THE MINISTRY LETTER 2007 ISSUE 4

To all handmaidens and bondservants of the Lord Jesus Christ:

DEFINING "SALVATION"

The word "salvation" is one of the most misused words frequenting the vocabulary of those in the church at large. The word for the new birth and the word for salvation [deliverance] are two different words in the Greek. Although the "new birth" is most certainly part of our "salvation" the actual word for the new birth is "anothen": anew, or from above; + "gennao": to be born; which literally means "born again from above". The word for salvation is "soteria" and it literally means "deliverance from every temporal evil" - this of course encompasses EVERYTHING that we were redeemed from by the precious blood of Jesus. It is important for every believer to understand that the principal meaning of the word salvation refers to the FULLNESS of our precious inheritance in Christ. One of the great dangers of misunderstanding the true meaning of the word "salvation" is that many remain content in their walk with the Lord - in a spirit of self-sufficiency [independence] - never coming to a revelation of the fact that they were "bought with a price" and that they are "no longer to live for themselves" - and, thus, they never enter into the fullness of their inheritance in Christ [the fullness of salvation]. There needs to be much renewing of the mind in this area - for it is certain that in this last of the last hour each and every one of us will need to enter into the place wherein we are "abiding" in the FULLNESS of our salvation. It is from this position - and this position alone - that one will both enter into and fulfill their precious destiny, in Christ.

THE QUESTION OF OBEDIENCE

While "obedience" is most certainly an "option" [simply because we have been given free will] for the born-again child of God the fruit of disobedience is to "allow" the law of sin and death to manifest in one's life [is there not enough evidence of this out there in the church at large?]. True [godly] obedience has nothing to do with the flesh or "works". It is NEVER a matter of "earning" anything in one's own strength to gain the approval of God. It has its source in a revelation of the Father's will and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit from A-Z in the carrying out of God's directive - simply because we love Him and for no other reason. The Father has a plan and it will take a perfect obedience by those who truly love Him to see it come to pass - according to His highest purposes. In this final hour, He is raising up an army to carry out a specific task, in a specific time - for a specific purpose. Without obedience - both individually and corporately - in the midst of God's people you simply have chaos [disorder] - which is exactly what is taking place in the religious church at this time.

THE OBEDIENCE THAT THE CHILD OF GOD IS CALLED TO IS ALWAYS ROOTED IN LOVE - AND RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FATHER AND HIS WORD

There are many religious doctrines out there, and there is an ever deepening darkness beginning to consume those in the church at large who have not yet given their heart "wholly" to God. The good news is that the Glorious Church [spotless and unblemished Church] is about to "take legs" - and in so doing a great light [holy fire] will most certainly shine forth and expose all that is apart from Christ in the midst of God's people. The obedience that the child of God is called to is ALWAYS rooted in love - and right relationship with the Father and His Word. If one is not in proper fellowship with the Father and His Word they are going to "mentally ascend" to true obedience [which is simply an act of love proceeding from God, Himself] and call it "works" - without exception [Romans 2:1]. Jesus experienced this at the hands of the religious Pharisees while carrying out His earthly ministry - we can expect the same. Our task is to put ourselves in a position to receive a "burning" [active] revelation of the Father's will at every turn - a burning revelation(s) that will carry us through even the greatest resistance that rises up against us - and keep us on the narrow path of perfect obedience.

GRACE "MUST" BE ACCESSED BY FAITH

Many have a false belief that "grace" [empowerment] will just simply fall on them [regardless of what they do - or don't do] while the Word of God clearly states that grace is "accessed" by faith. In most cases, they have confused grace with mercy - which are two entirely different things. I can tell you that the cycle of the Kingdom as far as true believing goes is: faith - love - obedience. Abiding in perfect obedience constitutes an abiding in an absolute faith, which constitutes one abiding in a perfect love, which constitutes one abiding in an absolute faith, which constitutes one abiding in a perfect obedience etc. Jesus said, "If you love Me you will obey Me". Paul wrote, "All things work together for good for those who love [obey] God. Do you see the obvious connection? I remember something a man of God said years ago:

"Anything that puts the child of God in a position of non-resistance to Satan and his schemes is a false doctrine!"

