Net2Church Meeting 12/19/09

Hinkley and Patty Tuller cooked up a great Christmas dinner in honor of Pastor Beverly Long and the folks at Church of the Redeemed in Winchendon who have opened up their church facilities to us and continue to lift us up during their intercessory prayer sessions. Many dishes were prepared by them and others. There were close to thirty people of all ages that were served.

Our fellowship time began with Kenny McNeil providing a detailed explanation of Chanukah from a Jewish perspective followed by a time for questions and answers. The time of blessing was extended to include a time of sharing prophetic words that people felt were relating to Net2Church.

We discussed the general theme of becoming aware of what each one of us brings to the table of Net2Church. This involved sharing what Christ is doing in each of us, and how that might relate to the rest of us, and how we might embrace the things that God has been revealing to each individual, as a group.

Life is like a box of chocolates...

David Dubois and Hinkley have been given design concepts for building designs, construction materials, and building methodologies. They also have been given ideas about generating power along with energy conservation techniques. That matched up with some inspired (interactive) bible reading that Bev was doing, and a prophetic word that I had received from Alan Ross (Scotland) in 2005. Kenny, Rhonda, myself, and others lend talents in sales, marketing, and business management.

Summary...

So, the meeting shifted completely from ministry to manufacturing as we simply discussed what God was doing in our lives, and the commonality that we shared along those lines from start to finish. We never know what God is doing until we share those things that He reveals with others, in love. I am thankful for all those that are coming and courageously sharing with complete vulnerability, what God has shown to them.

Will we do anything with this? Yes. We are all praying about it, and seeking God for advisement, clarity, and more revelation. Could these innovatory ideas be used to contribute funding for our ministry?... hmmmm.

God is speaking, we are listening, and we are eager to press in for more of Him.

Merry Christmas!

- Dave

Gabriel...

This may seem a bit strange, but this weather-vane on the Scofield Chapel speaks as much volume to my heart as anything does about Crestwood. From the moment I glanced up to take notice, I was realizing that if anything signifies the Net2Church spirit, this beautifully hand-crafted weather-vane does. Gary O'Neal and his co-workers really did create something of spiritual value in this artwork. Thanks, Gary.

RECENT MEETINGS:

Although our "numbers" have been few, much has been discussed, and a real sense of spiritual bonding has been taking place at Net2Church. We are typically running meetings with a core group that has been averaging less than 10 people. What is interesting is that not everyone comes every week, so the mix is constantly changing, and therefore, so is the dynamics of both the public message, and the ministry meeting.

Weekly message - Every week is different, but all messages center around a love topic. Sometimes it is serious and somewhat intense. Other times full of laughter and simplicity. Other times real hard-core tough love lessons (like this week, Romans 9, and 3rd John - on trust). The important part about all of this is that God has been in our midst, working in our hearts individually and corporately, and those that have needed to be there, were there and got blessed.

Ministry meetings - In two of our meetings we have discussed setting up N2C as a 501(c)3 corporation. Each of those meetings brought some real heartfelt discussions. Last month, some of us wanted to do that quickly, and this month some wanted not to this at all. Everyone wants what God wants. So, we continue to seek Him in this for clarity. The process, however, is remarkably fun to be a part of - to see such depth, and compassion come forward as people begin to take ownership of the vision.

I am truly blessed!

- Dave

Crestwood - Funding A Vision

1/2 OF A PROMISE...
Ideally, ministries should be pre-funded with gifts/donations or by payment pledges. To fund a ministry on the basis of a "business plan" to sell goods and services just seems a bit odd. Yet, we have a group of investors willing to pre-fund our ministry, and they want to get paid back... in other words, they are willing to part with their money for a season.

We asked for 3 million dollars, and we can have it if we can pay it back. We are looking to focus on the ministries of the new Crestwood Center that will provide an equivalent or greater "spiritual value" than the money might otherwise purchase, but how then would we add a financial return on investment (ROI) to the tasks at hand without diluting our energy and distracting us from our purpose?


