THE MINISTRY
LETTER 2007 ISSUE 2
To all
handmaidens and bondservants of the Lord Jesus Christ:
EQUALITY IN CHRIST
We
are all equal in the eyes of the Father [in Christ] and what we
"feel" like has nothing to do with obedience to the call and
revelation of God's Will. He is faithful [trustworthy] to finish the perfect
work that He has begun in each of His children, and He is doing so - regardless
of where the one who is truly seeking first the Kingdom might consider
themselves, presently. In this final hour, we must be a people who
"see" ourselves through the Father's eyes and not our "own"
[with the Devil's help]. And we must never be found taking anything as our
final authority save the revelation of God's Word [Will] burning in our heart.
THE FULLNESS OF BOTH THE OFFICES AND THE GIFTS SHALL
NOW BEGIN TO MANIFEST IN THE MIDST OF THE REMNANT CHURCH
In
these days, the fullness of both the "offices" and the gifts of the
Holy Spirit shall begin to manifest in the midst of those who are "wholly
given" to God. Those truly called to walk in one of the offices will
be sent forth in great power and with a burning revelation of the highest
purposes of God [absolute Truth] in their heart. Those who have been separated
unto God in these days shall have - without exception - a deep inner assurance
of that which they have been called to, and as they go forth in obedience they
shall be found fulfilling their divine destiny at every turn. In this final
hour the remnant [Glorious] Church will walk with pin-point accuracy - both
individually and corporately - by the power of the Holy Spirit abiding within.
In the "second day" of the church age there was a high degree of
spiritual sloppiness where both the gifts and offices were concerned [there
still is in many areas of the church]. That will no longer be the case as the
true servants of God absolutely refuse to "deviate" from the narrow
path of perfect obedience that they are called to - and because of these things
the gifts of the Holy Spirit shall continually manifest in their fullness - as
He so wills - according to the highest purpose of the Father in any given
moment.
THE APOSTOLIC ANOINTING OF THE THIRD DAY
It
must be clearly understood that everyone in the entire Body of Christ is called
to move into the "apostolic anointing" of the Third Day - which is
simply defined as one walking in the place wherein Christ is "all in
all". Nonetheless, there are those called to specific offices [the
five-fold ministry found in Ephesians 4]. The purpose: until we ALL come into
the "unity of faith". In other words, until we are all "abiding"
in an absolute faith, working through a perfect love - manifesting in a perfect
obedience. The first and foremost call of every office of the five-fold
ministry is to both reveal the heart of the Father [the Word] to those that God
has entrusted to them, and then lead [by example in their own lives] the people
of God into the fullness of their precious inheritance in Christ. Up until this
time, there has been a great deal of "abuse" in the midst of God's
people through "counterfeit authorities" that have taken a place that
was not of God. Let it be clearly understood that ALL that is apart from Christ
shall be judged in this hour - beginning with those who have sought a position
of authority in the midst of God's people that was not ordained by Him. For one
to attempt to enter into a position [office or gifting] in this hour that they
are not called to will be found to be a most dangerous [and potentially fatal]
endeavour!
PROMOTION - IN THE "FULLNESS" OF TIME
It is
so important in these days for all those who are truly seeking to enter into
the "fullness" of their destiny [in Christ] to hold to a steadfast
patience [obedience]. The "fullness" of time will come for each and
every one of us where our calling is concerned, but it is very important for us
to make full use of the various testings and refinings [polishings] that are
taking place where God has us positioned at this time. Only the Father knows
when it is the "fullness of time" for one to enter into each phase of
their calling. As one is diligent to be faithful and obedient in the scenario
God has them in, presently, He will surely unfold all things perfectly
according to His highest purpose for their life and ministry, and they will
SURELY receive "promotion" in His perfect timing.
THE EXAMINATION OF OUR MOTIVATIONS MUST COME THROUGH
THE LIGHT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
All
things must be according to the will of the Father and unto His greatest glory
- and this can only happen when one's spirit man is continually in dominance
over their soul and body. The entrance into that place of abiding in holiness
[righteous motivation] can only come about when one gives intimate fellowship
with the Father and His Word pre-eminence - daily. Apart from that intimate
fellowship there is no way to know what our motivations truly are in any given
situation. The "examination" of our motivations must come through the
light of the Holy Spirit in the presence of God. Every other method of
examination only serves to delude one to "think" or "feel"
that their motivations are righteous - when indeed they are not.