And to say one does not need to obey God or grace does not need to be "accessed" by faith does exactly that: they put themselves in a position of non-resistance to the schemes of the Enemy - which are intended to keep them out of the fullness of God's will for their life and ministry. While it is certain that there is much false doctrine being put forth as "gospel" in many areas of the church - the good news is that there is a great light about to come on the scene and judge all unrighteousness [and righteousness] in the hearts and minds of those who call themselves "Christians". Malachi prophesied of this hour when he wrote [paraphrase], "You will once again be able to distinguish between those who love God and those who do not".

ALL THOSE WHO ARE TRULY SEEKING GOD WILL HAVE NO TROUBLE FINDING TRUE DOCTRINE IN THIS HOUR

This is, indeed, the time of the Glorious Church, and it is very important for each one of us to pray for all those that God has brought across our path who are in error - in the hope that they will be led into a deep and thorough repentance, and truly enter into the fullness of their destiny in Christ. It is most certainly a tragic thing for these various "leaders" to be caught up in darkness because their end will not be good [unless a deep and thorough repentance is forthcoming]. But when you also consider the fact that they are leading many of the sheep astray - through their maintaining an "environment of darkness and unbelief" -  you can see that the Father will not tolerate their error much longer. Error is always rooted in rebellion, and it is in these days that God is moving to judge ALL rebellion in the midst of His people. All those who are truly seeking God will have no trouble finding "true doctrine" in this hour simply because their hearts are wholly given to the will of God - and, therefore, their first priority is always to seek out the will of God and carry it out - at all cost to themselves. Again, everyone has free will but to choose the way of disobedience and rebellion in this final hour will mean that they will be on the outside looking in as far as the fullness of their destiny in Christ goes and they will suffer great torment and devastation at the hands of the Evil One and his forces. The good news is that many will repent and begin to live the true Christian life [and that is the life of obedience] for the first time - in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Let us hear the words of the Father:

"TRUE ACCOUNTABILITY: THE MEASURE OF ONE'S OBEDIENCE TOWARD MY WILL [WORD] AND SPIRIT"

...."Many of those walking in a "position of leadership" in the church at this time are running to and fro "being accountable" to "flesh and blood", but this "accountability" is not of Me! It is simply the seeking after the "approval" of others and is rooted and grounded in the fear of what man thinks! Truly I say to you, in this time I shall deal "thoroughly" with these "prideful" ones and I shall send forth My holy apostles and prophets in order to show them what "true accountability" really is: the measure of one's obedience toward My will [Word] and Spirit! These aforementioned "prideful ones" remain in the place wherein they are "sustained" by a great "self-satisfaction" but truly I say to you, "I" am not satisfied and thus, I shall expose the true motivation of "every one" of My children's "works" - righteous or unrighteous - and all shall clearly see those who have loved [obeyed] Me and those who have not! Always remember this: the true "stamp of approval" [accountability] comes first and foremost from Me. For what do I have to do with the folly of carnal men and women being "found accountable" before other carnal men and women! Truly I say to you, nothing! For this self-exaltive action is simply the product of a "spirit of idolatry"! Is it not written that I am a "jealous" God? Truly I say to you, it is time for the vast majority of My children to "wake up" and come into the place wherein they "maintain" a "soberness" of spirit before Me. For these are the days wherein I shall "tear down" by My Spirit - the Spirit of judgement and burning - the "social structures" that have hindered greatly the true "sanctification" that I desire for each one of My children - the true sanctification without which no one can "see" Me or "hear" My voice! Let all those who truly love Me hearken to these words I have just spoken in order that I might continually "elevate" them and thus, spring them into the "proper position" I have for them within My church. For it is only from this position that one's "accountability" is valid!"....

...."All "true accountability" has both its beginning and its end in My Throne Room - before My face!"....


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MEDITATIONS ON THE TRUE CHRISTIAN LIFE

+ Calvary's Cross is the place of blessing. There let the old, narrow, earth-born limitations be put away. There let the old selfish, self-seeking, self-grasping life be left, as we "put on" the "new man" which is being renewed...after the image of Him that created Him, where there cannot be earthly distinctions, divisions, separations, but "Christ all in all".

+ The inspired choice of the term "fruit" of the spirit is beautiful. Note the contrast between the "works" of the flesh and the "fruit" of the spirit in Galatians 5. "Works" speak of the smokey city, noisy machinery, and feverish activity. "Fruit" speaks of the open countryside, the quiet of the garden, and silent but life-giving forces of nature.

