Eagle Vision

Recently one of my Twitter friends (@randallnewton) brought up the symbolism of raptors (birds of prey that include eagles, hawks, and owls). This made me think about how a raptor sees. I am going to use the term eagle to refer to raptors as eagles are symbolic of the prophetic. The hunting style will apply to most all raptors.

An eagle will soar high above the landscape and let the wind carry it. It will just hover in one place for a period of time as it looks for prey. When it sees its prey it will dive down to capture it. Some of the greatest bird flight speeds are these dives. Nothing will stand in the way of that bird obtaining his prey as he sees no obstacle.

My brother is a licensed falconer and is able to capture wild raptors. Because of this I was able to witness how they capture these magnificent birds. They will drive along until they see a raptor then they will toss out a small cage, with a heavy weight on it, and a mouse or rabbit inside. Around this cage are small fishing line nooses. The raptor doe not see the cage- he only sees the prey. This bird will then swoop down and get its talons caught in the nooses. In this way a falconer obtains his bird.

I believe that this is a powerful picture of the prophetic. We must have the eyes of an eagle. Nothing will distract us once God gives us a vision of what we are to go after. Nothing will stop us from going after the things of heaven. We won't even see the barriers of the enemy but will press on. Nothing will distract us from what God has given us.

Our God fights the battle for us. He will eliminate the devices of the enemy before we encounter them. We are not meant for slavery. We were redeemed, bought with a price, and will never taste enslavement again. Furthermore, even if we do get entangled we don't have to worry about being weighed down. Our Savior broke the chains. The weights of slavery are gone. We can fly away with the cage around our talons. We can ascend into the glory where all devices of the enemy fall away. We are meant for freedom. We are meant to soar high. And we have been given the eyes of an eagle. Focus on what God has given us!

Must you?

The following is from two tweets that Francis Frangipane posted on his feed. I edited it for grammar and undid some abbreviations. I think the story makes a powerful point on several levels. I will let it speak to you on the levels that the Spirit has for you.

100 years after Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount, a man approached the great church father with a problem- his business interests and Christianity conflicted. He ended by asking, “what can I do? I must live!” Tertullian replied, “Must you?”

You can find Frangipane's twitter feed at: http://twitter.com/ffwebsite

His website is at: http://frangipane.org/

A new sound: Jaeson Ma's "Love"

My friend Jaeson Ma just released his new single "Love." I believe this is one example of one of the many new sounds that is being released. This is truly a new sound birthed in heaven. The anointing is all over this. Please read the story behind this single here on Jaeson's blog. I found the story to be incredibly exciting. I then watched the music video and was amazed even further. I ask you to watch the video and then buy the single on iTunes. Please spread the word! This sound is going places. Through it the Kingdom will be advanced.

Francis Frangipane: "THE REAL JESUS IS CALLING US TO DO THE IMPOSSIBLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STORM"

This is a word from quite some time ago but very encouraging. Christ does call us to complete conformity. Not just some. There is a common prayer that says "more of You and less of me." We should instead pray "all of You and none of me."

April 26, 2007

Francis Frangipane:

"THE REAL JESUS IS CALLING US TO DO THE IMPOSSIBLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STORM"

"The real Jesus will require you to look the impossible straight in the eye and believe God for His power."

Not only is Jesus our Savior, He is also the "Author and Perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2). Grab with both hands the thought that He is the "Perfecter of our faith." The faith Christ started in you, He is now working to perfect.

The fact that Jesus is the "Perfecter of our faith" is important because even if we seek to move in prayer and spiritual authority, even if we fearlessly continue to persevere, even if we continue forward with motives purified by love, it is the power of faith that undergirds all.

Now the idea that Christ seeks to perfect our faith makes a fine doctrine, but in the practical outworking of our lives, we deeply resist the idea. For we know that faith, in order be perfected, must be tested.

When I speak of faith, I do not mean a thorough compilation of Bible facts or an intellectual assent to our need of salvation, both of which are elements of spirituality, but not the very substance. To amass Biblical knowledge primarily takes time; to possess true saving faith, I will tell you again, takes courage. Christ desires we obtain a trust in Him that can actually withstand and overcome the terrible storms of life--faith that brings the reality of Heaven to earth.

Faith, therefore, is more than head knowledge; it is our lock upon the goodness and power of God so that no matter what we face outwardly, inwardly we stand secure. And no matter what the world looks like outwardly, it has the potential to be transformed by our faith. As Hebrews 11 makes clear, all those who possessed true faith changed the world around them.

Perfect or Protect?

