Monday, April 1, 2013

Dr. Tamara Winslow's April 2013 Newsletter

THE DRAMA OF TRAUMA: EXPOSING THE END TIMES ENEMY OF REVIVAL- MOAB (Part One)
Copyright Tamara Winslow © 2013

Luke 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26  Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

He sat there stunned, incapacitated by the overwhelming daily bombardment of contradictory information presented him. The accumulation of the news of repeated traumatic events was having its pernicious way. So there, attempting to retreat in his safe, comfortable living room, surrounded by his books, newspapers, and television, he was mute. The copious materials he’d read, the rumors he’d been hearing, and the images he’d become familiar with, were simply too much to take in. News commentaries contradicted each other depending on which network they were aired by. Statistics varied depending on which source the reporters and researchers deemed to be accurate. Which one was right, if any? Who was giving the fair explanation for the bigger picture of world events? Was anything trustworthy? Then, there was the weather. Even though he was positive that climatic change was cyclical, he was distressed by the increase of super storms pummeling his nation. Was there a connection, a sign of judgment, or was it part of a larger climactic scheme that interchanges every 100 years or so? There was evidence that pointed to that. But was it more than that? On top of it all he’d lost his job, experienced the deaths of numerous loved ones and suffered from intense relationship conflicts. He was battle weary and he was thinking.

He puzzled over how various Christian leaders predicted impending doom and judgment, while others promised prosperity and foretold wonderful things, even a mighty revival. His friends talked about controversial conspiracies as if they knew for certain what was happening. Yet, when he questioned their specific information, they would robotically quote statistics from the data of the groups they unquestionably followed. Some people pointed fingers at the government leaders blaming them for everything from the economy to the weather. Others believed the government would solve the massive problems. If one thing was obvious, it was that the lines were being drawn and sides were being taken based on convictions, values, belief systems and most of all fear. There was so much to consider, and yet, there was no way to nail down the truth of what was genuinely going on because so many things seemed hidden in the shadows of endless, pointless discussion. It seemed that the masses were tense with uncertainty. So as he sat there, pondering the immense obscurity that troubled him, he discerned an insidious, mocking terror lurking nearby ready to pounce at any moment. He could not yield to it. But he also felt like he was too weak and incapable of fighting what he did not understand. Maybe it would be best to just give in. But one thing he was convinced of. All the information, the statistics and the forecasts, was gradually paralyzing him. Even if he knew what to do, fear was trying to disable him.

Looking at this as an outsider, you can easily surmise that he’s been traumatized by the repetitive painful assaults he’s undergone. But what could he do? Sadly, this man is one of millions in the very same condition. Yet, few, if any, realize that something very unusual and ancient is preparing to emerge upon the scene fulfilling prophetic declaration by the prophet Jeremiah. Accompanying its advent, a drama of traumatic fear is resolute to overcome all believers for the purpose of restraining revival and cancelling all godly progress. It’s my hope to expose this thing for what it is, how it works and what’s necessary to conquer it. But for now, I want you to consider this. A drama of trauma is at work in the earth designed to batter humankind into an ingrown submissive state by using all manner of recurring heart breaks and worrisome conditions. We need to know what’s going on and why it’s so significant.

Jer 48:46 Woe be unto thee, O Moab! the people of Chemosh perisheth: for thy sons are taken captives, and thy daughters captives. 47 Yet will I bring again the captivity of Moab in the latter days, saith the LORD. Thus far is the judgment of Moab. KJV
Jer 48:46 Woe to you, O Moab! The people of [the god] Chemosh are undone; for your sons are taken away captive and your daughters into captivity. 47 Yet will I reverse the captivity and restore the fortunes of Moab in the latter days, says the Lord. Thus far is the judgment on Moab. AMP

Many years ago, as I was studying the subject of things pertaining to the End Times, I discovered an unusual prophetic statement in Jeremiah that intrigued me, because it made no sense. Jeremiah prophesied that the captivity and fortunes of Moab will be restored in the latter days. This doesn’t seem logical because, naturally speaking, Moab is no longer a geographic nation or people group. It just doesn’t exist. Yet, God said Moab’s bondage will be annulled and his fortunes restored. How can this possibly be?

