Are we looking at the building, or are we looking at who formed the building?"
"Prophets, remember who gives you the words that you speak. Apostles, remember who formed these strategic plans within you. You are building as a master builder would but oftentimes, you are forgetting the Master. Remember as always, that I am the only HEAD of the church. While there may be many appointed leaders in your churches and in your councils, they have not always been set into place by Me. I have called you all to live at peace with each other. You are not to prefer one above the other. You are not to prefer apostles over prophets. You are not to prefer prophets over pastors. Each have their place, and each have their function. Apostles, you are not the head over your fellow prophets, but you are to work side-by-side as a team. You are to effectively work together. For you are both gifted in certain areas and you are both lacking in certain areas. Find out what each of you brings to the table. While you are both gifted in certain areas, you do not hold the only "key" to that door. You may ask your fellow prophet or apostle how the key turns at times. You may learn from each other. You may even learn from each other even in the areas that you are an expert in. In the final analysis, I hold the answers to these questions."
"So, use your gifts accordingly as I have called you to, but they are not "exclusively" your own. And finally, remember that I am the giver of the gifts. I am the giver of your ascension gifts, and I set each man and woman where I want them to be."

Stephen Hanson
"TAKE ON MY IMAGE"

Aug. 24, 2002
HEB 2:10 In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering.
[4] We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Rom. 6

"What is the image that you portray of Me, says the Lord? Do you portray a suffering servant? For I came that all that would believe in Me might have eternal life; but I came and suffered that you might have life. I have also asked that you would suffer with Me. For I have given that you might die with Me in order that you would be raised with Me. But what is it that must die? Surely, it is not your new life with Me that must die. Again, I say, I came that you might have life and to have it more abundantly. Is the abundant life not filled with dying unto self? What is abundance? Is abundance a thing that is constantly "having" something and not "losing" something? You must die in order that you might live. "
"But when you suffer do you suffer for righteousness sake? Are you despised and ridiculed because you bear the name of the cross? I say that surely, there are some of you that do this. Surely, there are trials and sufferings that you bear as one would live out this life. Surely, there are woes that come upon someone as they live out this life. As it has been said, "The rain falls upon the just and the unjust." But I as your heavenly Father send showers of blessings to all."
"Let your identity be as one who has suffered and yet is being raised unto new life in Me. Identify with the things that I suffered for you. Identify with those things that I bore for you on the cross. Now, realize that ALL of them have been nailed to that cross--but you still deal with them because of your humanity. It is a process of dying unto self and being brought again unto new life."
"But take on my image. Identify with Me in death and in life. Then you will be sons and daughters of the Most High."

Stephen Hanson
"SURELY THERE ARE WOMEN WHO CAN LEAD"

Aug. 17, 2002
GAL 3:26 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, [27] for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. [28] There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. [29] If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

"What has become of the women that are in the church? I tell you that a new wave is hitting the church. For too long women have been pushed aside. For too long a man has run the show. It is true that I have placed man to be the head of the house, but too many men have lorded this over with the women in their lives. This is a serious matter. It is true that I have called men to be the spiritual leaders in their home. I have called many women to stand side-by-side with the great leaders of men in the church. In Christ there is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female. There is a certain gift and a certain trait that both male and female possess, and that is the ability to worship Me in spirit and in truth. But there is a false teaching in the church. This teaching says that a woman may not teach or lead over other men. This has been misunderstood. This has been misapplied. I want there to be women teachers. I want there to be women pastors. I want there to be women apostles and prophets, and evangelists. Look to your roots and tell me if there hasn't been any women leaders in the church? Tell Me that there was never a Deborah. Tell Me that there was never an Esther."
"I tell you that the church is not just man's building, but it is mine. Don't hold so tightly to your traditions that you won't see my spirit moving in this. I tell you that the applecart will be turned over; and you will see that I make no preferences. "
"Continue to be the leaders in your homes, men. Continue to do what I've called you to do. Continue to stand and fight and wage war against the enemy in your lives. But allow women to stand side-by-side with you in the battle. Continue to pastor your church. Continue to lead in whatever capacity I've called you to lead, but watch as I raise up women in leadership roles. Then surely, my church will come to fullness."

Stephen Hanson