Knowing that faith is much more than religious doctrines, I wonder: Do we truly know the Jesus of the Bible and what He seeks to give us? Too often, I think, we desire a Savior who, after assuring us of eternal life, leaves us alone until our next crisis. We want Him to comfort us but never convict us; we desire Him to heal us but not inhabit us. We want the Holy Spirit to help us obtain the "American dream." Yet what we have is a Holy Spirit who, instead, seeks to give us the dream of God: man living in the image of Christ (see Genesis 1:26).

This means that God's goal is not merely to save us, but to conform us to Christ. He seeks to perfect us, not merely protect us. To perfect faith, God intentionally allows conflicts to storm against our souls. I know we picture Jesus gently holding us, patting us on the back, saying, "There, there, it'll be all right." Listen, that is not the voice of Jesus; that is the echo of your mother speaking. Thank God for mothers, but Jesus is seeking to get us to stop being such babies. He wants us to grow up into His image.

Remember, I am talking about the real Jesus now, the one who said, "All things are possible to him who believes" (Mark 9:23). If the Jesus you are following is not leading you into the realm of the impossible to make changes in your world, you are probably following the wrong one.

You see, we do a disservice to people when we tell them, "Give your life to the Lord and He will keep you from trouble." That is not true. We would be more honest to say, "Give your life to Christ, and He will empower you to overcome trouble and adversity." Yes, He will take care of you. But He will not do so by putting you in a harmless world void of problems; rather, He will perfect virtue in you by developing character and by requiring faith--all of which creates the spiritual shelter of a transformed life.

A Storm, a Ghost or Jesus?

Get used to the idea that Jesus is seeking to perfect your faith. Plan on the fact that He will probably set you in some otherwise impossible situation to force your faith to the surface. Sooner or later, the real Jesus will require you to look the impossible straight in the eye and believe God for His power.

Consider the incident when Christ sends His disciples ahead of Him by boat across the Sea of Galilee; that night He crosses this same sea Himself walking on water (see Matthew 14:22-33). Yet, He decides to wait until a storm is rolling in with contrary winds and waves before He sets out. He could have waited for a calm day or simply arrived at the other side, supernaturally, without stopping alongside the boat in the middle of the sea. No, He comes to the disciples with something in mind--He comes to teach a lesson on trust.

Please note that this is a violent storm and that He offers no preliminary instruction, no "Basic Water-Walking 101." He doesn't let them practice on puddles or wait until winter so they could walk on frozen water first. He waits for a storm to teach water-walking, which is by all accounts harder to do on rolling waves than on a placid sea. Then, on top of that, He does not come in daylight; He comes at night. So Jesus comes to the disciples in the middle of the sea, in the middle of a storm, in the middle of the night to teach them to walk on water. He doesn't make it easy. But this is the real Jesus with His real disciples. And we can add to the degree of difficulty the probability that they are physically tired and more than a little fearful about the storm.

Scripture says that the sight of a figure walking on the water, coming out of the blowing wind and spray in the darkness of the night, turns the disciples' fear into terror. They cry out, "It is a ghost!" (Note: Some of the things we label as "ghostly" or demonic are really the Lord stirring life to set the stage for a lesson on faith.)

As Jesus approaches the roll of the boat, He calls out, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid."

When Jesus says in the midst of your storm, "It is I," it is a call to faith. When He says, "Take courage," it is a call to action: True faith will always, at some point, require courage.

Peter says, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water."

This is wonderful, really. Here is an insight not only into Jesus Christ, but also into Peter's relationship with Jesus. Ever since Peter has known the Lord, Christ has required him and the disciples to do impossible things--heal the sick, feed multitudes with a lunch pail of food, and raise the dead. Over and over Peter has seen Jesus work miracles; over and over Jesus has empowered Peter to do what he saw Jesus just do.

That night on the stormy sea, Peter has this amazing discernment: "If it's really the Lord, He will tell me to do what He is doing--something impossible. If it's the Jesus I know, in a moment, He will be telling me to walk on the water, too." And true to form, Jesus calls out to Peter, "Come!"

Now Peter is not about to walk on the water, not really. When he steps out, he is walking on the word "Come." He knows that the power to accomplish the impossible resides in Christ's word, and it is this supernatural reality upon which he steps.

You see, this is all about trusting the integrity of Jesus Christ's command. Do you think Peter feels power when he steps on the water? I don't think he feels anything besides the storm. No goose bumps. No "glory chills." Peter sits on the topside rail of the rocking boat and swings his legs over the churning water. Peering through the wind and rain, he looks at Jesus. Then he slips down, stands upright in the water, and begins to walk!