+ "Social fellowship" produces "emotional attachments", and emotional attachments are the "bane" of one seeking to walk in the fullness of the ministry they are called to.

+ Any one of God's children who have a "faulty" definition of sin will most certainly have a dim vision and understanding of His disdain for it!

+ Guarding one's heart with all diligence is the only way that one shall be able to discern constantly the deepest "motivations" of their heart.

+ True "success" is not measured by one's conformity to the world but rather his conformity to the will of God.

+ Sin is a "lifestyle" just like faith and obedience are a "lifestyle"!

+ Expressing feelings is certainly not wrong. To remain prosperous in our soul, however, we should not be "motivated" by our feelings. A prosperous soul must keep its emotions in line with the Word of God.


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GOLDEN MANNA FROM THE MOUNT

                                                                            2007 AND BEYOND

                                                                                     Bill Burns
                                                                     ft111@spiritofprophecy.com

http://ft111.com

2007 will be a year of advancement for the people of God who desire to serve Him with a whole heart. This will be so because the numbers in the year 2007 reveal the destiny of this season.

Number 2 is God's number of unity, specifically the unity of God and man bound together in destiny.

Number 7 is God's number of perfection - His work perfected in us.

Number 9 (2+7) is God's number of fullness. Fullness of the Holy Spirit's gifts and fruit in mankind.

THE SOUND OF HEAVEN

Will be heard by the Church in 2007. The sound of heaven will come to establish kingdom reality among God's people

http://ft111.com/thetrumpet.htm - January 2, 2007

On the Day of Pentecost when the Church was born, they heard the sound of a mighty rushing wind. They heard the sound of heaven before they saw the tongues of fire. The sound of heaven created a kingdom reality that allowed them to see God's purposes (Acts 2:1-4). When the Apostle John was on Patmos he heard the voice of the trumpet behind him, and then he turned to see the Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:9-11). David heard the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, and then he advanced quickly and obtained the victory. And, so it goes - the sound of heaven creates spiritual reality, and that reality equips us to believe in and live in the supernatural kingdom of God.

THE DIVIDED TONGUES OF FIRE

Jeremiah 33:3 "Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know."

As I called out to the Lord for understanding regarding the year 2007, four flames of revelation sat upon me and divided the year into four parts:

JANUARY THROUGH MARCH

1. January through March is a season in which the Lord wants His people to come into divine order. As we come into divine order (putting our spiritual life first), then the natural order of our lives will be brought under God's control. When we come into God's order, then we can begin to sow the seeds of blessing that will grow up quickly in this year. Divine order is the first order of business for this year. If we come into God's order, then tremendous blessings will come in 2007 on all levels, both spiritually and naturally. Greater vision and clearer perspective will come to those who get in God's order. We will hear more clearly and then see more vividly than we ever have before.

APRIL THROUGH JUNE

2. April through June will be a time of favor to those in order. This will be a time of favor with man because we will be walking under the umbrella of God's favor. Seeds planted in the first quarter will begin to spring up. It will be a time of advancement, accomplishment and prosperity. The rewards will be well worth the effort that was required to get in divine order. This quarter will be a time of revelation with regards to God's purposes for the end of the age. The hidden manna (mysteries) of God will come to His people. Covenant promises will be fulfilled in this season, and it will be a time of great blessings.

JULY THROUGH SEPTEMBER

3. July through September will bring a season of intense spiritual warfare. The warfare of this season will be for the purpose of protecting the harvest that the seeds sown in the first quarter have brought and those that are yet to come. It will be a time in which we will have a basket for gathering in one hand and a sword in the other. The enemy will try to steal the harvest, but he will not be able to do so if we fight the good fight of faith. September (the ninth month) will be a time of birthing of those seeds sown in January.

OCTOBER THROUGH DECEMBER

4. October through December will be a time of celebration for the victory over the enemy, for the blessings that have come to us. For, we will see the goodness of the Lord. (Psalm 27:13). It will be a season of rest and restoration as we enter into the Holy of Holies and dwell in the presence and light of the Lord. And, He will cover us with His glory in this seventh day of God and in this year of 2007. Our hearts will be full of thanksgiving for the blessings of this year and the goodness of our God towards us!