"ONE NEVER KNOWS JUST HOW MUCH DARKNESS THEY
ARE IN UNTIL THEY STEP FULLY INTO MY LIGHT"
I
remember a word the Father gave which said, "One never knows just how much
darkness they are in until they step FULLY into My light". All things
become [and stay] evident in His presence. We have no power in ourselves to
discern between that which is righteous and that which is unrighteous - that
which is idolatry and that which has its source in the love of God and seeking
after His greatest Glory. As one spends time in the "inner chamber"
each day with the Father and His Word they will gain a divine assurance that
they are perfectly prepared as they enter out into each new day.
AN ENCOURAGING WORD TO THOSE SUFFERING FOR
RIGHTEOUSNESS' SAKE:
All
obedience to the Holy Spirit is love - whether the casual observer thinks so or
not. It did not "look like" love when Jesus refused to seek out His
mother and brothers - but it was. It did not "look like" love when
Jesus continually tore a strip off every religious Pharisee that crossed His
path - but it was. It does not "look like" love when one is called by
God to separation from their family - but it is. ALWAYS REMEMBER: The things of
the S(s)pirit cannot be discerned by the natural man [one whose soul and body
is in dominance over their spirit-man] and the carnal mind. The flesh is always
at "perfect enmity" with the S(s)pirit.
Let us hear the words of the Father:
...."Only
fools accuse!"....
...."Unbelief
[fear] gives "glory" to Satan the way that faith gives Glory to
Me"....
...."The
fruit of impatience is to miss My will and purpose!"....
...."As
long as one "maintains" any element of self-desire in their life - in
other words as long as they give pre-eminence to anything or anyone apart from
My Will - they will lack an absolute understanding of any portion of My
Will"....
...."Divine
patience can and will outlast any amount of stubbornness that comes against
it"....
...."Freedom
CAME with a price - and freedom COMES with a price [self-denial]!"....
...."All
unworthiness is rooted in pride [fear-unbelief]"....
...."Impatience
precludes the unfolding of My highest will and purpose in one's life"....
*****
MEDITATIONS ON THE TRUE CHRISTIAN LIFE:
+ Many
Christians remain on the "defensive" in their dealings with others,
always fearing what others will think of them and how others will assess their
words and actions, when in reality the Christian who is abiding in God's love
"takes no thought" for the words and actions of others except to
"constantly" pray on their behalf that they might enter into the
fullness of their inheritance in Christ. One's greatest desire for a brother or
a sister in the Lord, regardless of their state, should be this one thing!
+ It is the lack
of a "pure" heart which makes "truth" cold and repelling to
needy souls.
+ The written
Word can count for nothing if human wisdom is trusted for its understanding.
Only when we accept the written Word as a seed in which the Living Word lies hidden,
can it be made alive by the Holy Spirit and become to us the Word of Life. Our
contact with God's written Word should always be related to our faith in the
eternal Word, who is God [John 1:1,4]
+ Hunger for the
will of God as you do for your daily food. Thirst for the living spring of the
Holy Spirit within you.
+ As one called
to "intercession" how much do you desire the True Church to be born
out of the "true unity in the Spirit? How much do you desire
"every" child of God to walk in the "fullness" of their
inheritance in Christ? And how much do you desire to walk in a perfect
and abiding love toward all men? Truly I say to you, the desire to see all
these things come to pass is directly proportionate to your own perfect
obedience!
+ When Satan
begins his "wearing-down tactics" in order to "get his foot in
the door" then - spiritually speaking, slam that door on his foot!
+ It is a solemn
thing to profess the pursuit of Christian perfection. The price of the pearl of
great price is high: all things must be counted loss!