Splash! One step. Splash! Then another and another until Peter walks right up to Jesus. This is no little walk. Admittedly, anyone can walk on water for the first step. It is the second step and beyond that is difficult. Peter walks until the waves grab his attention; then he begins to sink. Jesus saves him, of course, and when they get into the boat the wind stops.

Maybe we would expect the Lord to say, "Peter, you did it!" Maybe Peter was expecting praise for his short water-walking career, but no, Jesus rebukes him saying, "Why did you doubt?"

Christ sees the beginning of something great within Peter and He does not want it contaminated by pride or self-pity. Most of us want a medal every time we do something for God, but He is not about to let Peter or us build a monument to our accomplishments, especially when we are just beginning. If this miracle of Peter's were done by some of us here in America, in two weeks we would have tours, T-shirts and commemorative celebrations of the day we walked on water. But Jesus will allow none of that for His disciples. He sees greatness emerging in Peter and He will not press any of His disciples toward anything other than full conformity to His image.

Remember: God's goal is that we become Christlike. The real Jesus is going to call us to do the impossible. This means that we will be called to do what we have never done before. You will see Jesus ahead of you, probably in some kind of storm, but it will be the beginning of a miracle that will change you--and the world around you.

Let's Pray: "Lord, forgive me for seeking a safe life instead of a supernatural life. I want more of You. Call me out of the boat of my familiar, predictable world. Master, for the sake of reaching the lost, increase my faith until I am standing with You on the water of divine potential. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Francis Frangipane
Ministries of Francis Frangipane
Email: francis1@frangipane.org

Permission is granted (and you are also encouraged) to reprint these articles in hard copy form, as well as sending them to your own email lists and posting them on your own websites. We ask only that you keep ElijahList website, email contact info, and author contact information intact.

ElijahList Publications
310 2nd Ave SE,
Albany, OR 97321
www.elijahlist.com
email: info@elijahlist.net
Phone 1-541-926-3250

Chuck D. Pierce:"Between August 24 and October 17, There Will Be Great Changes in the Financial System"

God has been speaking quite a bit lately to me about the transference of wealth that is coming. Last night I was prophesying over a friend and was speaking a lot of the same things that Chuck Pierce said in this word. God had given her a dream that revealed some of these same things. Less than an hour later I read this word and was blown away with the confirmation. May you be blessed as you read this word and contend for the things of heaven to be made real.

Chuck D. Pierce:"Between August 24 and October 17, There Will Be Great Changes in the Financial System"
Dear Friend of the Wind:

I have just returned from "Let the Eagles Gather: The International Gathering of Prophets, Apostles and Intercessors" held in Orlando, Florida. During worship in the morning, the Lord began to open a heavenly realm and release the following:

A New Identity and Economic Shift

We must have a new identity as we go into this new season. I see shafts of light coming from a heavenly realm. It is almost like the Lord has paths of light for you to step into. Powerful revelation is being held and stirring above you. Step by faith and watch as your path comes alive and you walk differently. Some of you do not know your next step, and I am here to say that you can walk in your new path and walk in a way that you will be seen differently.

This is a strange time when the enemy is attempting to conform you to the world's blueprint. The trials and reports of the world will cause you to be captured by unbelief. But you can step into a favor that will cause the world to seek your help.

Watch for an economic shift by the end of this month. Between August 24 and October 17, there will be great changes in the financial system. Be aware that the banking system has not finished making its changes. We will start into an accelerated shift in structure. The government is in an open rearrangement.

Keep the Oil in Your Lamp Ready

The Lord says, "You have brought the enemy into this land and allowed the enemy to amass his troops. You have allowed the enemy to come in and develop a philosophy, a mindset, and an army. Now you must move and gather in new ways.

"For the Protectorate of My covenant in this land is no longer in place. You have got to start gathering in new ways because the Protectorate of My covenant is no longer in place." (I think this is no longer speaking to this country, but a Kingdom people.)

"I, the Lord, AM going to start amassing and gathering you in a new way, and you must move forward with Me. Do not resist this rearrangement. Now I must draw you up higher, for you are looking with the world's eye. I have needed to gather you as eagles so you go forth with new strength and vision.

I must draw you high above the rivers because the rivers are now beginning to fill in such a way that unless you draw up higher and move into a new view of the earth, you will find yourself in a boundary you are not to be in.

There is going to be a rain coming in where you are, which will lift you up in the present so you can see the changing boundaries for your future. I am going to draw you up above the Cascading Fall. The washing of the water of the WORD is coming from higher than you know.

