Table Of ContentUnderstanding the Signs of the Times
By Os Hillman
...men of Issachar, who understood the times an d knew what Israel should do--200 chiefs,
with all their relatives under their command...1 Chronicles 12:32
The last four years we have seen unprecedented changes in our world and nation as a result of
the worldwide recession. We are reminded of how fragile our economy is and how much of an
impact the United States has on other economies.
We have seen the symptoms of a political process in our nation that has revealed a huge void in
leadership. If there were ever a time we needed a Nehemiah “change agent” in our land to
rebuild our walls with a solid foundation, it is now.
The Bible encourages us to be “men of Isaachar, who understand the signs of the times.” It is
important to operate from an informed and balanced perspective on the events of our world. It
is easy to err on either side of this fence.
Joseph was a man in whom God revealed the signs of his time and what he was to do. He was
even called to warn an ungodly king of what was coming because God cared for the people.
I have had the privilege to be connected to many worldwide leaders and receive updates on
information from various sources. I have relationships at high levels related to economic issues.
This has helped me gain clarity and decipher what is sound wisdom and discernment about the
current times we live.
I want to share some of what I am hearing, seeing and discerning about where our economy is
right now and what God might be saying through these events. I will do this by sharing my
personal insights and the insights from others I trust, but ultimately, you must seek God to
draw your own conclusions.
I am also connected to several spiritual leaders in our nation and in the world. It has been
helpful to read and listen to what they are hearing and how consistent the word is regarding
the spiritual interpretation of these events.
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There is a perfect storm brewing that I believe is leading to a worldwide economic tsunami. I
know, those are very strong words. Here we go again – another “doom and gloom” voice. But
somebody has to say it; in hopes the Church and society at large will wake up and get ready.
There is a huge OPPORTUNITY heading our way; but you must be prepared to take advantage of
it.
That perfect storm involves five world events that are converging:
1) The US debt crisis
2) The Euro debt crisis
3) An aging baby-boomer who is no longer spending money
4) A judgment of mammon by God
5) An inevitable military strike coming against Iran from Israel
Learning from Joseph
Joseph had a dream from God that said a famine was on its way and God was merciful to even
warn an ungodly king to let him know it was coming so that he could prepare and save two
nations from starvation. That sounds like a merciful warning and a strategy given by God to
prepare for something that was not going to be averted because of any prayers.
Now don’t get me wrong. Prayer IS important. God desires we intercede for our nation. I
believe He wants to give you His perspective on things and wants to still be your Jehovah-Jireh,
your provider, in this season. God is so faithful that if He needs to feed you by the ravens like he
did with Elijah, he can still do that. So that is where your faith must remain, regardless of world
events.
The Bible clearly teaches us that God gives us solutions and strategies for living our life, no
matter the circumstance. After all, there is no problem that God has not already got an answer
for if we ask Him for it. This will not be any different, but it will require you to have a genuine
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faith that is not rooted in principles or natural reasoning. The bar is going up. And you will have
to rise to stay above the fray.
The Media
The news media is not giving us the real facts on the seriousness of the economic conditions
that are quickly unraveling and headed our way. Let me give you some hard facts of the perfect
storm that is brewing.
The US debt and the European debt is now far beyond the ability for political leaders to solve. It
is that simple. They have kicked this can down the road so many times it is now going uphill and
about to roll back over them in the form of a massive debt boulder. We’re looking at a
worldwide economic reset with many nations, starting with several European nations that will
default on their debt obligations. America will have its own problems to deal with as well.
(Please watch Hal Mason video on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EW5IdwltaAc)
The current crisis in America is the result of a fractured foundation
The current crisis in America is the result of a foundation that is rooted in mammon, greed and
overuse of debt. As such, that foundation will not be able to stand. It is a simple reality that
whatever you sow you also reap. It is a time to understand that we cannot be a debtor nation
or be individuals strapped by debt and maintain a solid foundation. Heavy debt is a ball and
chain around the neck of individuals and nations and it eventually comes to roost when inflated
bubbles burst.
The scripture clearly says that “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the
lender” (Prov 22:7). I have followed this principle in our ministry, using almost no debt to
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operate. I do not believe the Bible teaches against business debt, just the overuse of it. The rule
is that the more you use credit, the more you become enslaved to the lender. There are some
businesses that must use debt to operate, but when it comes to our personal lives, we should
strive to become debt-free as much as possible. He who owns the gold rules.
