Five-Fold Today - New Expression of the Ecclesia - Reformation & Reconciliation - Intoxicated With Unbroken Success - Speak To the Rock - Give Me Everything That Hinders You - The Death Knoll - Healing in the High Places - Aaron's Rod - Seek To Understand My Vision - Vision of the Army - Who Will Release My Spirit - What Has He Asked Of You?

October 13, 2000

NEW EXPRESSION OF THE ECCLESIA

Marcus Vann

1577 ekklesia (ek-klay-see'-ah); ecclesia from a compound of 1537 and a derivative of 2564; a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both): KJV-- assembly, church.

Within the new expression of the ecclesia ( church or body ) there is some wisdom that is needed so that which is now coming forth does not began to look like the old. If pureness is to remain in the newly emerging apostolic church, we need to stay focused on the call and the purpose of the Five Fold ministry which is to bring the church ( body ) into a place of maturity.

1 Cor 12:28
28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. (NKJ)

In this verse, the word "first" is(proton) 4412 proton (pro'-ton); neuter of 4413 as adverb (with or without 3588); firstly (in time, place, order, or importance): KJV-- before, at the beginning, chiefly (at, at the) first (of all).

The word of God tell us the God is Love (agapao) so the first mature or heart of five fold ministry and the apostolic must be Love (agapao or agape ) a true love for the body (church) The first and foremost purpose and mission of apostolic are the people. This is seen in most all of Paul minsistry writing

Eph 3:3-5
3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written on in other places),
4 by which, when you read, you may understand by knowledge in the mystery of Christ),
5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles andprophets: (NKJ)

In this passage the Word tells us that the Spirit is bringing forth the revelation of "the mystery" to the apostles and prophets. The calling of the apostle and prophet is not for them to boast about who they are and what authority they have, but to facilitate the building and equipping of the Saints. True apostolic ministry will always be about people. Our understanding is for the benefit of people (Ephesians 4:11-13 ) This is what the agenda will be that will equip the body of Christ ( saints or people) to know they are Christ in the earth.

Col 1:25-27
25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God,
26 the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints.
27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (NKJ)

True Five fold ministry of apostle and prophets will be found bringing the Saints into the understanding of the mystery. Only to the measure that apostles and prophets have received this understanding will they be able to build the people into the same level or understanding that is in within them.( I can do no more in the people then what has been done in me) A person can only impart what has already been imparted and received in them. I have come to understand that if an apostolic ministry does not have the people first then the true heart of the Father is not yet in that ministry. Looking into the word of God we see a pattern of not moving on until the church that has been started has come to a place of maturity where it is able to do the work of the ministry. To leaving a congregation / church before this has been accomplished in a community is not the fulfillment or outworking of true apostolic ministry.

Paul speaks in Gal; 4:19 of his desire to labor with the people until Christ is formed

Gal 4:19
19 My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you, (NKJ)

If we follow the manual that God gave us....His Word, and allow the Spirit to teach us how to walk in Him, we will never go wrong. The "manual" teaches that the sign of a true apostle will never be the words they ( he or she ) speaks but it will be seen and only seen in the people (saints) he has built up and equipped so that they, the saints, are doing the work of ministering. This will go on until we ( the saints) all attain oneness in the faith and in the knowledge ( revelation) of the Son of God to the stature of the fullness of Christ. The work of apostles is not to be seen not talked about---but manifested in the lives of those that they are sent to build up.

Col 2:23
23 These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh. (NKJ)

The way in which the Word of God tells us to judge true apostolic ministry can be seen in the story in the book of Kings where the Queen of Sheba came to SEE the wisdom of King Solomon ( apostleship is seen in theorder of the house)

I Kings 10:4-7
4 And when the queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built,
5 the food on his table, the seating of his servants, the service of his waiters and their apparel, his cupbearers,and his entry way by which he went up to the house of the LORD, there was no more spirit in her.
6 Then she said to the king: "It was a true report which I heard in my own land about your words and your wisdom.
7 "However I did not believe the words until I came and saw with my own eyes; and indeed the half was not told me. Your wisdom and prosperity exceed the fame of which I heard. (NKJ)

Paul states here that those he was ministering to were the seal (authenticating, confirming ) of his apostolic ministry...that means you and I....the recipients of apostolic ministry.

1 Cor 9:1-2
1 Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have Inot seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord?
2 If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you. For you are ( saints or people) the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. (NKJ)

2 Cor 11:5-13
5 For I consider that I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles.
6 Even though I am untrained in speech, yet I am not in knowledge. But we have been thoroughly manifested among you in all things.
7 Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?
9 And when I was present with you, and in need, I was a burden to no one, for what I lacked the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. And in everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you,and so I will keep myself.
12 But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast.
13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. (NKJ)

Even here Paul didn't want to be a burden on those he was building in Christ.
True apostolic ministry or fivefold ministry will not put weight on the people

The Greek word for apostle
652 apostolos (ap-os'-tol-os) from 649; adelegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel;officially a commissioner of Christ ["apostle"] (with miraculous powers): KJV-- apostle, messenger, he that issent.

We as apostles are only sent after we ourselves are equipped for the ministry and have ourselves come into an understanding of the unity of the faith, and knowledge of the Son of God. Then we a ready to edify the body of Christ ( then we will be sent or apostolos.) This understanding of the fivefold ministry is a place to start to understand the will of God for the church. However, fivefold ministry is not where God is going to stop. There is more but the Church ( body ) is not ready to move on with God so fivefold ministry has come to set the body ( church) in order

Marcus Vann
apostolicvoice@juno.com
Wichita Kansas

Reformation & Reconciliation

Teresa Daly-Crews

Our Father has called us into a time of reformation to the establishment of the Kingdom of God. For this to be accomplished we must obey the voice of the Lord and look unto the former days to receive blueprints for foundations that cannot be shaken. Many of our perceptions and religious structure are based upon the thoughts of men and not upon the true Rock. As the Lord begins to send forth His Army there will be specific areas of realignment in the Body to bring forth Gods perfection. One such area will be balance in spiritual and natural battles and how to gain victory in them both.