After over 20 years of examining this, and having considered dozens of respected theological commentaries, I’ve come the conclusion that no one really knows what this means. Their opinions are as varied as the colors in creation. I believe that this subject begs to be explained with revelation and intelligence, so to help you see what’s potentially happening here.

In recent years, as tensions about world circumstances have increased, I’ve observed a swelling, cloaked spirit of fear overcoming believers. Furthermore, there is a growing rate of daily, life-damaging traumas occurring in individual lives that are producing some very disconcerting postures that shouldn’t be ignored. As prophetic messages emerge, especially the ones that forecast doom because of sin and carrying God’s judgment, whether they be right or wrong, a mixed sort of reactions is being expressed by believers from the wide breadth of the Church. Some of these attitudes are good and healthy. But there is a multitude that are not. For example, when an untrained believer hears about inevitable judgment, national destruction, economic collapse etc, and that person doesn’t have a stable relationship with God, or doesn’t possess an understanding of the foundational doctrines of the faith, then an unhealthy form of traumatizing fear develops. This type of fear is not same thing as the fear or awe of the Lord (See www.tamarawinslow.com -Newsletter Archives with the articles on the Fear of the Lord.) The fear that results from wrongly interpreting and reacting to doomsday messages magnifies the problems. It then becomes conspiratorially-oriented and eventually loses any forward positive momentum to generate things born through faith in God and His word. Because of this, there is a manner of fatalism developing within many believers that results in unproductivity. Persons, so driven, acquiesce to anything that they interpret as God’s judgment on sin, through doom or catastrophic circumstances. They ignorantly believe “whatever will be will be” according to their understanding of God. Because of this, and the pattern that follows, they become ingrown, selfish, and more serious about the problems than they are about knowing God. Consequently, they don’t activate faith to try to bring about positive change. It’s a downward spiral once it begins, but like judgment, it can be delayed, or avoided entirely, if there is understanding as to what to do and how to react.

So if God isn’t speaking about restoring the geographic nation of Moab, or its extinct people, what is He addressing?

In studying “Moab”, you won’t grasp the subject entirely until you realize that Moab comprises four different things. First of all, it’s the name of the incestuous son of Lot. Secondly, it refers to the land of Moab. Third, Moab is speaking of the people group or nation of Moab. And finally, the most challenging, Moab appears to be a demonic entity, possibly a principality, directly connected to last days events. If you take a look at Jeremiah 48 and tear it apart there are just too many places in the passage to ignore that distinguish Moab, the nation and people group, from what give the impression of a demonic being.

Moab is defined as several things, depending on which resource you look at. Its definition also infers some features that help us understand the characteristics of what is associated with Moab when it manifests. Moab’s name means “perhaps of my father” and “From father”, since he was born of Lot through an incestuous relation with the eldest daughter. We also need to take into account what Moab is associated with. Moab infers that which is incestuous, ingrown, and anything that breeds off itself rather than growing outward. Therefore, anything dominated by it eventually becomes ingrown, along with an unhealthy form of introspection. Keep this in mind when we look at the effects of Moab on evangelism and revival.