*****
GOLDEN MANNA FROM
THE MOUNT
"ORDER - DIVINE ORDER - IS THE ORDER OF THE DAY"
Bill Burns
ft111@spiritofprophecy.com
http://ft111.com
I
had vision of God's people lined up at a table that the Lord was standing
behind. There were leather sacks to be picked up, and many people thought they
were for coins or jewels, but that was not the case. As we picked up the sacks
and moved along in a line, the Lord began to put seeds in the sacks. The
interesting thing was that we were not in charge of which seeds we received. He
had a scoop in His hand and He would scoop up different kinds of seeds and
different measures of seeds and put them in our bags. So, we each had a leather
pouch of the seeds He had given us, obviously for this new year.
I looked to Him
for direction for the planting of these seeds, and He said, "This will be
the nature of this planting." And, He reached His hand into my chest and
took my heart out of my body and laid it on the ground, and it grew into a
little plot of ground, a planting field. In that place I could see things that
had sprung up as the result of the distillation of last year. The Lord said,
"There will be no seed-planting until the ground is prepared." There
were different things to prepare the ground; there were tools to break up hard
ground. Some of the ground was already prepared except for a few weeds here and
there to be pulled up. It became apparent that the condition of the ground was
the result of how the season of distillation was dealt with.
He left me with these words,
"When the
ground is prepared, then you can sow. You must be in proper order for the
season ahead of you, for I have given you opportunities in the past season to
see what has come to the surface in the power of distillation by the heat of My
fire. I have amplified the presence of My Spirit in your life, and have given
you opportunities to ride upon the power of the Wind, the Water, the Fire. Now,
carefully prepare the ground of your heart, and when you find it prepared, you
can sow the seeds. Order, divine order, is the order of the day. Order your
life and get your heart prepared. The first three months of this year will be
for the establishment of My order. The seeds that you sow will have a short
growing season and as they grow to maturity, you will find My favor,
prosperity, gifts of My Spirit and all things that pertain to life. You will
find all that you need in the next harvest, but the first order of business is
order. As I show you the ground of your heart, come with a willingness to
prepare it for the sowing of the seed I give you even now."
I saw the seeds
representing many different things, but always according to His plan and
purpose.
****
2007
Marsha Burns
ft111@spiritofprophecy.com
http://ft111.com
We
will begin to demonstrate the kingdom of God by recognizing problems and needs
and appropriating the power of God through His Spirit to meet the needs and
bring solutions to problems. We have needs, and we face problems every day, but
we also have the power of the Holy Spirit available to us if we will only
believe. Trust the Lord! The world is about to experience its greatest turmoil
in the history of man, and you can expect to see extreme volatility with regard
to all natural and human resources. But herein lies a great mystery of My
kingdom. There is a division and widening chasm between My kingdom and the
kingdoms of the world. Those who put their trust in the political and economic
systems will find themselves on a roller- coaster ride with many ups and downs,
and many will be ruined beyond recovery on this wild ride. But, even in the
midst of wars and rumors of terrorism, you will find more peace than you have
ever known as you draw near to Me and abide in Me, says the Lord. You will find
your stability and hope in Me and will not be afraid. Many will be tempted to
go back to old, familiar and comfortable places and seek worldly comfort
instead of moving forward in the Kingdom of God.
...."Woe to
those who go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, who trust in chariots
because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but who do
not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the LORD!"....
Isaiah 31:1
As I began to
seek the Lord for the coming year, I remembered the word He gave me - "old
ceilings will become new floors as we rise to new levels". Looking back, I
can see that we have achieved new levels of things like faith, of warfare, of
prayer and intercession, of revelation, of perseverance, wisdom, knowledge,
discernment, etc. And that will continue in 2007.
We saw an
elevation and breakthrough at the Feast of Trumpets 2006 in two areas - healing
and deliverance. I believe we will continue to mature and stabilize in those
areas as we have opportunities to put this new level of efficiency to use. In
fact, one of the earmarks of this year will be maturity and stability in many
areas of our lives. However, I also have been aware of a move of Almighty God
through the Holy Spirit to soften the grounds of our hearts to fall in love
with Him all over again. This will cause us to instinctively walk in freedom and
be blameless before God as we set a watch over our mouths and hearts. Our
hearts are being prepared again for new seeds to be sown that will take root
and bring forth a new harvest. Don't forget that we still need to consciously
release ourselves to the Holy Spirit, to His fruit and gifts so that we take
every opportunity daily to defeat the works of the devil as they manifest.