Many in the Body are finding themselves continually falling into defeat when faced with daily battles. There is a silent scream being uttered from the hearts and minds of believers throughout the world. Fearing rejection and judgment from others, some individuals have become entombed in their own minds afraid to admit they are falling short of victory. The enemy has increased the volume of lies being whispered in the ears of believers. The onslaught of unworthiness and condemnation has brought some to spiritual death. This attack has brought many to their knees, not crying out to the Lord for help but falling in utter despair and hopelessness.

It is time for us to grasp hold of the deep and hidden mysteries of the Word to gain the full victory promised in our covenant blessings. Victory in the natural begins with our stepping beyond what is temporally seen and fighting with supernatural weapons given by the Spirit of God. God is unlocking the mysteries of the Kingdom so we may overcome every enemy that may come against us. It is time for us to walk in the fullness of victory promised in the Word. We must be sensitive to one another as truth is spoken, allowing those who have been in emotional hiding to come forward to receive healing and deliverance. As the Spirit of God brings the Body into unity of heart and mind, we must hold one another up with the hand of God bringing healing and restoration to us all.

In HIS Service,
Teresa Daly-Crews
jahshalom@aol.com
www.jesusrministries.com

Joel 2:11-18 "And the Lord shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide it? Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: ... Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet. Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach..."

Intoxicated With Unbroken Success

Doug Morrell

"He answered: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Luke 10:27)

From the parable we learn three principles about loving our neighbor:

  1. lack of love is often easy to justify, even though it is never right;
  2. our neighbor is anyone of any race, creed, or social background who is in need;
  3. love means acting to meet the person's need. Wherever you live, there are needy people close by. There is no good reason for refusing to help.

Somehow many of us have gotten the idea that self-love is wrong. But if this were the case, it would be pointless to love our neighbors as ourselves. But the Apostle Paul explained what he meant by self-love. Even if you have low self-esteem, you probably don't willingly let yourself go hungry. You clothe yourself reasonably well. You make sure there's a roof over your head if you can. You try not to let yourself be cheated or injured. And you get angry if someone tries to ruin your marriage. This is the kind of love we need to have for our neighbors. Do we see that others are fed, clothed, and housed as well as they can be? Are we concerned about issues of social justice? Are we building walls of indifference between our neighbors, other churches in our community, other cities, states or nations? Loving others as ourselves means to be actively working to see that their needs are met. Interestingly, people who focus on others rather than on themselves rarely suffer from low self-esteem.

When we are not motivated by love, we become critical of others. We stop looking for good in them and see only their faults. Soon unity is broken. Have you talked behind someone's back? Have you focused on others' shortcomings instead of their strengths? Remind yourself of Jesus' command to love others as you love yourself (Mth. 22:39). When you begin to feel critical of someone, make a list of that person's positive qualities. If there are problems that need to be addressed, it is better to confront in love than to gossip.

The royal law is the law of our great King Jesus Christ, who said, "Love each other as I have loved you" (John 15:12). This law is the basis for all the laws of how people should relate to one another. Christ reinforced this truth in Mth. 22:37-40, and Paul taught it in Rom. 13:8 and Gal. 5:14.

We must treat all people as we would want to be treated. We should not ignore the rich, because then we would be withholding our love. But we must not favor them for what they can do for us, while ignoring the poor who can offer us seemingly so little in return.

As one man wrote:
"...We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power as no other nation has ever grown.

But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined in the deceitfulness of our hearts that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace--too proud to pray to the God that made us.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American people.

I do, therefore, invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our benevolent Father who dwelleth in the heavens." -A Proclamation By the President of the United States of America Abraham Lincoln, October 3, 1863

As we approach this Thanksgiving holiday, let us think seriously about the One Who made all things possible.

Let us be a covenant people dedicated to fulfilling both the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. Let us love our neighbor as ourselves and purpose to both know Christ and make Him known to a world void of understanding and wisdom.

Grow in grace and truth...

doug morrell
christian outfitters

-- Live Christ Deliberately!
EM: outfitters@christianoutfitters.com
Web: http://www.christianoutfitters.com

SPEAK TO THE ROCK!
by Doug Fortune

I believe all of us are familiar with the account in Numbers chapter 20, where the Lord tells Moses to SPEAK to the Rock to bring forth water and he SMITES it twice instead. I find it interesting that this account directly follows the instructions for the Red Heifer offering in Numbers chapter 19. In a previous article (see Ashes of the Red Heifer) we saw how the Red Heifer offering pointed to the New Creation Man of the Third Day and the Seventh Day, and the importance of 'not touching' the 'dead man'- the Adam / sin nature. Now, we must keep in mind that all these things happened to them as examples for us (1Cor.10:11), so these accounts are not so much just the telling of historical events, but rather the prophetic proclamation of God's purposes.

Let us also weave into the canvass of this prophetic picture that Rom.5:10 says that as "...we were RECONCILED to God through the DEATH of His Son, it is much more certain now that we ARE reconciled, that we SHALL be SAVED through His resurrection LIFE..."; in other words, His death brought reconciliation, but it is His resurrection LIFE (zoe) that brings salvation. Also let us weave in the truths that "...they drank from a spiritual Rock... and the Rock was Christ..."(ICor.10:4); and that Jesus said in John 6:63 that His WORDS are Spirit (pneuma) and Life (zoe).

With these Scriptures in mind, let us now bring some clarity: Just as the Rock is symbolic of Christ, so the smiting of the Rock is symbolic of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ; "...we considered Him smitten by God..."(Is.53:4). This 'smiting of the Rock' brought forth the water of the 'earnest of the Spirit'; "...out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water... the Holy Ghost was not yet given, because that Jesus was not yet glorified."(John 7:38-39). This smiting of the Rock ONCE was ordained of God and necessary to provide the 'spiritual water' of the baptism or earnest of the Spirit. The ROD also is symbolic of power, and we know that we receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us (Acts 1:8).