Ephesians 1: 17-19 ...."That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding  greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power"....

THE SEVENTH GIFT

The seventh gift of the Spirit (discerning of spirits) will be given to God's people in 2007. That is, given to many who have yet to function in this gift, and there will be an elevation of this gift in those who already function in it. The first level of discernment will enable us to evaluate the condition of our own spirit. This gift will reveal whether we have a tormented spirit, grieved spirit, or wounded spirit. If we have these conditions, then we must be set free from such if we are going to be victorious and live the overcoming life. We will not prosper if we are not free from these conditions.

1. A tormented spirit is one that doesn't have any peace as a result of demonic harassment.

2. A grieved spirit doesn't have any joy because of the burdens of this life. It is hard to have hope and faith if your spirit is grieved (has regrets).

3. A wounded spirit will cause you to become a victim of life. Victimized Christians are not victorious Christians, and they have no power!

If these conditions prevail, one must seek the Lord for deliverance and restoration - victory is assured!

The second level of discernment will enable us to see the condition of human spirits (in others) so we can pray correctly for them.

The third level of discernment allows us to discern demonic spirits and to identify their attacks and the purpose of the attacks. We then enter into spiritual warfare and defeat the enemy.

The fourth level of discernment allows us to perceive angelic activity. We have spiritual help for warfare, but it helps us to know that angels are with us in the fight for victory.

The fifth level of discernment helps us discern the presence of the Lord and His purposes for specific seasons, revelation knowledge and many other things.

The gift of discerning of spirits is one that the Body of Christ needs in these most perilous times. Ask, and you shall receive.

PROPHETIC PSALMS FOR 2007

...."O LORD my God, in You I put my trust; Save me from all those who persecute me; And deliver me, Lest they tear me like a lion, Rending me in pieces, while there is none to deliver"....
                                                                                                                                            Psalm 7:1-2

...."Arise, O LORD, in Your anger; Lift Yourself up because of the rage of my enemies; Rise up for me to the judgment You have commanded! So the congregation of the peoples shall surround You; For their sakes, therefore, return on high. The LORD shall judge the peoples; Judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, And according to my integrity within me. Oh, let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, But establish the just; For the righteous God tests the hearts and minds"....
                                                                                                                                            Psalm 7:-9

The Lord shall cleanse, deliver and vindicate His people this year by the "spirit of judgment and the spirit of burning" (Isaiah 4:4), and we will praise Him for the liberty that comes.

...."I will praise the LORD according to His righteousness, And will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High".... (Read the whole Psalm and meditate on it).
                                                                                                                                            Psalm 7:17

...."The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD"....
                                                                                                                                            Psalm 27:1-6

Psalm 27 is a Psalm of victory from our enemies. And, a year in which the Lord will become the strength of our lives. Hallelujah! His strength in us - strength of spirit and body!

...."I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD! (Again read the whole Psalm).
                                                                                                                                            Psalm 27:13-14

These are the prophetic psalms of great blessings for this year, and they are yours.

AND BEYOND 2007

- The season of the horse will continue to bring apostolic power to the body of Christ.

- The mysteries of the end of the age will continue to unfold to those who have a heart to serve, eyes to see and ears to hear.

- The reality of the kingdom of heaven will become stronger as we move to the end of the age.

- The birthpangs of sorrow will continue to come upon the world as foretold in Matthew chapter 24 and Luke chapter 21. Let us remember: Luke 21:36 ...."Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man".....

2007 promises to be a great year of favor and blessings on every level - that is if we will walk in obedience and position ourselves by faith to receive the prophetic word of the Lord.

...."But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.
                                                                                                                                                    Matthew 4:4

Have your very best year in 2007. Be abundantly blessed beyond your wildest expectations. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, and He will lead you through this season of perfection and fullness!