To even consider such a thing could place us at odds with many conservative Christians. Crestwood's ministry vision could be expanded to include new business concepts. Should it be attempted? Many of us are entrepreneurial, after all.  ...hmmmmm!

POST YOUR THOUGHTS AND HAVE SOME FUN WITH THIS!!!

Gathering Highlights (Saturday Nov 7th)

We began with a word of prayer and thanks for the gathering, the food, and His interventions, followed by a time of open discussion that was lengthy, but a wonderful bonding experience for all of us. We talked about ministry purpose and our individual insights of where we felt God wanted us to go as a group. It was also a time of testimony and story-telling.

This was followed by communion and a prayer seeking God's interventions in our hearts and minds while we entered into a time of corporate silence and seeking His words, and visions that He would soon place upon us. This took about fifteen to twenty minutes of silence for everyone to be served by God.

We then discussed what God had placed on our hearts, scriptures that came to mind, and visual pictures in our mind's eyes. We concluded with prayer.

This is a summary of the gathering:

Note - Before I go into this, I know that not everyone is comfortable with this level of intimacy (being exposed spiritually). Having said that, we as a group, are willing to get uncomfortable when it comes to hearing from God corporately as a group. The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophesy. If we continue to share with each other what God is sharing with us, then we will continue to receive more from Him. As this process continues, we will grow, and love will prevail. If it is crushed, we will stagnate. May God grant us the wisdom and courage to continue in intimacy with Him.

The silent time revelations - According to one, in the future, God had asked that we enter into a time of praise before we seek revelations (we will honor that word). This one also saw a branch going forth and Zac 6:12. One saw a network like blood vessels, train tracks going up a hill, and hands joined in unity. One saw the light of God shinning through windows, followed by many (seemingly endless) scriptures regarding light (you are the light of the world, perfect light casts out all darkness, etc.). Another saw Psalm 84 like people (us) walking on a bar graph, coming out of Baca. Another saw a small paper cup filled with black poison swirling empty and being replaced with clear fresh water. This was all that we saw in that time of silence that was shared. (This was followed by discussions and interpretations)

Closing prayer revelation - I asked if anyone got a number (referring to the price that we should offer on Crestwood) only two numbers were given, and they were both the exact same number. Both said that they saw this number clearly, and the rest of us were at peace with presenting this amount as our offer, though it was higher than the asking price.

Our discussions - We talked about focusing on the subject of love and relationships. We decided to hold weekly fellowships in a public setting on Saturday afternoons. Bev Long offered her church building. Our hope is to teach love principles publicly at a time that doesn't conflict with Sunday morning worship, as we much prefer to become a ministry to the body of Christ that churches can rely upon, rather than being seen as a group that steals their sheep. Where Crestwood is concerned; If the pastors can't trust us with their congregations, how are the congregations going to trust us with their pastors? We are all one body.

Later in the Day – More people coming on board from Florida to Vermont. Got a nice response from Richard and Diane Evans (FL), and Kevin Moffat (VT). The Evans' were part of the original group of pastors and leaders that evaluated the Net2Church vision in 2004 that released us as a ministry. They are family to me, and will be coming back to the northeast briefly in April of 2010 – yes we will host them! I have asked Kevin Moffat (who is an artist that paints during worship services) to join us as part of our core networking ministry team to bring back art, music, dance, and theater back into worship at the center. We will be connecting with him soon.

Food for thought:

Today is the first open Net2Church gathering in over three years. I have chosen my home instead of a church setting (though it is sure to be crowded) to help people see this ministry as a relational cause or purpose, in a "people helping people" relational environment.

I know this is strictly my own opinion, and I am not trying to "sell" this concept, but ministries are made up of people focused on a purpose or a cause. The danger of buildings and structures (even Crestwood) is that the structures are often identified as the ministry (assuming the cause is fellowship). "I go to that church". No church structure has ever loved me. People have loved me (or not). And the truth is that I prefer home fellowshipping over church building gatherings because there is less preaching and more relating - it is far more interactive and loving for me, and I don't have time for both. Intimacy is not optional in the body of Christ. God requires it, and we need to strive for it or we will never be accountable to righteousness with one another.

