"Shaken, But Not Stirred"

Those were the words I heard. It wasn't "shaken, not stirred" like out of the 007 movies, but "shaken, but not stirred".
A couple of weeks ago I returned home from a day of deep sea fishing. I was standing in the kitchen cutting long strips (they fileted them at the dock in long sections) of fish into smaller, equal-sized sections for freezing and I was using a very sharp knife, so my full attention was on what I was doing as I don't do this that often. Very unexpectedly, I heard those words--shaken but not stirred--just as clear as if somebody behind me had spoken them. Even then I didn't pay rapt attention, but I did begin to wonder. It began to become clear, very quickly, that the Lord was speaking a short but precise word as he clarified the meaning of the phrase.

The Lord says that in this hour and season, He has called, beckoned, and even shaken His people in an attempt to get their full attention. An attention that has often been led astray from His voice and presence to the things, the carnal things, the ambitions and cares and the burdens and desires of this life. It is for that reason that many have endured times of trial and adversity and even of distress and discontentment. The Lord says that though this shaking is unsettling and upsetting, disturbing and disquieting for a season, it is for a greater good that He is shaking---to cause His people to stir. When one is stirred, they are aroused as if awakened from slumber or animated from apathy. God is shaking in this hour to stir his people as a spark ignites a fire. It is not uncharacteristic for God to shake His people for a time to produce a greater result. God is shaking to produce change---much needed change and growth. Some people have and are responding, but many have not and do not discern the times or even their own circumstances.

This word is predominantly for American Christianity. We, who have the greatest natural blessings and freedom in the world, need to use our circumstances, capabalities, resources, grace and liberty wisely (to whom much is given, much is required). Much of Christianity in the rest of the world is oppressed and persecuted, some even unto death, and it is sad to note that, at the same time, much (not all) of American Christianity is settled, complacent, and apathetic to the appeal, purpose, and moving of God's Spirit, having a form of godliness but denying the fullness of His Spirit and His power thereof.

After speaking this word to me, the Lord led me, during the next two days, to Jeremiah 48.11. It should be noted here that, when making wine, they would let it sit in one vessel or container until the impurities (which cause bitterness of taste) would settle to the bottom, and then they would pour it off in the next container to allow more impurities (lees and dregs) to settle and be separated. The verse is actually about the unrighteous nation of Moab and reads as follows:
Moab has been at ease from his youth
He has settled on his dregs
And has not not been emptied from vessel to vessel.
Nor has he gone into captivity (exile or removal)
Therefore his taste remained in him
And his scent has not changed.
Obviously, this verse was called to my attention for spiritual interpretation and application (I don't know anybody named Moab). The Lord is saying that many have not stirred. Many have been shaken but have only settled on their dregs or given in to their circumstances. They have not allowed themselves to be poured from vessel to vessel and yet remain in their negative positions and old ways (their taste and scent remain unchanged), and so have not yielded to the prompting, moving and redisposition of the Spirit for purity and clarity. God is wanting to stir us to a deeper walk followed and accompanied by a greater anointing , blessings, and responsibility resulting in a more abundant life and harvest.
This word may initially sound negatively alarming to some. And yet it is, if it is unheeded in one's life as it applies. However, God loves those he chastens or shall we say pours from vessel to vessel for positive change. If heeded by the necessary hearing ears, it is a positive message and a good word in season, for as it is written---Eyes has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God (I Cor. 2.9-10).

Please send all comments to watchlinecomments@comcast.net