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"TOUCH NOT MINE ANOINTED"

PART TWO

PERSECUTION BRINGS WITH IT MUCH PRESSURE AND THE "PROPER" HANDLING OF THIS PRESSURE BRINGS FORTH THE "PERFECT PREPARATION" OF THE HEART TO CARRY OUT THE FULLNESS OF THE FATHER'S PURPOSE

As one meditates the Word of God concerning the life of David we see that Saul persecuted him and that it was no small persecution, and we know that throughout many of the psalms that David wrote, by the unction of the Holy Spirit, he spoke of the tremendous pressure he was under as he spent time away from his people in the desert, where he was constantly being pursued by his enemies. From these psalms we can draw a clear picture of the perfect heart-motivation of David towards both God and men and as we continue our study we shall see clearly the attitude which we, as believers, need to have today. Persecution brings with it much pressure - and the "proper" handling of this pressure brings fort the "perfect preparation" of the heart to carry out the fullness of the Father's purpose.

           SLANDER AND GOSSIP TO BE JUDGED THOROUGHLY - WITHOUT EXCEPTION!

...."Do not touch My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm"....

                                                                                                            Psalm 105:15

We are all familiar with the problem of slander and gossip! We have known people who have been held captive to do the Evil One's will (2 Timothy 2:26) and therefore have been used as vessels of persecution against those who are walking "in righteousness", but still - even in this late, late hour, God's Word concerning the seriousness of these things is not treated with due respect! It is certain that the Father desires us to walk in love and to abide in Christ - and thus be constant and pure vessels of His truth and love - and yet we see that Satan, by getting the children of God to walk outside of love through the speaking of self- exaltive words, cuts off not only the "unity" of the Church but also the "manifestations" of God's power in the earth (the gifts of the Spirit). Satan has no need of trying to attack each one of the nine gifts individually what he needed to do was attack the "love walk" of each individual believer, thereby causing them to get into strife - and thus put into effect the principle which states, "a house divided against itself shall fall" (Matthew 12:25).

AS PEOPLE BEGIN TO UNDERSTAND THE OPERATION OF THAT ANOINTING WE ARE GOING TO SEE THE "ABSOLUTE" IMPORTANCE OF THE NEED FOR EACH ONE OF US TO CONTINUALLY WALK IN THE LOVE OF GOD

....O Lord, who may abide in Thy tent? Who may dwell on Thy holy hill? He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, And speaks truth in his heart. He does not slander with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbour, Nor takes up a reproach against his friend; In whose eyes a reprobate is despised, But who honours those who fear the Lord; He swears to his own hurt, and does not change; He does not put out his money at interest, Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken"....
                                                                                                                                                      Psalm 15

Psalm 15:1-5 are key verses and in this day and hour as we are learning about the anointing of God and as people begin to understand the operation of that anointing we are going to see the "absolute" importance of the need for each one of us to continually walk in the love of God. Therefore, it is important to meditate on this portion of Scripture in order that we might "allow" the Holy Spirit to reveal to us a continually deeper revelation of what God requires of us.

TO THE DEGREE THAT ONE HONOURS THE WORD OF GOD IN THIS LAST OF THE LAST HOUR IS THE SAME DEGREE THAT THEY WILL "HONOUR" THE ANOINTING AND WORDS OF THE HOLY APOSTLES AND PROPHETS - WITHOUT EXCEPTION!

As God sends forth His holy apostles and prophets in this last hour He has prepared them and anointed them to be His messengers and carry His Word to the people, and therefore when the people reject them, they reject not the man or woman, but rather they reject the anointing which is on the words that they speak in God's behalf - and as far as God is concerned they are rejecting Him. This, of course, is a very serious thing! There are many - WHO SHOULD KNOW BETTER - who will reject the true "anointing" in this last of the last hour for they will not recognize the Word and the Holy Spirit in action and they shall believe that they are rejecting those sent by God in order to do God a "favour" - due to a clinging to their own self-serving purposes and agendas. This is why it is so important for the children of God to be "constantly" meditating in the Word - in order that they might bring "every" thought captive to that Word and pray without ceasing and, in essence, do all those things which will keep them in a position to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit and thus come to "know" the heart of God. As we give the Word of God "His" rightful place in our lives, the Word will get down into the deepest fibre of our being and we shall surely come to know the deepest thoughts and intentions of Father's heart and His Word shall become the constant "delight" of our heart, and thus our minds shall become renewed to think the way that God thinks. It is "then" - and only then - that we shall begin to walk in the "fullness" of the "ministry" that God has called us to - the prerequisite to that being of course to rely on the "anointing" fully at all times and, thus, be found abidng in a perfect obedience.

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