The exception to this is corporate worship. This is where the whole body of Christ comes together (no denominational lines) to sing and dance and otherwise celebrate our "Lord with us". This is certainly a "the more the merrier" time. My heart is to cast the pews out and bring in the musicians to the center of the room (David's tent style). A time of dancing and scripture reading and more. Haven't been to that church yet. (But I'm willing to build it... it did go 24/7...hehehe!)

When I first took the ministry team to Crestwood, I stood in the middle of a large field with them and pointed to the 100 amp power service that someone had already placed there. I said; "I see David's tent. Perhaps we could see this for just one 24/7 period. If we could do that, wouldn't that be a great start? The power supply was not originally intended for musical instruments - but yet here it is, ready for us."

A Prayer Of Preparation....

Written and submitted to me by Mike Cole. Thank you Mike.

Note: As you read Mike's prayer for the Monadnock region, please consider this prayer also for other regions. If you live outside of the Monadnock region (where Crestwood is), please pray for your region. Our core ministry covers the six New England states plus New York, the Monadnock region is simply our home base, but our vision for unity is global. - Dave

"Lord,

WE pray for the New Hampshire Mondanock Region.... We are thankful for the work you are doing within your church in this region. This has been a time of shaping and molding.... a time of chipping away at our old ways so that you can be seen by others through us in the days to come.

There are many who have endured much and we grow tired of the world's strain. We long for your springs of living water to bubble from the hard granite rock of our region. We wait for your hand to move over our land in a mighty way and while we wait we prepare....

We pray for the pastors of the region. We pray that you meet the physical, mental, and spiritual needs of each pastor and their families. Clear their hearts and minds of the worry and grief of this world, and fill their spirit with yours. Comfort them. Give them the peace that surpasses all understanding. Give them discernment to know how to direct the people of their congregations to you. Help us as members of their congregation to help them. Help us to realize that they are people too who have the same frustrations that we do. Help us to go out of our way to meet their needs.

We pray for the walls of denomination to crumble. We pray for unity of the body. Do we believe in you as our Lord and Savior? Do we believe that you conquered death and sin by your resurrection on the third day? Yes! Then let us set aside our differences and reach out to one another.

We pray for those in the region who have not come to you yet. We pray that we begin to allow you to move in us and through us in such a way that we are inspired by you to help those in our community in ways we never have before. Help us join, congregation with congregation, to meet the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs of those you have yet to reach in our community. Will this be difficult? Yes. Will it be messy at times? Yes. But if we trust in you we can do all things for you and through you.

Lord, give us as your church the courage to move forward for you. Let us not be shaken by the lies that enter our head which tell us that we are too weak to be any good to you. Help us to remember that what we have and who we are comes from you. Our frailties and shortcomings pail compared to the blessings you have in store for this region and for each one of us.

We thank you for the many blessings you have given us during this time of preparation. You have given us what we need when we needed it; and their have been moments when you gave us more than we asked for. Thank you.

Lord, we give the Monadnock region to you. We wait in anticipation for your love to gush forth. In the meantime, we prepare, in Jesus' Name. Amen."

Friday Nov 6

This week I have met with Bev and her church for prayer time, and broke bread with Hinkley and Ken and his family including some scripture reading, praying, and we blessed of his home and land.

About Saturday's Meeting Nov 7th
Tomorrow's gathering is at my home in Winchendon (155 Grove St, 2nd floor). This is a noon gathering (pot-blessing style) for the purpose of prayerfully solidifying our intentions and committing ourselves as a group to one another in this ministry purpose. You can expect open discussions, prayer, and scripture reading, as well as prophetic words coming forth.

Crestwood
Care Center

Crestwood Care Center is a place to experience the love of God, His royalty, and His generosity. The ministries of Crestwood Center are all hospitality driven, and are designed to edify the body of Christ.