You must draw near and come higher because I must align you with My host. I must align you with the army of Heaven. There are hosts in Heaven that I am waiting for you to align with before I send you into boundaries for the future. I have been working and forming you. I have been equipping you to prepare you for your future. Keep the oil in your lamp ready."

This is a gathering that God is ready to equip you to be the head and not the tail. This will represent God's Kingdom expression in days ahead. He is doing things deep within you that He is going to have you express. He is shifting His mode of operation and diverse expression of how His manifold wisdom will work in His people.

Blessings,

Chuck D. Pierce
Glory of Zion International Ministries

Permission is granted (and you are also encouraged) to reprint these articles in hard copy form, as well as sending them to your own email lists and posting them on your own websites. We ask only that you keep ElijahList website, email contact info, and author contact information intact.

ElijahList Publications
310 2nd Ave SE,
Albany, OR 97321
www.elijahlist.com
email: info@elijahlist.net
Phone 1-541-926-3250

40th Anniversy of Woodstock

I wrote the following last Saturday after an amazing day. One of the pastors at my church asked me to tag-team with her for the morning session of our retreat. I got to speak for a few minutes and then release the prophetic word of God. It was an incredible time. I got to see many experience breakthrough. I got to see friends that I have been interceding for go to another level in their worship. God is good!

I’m here tonight witnessing the birth of a vision. God has imparted that we have been interceding for months. Over the past few months I have been partnering with God on His vision on reestablishing the tabernacle of David and a birthing of a new sound. I have talked about this previously in my blog post entitled “Dancing to the Unseen Sound.”

Today was the 40^th year anniversary of Woodstock. On that day they consecrated the music of a generation to the enemy. This event was opened up with prayer by a Hindu cleric. The event was held in Bethel, NY. Symbolically they went into the house of God and opened up the 2^nd heaven with demonic worship. Rebellion and immorailtiy perverted the music of a generation due to what happened at Woodstock.

We are at a kairos moment in this hour. What will be the music of this generation? God wants this generation to ascend and receive the sound of heaven. Today we released this call to this generation. God opened up the heavens and imparted some great things to a new breed of prophetic worship leaders.

These worship leaders will receive the sound of heaven and it will flow through them. It will be birthed in the spirit and birthed in the natural. They won’t need sheet music. Many times they won’t even know what they will play until they start playing. At that moment the sound of heaven will be downloaded to them. As this sound flows forth it will break the atmosphere. These worshippers will carry the open heaven with them. It will be effortless for them. They will carry this sound to the nations. The darkest places on earth will receive this sound and be transformed into places of light.

The opposition that comes before breakthrough

It is always most difficult right before breakthrough. It is darkest before dawn. Do you feel that things are getting worse instead of better? Do you feel that your life is headed into the pit instead of towards the promised breakthrough? Stop blaming yourself! This is normal. Before breakthrough there is always opposition. The greater the breakthrough the greater the opposition will be. When Moses first asked Pharoah to let the Isrealities go their labors were increased. They blamed Moses for this instead of looking forward to what God was going to do.

It is for this reason that we must remain united with the heart of God. When we partner with Him He will share what He is about to do. When we face opposition we need to ask Him what He is about to do. Great opposition always comes before great breakthrough. When nothing is going your way ask two things. First, are you in God's will? If the answer is yes then you are facing the opposition that comes before breakthrough. Then ask God what you need to do to make that breakthrough your own. Keep your focus on Him and not your circumstances.

Recently, I was facing quite a bit of opposition. It was a very miserable week. I was barely able to function. I knew that a huge breakthrough was around the corner. In fact God had promised me, several months ago, breakthrough on that date. In some ways I had it easy because I knew it was coming. I kept my focus on God. I contended for the breakthrough that was coming. I listened to worship music and soaked with devotional music from IHOP. I even fasted one day. And the promised breakthrough came. I mention this as an encouragement on how to treat opposition.

Another way to treat opposition is to look at it as a prediction of breakthrough. Is there opposition in a particular area? Perhaps it is because God is bringing breakthrough in that area. I encounter this quite a bit while interceding for services or meetings. For example if there is a heaviness then often God is bringing an impartation of joy. Another example would be an attack of depression before God brings healing of mental disease.

Don't focus on the opposition. Focus on what God is doing. Don't let opposition distract you from the glory. Don't focus on yourself. Focus on your God. Keep your gaze heavenward and you will experience breakthrough after breakthrough.

