I have had to have a change of heart regarding a consistent input from our friend and Prophet Shirley Strand.  She has consistently thanked the Lord for my (Dave) “administrative gifting” and that has always bothered me because of my “strong hold” (way of thinking) about what that gift really entails.

My definition comes from my corporate work environment where being administrative meant to be a “clerk” or a office worker like bookkeeper, accountant, file clerk, secretary, management assistant, record keeper, receptionist, etc.  And, of course, I was a “manager”.  This meant that administrative personnel reported to “me”.

Obviously, when I finally decided to stop being bothered and to look into what the “real” definition of administration is in the dictionary and Bible, I was corrected and needed to repent (turn around my way of thinking).

The Thesaurus has the following synonyms for administration: managerial, governing, executive, directing, organizational, supervisory, administrative - of or relating to or responsible for administration.

The Greek word used in 1 Corinthians 12:27-28 (AMP) “Now you [collectively] are Christ’s body and [individually] you are members of it, each part severally and distinct [each with his own place and function]. So God has appointed some in the church [for His own use]: first apostles (special messengers); second prophets (inspired preachers and expounders); third teachers; then wonder-workers; then those with ability to heal the sick; helpers; administrators; [speakers in] different (unknown) tongues.” is “Kubernesis”.

ADMINISTRATION (RULING): Kubernesis [koo-ber'-nay-sis] – n: “to steer, guide or govern” (Greek) – those who have been gifted to steer the body toward the accomplishment of God-given goals and directives by planning, organizing, and supervising others. Ruler: An administrator: The motivation to organize the efforts of others in order to achieve a common goal. Ability to turn chaos into order; can identify the gifting of others and guide them to be effective; is most joyful when the organizational challenge is the greatest. Must be fervent in the spirit; Keep moving to new challenges; Always be focused on a goal or vision.

The definition of Management as the act of getting people together to accomplish desired goals and objectives using available resources efficiently and effectively; comprising planning, organizing, leadership or directing to control an organization (a group of one or more people or entities) or effort for the purpose of accomplishing a goal is very much in line with “Kubernesis”.

After learning all of this, I realize that this is exactly the gifting the lord has blessed me with.  Diane & I have known that we have been called individually and as a team to “equip the saints” as in Ephesians 4:12-16 (Amp) His intention was the perfecting and the full equipping of the saints (His consecrated people), [that they should do] the work of ministering toward building up Christ’s body (the church),[That it might develop] until we all attain oneness in the faith and in the comprehension of the [full and accurate] knowledge of the Son of God, that [we might arrive] at really mature manhood (the completeness of personality which is nothing less than the standard height of Christ’s own perfection), the measure of the stature of the fullness of the Christ and the completeness found in Him. So then, we may no longer be children, tossed [like ships] to and fro between chance gusts of teaching and wavering with every changing wind of doctrine, [the prey of] the cunning and cleverness of] unscrupulous men, [gamblers engaged] in every shifting form of trickery in inventing errors to mislead. Rather, let our lives lovingly express truth [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly]. Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).For because of Him the whole body (the church, in all its various parts), closely joined and firmly knit together by the joints and ligaments with which it is supplied, when each part [with power adapted to its need] is working properly [in all its functions], grows to full maturity, building itself up in love.

This “equipping” has taken on many different forms.  Sometimes we are teachers, sometimes God’s messengers (apostles), sometimes prophet’s (speaking God’s Rehma words), sometimes evangelists (preaching the Good news), and sometimes pastors (shepherds & counselors). (Ref. Ephesians 4:11) We have also experienced the Holy Spirit using discernment, words of wisdom & knowledge, faith & healing, miracles & tongues to aid us in the “equipping” process. (Ref. 1 Cor. 12:6-12)

In all of these times of “equipping” we have tried to show unconditional love to those the Lord has brought into our sphere of influence.  Our key passage we try to follow is 1 Corinthians 14:1-3 (AMP) EAGERLY PURSUE and seek to acquire [this] love [make it your aim, your great quest]; and earnestly desire and cultivate the spiritual endowments (gifts), especially that you may prophesy (interpret the divine will and purpose in inspired preaching and teaching). For one who speaks in an [unknown] tongue speaks not to men but to God, for no one understands or catches his meaning, because in the [Holy] Spirit he utters secret truths and hidden things [not obvious to the understanding]. But [on the other hand], the one who prophesies [who interprets the divine will and purpose in inspired preaching and teaching] speaks to men for their upbuilding and constructive spiritual progress and encouragement and consolation.