Our missions are to enrich, enable, and encourage all those who enter to use their faith, education, experience, talents, and gifts to change the world around them, by helping them to build a solid platform to stand upon.

Two-fold Primary Focus

Net2Church Global Ministries is established to provide life to two central purposes. “Build a communications tower, and pastor my pastors.” This simple instruction has led the Net2Church ministry team to seek to establish the new Crestwood Care Center in the town of Winchester, NH, USA.

Two-fold purpose of prayer camp network

The care center will be a base of operations in the ministry of “networking” prayer camps throughout New England and New York state (7 states). The prayer camps are simply tiny groups who gather to listen to God and intercede for others as they are led, and secondly to communicate back to the network regarding and specific spiritual needs, promptings, understandings, praise reports, and the like. These camps are the eyes and ears of Net2Church, as we seek to find pastors/leaders and their spouses who need our help.

Two-fold purpose of pastoral restoration ministry

Spiritual Awareness:

Crestwood's hospitality is for the pastors first, then to the body of Christ. It is our turn to love them in a natural palace full of God's love found at this majestic setting. Providing places of solitude in a serene environment is a core function of the Care Center. There are 157 acres, views up to 120 miles, and a history of pastoral retreats dating as far back as the late 1800's with Cirus Scofield's original Chapel still on the grounds (where he authored final drafts of the Scofield Study Bible).

Spiritual Experience:

Crestwood is already an events center with a history of catering to weddings and other community, corporate, and individual functions, while still providing peace and solitude to guests. With this in mind, Crestwood will continue to cater functions that will allow for pastoral guests to come and enjoy without having to become involved in leadership, though their level of participation is solely discretionary.

Center for Arts and Education

Crestwood is a gathering place for Christian art, music, dance and theater. The creative energy that flows through God's people will be showcased here at Crestwood, and will become the center for the networking of these groups throughout the seven states.

Christian education has suffered much in the way of resources and support. Crestwood will be a center for Christian education, and agricultural awareness. With 138 acres zoned agricultural, Net2Church ministry teams are looking into ways to wisely use the land for supply, and education. We have already established the location of a multifaceted library building as a priority for our initial infrastructure development program. We are thinking high school and undergraduate studies.

sponsored link: CharityNet USA

Monday Nov 2nd (Day 8)

Five Net2Church team members gathered at Crestwood today at 9:00 am. Those present were Bev, Ken, Hinkley, Andy, and myself representing our ministry. We met with the Realtor and the present owner to discuss many of the property highlights, visions, and other details.

After careful examination of the property, and much prayer, we all unanimously agreed that God wants us to move forward to secure the property and build the new ministry center at Crestwood.

We are now in full pursuit of establishing the first Net2Church pastoral restoration center.

Oct 31st (day 6)

Last night, Rhonda had a vision confirming the start-up of a school at the "Crestwood Estate". She saw rapid digging in a school environment, and knew that it was Crestwood that God was speaking to her about. The school is designed to become an essential ingredient in the restoration process of pastors residing as guests at the retreat center by providing them with new spiritual experiences, occurring as a result of witnessing students engaged in campus activities or perhaps even engaging themselves with the students if they so choose.

Pastors Retreat Center (Revive, Restore & Release)
The vision for this retreat center involves providing two essential ingredients of restoration to pastors that are not found in any other single environment.

First, we are providing pastors with housing (board and room) in a serene environment (16 acres of mountaintop fields, flowers, trees, and 120 mile views into three states) in an effort to help them peak their spiritual awareness, and there will be plenty of opportunities to find solitude throughout the 157 acre estate.

Second, we are also exposing them to "events" and "daily activities" (due to the school, and other community efforts) going on within the center in an effort to heighten and perhaps even peak their spiritual experience. This is accomplished by observing God in their environment, and in the people participating in various events on campus.