WORDS TO THE REMNANT CHURCH:
[TO WHOSOVER THEY
ARE "QUICKENED" TO]
* You
have often and repeatedly defined yourself by the things you are not good at.
But, now is the time when you can change your focus to see yourself as I see
you, says the Lord. Because not only you, but many like you will be able to see
with the eyes of My Spirit if you will yield yourself to this great work. The
results will be astounding, for this work will begin at the very core of your
being and will manifest outwardly as My glory.
* Your achievements
have come with a lot of hard work, diligence, and great difficulty. Not much
has come to you without extreme effort. But, you have turned a corner in your
life, and you will now be able to go forth without the pressures and stress
that you have experienced in the past. I will open your eyes to see, and I will
give understanding and make known to you deep mysteries of My Kingdom. Enjoy
the anointing of ease.
* You have come to a
higher plateau or platform from which you will launch out. And, you will find
greater freedom of expression and creativity than ever. Your sensitivity to My
Spirit will bring deep revelation, and the gift of discernment will be ever
present - no longer something that you experience in extraordinary moments, but
it will be the supernatural invading your natural existence.
* Release yourself to
receive all that I have to give you. Give yourself some slack, for condemnation
has been a thief and a liar, a formidable foe. Receive My word, not as a tool
of chastening only, but as a witness of the work of My Spirit in you to reveal
My great love for you. Let go of all reproach, and move forward in mercy and
grace.
* As you listen for My
still, small voice, I will give you wisdom in every situation and solutions to
difficult problems. Never doubt that I am with you. I have never forsaken you
even for a moment. Life is a dance, and be assured that I have choreographed
every step. Just follow Me.
* You have successfully
survived yet another attack of the enemy to steal, kill and destroy you. Even
though you thought you came through by the skin of your teeth, I tell you that
the enemy never had a chance against you when you rose up in faith and with
courage to go forward. And, you are about to come into a place of greater power
in warfare as you become as bold as a lion against the devil.
* I see your heart that
desires to know more of Me and to move in the power of My Spirit with great
discernment. Know that I always hear and answer your desire for more of Me,
says the Lord. You will not be disappointed. I satisfy the hungry soul.
* You have come to this
place with many challenges and great difficulty. Things have not been as you
had imagined. And yet, you have trusted Me and not given up. Even now, you face
things that create fear and anxiety. But, I say to you, that I will bring you
through every situation and circumstance in victory. You are about to rise up
to new levels of faith in warfare that will make you even more effective
against the schemes of the devil.
* You are standing on a
new foundation of maturity and responsibility. Things that would have brought
you down in defeat even a year ago no longer have the power to subdue you. You
have come to a new height, and life will never be the same again. You are about
to come into "your own".
* Stability is
something that has seemed to evade you at critical times in your life, but your
continuing to seek My face and to desire My presence has brought and will
continue to bring you to a place of divine stability. Not a stability based on
your emotions or your finances, but a strong endurance based on your faith and
relationship with Me, says the Lord.
* You are about to
graduate with honors. Your education and training are not over, but will be on
a higher level. Greater revelation and insight will be required in this new
course of study. You cannot stay in the old, comfortable classroom; it is time
for an elevation, new challenges and new horizons. Do not be afraid to rise up
and meet the demands of this season.
* Your times of
refreshing come from My presence, and you must take time often to be refreshed
and renewed because the demands on your time and energy will only increase in
this season. However, I am preparing those who you will be able to trust to
share the load and ease the burden. Have confidence in your discernment and
instincts to know who can be trusted, because the enemy will do his best to
create confusion in your ranks. Follow your heart.
* You have stepped onto
a new platform of effectiveness in My kingdom. Your effectiveness will not come
through outward achievement as much as deeper revelation of My word and a
greater ability to communicate what you see, hear and understand by My Spirit.
The fallow ground of your heart has been plowed up, and your love for Me and My
people will take on a depth and significance unparalleled in your life.
* My joy is your
strength. Difficulties in your life have often sapped your strength because you
have lost your joy. But, I have gone before you to make a wide place for you to
stand and be yourself without condemnation. You will stand in this place with
greater confidence than you could have imagined in times past, and in this
place you will be a witness and example of My mercy and grace.