Threaded throughout the Scriptures pertaining to Moab, you’ll also discover that Moab is identified as both masculine and feminine genders. In most cases, when it’s referred to as feminine, it seems to be identified with the people or nation of Moab. However, when Moab is repeatedly addressed as he, him, or his it appears to be identifying a person or entity. Moab, the son of Lot, was long gone by the time these verses were written. So, it can’t be referring to him. It must be talking about a principality or entity. Besides, how can Moab howl for Moab, (Isa. 16:7) unless there are two distinguishable identities here? (See the references below)
Num 21:29 Woe to thee, Moab! thou art undone, O people of Chemosh: he hath given his sons that escaped, and his daughters, into captivity unto Sihon king of the Amorites. KJ
                Isaiah 15:5 My heart shall cry out for Moab; his fugitives shall flee unto Zoar, an heifer of three years old: for by the mounting up of Luhith with weeping shall they go it up; for in the way of Horonaim they shall raise up a cry of destruction. KJV
 Isaiah 16:6 We have heard of the pride of Moab; he is very proud: even of his haughtiness, and his pride, and his wrath: but his lies shall not be so 7 Therefore shall Moab howl for Moab, every one shall howl: for the foundations of Kir-hareseth shall ye mourn; surely they are stricken. KJV
Jeremiah 48:11 Moab hath been at ease from his youth, and he hath settled on his lees, and hath not been emptied from vessel to vessel, neither hath he gone into captivity: therefore his taste remained in him, and his scent is not changed. KJV
                Jeremiah 48:15 Moab is spoiled, and gone up out of her cities, and his chosen young men are gone down to the slaughter, saith the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts. KJV
                Jeremiah 48:16 The calamity of Moab is near to come, and his affliction hasteth fast. KJV
                Jeremiah 48:25 The horn of Moab is cut off, and his arm is broken, saith the LORD. KJV
                Jeremiah 48:26 Make ye him drunken: for he magnified himself against the LORD: Moab also shall wallow in his vomit, and he also shall be in derision. KJV
                Jeremiah 48:29 We have heard the pride of Moab, (he is exceeding proud) his loftiness, and his arrogancy, and his pride, and the haughtiness of his heart.KJV
                Jeremiah 48:42 And Moab shall be destroyed from being a people, because he hath magnified himself against the LORD.KJV

I can’t say I understand why God told Jeremiah to forecast the return of Moab in the latter times. But, from what I’ve come to understand of what it can do and what it needs to function, I believe we would be unwise to dismiss it. Especially, when it could very well be a primary enemy determined to hinder revival.
So why the drama of trauma?

Even though we’ll spend more time examining Moab’s history, later on, you must understand one thing. Moab was generated out of extreme trauma. Therefore, in order for the entity, or principality, of Moab to re-develop a footing, trauma, extreme trauma, must be present in a region or people. The harrowing events of the judgment and destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah created an overwhelming of fear that provoked Lot’s single daughters to engage in incestuous relations with their father once he was intoxicated. Their trauma shaped such an intense fear that they did things that were unnatural and sinful.

Luke 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26  Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.


Jesus warned that in the Last Days before His return, whenever that is, men’s hearts would fail them because of fear. He foretold that, because of massive unsettling events, humanity would be perplexed and fall into a confounded state of shock. Moreover, the time before Jesus’ return will be punctuated with traumatic events affecting all levels of human existence. I’m not in dispute or agreement with all of the prophetic messages, both unsettling and positive, that are coming out in this day. However, I’m very concerned with the fruit that some of these messages generate. If we are not watchful and discerning about what we’re hearing and believing, we could easily fall prey to an overwhelming fear that develops out of being traumatized. Moab came into existence because of how three people reacted to traumatic events. We need to be aware of what we are about to see on a larger scale. I don’t know when Jesus is returning so I won’t step out and say we’re totally in the time He predicted. But I’d have to be blind not to recognize the increase of heart breaking events in the earth. These things, if not acknowledged for what they are, and what they can do, may very well contribute to an ingrown, self-seeking fearful Church. We need wisdom and understanding for this season. But let me leave you with this thought.