It is in the combination of these efforts to heighten both spiritual awareness and spiritual experience that sets Crestwood Estate apart from all other pastoral retreat centers currently in existence today.

Events
To give you more clarity, there are events such as bringing in Christian musicians, artists and dancers from the seven-state area in a "Gather, Grow & Go" program, designed to network artists, performing artists, and musicians. These gatherings will also provide a platform for these talented individuals to be seen and heard in the northeast. Pastors on retreat will be exposed to, and may even participate in these events.

Education
(More on this later)

Today's News 10/29/09 (Day 4)

I had scheduled a meeting this morning with a young lady who had an interest in taking over some of my business projects. It came about through our discussion that her real expertise (and love) is in "events planning". ...hmmmm! It was immediately apparent to me that she was not here for the reason that I had thought.

We shifted gears to "Crestwood", and now (after a two hour exchange of testimonies) it looks like we have gained a first class events planner for the Pastors' Retreat Center ... only God.

A visit this afternoon from another ministry partner revealed possible funding sources that may have a role to play in the acquisition of the real estate.

Thanks for your prayers - KEEP PRAYING!!!

Rhonda and I had our first meeting with the current owner (Gary O'Neil) of Crestwood yesterday. Our initial (spiritual) impressions were extremely positive. The overall condition of the property is somewhat less than desirable, but it is workable with proper vision and resources.

As we were approaching the property, I was sensing that the Lord wanted me to ask Gary to stay on with us (and I did), even though we haven't made an offer on the property yet. Gary is somewhat attached to this property. He has poured his heart and all of his resources into it to try to hold on to it. He is extremely talented in culinary arts and has a deep understanding (and formal education) of "the natural habitat" in and around the area. As I began to speak to Gary, I immediately started to see the need for his gift set in God's plan for the revitalization of this estate, and the creation of this ministry. ...Transitioning wisdom coming from God.

Hinkley, Andy and I will be going back on Monday for a second meeting... it's time to call in Scott Sullenberger (The Branches Group). Rhonda and I are at great peace that building this retreat center is part of what God wants us to do right now. We are seeing this ministry forming by the hand of God.

As usual, God won't let me get too comfortable with one concept before He throws another one my way! A while back (June or July this summer), I saw something in my mind's eye - it was a retreat center with a chapel on the grounds. I knew that it was mine, and I knew it was for the purpose of ministering to pastors, as well as my own home.

Occasionally, I have checked MLS listings in NH for property that I think might come close to what I saw that day. Yesterday, I stumbled onto a local listing for a Mountaintop property in Winchester, NH. A Bed & Breakfast pavilion, AND a chapel on the grounds. This is a 157 acre property, in need of maintenance, that is called Crestwood Chapel and Pavilion (currently listed at $1,300,000).

Here's the kicker -

Cyrus Ingersol Scofield, a noted evangelist during the late 1800's, created his seminal work (at least the revisions thereof) for the Scofield Reference Bible at Crestwood. He was also a noted 19th century religious scholar, and came to the mountain as a private chaplain to Dwight Moody, founder of the nearby Mount Hermon School, often hosting retreats at Crestwood.

We are praying this through to become a pastoral retreat center, and hospitality pavilion for possible youth as well as a development center for creative arts and music.

Please join us in prayer as we seek God's will in this endeavor.

More Pics: http://www.crestwood-e.com/slideshow/index.html

Many thanks!
- Dave

October 14th 2009

There will be a few of us breaking bread as a ministry tonight for the first time in three years. Some will be joining us for the first time, like Pastor Beverly Long, pastor of "Church of the Redeemed", a storefront church/ministry in Winchendon, MA, and affiliated with "Higher Ground Ministries" of Gardner, MA.

Although Scott will not be joining us tonight, Scott Sullenberger, Manchester, NH, has offered to provide some planning and structural support for N2C, and was on our original ministry team years ago. Scott has authored a website "Know Your Scripture" and since our last gathering has founded "The Branches Group". I want to say thank you to Scott for walking in the Lord, and also with me. I highly value his friendship.