Europe – There are a few trusted economists I follow that know the reality of our dire situation.
John Mauldin is one of them. He said in a recent letter: “Europe is going to end in tears. The
longer they keep piling up debt, the worse it will be. Their choices are Disaster A and Disaster B.
Try to avoid both and you get Super Disaster C. Change is coming to Europe. One way or
another, a new order and a new balance will be forced upon them. Either a fiscal union or
break-up. They have kicked the proverbial can down the road until it will roll no more. You can
feel the Bang! moment arriving. This is the Endgame.”
Several nations are on life support right now including Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Spain –
“PIGS” is an acronym used to refer to these four nations. France, which has the largest banks
and economy, is said to be the next in line following these nations.
Financial analyst Nick Guarino observed in his August 2 newsletter stated about whether
proposed solutions were having a positive impact: “Reality is, nothing can bail out Greece,
never mind Spain, Italy and France. All hell is about to explode in the world economy and
financial system.”
Take a look at this slide prepared by Weiss Financial. It shows the condition of 19 nations that
are in severe trouble.
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US – Another trusted voice that I believe understands what is going on is Harry Dent. Harry is a
Harvard economist. I went to high school with Harry. In Harry’s July newsletter he cited:
Of course when you combine this ‘demo-economic’ reality with everything else
happening with the economy: unprecedented debt levels (both personal and at all levels
of government), currency unrest, shifting economic power bases… and the fact that
we’re at the tail end of one of the greatest technological eras not seen since the
industrial revolution, it paints a troubling picture for the years ahead…
Some would believe that we are heading toward recovery. However, Harry is quick to point out
that this is a false recovery.
Many investors will make the mistake of thinking this downturn is temporary that the
markets will roar back after some heroic government fixes, just like in 2009.But this time
it won’t happen. QE3 will drain the government dry of money, the printing presses will
run out of ink, and long term interest rates will keep rising in response to irresponsible
stimulus. Week after week the markets will wind down… falling through the 11,000
mark…Below 10,000, then 9,000, 8,000… to 6,440 – where it’s likely to rally briefly…
before ultimately dropping to as low as 3,300… all between 2013 and late 2015, with the
greatest danger and crash likely in early 2013..
We are a nation in huge debt.
• 14 trillion in government debt…
• 17 trillion in leveraged banking and financial services debt…
• 11 trillion in corporate debt…
An incredible $14 trillion in consumer debt; mortgages, car loans, credit cards…$56 trillion in
total debt – and that doesn’t include the estimated $46 trillion in unfunded liabilities for
Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security, according to the U.S. Treasury. The best experts
outside of the government estimate those unfunded liabilities to be more like $66 trillion.
It all adds up to $102 trillion to $122 trillion in debt …
Or about $330,000 to $400,000 for every man, woman and child in America!
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source: HarryDent.com
Aging Baby-boomer = Less Spending and an Economic Slowdown
Contributing to the perfect storm is the aging of the baby-boomers and the implications from
this. Harry Dent explains that “our peak spending ages – the period in our lives when we tend
to have the most disposable income and “treat” ourselves to cars, gadgets and so on –is
between 46 and 50. Between 46 and 50 spending habits tend to change dramatically. We see
retirement not far off and make a concerted effort to save, while our spending needs decline
with our kids leaving the nest. We retire at 63 (on average) and tend to have our greatest net
worth at 64 – cash, investments and assets we’ve set aside to live from.
The largest group of the baby boom generation is made up of people born within a 25-year
window between 1937 and 1961. The Baby Boomer generation was no ordinary generation –
peaking at nearly 5 million births per year between 1955 and 1959. The greatest economic
boom in US history was pretty much “preordained” to have begun around 1983 as the first of
the boomers entered their peak spending years (1937 plus 46 years)… and started to tail off
after 2007 with the last of them (1961 plus 46 years).”
Thus, part of the perfect storm is the aging baby-boomer generation that is no longer in their
spending years, further contributing to a weak economy now combined with a worldwide debt
crisis which only compounds the situation.
Dent explains that history tells us that the most severe downturns and depressions have three
phases.
1. A severe crash, like we saw in late 2007 to early 2009 – when the Dow fell 55%, from
14,280 down to 6,440.
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2. That’s followed by a bear market rally, spurred by renewed economic from government
stimulus. That’s where we are now.
3. The third phase is a final crash and deeper depression, and a deflationary phase that
lasts a few years.