I pray it will not take you as long to look into what the “gifting” God has blessed you with really means and how He wishes to use that “gift” through you.

So, thank you Shirley Strand for being persistent in declaring what the Lord already tried to show me, but I did not understand.  Now that I think I understand, I will not take this gifting so lightly or dismissively.  May the Lord use Diane & I to the “ministering toward building up Christ’s body (the church)” and that He will receive ALL the Glory and credit.

The Lord brought me to these verses recently.

Romans 5:3-5 (AMP) Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance. And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of]^]joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation. Such hope never disappoints or deludes or shames us, for God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us.

I had never noticed how consistent this passage from Paul’s writings mirror James’ writings (My life passage).

James 1:2-4 (AMP) Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.

Reply from Michael Burwell: 

As I read this today I am reminded of Jesus’ words “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have troubles but take heart, I have overcome the world.”  And also, “do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.”

The logical progression of character in the passage from Romans above leads me to believe that, should we follow it, we will ultimately never care about anything temporal, but rather only care about the eternal.  This puts worries and cares of today in a whole new light.  These cares are not anything that should even occupy our thought processes at all.  For if we really are living in Jesus (“in me”) troubles have no place in our lives.

On a secondary note, Romans 5:3-5 is one of my favorite passages of scripture.  So much so I even weaved some of the thoughts from it into lyrics in a song I wrote.  The first two lines of this song are inspired by that passage:

http://soundcloud.com/destinysong/song-of-living-praise 

I am sending out Diane’s answer to an all too common concern we hear from dedicated individuals leading church prayer groups.  Her answer should cause each of us to search our hearts and attitudes regarding fellow believers and most of us will need to repent.  Her answer also has practical advice on organizing a prayer group for church leadership.

From Frank in Oklahoma: “I am an intercessor in our church we have prayer meetings every Friday. We have some that like to come and go. They are not as faithful as some. Sometimes I let it bug me and  I pray that the lord would weed out the tares. Sometimes they are a hindrance. Please pray with me.”

Frank, I can completely understand your issue. As leader of intercessor groups all over the country, I “knew” what constituted a good, Spirit led prayer meeting. I always desired disciplined intercessors that would stay on the subject and have a heart for Jesus. At the same time I thought it was so very important to have exactly the right people, with exactly the right attitude, meet in exactly the right place at exactly the right time. The Lord dealt with me and my agenda by showing me Matthew 22:37-39 that the greatest commandment was to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul and mind. The second command is like it: love our neighbor as our self.

I came to understand that if I was deciding who qualified to be on the intercessor team and who should not, I was not loving them as God commands. For me it was being judgmental. So, I took that to the altar time and time and again. I finally got to the place that I was thankful for who ever came to the prayer meetings. After all, they are a volunteer army and I should not have workplace expectations for them regarding their faithfulness or unfaithfulness. I was just to be thankful to have a few people that wanted to pray.

It is important to have discipline, as intercessors can go “all over the world” and back. One way to stay on the subject is to have a prayer request list.  When leading intercessory prayer at our church, I e-mailed the leadership and asked for any requests they had. I made copies for each intercessor, had a person keep notes on any scriptures that came to mind during prayer, or a helpful thought that was shared. I returned these notes to each individual that had a request. Sometimes I got discouraged when we got very few requests and felt as though there was little interest in having people pray for the leadership and the church. There too, I had to give that to God, as He knows our hearts.

Another way to be a disciplined prayer group is to start and end on time. This honors those that volunteer to pray and shows them we honor their sacrifice.

So, I am thankful for any and every one that comes to pray. If I only have a small group, I am reminded that “where two or three are agreed, there I am.” If I have a large somewhat noisy group, I am thankful that so many came to pray.

Frank, I commend you for being part of a sometimes frustrating situation. I understand. I know God is pleased that you have been faithful. I’ll pray for you now.