Also connecting with us, but not joining us tonight, is Mr. Alfred P. Licata, Sr. of "His Watering Whole Ministries", Maine. Al and I have a great prayer life via the phone, and I am helping him with a web site presence for his ministry.

Recap Week 1: Thurs Oct 8 – Wed Oct 14

Oct 8, 2009
1.Facebook Announcement: http://facebook.com/talkrite
a. Vision Announcement
b. Call to gather intercessors and a prophetic ministry team for a 7 state outpouring (new England plus New York).

*Prophetic Note* - I expect heavy outpouring in the Connecticut River Valley and in the areas located in mountainous regions such as the Monadnock region, Wachusett region, and throughout NH and VT. But no part of these 7 states will remain untouched.

Got responses from Christians all across denominational boarders, including Catholic, Protestant, Messianic Jewish, and some without denominational ties. Former ministry associates, Patty and Hinkley Tuller were among the first to respond. (Hinkley made the stake that we used to claim the land (see July 2008 blog for details) for revival.

October 11th
On an internal prompting, I contacted a pastor in Winchendon – an old friend from years ago. We met in her home for two and one half hours discussing visions, ministry challenges, family, and much more. New connections were made in the supernatural. I'm certain that there will be more to come on this later.

Vision of reactivation;
October 8th, 2009 at 1:00 PM

This is what I saw in my mind's eye, and heard in my spirit while working at home on the computer, focused on something entirely different. I regard this as a mid-day vision. And I know the purpose of it.

For those that have ears to hear:
“It's time... I am in an industrial machine shop (metal working). I see the flipping of industrial power breakers to the on position. I hear the turbines begin to wind up, and the compressors pumping and filling with air. The machinery has been abandoned, it's old, dusty and is in the color typical of industrial machines – a dull green. There is a large wheel in front of me (standing vertically), mounted on the front edge of a machine. The wheel is the type that one might use to manually adjust the tolerance of a metal piece (job) with a precision cutting tool – somehow I know that my hands belong on that wheel, and tolerances of the final product are my responsibility, and in my control. It's old, it's dusty, but it's time, it's time. - time to get the equipment operating and production started. God bless! :)”

As a result of this vision, I know that the temporary shutting down of Net2Church Global Ministries has come to an end. About three years ago, two of the ministry leaders had come to my home warning me of a personal attack coming on my marriage, and delivering an instruction for me to temporarily shut down the ministry.

Although there were no signs to me or my spouse that our marriage was in trouble (even after discussion), I shut everything down. The attack followed, and divorce followed the attack. It has taken these last three years to heal and reestablish my home (I have a new partner, and she does too). For those that need to know, there were no third parties involved, and my former wife and I remain friends, and have both moved on successfully with our lives.

Net2Church - "2" Purposes:

One; to build a communications tower:
N2C is a "revival times" ministry. We are specifically called to the lost, the wounded, and the seeking; in order to empower them to perform as they have been called. We see this as building "community" support systems online. The "net" (in Net2Church) in this case means networking the networkers, and networking Christians in general, and it also refers to the use of the Internet.

Two; pastor my pastors:
We are called to love and to serve pastors who are troubled, burnt out, spiritually tired, uncertain of their faith, their boundaries, doctrines and other foundational issues. The "net" (in Net2Church) in this case means safety net, so as to provide protection from a fall, and provisions by which to try again.

I am seeing a new release coming - an intensifying of the indwelling presence of God - Love to break strongholds - enlightened pastors rejected.- March 21, 2009

Indwelling Presence of God

Many in the body of Christ have been asking to experience more of Him. I am seeing these prayers answered in the form of a new release of “intense awareness” of the indwelling Spirit of God. It is hard to put this into words, but is has purpose on many levels. Yes, the power and presence of God, who is already within you – is turning up the volume. Spiritual dualism is finally being attacked by God Himself.