This weekend one of the prophetic voices at my church shared that this is the season of breakthroughs. Not breakthrough but breakthroughs. I release this word over you and ask that our Lord will reveal to you His plans for you. He is ever faithful and will continue to bless you. He wants to bring you breakthrough. So walk in the breakthrough. He has done it! Step into it. This is the season of victory. Stop focusing on the opposition but press through until you reach the other side.

Stewards of Kingdom Wealth

Many prophets have been speaking about God releasing Kingdom finances. Many have prophesied that there is a shift coming in where the wealth of the world will be transferred into the hands of the saints. This has been resonating with me over the past couple months. Students of history will find that more millionaires were made during the great depression than any other time in history. I know that there are opportunities being created right now. God is going to give many people the wisdom on how to seize those wealth making opportunities.

God is raising up those who will be stewards of Kingdom wealth. These are people who will control wealth instead of letting it control them. God will use them as conduits of His finances. The world will look at them and consider them great business men and women. But their success will be because of their dependance on the Holy Spirit. He will guide them in all of their decisions. Some of their decisions will appear foolhardy at first. They may appear risky. But the return will be great because it is orchestrated by God Himself.

These stewards will be used to finance churches, missions, orphanages, and many other ministries. But they will also be used to bring employment to the body of Christ. They will give jobs to those who have a hard time finding jobs. They will impart job skills to many in the body. Unemployment will not be known to those around them. All will be provided for in one way or the other. These stewards aren't going to live the "high" life- instead they will live the glory life. They will have the maturity that one is used to seeing in great men and women of God. They are not any lesser than those who serve in full-time church ministry. In fact the pastors and apostles will depend on them for wisdom and guidance at times.

These men and women are being refined right now. God is breaking many of them in preparation. Some are in fact experiencing the greatest level of lack that they have ever had. This is to break them of old mindsets. The control that wealth has must be broken. For they will have authority over wealth. God will use their hands to create wealth. He will utilize them to bring the wealth of this world underneath His dominion. Breakthrough is coming! God is raising them up! And great wealth is about to be released. The treasuries of heaven hold more wealth than anyone can imagine. The wealth of this world pales in comparison to the wealth of heaven. The servants of God will dominate finance once again.

OC Ablaze Conference plug

I just wanted to make a shameless plug for a conference that my church is hosting with Keith Miller and Jeff Jansen. It was off the charts back in April when Jeff Jansen came out and ministered with us. We are expecting for even more. For information you can check out the Facebook event page or contact me with any questions. Hope to see you there!

Matt Sorger: "Just Show Me the Stuff!"

Matt Sorger: "Just Show Me the Stuff!"
Jul 10, 2009

I am witnessing an alarming trend in some of our charismatic circles and services. I travel full time on the road all across the United States and other parts of the world. Each week I am ministering in another state to a new group of hungry Believers wanting to live in the fullness of God's Spirit. Several times in the last few months I have encountered a disturbing and grievous observation. Before I share it with you, let me give you some of my personal background.

A FIRM FOUNDATION

I was saved at the age of 14. I am thankful to have been raised in a solid Bible preaching, Spirit-filled Church. The Word was always given a priority. An understanding of living a holy, sanctified life was always preached with conviction. I took my first steps of walking, living and ministering in the Spirit there. As a young pastor I was given some room to begin to spread my wings as the anointing and power of God began to move through my life. I took full flight when I launched out from pastoring six years ago to travel full-time in a "prophetic revival" ministry.

My years before pastoring were spent seeking God as a young person, spending time in personal devotion and study of the Word, as well as nearly four years in a great Bible school in Rhode Island where I served as class president during my time there. Upon graduation I stepped into the pastoral ministry. I learned many valuable things during those years that I carry with me to this day. Life experiences have a way of shaping you into the person God has called you to be.

I want to define to you what I consider "prophetic revival" ministry. For me "prophetic" means hearing and then declaring a true word from God, either through preaching and teaching God's heart as revealed in His Word, or declaring and speaking forth an unctioned word from His heart. But even that kind of prophetic word will be solidly rooted and grounded in Scripture. "Revival" holds a dual meaning for me. I see it as stirring up the Church for a deeper passion for God and learning to live and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit and then seeing that passion overflow through the lives of Believers into the world around us. The power of God in the life of the Believer cannot be contained by oneself. It must overflow and impact the world around us.