* You have recently
questioned whether you are actually up to the tasks and demands on your time
and energy. Disappointment is a powerful enemy. But, I tell you that I have
anointed you for such a time as this. I have equipped you to deal with every
situation and circumstance according to My word and will. Refuse to allow the
enemy to question your effectiveness. I am with you, and will give you all the
wisdom necessary to complete the good work that I have started. The devil is a
liar!
* Fear not, for I have
redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. Conviction is a
work of My Spirit to bring knowledge and understanding through love, but
condemnation brings death and darkness. Refuse to allow the enemy to bring you
down with guilt and condemnation. Come boldly before My throne. I delight in
your worship.
* You will continue to
become more effective in intercession and warfare. Your fearless courage and
undaunted faith and faithfulness are pleasing to me and powerful in the realm
of the Spirit. I will bless you abundantly.
* You have yielded to
the moving of My Spirit and have sought My wisdom in all things. You have
already accomplished more than you ever thought was possible, and as long as
you continue to seek My face and hear My voice, you will be astounded at all
that you are able to do.
* You have been
faithful and diligent in all things, and I honor you in that, says the Lord. Do
not grow weary in your well-doing, for the seeds that you have sown and
continue to sow will yield an abundant and satisfying harvest. Rejoice in My
goodness!
* Refuse to become
discouraged in this time of transition. The challenges you face are merely
opportunities to grow in grace and strength. You are on a fast learning curve,
and in the future when you look back at this time, you will remember it as
bitter sweet and a time of acceleration.
* You have been in a
rather long season that has caused you to redefine your life in every aspect.
Your priorities have been rearranged, and relationships have taken on new
meanings, some closer and some more distant. Now you will have opportunities to
settle yourself and find a new level of comfort and stability as I lead you
into the next phase.
* Look back and see how
far you have come. You spent a good part of your life without root or stem, but
now you have both put down roots and have produced fruit. It has been a
stretch, but the fruit will continue to be maturity and stability. What I have
built I will not break down, and what I have planted I will not pluck up, says
the Lord.
* You have endured the
most difficult time in your life and have fought a battle with almost
impossible odds. Yet, because you have continued to trust in Me, you have
gained the victory. The battle is not over, but neither are you, for I have
called you to persevere as a mighty warrior in My kingdom. My strength is
sufficient for you to maintain victory and achieve peace.
* Your breakthrough is
within reach. You have worked long and hard to overcome with what seemed like
little progress. Now you will be able to see a light at the end of the tunnel.
You won't necessarily be at the end of the long, dark tunnel, but you will be
able to see and have hope again. My word to you is to press on and remember
that I am with you to bring you through.
* I will give you the
strength and guidance necessary in the next phase of transition. Every step
will be illuminated before you, because I have indeed gone before you to make
crooked places straight and to break down every barrier and hindrance so that you
can fulfill My purposes for you. I have already prepared the way for you to
move forward, says the Lord.
* You have stayed the
course in the face of discouraging opposition and difficulties. You have shown
faithfulness, honored your commitments, and have not given up. Your heart of
integrity will reap its reward in due season. Don't lose perspective.
*****
"GOD HATH NOT GIVEN US A SPIRIT OF FEAR"
CONCLUSION
WHEN THE BELIEVER TRULY ESTABLISHES THEIR HEART IN THE WORD OF GOD
THEY WILL NEVER BE OVERCOME BY "ANY" CIRCUMSTANCE
Every
believer must be so filled with the Word of God that they will never allow
themselves to be moved from their "position of faith" - based upon
that Word. Never should our physical circumstances determine our words or
actions but, rather, every word and action should be a direct result of a heart
filled to overflowing with the Word of God. It is only in this way that the
child of God will accomplish the perfect will of the Father for their life -
and be a powerful channel of His love and grace to all who cross their path.
When the believer truly establishes their heart in the Word of God they will
never be overcome by "any" circumstance. Even if the Evil One
attempts to overwhelm the child of God in the circumstances surrounding them,
the mind of that believer will be continually fed by the Word of God - which
will roll up from deep in their heart in the power of the Holy Spirit. In times
of need this will allow them to function in faith and love - regardless of
circumstances - and they will never experience the fear that is able to
"cripple" the minds of those believers who have not taken the
necessary time to establish their hearts and minds in the Word of God.