Lord, I pray for Frank as he remains faithful to pray. I pray that You will meet his needs with physical health, spiritual peace and relational health. I pray for the intercessor group that he meets with. I ask, Lord, that they will come with a heart to intercede and seek Your face. I thank You, Lord, that Frank is being given the opportunity to love even when people are not lovely. Teach us all this principle and give us clean hearts to love Your people. It is hard outside of the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. We thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to teach and guide us. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, A-men.

Diane (AllAboutGOD.com)

Angels Surrounding Us (a vision and a Word from God for New Covenant Church)

Guest Post by Danielle Horne March 2012

2 Kings 6:17 (NKJV) And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

My soul is broken, my loneliness seeps and spreads, I cry out in hopelessness.  Oh, God, I feel so alone, Lord!

Yet, when I open my eyes, I see what You see.  Angels, thousands of angels; they surround Your people, mighty in faith and determination.  Swords of white fire, pure, ready to protect us.  They stand among the crowd, among Your children, and their wings envelope us.  Feathers so soft, their eyes search the crowd: searching for any unseen evil.  Still other angels stand and pray, with arms lifted in joy.  They pray with us and for us; they touch those who weep and open their hearts to God.

Other angels stand at doorways, and surround worship team.  They stand with swords drawn.  Only God’s children pass the doorway; those who seek to destroy our laughter try to fight in and sneak in under disguise.  They don’t make it near the doorways and souls of God: angel light touches and destroys them.  Every person with an angel or two protecting, praying.  An angel standing watching the man who speaks God’s Word.

Other angels kneel on the floor: light falling from the ceiling, from no particular place.  It falls on the kneeling angels and spreads to the other angels, covering the ground in silver light so pure and soft: thick water.  I look at that pure water as it spreads to me; I reach down and touch it, immediately filled with peace and love.  My Father’s love, my Abba’s peace and laughter for me.  I turn and look around the room again.  Angels everywhere, sent personally from God.  Then, I feel a hand on my shoulder.  Looking over my shoulder, I see another angel, and another.  One angel holds a huge broadsword that has a light shining from within, and another angel holds a tall bow, with a silver arrow and string so fine I can barely see it.  These angels flank me on either side.  The angel whose hand rested on my shoulder was praying; he was praying for me.  I looked up past the angels crouching or standing atop the rafters, towards the substance falling from the sky.  I looked up and opened my heart; opened my heart and let that light touch my soul.  It soaked me with so much love, healing my broken soul, giving it life.

Joy became my friend, and Love my healer.  God opened His arms and gave me peace.  He gave me protective angels who fight off evil, who pray and laugh.  they surround us with prayer, and protection: ready to fight to use their weapons that God made and sharpened with His own hands.  He sent these angels to protect His beloved children.  As we worship and pray, talk and laugh, these angels give us hope and spread God’s protection; ready to fight for Him.

Lounge Chair Theology by Chuck Horne

Many of you have heard of the $100,000 chair.  It’s the one we sit in instead of going out and doing what we are supposed to do to provide for our family and further God’s kingdom on earth.  Well, the Lord gave me a revelation about a different lounge chair.  This one is used by God as He walks with me down the path of life. 

I saw that God and I are walking down the best path; you know – the best one that God wants us on. I get the sense that God and I are really closer than brothers and/or friends. He’s well pleased with me and helping me to change more into the exact image of His Son. As problems arise, I commune with Him and He willingly and with immense joy solves them for me. I find that it is His joy to do so. As we walk, I notice that He is effortlessly carrying what looks like a very comfortable lounge chair. You know – the one you see in the store that look like it’d be no trouble to take a nap in, or read your favorite book in. I’m wondering what it’s for? But I’m enjoying everything that God has to offer me so much that I don’t bother asking Him about it.

 Then, I see something down a different path that looks cool and inviting. My senses fill with a longing to go down that new path. I hear God say, “Pay attention to where I’m taking you.”  But I’m intrigued by what “I” think is best, and “I” start down the path “I” think is best. At this point God sets the lounge chair down on His path and proceeds to “kick-back” on it. He’s such a gentleman. He knows that I’ve just said “no” to His best. But He loves me, and with a knowing smile He says, “I’ll wait.”

I’m not paying attention to anything but the new path that’s in front of me. I’m not seeing the impending consequences or thinking clearly.  I just know that this is a thing “I” think “I” should do.