We can see this 'ROD anointing' evidenced in the Pentecostal / Charismatic movements, where the emphasis is tapping into an anointing for a season, for a reason... like an external anointing that comes upon an individual for a time... the proverbial 'getting under the spout where the glory comes out' (I'm NOT poking fun, I'm just trying to bring definition). It is, as it were, a drawing upon the power of the BLOOD- the DEATH of Jesus Christ (the smiting of the Rock) that breaks bondages and curses. We see this principle evidenced in the Revival / Renewal movements also, and certainly the ROD anointing does provide for NEEDS while in the wilderness. However, I don't believe that the ROD anointing is what takes us into the Promised Land... rather, it is the PROCEEDING WORD, the speaking to the Rock that takes us there. Mind you, I'm NOT trying to denigrate the ROD anointing at all; remember that in Numbers chapter 20, God told Moses to take the rod WITH him as he spoke to the Rock.

You see, it is not the ROD that keeps us out of the Promised Land, it is the smiting TWICE that keeps us from our destiny. TWO is the number of duality, of double-mindedness; it is also the number of agreement ("...if two of you shall agree..." Matt.18:19). This smiting TWICE speaks of the DUALITY of the Adam / sin nature, the carnal reasoning of the mind; it's the inaccurate belief that after you come to Christ you now have TWO natures, TWO spirits that are at war with each other... this is a product of religion, the result of eating from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. In reality, your old Adam / sin nature has ALREADY been dealt with ("...our old unrenewed self WAS nailed to the cross with Him..." Rom.6:6); it is just our MIND that must be renewed to this reality.

About now, I'm sure someone is saying, "What about Paul's discourse in Romans chapter 7?... I do the thing I hate (sin), and I can't do the thing I desire (righteousness)." Well, if you will read Romans chapters 6 and 8 for the context of this discourse, you will find he is speaking of the person under the Law (Rom.7:1), and the impossibility of the Law producing righteousness. He even asks the question, "...who will deliver me from this body of death?"(Rom.7:24), and then answers, "...He WILL, through Jesus Christ our Lord!"(v.25)... I believe that the Father meant what He said when, by the Holy Spirit, He inspired Paul to write those words! Paul goes on to say that "...God HAS DONE (past tense) what the Law could not do... condemned sin in the flesh- subdued, overcame, deprived it of its power over ALL who ACCEPT that sacrifice." (Rom.8:3). We MUST see that the smiting of the Rock ONCE was sufficient, and we must see OURSELVES in Christ- crucified, dead, and buried! Only then will we be able to see ourselves as risen, ascended, and seated IN Christ.

Consider Heb.9:26-27, "...He has ONCE for ALL at the consummation and close of the ages appeared to abolish sin by His sacrifice... (smiting the Rock ONCE, my notes)... Christ having been offered to take upon Himself and bear as a burden the sins of many ONCE and ONCE for ALL, will APPEAR a SECOND time, NOT carrying ANY burden of sin nor to deal with sin, but to bring to FULL SALVATION those who are waiting for and expecting Him.". My friend, full salvation is our 'Promised Land' and the place He is appearing this SECOND time is IN HIS PEOPLE! In the Book of the REVEALation of Jesus Christ, John hears a VOICE and when he TURNED from his present position (some of us need to turn from our present position to see Christ!), where did he see Christ appearing?... in the MIDST of the Lampstand- the Church! (Rev.1:10-13)

Now we've got to see this progression: 1. John HEARD a VOICE like a trumpet- The voice (message) of the Apostolic is sounding as a trumpet in the earth today, declaring the message of the Mystery of the Seventh Trumpet of Rev.10:7 which is Christ IN YOU, the HOPE (Promised Land) of manifesting His glory / nature (FULL salvation). 2. John TURNED from his present position- We have to lay down inaccurate doctrines, our focus and vision must be on the VOICE. 3. John SAW Christ revealed in the MIDST of His people. You see, His appearing this SECOND time in His people, is not for the purpose of being smitten a second time (to continue to deal with sin), but rather to bring forth FULL salvation- the Promised Land... and I believe the way this is appropriated is by SPEAKING to the Rock.

The Rock of REVEALation (Christ) is WITHIN US and as we speak the words of the Father, calling forth the ABIDING anointing (1 John 2:27), the abiding 'christos' in Greek or the abiding Christ, we will begin to enter the Promised Land of being conformed to His image and likeness. Remember that Jesus said His words are SPIRIT and LIFE (zoe) and that He only said and did what He heard and saw from the Father; and He also said that man does not live by bread alone, but by every WORD that PROCEEDS from the mouth of God. You see, it is the PROCEEDING WORD- speaking the words of the Father that brings forth Life (zoe)... not 'smiting the Rock'. We must move from a 'smiting the Rock' mentality, to a 'speak to the Rock' mentality... from a ROD mentality (external anointing coming upon us for a season), to a PROCEEDING WORD mentality (internal abiding anointing).

By now, someone is probably saying, "But I thought the Bible taught us that the life is in the blood!" This is very true, but we must understand that there are two types of LIFE... two different words, psuche and zoe, both translated as life, but having very different meanings. Jesus said it very emphatically in Matt. 16:25, "He who seeks to save HIS LIFE shall lose it...". The word for life in that verse is 'psuche' from which we get the word psyche, which is the mind, the SOUL. That verse literally says that if we seek to protect and preserve our SOUL life (life lived from the mind, will and emotions), we will lose it... the word lose, apollumi, means to destroy fully. The verse goes on to say that if we lose our SOUL life for HIS SAKE, we will find it, or better translated we will OBTAIN. What is it that we obtain?... well, Jesus said His WORDS (the incorruptible Seed of Life) were Spirit (Pneuma) and Life (Zoe), or Spirit Life. Jesus said His purpose in coming was that we may have LIFE, Zoe or Spirit Life! He did NOT come to give us 'psuche', or SOUL Life! THAT is the life (psuche) that was crucified with Him!