It is one thing to know that God is in you, and quite another to experience Him within you, walk with Him, communicate with Him, etc. These things are relational, and require intimacy. You get to know about God by reading the bible, and hearing testimonies, and so forth. You get to know the author by developing a relationship directly with Him – AND this is how He gets to know you. He resides within you. There is nobody else in life that can reside in you –communicating and loving you from places within your spirit. God seeks to increase this level of intimacy and holiness, and to give His children the opportunities found in experiencing more of Him. I see Him moving quickly toward the volume control and cranking it up! Oh, yes, you will know that He’s there!

Love; Breaking Strongholds

A resulting benefit of the increase in our “awareness of God” dwelling within us is our increase in the supernatural understanding of love, and we will be heavily tested in battles for love’s sake. This includes Him teaching us how to walk in love, and how to have victory in love, how to recognize love, and how to yield to love. Doctrines of many leaders are about to be crushed by love as they begin to choose love for the first time, and for the first time become aware of the heavenly weaponry of love and how to wield this sword with power and authority to claim ground in the kingdom of God.

Now is the time to dig deep into God’s word to study love – but we must study this in the form of prayer with Him, listening to Him, and obeying Him. God teaches us love by His Spirit as we yield to Him. We must become silent in our prayer time, and not just for a random moment. We need to listen with expectation and hunger for His teaching. We need to do this now; daily at a minimum, continuously preferably.

Enlightened pastors rejected

Christians are not a forgiving people, overall. We tend to devour ourselves. We want what we have been taught, and reject new concepts that conflict with our understanding. We will go to great lengths to protect and secure ourselves, and anything that we hold on to as truth. Don’t mess with what we believe.

As love breaks doctrinal strongholds of God’s leaders. Such leaders may find themselves without a job, a home, and without the support of others in the body of Christ. (Now, finally, I am getting to the core of my calling.)

I find it necessary to care for these individuals as they fall for love’s sake. – more on this soon. May God bless you, and keep you under His wings!

The following blog references a well written article by Pastor Jim Feeney, Ph.D.
Are There Modern Day Apostles andChristian Prophets Today?

Please take the time to read this concise biblical summary on the topic of Apostles and Proohets before commenting on my blog - many thanks to you as well as to Pastor Jim.

- Dave

Not too many weeks ago, I suffered through a Sunday morning service (as we all have occationally). My spirit was not at rest as I heard the pastor state his views on apostles and prophets, and clearly state that there was no biblical purpose in our day for the role of apostles, and the role itself was no longer needed (as it's authenticity was reduced to little more than one who actually witnesed the life incarnate of Jesus our Lord).

In fairness to him (and I do have a sincere love for this pastor), he is not alone in this mind set, and there are many who share in similar biblical interpretations in my close circle of influence - so I am treading on thin ice here. To further understand this teaching, here is a well written article offered by the Chrstian Research Group (<---click there to read) that explains these teachings (please pray for Godly wisdom before reading).

Although these arguements are compelling, they are biblically weak, and worse than that, they are counter-productive to the Spirit of love, and to building unity in the body of Christ. The Apostles and Prophets have many roles (and burdens to bear). We not only need to recognize these people, but we are commanded to refer to prophets as prophets, respecting their ministry role (notice I didn't say office) in the body of Christ. So, how much more so, should we also do this for Apostles?

The burden is upon us to recognize those who are called into these roles, and speak these roles into their lives and into their ministries as a body of beleivers. Do we do this? Only if we want someone to put a straight jacket on us! We have become shy, keeping our faith to ourselves, not bucking the system, and not encouraging those who have been called to love and to minister into the leadership of our body.

My hope is that you will remain open to the notion that these ministries are of today. I see revival - I can almost taste it. But will God bring revival to those who reject the prophets and apostles of our day? Do we really want to count on God to meet us, as he did Paul, while persecuting the church?

Blessings!
- Dave

I received this on Monday from Pastor Carl Willis within 24 hours following the article written below it. Carl and I had not communicated prior to this - this letter was forwarded to me by a mutual friend. I have reprinted it with his permission.