As I said, God is the very definition of a “gentleman”. He’s watching every move I make, every decision I make. He’s not going to stop me as I walk down “MY” new path. Then the trouble starts, and what I thought was an awesome new thing starts to go bad. But hey, I’m good at dancing around and covering up problems, so I just keep stumbling on.

 I think that God is now crying, because he loves me so much and hates to see me doing this to myself.  But hey “I’m the man,” “I’m doing great.” I think He’s pleased with me, but actually I’m not even paying attention to Him or His best. So I continue down this path of disobedience (sin) or whatever you want to call it, and I’m totally sold on this path. Then I crash! I’m in an awful place. It stinks. How did I get here? At one time this path looked awesome and good and I was feeling great. But “sin” and my “flesh” were deceiving me. Unbeknownst to me, God allowed stuff to happen so I would fall to my knees and cry out to Him, “HELP ME!”

 At this point, God stops crying, leaves the lounge chair, and comes to wherever I’m at on this path.  He smiles the whole way as he comes towards me.  He hugs me and loves on me right where I’m at. I say, “I’m so sorry, Lord, for walking away from You. I’m sorry for thinking I knew better than You how I should live my life. Please forgive me.”

God smiles and says “I forgive you and I love you”.  He then picks me up and carries me back to the exact spot where I walked away from Him, and there I see the lounge chair. Anger arises in me:  “Why did You let me walk away from You? How could you sit here while I went down this other path?”

 He then grabs me in a great big hug and whispers in my ear, “My son, I LOVE YOU, and have a plan that’s better than anything you could ever imagine. The wow factor is off the scale! But you have to stay on My path, with Me. I will not follow you: you must follow Me. I did not abandon you: you abandoned Me. But I was never away from you because we cannot be separated. I live in you. Understand that if you choose to go on your own path and do not heed My warnings, I have no choice but to let you go.” I was humbled.

I realized that it can’t be any other way. His ways are higher and better than mine. It was up to me!  Would I stray from the path of His choosing and cause him to sit in the lounge chair as I went off on my own? Or would we walk together in harmony on His BEST path?

 I know that at times we’ve walked hours together, and other times only a few steps. I’m older now, and more aware of the times when I’m walking alone: those times are lonely and not good.  But I’m ever thankful that He’s with me and guiding me, and welcomes me back every time I wander away from His path.

Psalm 119:35 (NLT) Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found. 

A few “prophetic” guidelines that might be helpful by Diane Burwell

1.)    The most reliable way to test a prophetic word is with scripture itself. Does the word line up with scripture? Is the word against what we read in the Bible? If so, we simply throw it out. For example: if a prophet gives a word to someone that is immoral, unethical or illegal, we know it is not from God.

2.)    Interpret the word spiritually first and literally second. For example: a person gets a word that they are to go to the mission field. Spiritually, we can be on the mission field right in our own homes or place of work. We don’t have to go to another country. So, that was a good word, we are to be careful as we interpret what it may mean.

3.)    Test the word with other mature believers. Are they in agreement?

4.)    Some prophetic words may be difficult to understand or confusing. If so, just “put it on the shelf” and if it’s from God, He will cause things to come to pass. We take no action.

5.)    Some prophetic words may be a legitimate word from God and the prophet (or messenger) is simply immature or unseasoned. It may be delivered in a confusing way. We can gently thank the person, knowing they are new in the use of their gift.

6.)    I Corinthians 14:3 “But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification, exhortation and consolation.” This is very, very important to understand the word is to build up, not criticize or tear down.

The Amplified Bible says it this way:

1 Corinthians 14:3 Amplified Bible (AMP) But [on the other hand], the one who prophesies [who^] interprets the divine will and purpose in inspired preaching and teaching] speaks to men for their upbuilding and constructive spiritual progress and encouragement and consolation.

When I teach classes on the prophetic gift, I generally warn people against prophesying that someone will have a baby, get married or divorced or move from one location to another.  I also warn against prophesying specific times and dates. It can cause a faith crisis in the person receiving the word if it does not come to pass in a timely manner. It can also encourage people to make hasty decisions.

When a true and timely prophetic word is given to a willing heart, God can use it to open up understanding and faith. It is an awesome gift from God when coupled with love. (I Corinthians 13:13)