The verses in John 10:11, 15, 17, all say that Jesus laid down (in death) His LIFE for us; the word used there is psuche in Greek (NOT His Zoe). Is 53:10 says that His SOUL (nephesh in Hebrew, psuche in Greek) was an offering for sin... NOT His Spirit (Ruach) but His SOUL. Verse 12 goes on to say "... He hath poured out His SOUL (nephesh) unto death...". This is significant because according to Lev. 17:11 "...the life (nephesh or SOUL) of the FLESH is in the blood... the blood maketh atonement for the SOUL...". In other words, the SOULISH life is in the BLOOD, and it was the BLOOD of Christ that was poured out, His SOUL (psuche, NOT His Spirit) an offering for sin. Furthermore, "...the Son of Man came... to give His life (psuche - SOUL) a ransom for many..."(Matt. 20:28), His BLOOD shed as the sin offering, that WE may have LIFE (ZOE), SPIRIT LIFE!

Friends, it is His LIFE (zoe) that brings forth FULL salvation, being conformed to His image and likeness, and His WORDS are SPIRIT LIFE... we do not live by bread alone, but it is the PROCEEDING WORD that brings forth Life. As we speak the WORDS of the Father, what God says concerning who we are in Christ, as we speak to the Rock of REVEALation within us (Christ IN us) calling forth the NEW MAN within, we will go beyond just meeting needs in the wilderness... we will be on our way to conquering those things that appear to be 'giants' standing in the way of our Promised Land of manifesting the fullness of Christ.

Quit smiting the Rock within you in the duality of carnal reasoning; quit depending on the ROD anointing... start speaking to the Rock within, calling forth the ABIDING anointing... watch as the water of the PROCEEDING WORD flows freely from your life... watch the 'giants' in your life topple as the victory that has ALREADY been won is appropriated!

info@DougFortune.org

Give Me Everything That Hinders You

Bill Hardaway

Everything that has been covered up will be revealed! Know that nothing has escaped my view. Whatever has hindered you in the past, do not carry it into the future with you. Give everything you are afraid and ashamed of to Me. I will wash and cleanse you as white as snow. I shall set you free of the hindrances that have held you back for so long. Deliverance is at hand, now reach out and give everything to Me.

Bill Hardaway
WHard1954@aol.com

The Death Knoll

MARY CLARK
Servant of the Lord
Prophetic Exhortation

Last night the Lord woke me and said the words, "death knoll."
Father, what did you want to tell us about those words?
***
I am sounding the death knoll, beloved. I am sounding it in the hearing of all who have looked to the world as a place of refuge. Hear Me when I tell you that the season is about to change. The days as you have known them are going to take on a new look - a look that will be perplexing to those who have not trusted in Me. But the look will not perplex My beloved, for I have forewarned you about circumstances changing in your midst. I have told you to expect change, and I have told you not to look to the world for your security. I am about to sound the death knoll to the way the world has gone, and open a vista of unusual proportions that My beloved will look on, and embrace. The people of the world will not understand. They will not know just what it is that has caused this shattering of the life they once knew. Those who have looked to the world for visions of security will rise, if they will seek the Almighty. But those who favor the world, and will not release their grasp, will see gloom and devastation overtake, and they will be in the throws of utter anguish.

I am calling to you, My beloved, to remain steadfast in My truth. I am wanting to explain some very complicated things to My beloved - things that you will look on as strange at first glance, but you will see, as you examine them closer, that your God is giving you the undying fortitude required for the time approaching. I want you active in My will. I want you to participate in all that is coming your way. Don't seek for cover, beloved, when I sound the death knoll to the world's way of doing things. The world has woven an intricate pattern of deceit. I am just in the process of unraveling it. I will unravel it, and as I do those who will come to Me will be worked into the fine fabric of My plan.

I am calling for you, My beloved, to rise in the face of this sound of gloom, looking to the Beloved, trusting in Me to guarantee you that promised safe haven. It is prepared for you. It is all prepared for you to nestle close in the Beloved's arms of love. I am speaking about My most pronounced glory coming and engulfing all who will hearken to the voice of the Beloved. I am calling for you to rest in the peace and safety of My heart where I will reveal My love to you. This is a place of comfort, beloved. It is not a place of insecurity, but a place of the knowledge of My love, being made known in you, and enabling you to rest in the embrace of your Master. Rest in this knowledge as you see the scurrying to and fro of those who are seeking the world's ways. Rest in the sweet, peaceful knowledge that the love of your God brings you. While the world is listening to the death knoll, you will be in My embrace, nestled close, listening to the rhythm of My heart as it gives you that wonderful peace - that peace that passes all understanding, pervading, in every heart that longs for the Beloved's nearness. Is that you, beloved? Are you one who longs to be near the Beloved? Then you may count on Me to draw you into this sweet embrace, and reveal some wonderful things about My love for you. As you look on the conditions of the world, from that most pleasurable place, there is to be peace in the loving arms of the Master - in the direct vicinity of My glory.

devoted1@digitalexp.com

Healing in the High Places

Bryan Hupperts

Hi, SheepTrax!

While praying, the Lord showed me a representation of the United States of America. Immediately, I could clearly see two strong exceedingly dark and bloody pagan altars at opposite ends the country. One was in Washington, D.C., and the other over Hollywood, California. I sensed there was also a financial altar over New York but it was excluded from this vision.

As I was pondering these altars, these spiritual "high places," I felt the Lord say, "Now watch what I will do." And I began to rejoice because I sensed their wickedness being overthrown. And as God raised up Gideon to throw down the altar of Baal worship in Israel - to bring a season of national deliverance - so He is now raising up leaders who will throw down the high places of corruption and wickedness in both the entertainment industry and in national politics.