In essence, this is when the global reset button gets pushed.
The Iniquity of the Amorites
One respected spiritual mentor and world marketplace leader sees the current crisis as a time
of coming into a maturity of a judgment from God on mammon and greed in society worldwide
that goes all the way back to the original formation of currency. He equates this to the time
when God caused the people of Israel to be freed and ushered into the Promised Land to judge
the Amorites. The iniquity of the Amorites had come to maturity and God was now judging the
Amorites through the nation of Israel.
Could we now be entering a modern-day “Amorites” judgment in the world? In Genesis 15 God
mentions the judgment of the Amorites, when He told Abraham that his seed would go into
exile in Egypt for 400 years, and then would come out, with God’s help, to destroy the Amorites
and possess the land.
“Amorite”, derives its name from Martu, and refers to a demon god who made claim to be the
god of universe. Amurru and Martu are names given in Akkadian and Sumerian texts to the god
of the Amorite/Amurru people, often forming part of personal names. He was the patron god
of the Mesopotamian city of Ninab, whose exact location is unknown. The first money was
dedicated to this god. Amurru’s root name also means “solar golden calf”.
Another 400 Year Landmark
We are also at another interesting landmark time period in our world. As I said, it was 400 years
before God brought Israel into the Promised Land through the initiation of the judgment of the
Amorites. We find ourselves in a similar 400 year time period from the birth of many interesting
things.
Four hundred years ago in Amsterdam, the following took place:
• The first multi-national company was birthed in 1602
• The very first national bank was birthed
• The first stock exchange was birthed
• The first, First Baptist church was born in a time of great speculation
The first multinational company in the world was the East Indian Company formed in 1602. The
enterprise was the world’s first to be owned by investors through the issuance of stock equity.
For almost 200 years the Dutch East India Company paid a dividend to shareholders of 18%.
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This was the most valuable enterprise in the world at that time. The success of this business
model made tiny Holland the richest state on earth. They pioneered the use of letters of credit,
bills of lading and receivable financing. These, and many other finance mechanisms created by
the Dutch, enabled this tiny kingdom to enjoy status as one of the world’s great colonial powers
while much larger nations stumbled and declined.
For 200 years the Dutch East India Company was the international gold standard for corporate
governance, performance and profitability. To this very day, the trade routes, trading terms and
conditions, and marketing techniques perfected by Dutch merchants are in use. This
entrepreneurial nation is an example that modern states can study to learn the massive positive
possibilities inherent in creating open trading systems.i
Weighed down by corruption in the late 18th century, the Company went bankrupt and was
formally dissolved in 1800, its possessions and the debt being taken over by the government of
the Dutch Batavian Republic. The VOC's territories became the Dutch East Indies and were
expanded over the course of the 19th century to include the whole of the Indonesian
archipelago, and in the 20th century would form Indonesia.ii
Have we come to a point in world history where God is saying, “Enough is enough” and He is
now judging the financial systems of the world similar to the 400 year time with Amorites? I am
not a prophet, but we certainly see a shaking throughout the world. The judgment of the
Amorites ushered in the people of God to take the land. Regardless of whether this is true, I do
believe this is ushering in a time when the Church can make the greatest impact on the culture
if we press into God during this season.
Libor: Just when we thought bankers might change their ways
Bankers were in the news again in July for major integrity breaches. This time it was in England.
LIBOR are initials that stand for London InterBank Offered Rate. It is the rate that is based on
what 16 banks based in London (some are US banks) tell Thomson Reuters they expect to pay
for overnight loans (and other longer loans). Thomson Reuters throws out the highest four
numbers and the lowest four numbers and then gives us an average of the rest. Then that
averaged number becomes about 150 other “rates,” from overnight to one year and in
different currencies. The key is that the number is not what the banks actually paid for loans,
it’s what they expect to pay. The British Banking Association, on its official website, calls this
price “fixing.” They were found manipulating rates.
Economist John Mauldin concludes about the LIBOR scandal: “One of the very real problems we
face is the growing feeling that the system is rigged against regular people in favor of “the
bankers” or the 1%. And if we are honest with ourselves, we have to admit there is reason for
that feeling. Things like LIBOR are structured with a very real potential for manipulation. When
the facts come out, there is just one more reason not to trust the system. And if there is no
trust, there is no system.
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God says He will Shake the Foundations
God said in Hebrews 12, “See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape
who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from
Him who speaks from heaven, whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised,
saying, ‘Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.” Now this, ‘Yet once more,’
indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the
things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which
cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and
godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.” (Heb. 12:25-29).