Blessings!
- Dave

--- On Sun, 2/22/09, Carl Willis wrote:
From: Carl Willis : Monday Morning Encouragement

Good morning! This morning as I write to you, I have felt that I needed to address those of you who feel stuck in a rut. Think about the way many of us describe our days and our work: "The daily grind," "the rat race," and "keeping your head above water." For many people the call of their life has become a burden and has lost its joy.

The longer I walk with God, the more I see that often times He puts me in a holding pattern. It is important to remember that God sees everything. His vision is not limited to here and now. We on the other hand can only see here and now and what is behind us. The Bible gives us many great truths about waiting upon the Lord. Today I wanted to focus in on this verse from Isaiah:

Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)
But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Wow...what a great promise! This verse certainly sounds good, but how does this really work? I want to paraphrase for you an email story I received several years ago that I think sums this one up very well.

God appeared to a man one night in a vision. During this vision Jesus told the man that everyday, all day long, He wanted the man to push on a large boulder in front of his home. In obedience the man went out every day and pushed against this large boulder. Hours upon hours he spent pushing against this boulder and in all types of weather.

After a number of years, Satan paid the man a visit. "You fool!", Satan said, "You have been pushing this boulder for years and it still hasn't moved. You've wasted your time, God has forgotten you!"

The man began to reflect on all Satan had said. He became dejected, because he had invested so many years of his life into pushing against this boulder, but truthfully, the boulder had never moved. So he began to cry out, "Lord why are you ignoring me?" "Why have you abandoned me?" "Why have allowed me to be in this position?"

That night God appeared to the man once again. As the man began to complain about his situation, Jesus stopped him. "Look at your legs," God said, "See how muscular they have become. Look at your back, the broadness of your shoulders. Look at your arms how well defined and strong they are." God then told him, "If you will remember, I never called you to move the boulder, I simply called you to push against it. By your obedience you have become
stronger and more developed. I am the one who moves the boulders." At that, God removed the boulder from this man's life.

Why has God allowed you to remain in your situation? Maybe he has allowed finances to be tight, to make you a better manager of resources. Maybe he has allowed that bothersome individual to remain in your life to instill patience. Maybe he has allowed you to stay in that job to build endurance.

Eagles don't immediately fly they have to strengthen their wings. If you find yourself in a holding pattern today, instead of asking God to remove you from the situation, ask Him to teach you through the situation. Ultimately God will take you through or He will cause you to rise above...but you must be willing to wait patiently upon Him and His perfect timing.

May God's richest blessings be yours this week.
Carl


Carl Willis
Simplicity Church Network
www.simplicitynet.org

Today is Sunday (2/22/09). Its been a long while since I have written in this blog. The Lord has been saying "wait, wait, wait upon Me".

I'm not writing because of my gifts (sometimes I feel like my prophetic pen has turned into a pathetic pen), or my desire to do something. I am writing to talk about waiting, perhaps even complain about it... but I want to please the Lord, and when fresh manna is falling from the sky, why then, should I be ungrateful? My basic human needs are being met.

Many of you reading this may also sense what I feel. Huge struggles on many fronts - yet a sustaining inner power that serves to hold us in the center of the refiner's fire. Ahhh... transformation is easy, right?

God must need an extremely (inwardly) strong army soon. He has called me into a specific ministry, but won't let me engage myself in it - one has to wonder about this. I found myself questioning my motives, my purity, my heart's desires, my limitations. I keep arriving at the same conclusions... it's timing, only timing. This time, it's time to wait.

Soon God will point His finger at those of us who are waiting, and the work will begin. Am I ready? Are you ready? Ready for what? Hmmmm....

I stand with those who are waiting. I wait with you. We are being held back together for a great release of the Holy One - can we do it? Can we wait? What will God do? Why is He being so stealthy? How will we be utilized?

I hope this article resonates with someone else who needs understanding in this hour of waiting. I simply needed to call attention to it for reasons (or people) unknown to me.

Blessings!
- Dave