I have long believed that America was coming under the stern judgment of God. My prayer was that in judgment, God would yet remember mercy. I believe God will bring healing to the entertainment (media) and to the political arena but somehow I sense we will still bear the lashes of bitter financial judgment.

I once had a vision of an empty and ravaged grocery market, the shelves had been raided and stripped down to the dust. Only recently did I understand that this referred not only to my local grocery store, but to our national financial markets. One day, panic is going to hit and people are going to raid the markets leaving them virtually bare.

Anyway, to understand the concept of the high place, remember that the ancients believed that the higher up into the heavens you could travel, the closer to the gods you would become. Even the Lord is referred to as the "Most High." That's why many high places, places of worship, were strategically located on high hills and mountains. Even in the building of the Tower of Babel, the impulse was to make a way for man to reach into the heavens. Genesis11: 4, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens."

Regarding Hollywood: Psalms 78:58, "For they provoked Him to anger with their high places, and moved Him to jealousy with their… images." Hollywood is the center of moral filth that has flooded the earth. Even as God flooded the ancient world but spared Noah, so now God is now going to flow in mercy through these fountains (the media) to flood the world with the knowledge of His Son. The ancient flood produced death and destruction. This flood of righteousness will transform television sets and the theatre houses of the world into altars where repentance and godly sorrow for sin will sweep untold millions of souls into the kingdom of God.

When a high place of pagan worship is cast down, it is necessary to build an altar to the Lord and worship there. 2 Chronicles 14:5, "(Asa) also removed the high places and the incense altars from all the cities of Judah, and the kingdom was quiet under him." When God visits Hollywood and Washington with His presence, we will know a measure of peace (though I sense it will be the kind of supernatural peace you have going through a fierce storm, and not the lack of deadly storms).

It is my firm conviction that the days of the United States are numbered but that we will do God's good purposes until our final hour. One last time God is going to flood our political arena and center of media with His glory. Ezekiel 6:3, "Thus says the Lord GOD to the mountains, to the hills, to the ravines, and to the valleys: 'Indeed I, even I, will bring a sword against you, and I will destroy your high places;'" and again in Ezekiel 16:39. "I will also give you into their hand, and they shall throw down your shrines and break down your high places."

For the wicked who rule and worship at these high places, hear the somber warning of God: repent and be healed!, or inherit the curse of Leviticus 26:30. "I will destroy your high places, cut down your incense altars, and cast your carcasses on the lifeless forms of your idols; and My soul shall abhor you."

I believe we are headed for a financial shipwreck on order of the shock and disaster of the sinking of the Titanic, and yet believe that God will flow through our media and political system to both declare the Gospel of His Son and bless the nations one more time. The Lord will stand enthroned over the high places of Hollywood and Washington before he comes. Amos 4:13, "For behold, He who forms mountains, And creates the wind, Who declares to man what his thought is, And makes the morning darkness, Who treads the high places of the earth--The LORD God of hosts is His name."

Bryan Hupperts © 2000
SheepTrax Ministries, Inc.
www.SheepTrax.com

Aaron's Rod

Christine

This week the Lord took me to Numbers 16 and 17 where Korah challenged the leadership credentials of Moses and Aaron and said we are entering into a time where the Spirit of God will expose and judge the motives of men's hearts in the church and just as in the instance with Korah, Dathan and Abiram, the judgement will be by fire. In Num 16:1 it tells us that those who rose up were leaders of the congregation, men well-known and of distinction. There are those in the church today who have reputation and renowned ministries but the Lord is looking on all our hearts and not on the outward appearance of spirituality. Verse 3,10 and 13 tell us that these men were full of jealousy, spiritual ambition and rebellion. And the Lord is sending His fire to purge the church in this season. There will be a shaking and reshuffling of ministries and some, even those which are renowned amongst men shall be removed. We have entered the prophetic third day and as with God's days, first comes evening and then morning.(Gen 1:5).God is working a work in darkness which the coming of morning will reveal. Moses spoke a prophetic word to this generation in Numbers 16:5 when he said,

"In the morning the Lord will show those who are His, and who is holy, and will cause him to come near Him;him whom He has chosen will He cause to come near Him."

There is a measuring and a testing and a judging of our lives and ministries in this evening time of the third day and the Lord shall be placing His seal of approval on some and removing others. In Hosea 6 it speaks of those whom He causes to come near Him, those He has raised up on the third day to live before Him. In the Hebrew, this speaks of being before His face, living continually in His presence. But the preceding verses tell us the conditions to the fulfillment of this in our lives are brokenness, repentance and returning to the Lord. The morning of the third day is the prophetic time spoken of in Malachi 3:17 when the Lord takes note of those who fear Him and openly declares them to be His jewels. There is coming a time when those the Lord has been molding and forming under tremendous pressure and in secret shall be given His seal of approval and recognition openly.

Both Malachi 3:2 and 4:1 refer to the fire of the Lord that comes to burn up the hay and the stubble and to refine His church. Korah was a son of Levi, but he was not satisfied with ministering to the congregation and serving in the tabernacle. He coveted Aaron's portion. In the Body of Christ today, there are those who are not satisfied with the position and ministry God has assigned to them and they covet the giftings and anointings of others. James 3:16 tells us that wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition there is confusion and every evil work. We are the priesthood, and the Lord is bringing His fire to purify us that our offerings may be in righteousness as in Malachi 3:3. We also read in Isaiah 4 of a cleansing and a purifying of those in Zion by the spirit of judgement and burning. And then those who remain will be called holy and the Lord will cover our homes, our lives and our fellowships with His glory (verse 5) God cannot bring His glory to a backbiting, envious, dissatisfied Bride. He is sending His fire to shake and to sift and to single out those He is pleased with and those that will fall.