AN ALARMING TREND

Now I must share with you an alarming trend I have witnessed taking place. I have even experienced it in my own meetings! Because this is hitting so close to home I can no longer be silent. I am a man of deep convictions. And it is time for me to share them with you. Recently, after a meeting I was standing near my resource table greeting people. A woman approached me to share of the wonderful overflow of the Holy Spirit she had experienced from the meeting the day before. She could sense a whole new level of God's presence with her. It was clear she had been deeply touched. But she proceeded to share something with me that caused me to raise a "red flag."

She said, "You know, when you started preaching, I thought, I have heard this before. I really came looking to hear something I had never heard before. But the presence of God in the meeting did have a profound impact on me, and I am not the same." I rejoiced over what the Lord had done for her, but at the same time I was grieved.

That same week a pastor I was having lunch with shared with me his thoughts concerning the meetings we were holding. We had only finished one day of meetings when he shared his thoughts with me. The night before I had preached a word the Holy Spirit had placed on my heart. After the preaching of the word I proceeded to be led by the Spirit in calling some folks out from the audience and prayed for them with a clear demonstration of God's presence and power. I left the meeting rejoicing.

The pastor didn't quite feel the same. He said to me, "You know, if the preaching of the Gospel could have gotten the job done, it would have been done a long time ago. What we need are the signs. I just want to see the stuff. I don't want you preaching. Preach just a few minutes. We want the miracles." Only once before had I had such pressure put on me to "perform." It became apparent very quickly to me that what they were really wanting was a "charismatic show." They wanted the "signs following" with no preaching of the Word. I'm sorry, but I am making an announcement to the world: I am a WORD preacher.

I see an alarming trend. In the prophetic movement, it seems we may be unintentionally cultivating a mindset where the truth of the power of the Cross and Blood of Christ are no longer good enough. We need signs, signs and more signs. A life transformed by the power of God's amazing Word is no longer enough. "Let me hear and see something new. Something I have never heard or seen before, something that will wow me!" So we have hundreds of hungry Believers fascinated by and following stories of supernatural encounters that have been, at times, exaggerated by charismatic personalities.

Trust me when I say I have seen stories stretched and exaggerated to be something they never originally were. And I have seen people eat it up like popcorn and cotton candy. I want you to hear my heart in this. I am all for supernatural encounters. I have had many myself and I know of others in ministry that have had some beautiful, real, life-changing supernatural encounters with God. But I am not into charismatic hype or manipulation. Just say it like it is. Don't exaggerate, add to or blow something up just to make a good story or to sell a bunch of CDs. I am not being negative. I am seeking to bring balance back into a movement I am so proud to be a part of—a movement that didn't just want to hear empty words, but wanted it backed up with real substance, power and glory.

I want the real thing! I want the real manifest presence of God. I want the real miracles, the real signs and wonders, the real angelic encounters (as God chooses to give them to me.) I don't want a hyped-up version. I don't want to just hear something new and different, just for the sake of hearing something I have never heard before. I want my everyday life encountered in a real way by God's Word and anointing. I want to hear something that I can apply to my life. I want the fullness of God's Word to renew my mind, change me from the inside out, and fill my life with real power and glory.

People who only want to hear something they have never heard before are in serious danger of opening themselves up to a Gospel that is different from the one we find in Scripture. If you are running around only looking for a new revelation without first putting into practice the hundreds of revelations given to us in God's Word, you are looking in the wrong direction. God has called us to be solidly grounded in Him, to preach the Gospel, and to impact the world around us as salt and light.

I love the prophetic. I love the supernatural. But the moment we start wanting signs without the Word of God, we are in trouble. And this is what I have been seeing. Recently I had two pastors in different parts of the United States both proceed to tell me that they wanted the preaching of the Word to be kept to a bare minimum with an emphasis placed on "the signs and the wonders." I need to set the record straight: signs FOLLOW the preaching of the Word. If you become a sign seeker apart from the Word of God, you will become ungrounded and will reproduce that in your ministry. It will build an unhealthy and weak foundation in people's lives.

THE MOST PRECIOUS SIGN

The sign I am most after these days is the sign of a life transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I want to see people hungry to truly apply the Word of God to their lives and not just want to hear something new, but put into practice what they already know. I want to see people walking in love. I want to see people living righteously. I want to see people knowing who they are in Christ so the devil can't continually beat them up. I want to see people experience the abundant life Jesus came to give them. I want to see people preaching the Gospel in power, laying hands on the sick, casting out demons and raising the dead. But we can never forget that the power of the Gospel is revealed through the foolishness of preaching. Not just preaching our good stories, but preaching the Word of God with power and authority. A sign without the Word points nowhere.