"ALL THINGS WHICH ARE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
WORD OF GOD [WILL OF GOD] ARE POSSIBLE TO THOSE WHO WILL BELIEVE"
The
responsibility lies with each of us, and if there remains even the smallest
trace of fear within us we must immediately take the steps necessary to remove
and replace that fear-filled thought with the Word of God [Romans 10:17]. David
was a man who placed God first in every aspect of his life, and he became
totally dependent upon the Lord during his persecution by Satan [through Saul].
As we study both the life of David and the psalms that he wrote we will see
clearly that as we, too, put the Father and His Word first in every aspect of
our lives [love the Lord with all our heart and all our soul and all our
strength], we shall come to have that fearless trust in God which causes us to
laugh at the things which only "seem" hopeless and impossible to the
darkened understanding of man. All things which are in accordance with the Word
of God [will of God] are possible to those who will believe.
SATAN HAS NO OFFENCE OR DEFENCE AGAINST THE CHILD OF
GOD WHO HAS A DEEP REVELATION THAT THEIR BATTLE IS NOT AGAINST "FLESH AND
BLOOD"
In Psalm 30:1 it is written:
...."I will
extol Thee, O Lord, for Thou hast lifted me up, and hast not let my enemies
rejoice over me"....
We know that our enemy is not flesh and blood for it
is written in Ephesians 6:12:
...."For
our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against
the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual
forces of wickedness in the Heavenly places"....
Every believer
needs to come to the full realization that as they set out to do the tasks that
their Heavenly Father has prepared for them to walk in, their battle is not
against flesh and blood! As the children of God have this truth revealed to
their hearts by the Holy Spirit, they will no longer be hindered or defeated -
for they will no longer rely on their five physical senses, but rather wholly
upon the Word of God. This will cause them to fulfil the Father's will
continually - and NOTHING will have the power to sway them! Satan is in serious
trouble when he comes up against a child of God who has a revelation of the
fact that their struggle is NOT against flesh and blood in ANY way, for THEN he
has no offense or defense against them. Those who have a revelation of this
spiritual fact will "continually" wield the sword of the Spirit -
which is the Word of God. Knowing now that our enemy is Satan and all of his
forces - which exist in the spirit realm and work through flesh and blood - we
must NEVER look at "flesh and blood" as our persecutor, but rather we
must deal [through the power of God's Word in every situation we come across]
with the demonic influence which is standing on - and working through - the
"ground of the flesh" [fear] in that person. It is the subtle
strategy of Satan to get believers continually fending off his persecution
which comes their way, by "carnal means" [reliance on their own
understanding - discernment through their five physical senses], and if they do
surely they will be lured into an area of strife in the natural realm. In other
words, they will be attempting to come against Satan using ungodly wisdom and
thus, will suffer defeat and oppression until they realize that Satan - and
Satan alone - is their enemy.
"FULL GROWN [COMPLETE, PERFECT] LOVE TURNS FEAR
OUT OF DOORS AND EXPELS EVERY TRACE OF TERROR!"
As
every child of God begins to appropriate the promises of the Father and His
Word into their heart and life - and thus come to the place where they are
consciously dwelling with and abiding in God - they will be led by the Spirit
of God in all things. In this place the love of God will be continually shed
abroad in their hearts by Him - and all fear shall be both exposed and cast
out, for it is written:
...."In this
union and communion with Him love is brought to completion and attains
perfection with us, that we may have confidence for the day of judgement with
assurance and boldness to face Him - because as He is, so are we in this world
There is no fear in love - dread does not exist; but full grown [complete,
perfect] love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For
fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and so he who is afraid has not
reached the full maturity of love and is not yet grown into love's complete
perfection"....
1 John 4:17-18 Amplified Translation
In developing a
full and assured trust in our Heavenly Father for all things - and in all
things - there shall indeed be no fear of punishment or retribution. When the
child of God truly comes to know the tender and loving heart of their Heavenly
Father they will realize that even the discipline which they receive is a
blessing from Him for their good - that they might share His holiness [Hebrews
12:10].
*****