The tragedy was that Korah had a good inheritance from the Lord. His father's name means 'anointed'. But that was not enough for him. When they brought their censors and incense before the Lord, this is a picture of their prayer lives. Our prayer lives are being viewed by the Lord at this time. What a solemn warning for intercessors. Korah's censor was made of brass, which speaks of impurity. Aaron's was of gold. Korah wanted the position and the acclaim but his prayer life was not what it should have been. Sometimes we see the outward manifestation of the anointing on a person's ministry and covet that but we do not see the prayer life behind it. We do not know their relationship with God, like Aaron who ministered to the Lord. God sees in secret and those who have ministered to Him in their closet, away from the eyes of men, those who have wept before Him and worshipped Him in secret are the ones who will receive His approval before men in the coming days.

All 250 rebels were destroyed but their censors, that which had been offered to the Lord, were holy, and were beaten and hammered into sheets to cover the brazen altar. But Korah's sons were not killed (Num 26:11) and they went on to write 11 of the beautiful psalms we read today. It seems that their hearts were not drawn after their father's wickedness and even so today, those whose parents have fallen away from the Lord are still able to access and appropriate the anointing in their godly bloodlines to the glory of God.

I see the Lord's eye running over families in these days, looking for hearts who are separated unto Him. Aaron and Korah both descended from Levi who was their great-grandfather but it was Aaron whom God separated for Holy of Holies ministry. In these days a godly heritage is no guarantee of God's favour and anointing. It is our own individual hearts and the state of our secret life which will determine promotion or demotion in His kingdom. It was Aaron's high-priestly intercession that stayed the plague amongst the people and in the coming days we will see the fulfillment of Job 22:30 "He will even deliver the one for whom you intercede who is not innocent; yes, he will be delivered through the cleanness of your hands."

In Numbers 17 we read of the Lord's instruction to lay rods representing the 12 tribes before the ark of testimony in the evening. In the morning Aaron's rod had budded, showing God's approval of him. In the same way, our rods are lying before the Lord at this time, the evening of the third day. The rod represents our lives, our ministries, our authority in the spirit, our inheritance in God. We are in a time of measuring and judging We are passing under His measuring rod and some are found lacking and some are found ready.

"And the rod of the man I choose shall bud." (Num. 17:5)

This is what the Lord is saying. On the morning of this third day, the lives and ministries of those He chooses shall bud and blossom and bear fruit. What was it that caused Aaron's rod to bud ? It was the resurrection life and power of God. Jesus also rose on the morning of the third day and His bride shall experience the resurrection power of God upon her on the morning of this same third day but right now we are still in the evening and the sifting and shaking and purifying is being carried out. Our works are passing through the fire to test what they are made of and then we can rise and shine with the glory of the Lord in the morning, with His approval and authority to rule in the midst of our foes(psalm 110:3).

The Hebrew word 'bud' means 'to break forth, to spread, to fly, to flourish, to spring up.' What a picture of resurrection power! This same word is used in Ezekiel 17:24, "all the trees of the field shall understand that I, the Lord, have brought low the high tree, have exalted the low tree and have made the dry tree to flourish. I, the Lord, have spoken and I will do it!" Again we see the sifting and judging of lives and ministries at this time. I believe the body of Christ is going to experience a great reshuffling and realigning in this time,as the Lord brings into the open His jewels. It will be a work done in darkness, undetected by man but the morning will reveal the results. The word for 'dry' in the above verse also means ' ashamed, confused, disappointed'. There are those who look at their lives and see only dryness, and a lack of life and power. They feel ashamed, as if they have failed the Lord somehow, like a dry rod before the Lord but He is saying that He sees their hearts, their desparate hunger for Him and as they remain in that place of yeildedness before the Lord at this time, after He has tested and tried them He will come to them as the heavy latter rain that waters the earth, there is an outpouring of His resurrection life that is coming.

In Genesis 1 we read about the first 3rd day. God separated the waters from the land. He uncovered the ground which had been hidden and spoke over it and brought forth it's potential, vegetation, plants and fruit trees each according to its kind. Even so, on this third day, God will be uncovering his hidden ones, breathing upon them and causing them to reach their full potential. From deep within the soil of your hearts will spring up that which will nourish and feed others. There are some that have been waiting in the wings so to speak all their Christian lives, being moulded and tried in secret but the day of their revealing is at hand, in the morning the rod of the man God chooses shall bud!

keluwlah@iafrica.com

SEEK TO UNDERSTAND MY VISION

Marsha Burns

"Completely abandon to My plans and purposes, for you can never achieve anything in My kingdom through your own designs and objectives. Remove yourself from the equation along with your selfish motivations, for I tell you, this is not about you. It is about Me. It is about My intentions for My people. My ways are higher than your ways, and My thoughts are higher than your thoughts. Refrain from designing your own schemes and asking Me to bless them, and yield to My order, for what I have designed is already blessed. Seek to understand My vision and then move ahead to fulfill what I have called you to do. Certainly, I will direct your steps if you will but yield."

"I WILL CAUSE YOUR EARS TO HEAR WITH PRECISION AND I WILL GUARD YOUR HEART WITH PEACE"

"Go forth, My people, in boldness. Rise up out of timidity and fear. Be done with self_focus and short_sightedness. This is a new day, and I am doing great and mighty things. The enemy will bring distractions, things to worry about, too many things to do, but if you will look to Me apart from these distractions, I will open your eyes and bring clarity to your vision.

I will cause your ears to hear with precision, and I will guard your heart with peace. For I am looking for those whose total investment is in My kingdom, those who are available to Me to fulfill My purposes on the earth. I will not coerce you into faithfulness; I will not beg you to forsake worldliness, but My call is going forth with an invitation for you to come and follow Me."