A Spiritual Viewpoint on the Economy and World
Three prophetic voices I know see this as a time God is ushering in His Josephs and it will be a
period of great growth and opportunity for the Church at large to provide solutions to world
problems, like Joseph. I agree with this. I believe many, like me, have been trained by our
Joseph process in the 90s. Then, in 2008 a new crop of Josephs came into their training period.
They are learning to live on manna. Now, another new crop is in training. God is preparing us to
be problem solvers in culture. Believers will begin to influence the cultural mountains more
than at any other time in history. God is elevating many currently within the 7 cultural
mountains of influence.
One voice speaks that these economic challenges will redefine our relationship with God and
correct many false beliefs we have had toward God as Father, as our provider.
My friend explained to me that the financial markets make up 93% of the worldwide GDP and
only 7% of this is from services and industry. “We are living in a hot air balloon that can burst at
any time,” he said.
Many will have to trust God more than they ever have during this season. This is not a time to
instill fear and begin hoarding resources but make Godly preparation, to use the same wisdom
of Joseph to understand the signs of the times, and to avoid debt and seek the Lord more fully
to understand His plans to experience His greater power in your life to impact the world.
Jesus is returning for a mature bride. Before Jesus returns we can expect a shaking to come.
Spiritual maturity rarely comes through prosperity and ease. Paul tells us in Ephesians that
Jesus will come back for a mature bride, not a bride that is immature, which is currently where
the Church is today.
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he
might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to
himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be
holy and without blemish (Ephesians 5:25-27).
Year of Jubilee
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In Leviticus 25 we discover a principal God established for the people of Israel related to debt. It
is called the year of Jubilee. God commanded Israel to declare the year of Jubilee every 50
years. The following three things were to occur in the year of Jubilee:
1) One all debt was to be canceled or forgiven
2) To all slaves were to go free
3) Three all property was to be given back to the original owner
God seemed to know that human beings will always use more debt than they can handle. So, as
a result, God commanded Israel to declare a national debt purge every 50 years to reset the
debt cycle. If this doesn't happen voluntarily, then often what happens is that individuals and
nations become overly indebted and bankruptcies and foreclosures are a result. This is exactly
what happened in the Great Depression in the 1930s.
And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land
to all its inhabitants. It shall be a Jubilee for you; and each of you shall return to his
possession, and each of you shall return to his family. That fiftieth year shall be a Jubilee
to you; in it you shall neither sow nor reap what grows of its own accord, nor gather the
grapes of your untended vine. For it is the Jubilee; it shall be holy to you; you shall eat
its produce from the field. ‘In this Year of Jubilee, each of you shall return to his
possession. And if you sell anything to your neighbor or buy from your neighbor’s hand,
you shall not oppress one another. According to the number of years after the Jubilee
you shall buy from your neighbor, and according to the number of years of crops he
shall sell to you. According to the multitude of years you shall increase its price, and
according to the fewer number of years you shall diminish its price; for he sells to you
according to the number of the years of the crops. Therefore you shall not oppress one
another, but you shall fear your God; for I am the LORD your God. ‘So you shall observe
My statutes and keep My judgments, and perform them; and you will dwell in the land
in safety. Then the land will yield its fruit, and you will eat your fill, and dwell there in
safety. ‘And if you say, “What shall we eat in the seventh year, since we shall not sow
nor gather in our produce?” Then I will command My blessing on you in the sixth year,
and it will bring forth produce enough for three years. And you shall sow in the eighth
year, and eat old produce until the ninth year; until its produce comes in, you shall eat
of the old harvest. ‘The land shall not be sold permanently, for the land is Mine; for you
are strangers and sojourners with Me. And in all the land of your possession you shall
grant redemption of the land. ‘If one of your brethren becomes poor, and has sold some
of his possession, and if his redeeming relative comes to redeem it, then he may redeem
what his brother sold. Or if the man has no one to redeem it, but he himself becomes
able to redeem it, then let him count the years since its sale, and restore the remainder
to the man to whom he sold it, that he may return to his possession. But if he is not able
to have it restored to himself, then what was sold shall remain in the hand of him who
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Description:Amurru and Martu are names given in Akkadian and Sumerian texts to the god the world's first to be owned by investors through the issuance of stock equity. For almost 200 years the Dutch East India Company paid a dividend to