I want to encourage the Body of Christ in these days to evaluate everything you have believed and be sure it is pure Gospel. Go back and read the New Testament from cover to cover and ask the Holy Spirit to write upon your heart the full counsel of God's Word as revealed in the New Covenant. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you into all truth and to be sure your foundations are strong and solid. Never neglect God's word. It has the power to change your life. As you soak in God's Word and in His presence, you will truly live a Spirit-filled, Spirit-empowered life that will make a real difference in the world around you.

Go and be the salt and light God has called you to be. And always remember—there is power in God's Word and in the Holy Spirit to give you power for life!

Matt Sorger
Matt Sorger Ministries
Email: info@mattsorger.com

Permission is granted (and you are also encouraged) to reprint these articles in hard copy form, as well as sending them to your own email lists and posting them on your own websites. We ask only that you keep ElijahList website, email contact info, and author contact information intact.

ElijahList Publications
310 2nd Ave SE, 
Albany, OR 97321 
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The Mantle Room of Heaven

About two years ago God gave me a vision of a room in heaven. In this room many mantles were displayed. These mantles were held on stands that are similar to the ones used to hold breastplates and suits of armor. I then heard God say that these are mantles of old that are ready to be placed upon new wineskins. 

These mantles have not been seen on this earth for generations. God is preparing us for a new move the likes of which the world has not seen before. These are the mantles that were worn by giants of the faith. God has been waiting to impart them once again. We must become purified. The Church must become ready in order to receive these mantles. We, who want to receive the fullness that heaven has to offer, must allow God to transform us into the new wineskins.

We must allow the Spirit to have complete control over our lives. In order to be the new wineskin we need to give up all control and allow Him to reign through us. We can't allow ourselves to be governed by tradition or institutions. There is a new move that is coming. We need to rely on the Spirit and Him alone. The new wineskin is one in which the new wine can flow freely and unhindered. We are merely meant to hold the wine of heaven. The wine of heaven is meant to be poured into us so that we might pour it into other people. Our flesh can not get into the way of the flow. It is for this reason that we must be transformed into the new wineskin.

The combination of new wineskins and mantles of old will be unstoppable. Nothing will be able to get in the way. Those who allow themselves to be transformed and receive heavenly impartation will overcome any obstacle. These will lead the coming move of God. These are the forerunners. These are the prophets, apostles, evangelists, and pastor-teachers of this generation. They will overcome all things and usher in the Kingdom of God on this earth.

Lord, I pray that you will continue to transform me into the new wineskin. May all of my flesh continue to die away. Pour out more of your refining fire upon me. Burn away all of me so that only you remain in me. May the world look at me and see you. I pray as you continue to sanctify me that I will receive heavenly impartation. Give me the mantles of old. Pour out the fullness of your Spirit upon me. I desire to see heaven invade earth. I desire to see the fullness of your kingdom. Give me heavenly anointing so that I might be used to usher in your kingdom. For yours is the glory, forever, and ever, AMEN!

Carmen Burnham: "There is a Mixture that I Need to Separate Out of the Midst of My People, My Bride"

The following is a very timely word that I just read today. Please pay special attention to the last section about preparation in the secret place. I feel that God will be bringing us to this place over the next few months. The circumstances that bring us to that place might not be pleasant but the Lord's work will be beautiful. Allow Him to romance you and you will be blessed beyond belief.

Carmen Burnham: "There is a Mixture that I Need to Separate Out of the Midst of My People, My Bride"

"And His brightness was like the sunlight; rays streamed from His hand and there (in the sunlike splendor) was the hiding place of His power."—Habakkuk 3:4

While in prayer, I often listen to the Rivera's CD "Live Soaking Sessions 1." My favorite track, "Show Me Your Face," started playing. I often cry in deep longing before the Lord, "Show Me Your face." The cry of my heart is ever deepening tears and longing to see Him face to face.

During that song, I experienced a visitation of the Lord's face upon mine. I was beholding Him. I heard, "We know that when He appears, we shall be like Him." Face to face, I was experiencing a greater osmosis of internal transformation at a deeper level than ever before. As we take the time to behold Him, the face of our internal countenance becomes the likeness of Him to the point that we manifest what we see the Father doing.

The Covenant Bride

Down through the corridors of the ages has existed the COVENANT of the Priestly Bride. She is the Bride that has longed for the manifestation of the Messiah. His manifested name for this age is the King of Glory. Once she realizes her identity, she keeps herself from the defilement of the world and fights for righteousness like the generals of old: Debra, Daniel, Samuel, the sons of Zadok and Elijah, to name a few.