"THE CLOUD IS MOVING"

"Expect change, great sweeping change in all areas. For, I say to you assuredly, old things have passed away and all things are becoming new. Even the old things that are worth bringing into this new era will be transformed and take on the characteristics of progression. Those areas in your life that you stubbornly cling to and refuse to yield to this spiritual conversion will become lifeless and historical.

You are but a pilgrim passing through this foreign land on your way to a City "whose builder and maker is God." And, I tell you that many of you seek only to find a safe and comfortable place to stop and camp. But, your spiritual camping places are for the purpose of bringing you into greater revelation of Me. You cannot camp on revelation of one aspect of My nature and character and still see the fullness of My purpose.

Believe Me when I tell you that the cloud is moving, and it is time to strike camp once again. You must move on to your next destination. But, fear not. I am with you. I will lead you and direct your steps. Come, courageous hearts; let us journey together!"

"THIS SEPARATION PROCESS WILL CONTINUE AND INTENSIFY"

"I am drawing you to Myself with greater intensity than you've known before. This drawing will bring further separation from those who resist this spiritual pulling. For, I tell you that I have set Myself as a magnet, and you are being drawn as tailings.

This is a refining process as I continue to separate the precious from the vile. And, I tell you a mystery - those of you who do not resist and are drawn to Me also become magnetized as I am and will begin to draw others to yourselves and to Me.

Those who resist will be repelled, and I tell you that this separation process will continue and intensify. Those who think they have chosen safe middle ground and have remained neutral will have to choose. I tell you, there is no middle ground. So, let your yes be yes and your no be no. Choose this day who you will serve."

"YOU MUST REST IN MY PRESENCE"

"You are entering a time where your life will absolutely explode with diversity. You, My people, are going to break out of old molds that have confined your gifts, talents and abilities.

Dreams and visions that were once extinguished by discouragement and lack of opportunity will now become revitalized. For, I say to you, that you are in the season of resurrection power. What has been dead and buried will now spring forth with new life and take on new meaning.

Be warned, however, that you cannot do this by your own volition. That which is being raised up will be by My power, not by your will or coercion. You must rest in My presence, for I am the resurrection and the life and what I speak life into shall live! What I bring to pass shall be established."

"IT WILL NO LONGER DO FOR YOU TO STAY ON THE LAST PLATEAU"

"Come up higher! I am about to release a new level of anointing in your midst. It will no longer do for you to stay on the last plateau, for I am doing a new thing, and you will not be able to comprehend it if you don't come higher.

I hear your question, "How do I do that?" Quiet your soul and seek Me with greater intensity and focus. I will indeed pour out revelation knowledge and deeper understanding of My kingdom purposes.

But, you must be in a position to receive what I am about to pour out. You must press through your comfort zone and step into territory that is unfamiliar.

I tell you the truth, some of you have remained in old areas of religious comfort so long that you have gotten stuck there; you are truly established. But, I say to you, shake yourselves awake; be bold and take the next step.

I am calling those who are willing to fast to break out of religious bondage. What I am about to pour out cannot be received where you are."

ft111@uswest.net
http://ft111.com

Vision of the Army

Ken Keating

Crossing the Jordan…

Last week, I had a dream that I'd like to share with you. It's in keeping with the special time we now experience. The dream speaks to our preparedness – not just to cross the Jordan, but, more importantly, to our foreknowledge of what to do when we reach the other side, our Canaan.

Early that day, about 5:00 a.m., while still in bed and probably half-awake… I watched the Lord's army cross the river. There was little current at the point of crossing, and no one appeared to be straining to maintain formation. The conveyance of men-on-foot and equipment through the water was as a ripple in a pond, with a barely audible splash as the ripple touched the shore. I perceived that this was a stealth maneuver, even though it occurred in the daylight.

Once ashore, however, all hell broke loose; that is, the troops scattered in all directions, without apparent objective or focus – unstable in all their ways. Many turned and reentered the water – water that was now over their heads – casting aside their military garb, weapons and provisions to allow for easy swimming. But none of these made it across the river this time, apparently choosing, instead, to bob up and down in the turbulence created by their spastic movements. No trooper helped another, though many appeared to be near-drowning. All had the look of numbness – insensitive to their fate as well as to the fate of those in like circumstance.

I was disheartened and tearful. I wondered if I had witnessed but another religious exercise, destined to failure even before the trumpets sounded. Then the Lord spoke to me. I can't remember His exact words, as the words spoke more to my heart than to my ears. This is what I received:

"Don't be distressed. I won't allow history to repeat itself. This time is different – dramatically so. It's My time, and I will no longer allow the Father's children to pretend that any land can be taken, any field can be harvested, any wedding can be attended…without each child first knowing his mission and the special talents that I've given him to accomplish that mission.

"I've silenced the motivational speakers, and no one remains to tickle your ears. As your commission and validation, I speak My anointing into your lives – signs and wonders. This is your General speaking.

"I no longer countenance timidness among the children. Soon, all the children will be known for their boldness!

"What general would deploy his troops uninformed? I'm your General, and you are informed. Each child is part of a company, and each company has specific functionality. There are those who gather intelligence and develop battle strategy. There are those who transport supplies and equipment, even establish base operations. There are those who brandish weapons never before seen or appreciated. There are those who apply healing ointments – miraculous cures to the various wounds attending this KINGDOM CONQUEST. Many companies. Many individual and corporate tasks. One transcendent purpose.

"When the companies arrive on the shore, no one looks back. ALL FORMER EVENTS ARE FORGOTTEN, supplanted by the promises of present and future glory. THERE IS ORDER, such as the children have never before experienced. THERE IS UNITY, of a kind that I petitioned My Father. THERE ARE NO DESERTERS!"

Join me in a prayer, as the Lord now imparts KINGDOM FOCUS (single-mindedness) to His Church – each and every member.

Submitted by the Diggers

WHO WILL RELEASE MY SPIRIT?