John the Baptist could be considered to be one of the most powerful revivalists prior to the establishment of the Church. His ministry ended, however, when he was imprisoned and beheaded by Herod. I find it extremely interesting, that the Baptist’s life ended in a prison located in what was formerly Moab. (Matt. 14:10) Could there be a spiritual precedent here? Does Moab kill revivalists in an attempt to prevent revival? I can’t help but wonder. It’s also thought-provoking when I read the account of Moab’s invasion of the region, once Elisha the prophet was dead. (2 Kings 13:20) Does a genuine movement of prophetic expression restrain Moab from operating? These are important questions needing answers.

As we journey through this significant topic I would challenge you. Assess your life and see if fear is dominating your expressions? Have you been repeatedly traumatized by painful, demanding events and situations that have caused you to turn inward, fearful of going forward, and reaching out? You may be dealing with Moab more than you realize. I hope you’ll take time to read the entirety of these articles as they come out so you can learn how to take your stand for God and live in the large manner He has called you to. We’re in a battle and if we do not recognize the enemy we are facing, we will not reap the harvest God desires for us to reap.

Due to the extensive dental work Dr. Winslow has been undergoing, she has not been traveling and ministering. Instead she has been spending the time at home recuperating, and when able, researching and writing new books, newsletter articles, blogging, composing music and doing the illustrations for her upcoming children’s books. She is in hopes to begin traveling again in June if she receives invitations to do so. But at this point in time the invitations are few. Dr. Winslow does not draw a salary or get a regular paycheck like the ministers and pastors of a local church setting. The way God has supplied for her financial income and needs has usually been through the meetings she does. In those services she generally, though not always, receives honorariums, and gains income from the sale of her products along with some sales from her website. Then, on occasion someone led by the Lord will send or wire a financial gift. Most people do not understand that this is how she operates. So if God would lay her on your heart during these quiet months to help her financially she would genuinely appreciate it. Thankfully the bills for the dental work are covered. But each daily need is by faith and any outside contribution is part of the walk of faith. Additionally, if God is leading you to invite her to speak at your church or conference please contact her through the email info@tamarawinslow.com and we will get back to you to see if something can be set up.

There are also several ministry equipment needs she is aiming to purchase or acquire. Those are as follows.

A new computer for recording her new music pieces in advance of going to the recording studio NEW WINE RECORDING AND MASTERING STUDIO in California. With this new computer she can pre-record a lot of the music before going to California and saving herself a great deal of money for each new project. The new computer will be used to exclusively run an upgrade PROTOOLS recording software program and music software that will help her arrange and put together top quality music.
The computer will cost between $2000- 2400 USD. The PROTOOLS software will cost $600. She also needs two instrument condenser microphones that can be purchased for $120 and one good quality vocal microphone that can be purchased for around $200.

FACEBOOK PUBLIC PAGE

Dr. Winslow started a Facebook Public Page on June 5, 2011 for the purpose of sharing short teachings and keeping people connected with what she is doing in the ministry. She now has over 240 followers and many readers from all over the world and it’s growing. If you are on Facebook and want to be more connected to what she is doing check her page out. One word of caution though. She doesn’t answer questions and dialogue on this page as it would take up her time away from other things she needs to be focusing on. The address is at https://www.facebook.com/Dr.TamaraWinslow


TRUTH THAT WORKS BLOG

Take some time and check out Dr. Winslow’s blog entitled TRUTH THAT WORKS. She posts regular longer teaching articles on her blog mostly about subjects related to biblical truth. If you enjoy her teachings become a follower and read what she is currently speaking pertaining to truth.

SCHEDULE

Dr. Tamara is scheduling, for the months of May onward. She is tentatively planning to be in Singapore, Canada and England this year, as well as several other locations in the US. Currently her confirmed schedule is as follows:

September 17th. Tuesday night service
CHURCH ON THE LIVING EDGE 
555 Markham Woods Road Longwood, Florida
Bishop/ Pastor Mark Chironna

Please be praying with her as she recovers from the dental work and plans her upcoming travel schedule. If you would like for Dr. Winslow to speak at your church, function or group, please contact her at her website and email her at info@tamarawinslow.com.