She recognizes and prepares for the time of visitation with Him. For He is the One for whom her soul has craved above all else. The preparation is a separation and a consecration that leads to such purification. This happens because she spends so much time in His presence in which she is becoming like Him. She knows much of Him through her inner experiences of Him. She so desires to be like Him that she surrenders her being totally to the workings of His Spirit, unconditionally.

Whatever the cost, she perceives it is worth her everything. She loves not her life unto death. She does not bargain with Him to hold onto any golden calves or falsehoods of self or even normal needs. She knows that anything else is fool's gold. As a result, she is a fashioned weapon in the Hand of His Glory. He will give you power to stand against the forces of Hell, a dominion power that drives evil out.

There is an unveiling of truths within the Priestly Bride. It will result in the greatest movement of the Holy Spirit in this age. The forces of satan are trying to bring confusion, deception and despair. There is a tremendous raging for the mind of Believers everywhere. How do we overcome? The Bible states, "We overcome satan by the Blood of the Lamb, by the word of our testimony and we love not our life unto death."

We are in a season of receiving greater dimensions of these Truths, as well as in the season of God putting the missing pieces together.

"My Church Shall See My Power and My Glory that Has Not Been Seen for Many Generations and the World Has Never Known"

The Prophetic Word from the Lord: "My Church shall see My Power and My Glory—power that has not been seen for many generations and power the world has never known. There is a tidal wave of My glory coming. There is an anointing coming that many have longed for. It will be a collective anointing of the old and the new, the known and the unknown.

"It will hit and it will collide with the kingdom of darkness as the lightning strikes forth from the east to the west. Many will collide with My anointing as Paul did on the road to Damascus. Many will experience the molecules of the miraculous invading, permeating their very beings, healing their spirits, restoring their souls, driving out illness, disease and the demonic.

"There MUST be an invasion of My dominion power that will turn the world upside down. There will be an invasion through the brilliant radiations of My Divine nature that stirs the heart awake. It will resurrect My Divine DNA within the spirit, soul and body to rise to the power of My Ascension Glory. It will shine like the sun to expose this present darkness. There will be explosions of My almightiness that sets the captives free on every level, every dimension.

"Who will carry this glory? He that overcomes!

"I Am Preparing My Bride in the Secret Place"

"I am preparing My Bride in the secret place, in the hidden place, for the enemy must not see and must not look upon what I am doing, whom I am preparing.

"Those who will allow Me to draw them away into the Bridal chamber and allow Me to shake from them what must be shaken will come forth and carry what has never been seen—those who can believe Me for the unexpected movement in kings and kingdom—then those who carry My heart and My word without mixture will come forth.

"There is a mixture that I need to separate out of the midst of My people, My Bride. Oh, My people let Me wash your eyes, the eyes of your heart, with the precious Blood of My Son so you can overcome. Let Me invade the deepest recesses of your innermost being to heal, to expose and to deal with those things that are not of Me and not like Me. I will remove the thorns, thistles and calluses that have been unknowingly imbedded in your heart.

"Do not be afraid of My surgical Holy Spirit hand, for My hands are filled with healing love. I will never hurt you. I will never leave you. I will work with you very tenderly, there in the secret place. This secret place feels like you are once again in the wilderness, but it is indeed My room of operation. My hand is not shortened like a man's hand. My hands hold the fullness of your destiny. Did I not say, "A bruised reed He would not break and a dimly flicker flame He would not quench"?

"So is My Servant, so AM I to you as you yield to My inner workings. I take great joy, great delight in your heart of liquid gold. I am creating within your heart a combustion chamber of My Divine Glory, for this is the hour of My Divine Manifestation."

Carmen Burnham
Conquerors in Christ Ministries
Email: VanquishedFoes@aol.com

About Rev. Carmen E. Burnham, MSW: Carmen has known and loved the Lord since age six. Receiving the Baptism in the Holy Spirit in 1974, her experience was dramatic and powerful. He truly delivered her from the pit to the palace! In 1980, she prayed, "God take me into the depths of you." He answered her by leading her to work for a noted Christian Counseling Ministry for 10 years. She worked in the then-pioneering field of inner healing, deliverance and mental health. At that time, the Lord shocked her by confronting her with her own need for deliverance and inner healing. He brought her through her own personal journey into wholeness. What God revealed to her was priceless and life changing. What she learned is not known to the Body of Christ. She knows firsthand that many of His people are wounded and held unknowingly in bondage by the enemy and has a longing that they could know what she knows in order to help them. Burdened for the wounded, she answered the Lord's call.