Linda Patterson

Early this morning I experienced a cry from the heart of My Father:

"The Spirit of the Lord wants to be released. Who will release My Spirit? He has been contained in man-made boxes, pushed down and stifled.

Allow Me to move in fire and in power. It is the power of My resurrection that will set the captives free and My fiery passion will melt the frozen hearts.

My desire is to have a heart totally submitted to Me. My agenda for this day is signs, miracles and wonders. Who will be a sign and a wonder for Me?

My fire and power cannot be found in man-made tradition and religion. Fresh fire brings life, creativity and strength. Who will be a fire starter for Me? Who will allow My fresh fire to spread forth to the nations?

Shaking and sifting, wilderness walking, old wineskins to new are all part of the process for the releasers of My fire. Fiery passion can only flow through prepared and yielded vessels.

Road blocks shall be removed. Nothing shall hinder the pathway I have chosen for My fiery messengers of truth. My Spirit groans and cries out for release and so shall it be.

1 Thessalonians 5:19 - "Do not put out the Spirit's fire".

Hebrews 12:28-29: "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire."

eaglevw@golden.net

The fitting disposition for union with God is not that the soul should understand, feel, taste or imagine anything on the subject of the nature of God, or any other thing whatever, but should remain in that pureness and love which is perfect resignation and complete detachment from all things for God alone.

-- St. John of the Cross

WHAT HAS HE ASKED OF YOU?
Reference Hebrews Chapters 2, 3, 4

Linda Evans

In the bringing of many sons to Glory -- those who share in the Heavenly Calling, are told to fix their thoughts upon Jesus --- The Apostle -- The High Priest -- who learned obedience by what He suffered... Who was tempted in all ways as we are and yet did not sin.... Who was faithful to the One who appointed Him. The writer of Hebrews gives very clear and pointed counsel to the many sons being brought to Glory. They will be tested and tried... for unless there is "perfect resignation and complete detachment from all things for God Alone" as St. John of the Cross shares from his own experiential knowledge (epignosis) -- we cannot enter that Perfect Rest, for "perfect resignation and complete detachment from all things for God Alone" is the Sabbath Rest for the people of God. In the Old Testament type and shadow of this entering in, unbelief and disobedience kept the sons from entering that Rest. Will the many sons being led to Glory, to the Perfect Rest be faithful to the One who would appoint them? Will they learn obedience by what they too must suffer? Will they truly lose their soul life for the sake of gaining His Life?

This is the struggle even now. Will we willingly enter that Rest, which is His Absolute Will in all aspects of our lives... will we let go completely now of our independence as "the iron enters our soul" [Ps 105]... as His Will becomes our will, no longer separate, but one... OR will we hold onto the "it" that is being required?

There is a choice being made even now... at this late hour. Many have held onto "it"..... wanting "it" and "God's Will"... hoping they will not ever have to really give "it" up.... yet, by fixing our thoughts upon Jesus, the Son.. we know all sons will be required to give "it" up, for the sake of the Kingdom.... for the sake of this relationship manifested in Jesus and the Father. A relationship based upon absolute obedience to the One who appointed Him as "Son over God's House" ... a relationship disclosed a union of Will.. Jesus praying to the Father, not My will, but THINE be done.

"See to it brothers, that none of you has a sinful -- unbelieving heart -- that turns away from the Living God. But encourage one another daily -- as long as it is called "Today", so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." [12,13]

While we are holding onto "it", thinking we WILL turn from it and give ourselves completely over to God 'soon'... we are being hardened... our hearts are becoming more and more rebellious... even without us knowing, for willful sin has this effect upon the regenerated heart. The danger is greater than we sense, for as our hearts are hardening, we sense the danger less and less.

Yet the Lord would say this day, 'turn to Me and I will turn to you. This is the day of turning... this is the day of choice. Will you enter My Rest? Will you turn from all things and enter that perfect resignation, knowing I desire My Will to become your will, that we no longer remain separate. Will you enter My Rest, resting from your own works, your own created energy's work and lose all things for the sake of My Name? Will you choose Me.. or will you choose 'it'?

We do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have One who has been tempted in every way, just as we are -- yet was without sin. Let us then approach the Throne of Grace with confidence, so that we may receive Mercy and find Grace to help us in our time of need. Narrow is the way... strait is the gate leading to Life... few be that find it. The cost of discipleship.. the cost of becoming a son is obedience, but the Lord has promised to be with us in our time of testing -- He has made the way that Grace and Mercy might flow to all who are entering His Rest through faith and obedience.

Today if you hear His Voice, do not harden your hearts.. but instead make every effort to enter that Rest, so that no one will fall by following the example of "disobedience" but instead let the obedience of sons be manifested in all the world, as the many sons are led to Glory... those Jesus is not ashamed to call His brothers... who have also learned obedience by what they have suffered.

Fix your thoughts upon Jesus, whom we confess. He was faithful to the One who appointed Him.. Christ is faithful as a "Son" over God's House, and we are His House, if we hold onto the Courage and the Hope of which we boast. Let us embrace -- in perfect love; perfect truth; perfect peace -- the Will of God, joyfully surrendering all things unto Him... Let us no longer retain our independence, but embrace our complete dependence upon Christ Jesus, who is our Life.

What has He asked of you?

In Love's service to those entering His Perfect Rest
your sister, Linda the Beguine

levans@netw.com

Five-Fold Today Archives



The Lord has given us the grace to reconcile the children to their Fathers

As One Body

  • We prepare for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb
  • Harvest the Fruit of the Latter Rain
  • Follow Him as the Army of the Lord into His Glory

Help To Prepare A Holy Bride!

Issue Oriented Discussion Newsletter

Index | Search This Site | Aristide.Org | The Latter Rain | Babylon the Great | The Kingdom | The Nicolaitans | Jezebel
The Baptism With the Holy Ghost | The Grand Delusion | World Trade Org | Liberation Theology | Jay Atkinson | Alphabetical Index



jay@latter-rain.com