BONNIE NELSON – ARTICLES

The Prophet & The Wilderness

The Calling & the Consecrating 

Have you noticed, there is an increase in the use of the words, “Prophecy/Prophetic” everywhere? Throughout the Internet and in churches all over the world, we are seeing a people being raised up, who are hungry to learn how to hear the voice of God, what it means to move in the prophetic and what does a Prophet do? Is there any doubt Yahweh is raising up His end time prophetic generation, right in front of our eyes?

There are many in this remnant who seek to prophesy and have their eyes on fame and glory. However, Yahweh wants much more than just an inflated mouthpiece. He is pouring His Heart into those who will carry His Words to a hurting and dark world, snatching souls out of the fire and declaring and proclaiming His Will for this Earth through the Ministry of the Prophets.

Some people will move in the prophetic gift and be satisfied to just give a couple words here and there, but there are others, who are struggling with a hunger and passion burning deep inside of them, and they are willing to “pay the price,” to carry the mantle of a Prophet of Yahweh.

So, what does it mean to, “pay the price?” It means you will be trained, tested and examined, to see what is on the inside of you. The call upon a prophet does not just revolve around whether you will stretch your faith and trust out of the boat and walk on the water to prophesy. Biblically speaking, there are three categories or areas you will have to go “through,” if you are seeking to be a prophet.

There is the Calling, the Consecration and then, the Commissioning

Many of us have an inner knowing, we have been called into the prophetic ministry. You can’t stop thinking about it, you read about it, you join prophetic classes, go to conferences to hear people prophesy, study the prophets, in other words, you eat, sleep drink and think about the prophetic realm. It consumes you day and night.

You may have also had some supernatural experiences, where God has touched you and confirmed through seasoned prophets, He has given you the ability to hear and speak, to prophecy, His Words. You have spiritual confirmations and it is on your heart, to share His words with those He puts in your path. You hunger to prophesy, you love sensing Yahweh inside you and moving through you, to speak to those in need. You seek to learn more about the prophetic, but the real passion in your heart, is to have a deeper and more intimate relationship with God. You want to know everything about Yahweh.

For me, my knowing came when I was sleeping. I heard an audible voice call my name. I woke up and looked around, but no one was there. Then, in my spirit, I heard the word “Grace” and then, number 5. So, I knew my name was called and then I had grace, but doesn’t the number 5 mean grace too?

I did not see or understand the message until Risa and I went to a Mike Bickle 3 day Prophetic Conference in Kansas City. When we returned to Nashville, Risa and I were talking about a possible Firestorm Conference and she was telling Deborah Inghram about it on the phone. So, I started browsing through a dream book written by Ira Milligan I bought at the conference.

I was looking in the number section and when I came to the number 5, I got suddenly moment, because He wrote: FIVE – Serve! It was at that time, I knew it was Yahweh who woke me up, by calling my Name. The message: Bonnie, I’m calling you and I am giving you Grace (power) to serve (#5). My spirit resonated in this and I know that I know, that day He called My Name to come forth and to go and serve.

So, knowing you are called is the first step but, what about consecration? What is consecration?

Consecration is the action of making or declaring something sacred.

If you believe Yahweh is only looking for those who have their eyes and ears tuned to Him to speak out prophetic words, you are mistaken. He is looking for those who will teach and activate His People and He is looking for those who will carry His standard or banner of excellence to this Earth.

He is wanting to share His Heart with His people through you. He is not interested in condemning or putting a guilt trip on someone, nor is He interested in sharing someone’s sins on an outdoor clothes line. He is in the business of saving souls, healing and deliverance and showering His Family with Supernatural Love and Grace (Power).

In the FS Situation Prayer Room Thursday Night, we had people asking for prayer because they are continually having to deal with all kinds of personal issues such as; health, finances, family, relationships, jobs, you name it, everyone was dealing with something. It is interesting though, in the midst of these storms, everyone is still passionate about Yahweh and seeking His Help. They are faithful to Him and yet, trouble is everywhere. Several mentioned they felt like they were in the “wilderness.’ and they are just wore out.

Well guess what? The wilderness is the next step in the process of becoming a vessel Yahweh can flow through and trust to be obedient. You have to know and understand where you are and what season you are in, to be able to stand. The wilderness is where a vessel is pressed and broken, through the trials and tribulations, this world brings. Consecration reveals the character of the one who will stand and be faithful under pressure and operate under the banner of Yahweh, with humility, holiness, authenticity and His Power. That is the Real Deal. It is not the real deal to be a prophet for hire, who falls in love with all the stage lights, cameras and sells prophetic words with no regard or desire to help introduce, teach and train people in the church about Yahweh or His coming Kingdom of Heaven here on Earth.

Consecration is a process repeated several times in the life of a prophet who is seeking to minister for Yahweh to the Body of Christ. The wilderness training is where the desires of a carnal heart are revealed, those desires hidden deep in the heart, which long for the applause of men, character flaws of religious pride, fleshy arrogance, ambition and the lust for money, such as with Balaam, Simon the sorcerer and the Pythia, who prophesied as the oracle of Delphi, to make money for herself and her masters.

Those who have never spent time in the place of consecration in the wilderness and refuse to go in, miss the training of being in the “hiddenness” place with God and can still crave earthly praise and platforms on the world stage, instead of spending time with Yahweh in conversation (prayer), behind closed doors, learning more about His Heart and Will for His Kingdom.

Think about it and check your heart. Do you think Yahweh would raise up a prophet in the midst of today’s world, whose heart was dark, filled with impure thoughts and motives for self interest and personal gain? I think not. The consecration, the stripping, the purifying, the cleansing all have to come first and if not…around the mountain we go again to learn humility, meekness and how to overcome, as best we can, as we go “through the valley of the shadow of death.”

And, are we alone in our consecration ? No! More than once in the Situation Room, I heard the Word of the Lord saying, “I will not leave you or forsake you, I AM with you.” And if He is with us, who can be against us? Do not lose heart regarding the processes you will have to go through. Know Yahweh is with you and has only good thoughts for you. Go for the training and see the Hand of the Father upon Your Life. Think upon those things, which are to come, when there shall be no disease, no death, no bondage or prisons and such.

When Jesus told us to pray the Lord’s Prayer, He knew this was the best prayer for us to release over and into the Earth, which would best bring Him back to us. What a Great and Mighty God – Yahweh!!!! Hallelujah!

The prophetic training ground for “all” of the called prophets of God Is the Wilderness. This is where we are consecrated, (made holy) for service to Yahweh and His Church. Here is where we learn our talk has to line up with our walk.

Do you think that is why James said, “count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driving and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” James 1:2-9

Matter of fact the whole chapter of James 1 is important – to those seeking the Prophetic Gift or title of a Prophet. I have enclosed the rest of the chapter below from James, but there is one more area after the consecration (ouch, ouch, ouch) in the wilderness. It is the commissioning and it is coming next, in part 2.

Blessings and please read the rest of James Chapter 1:9-27 below.

The Perspective of Rich and Poor

9 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, 10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. 11 For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.

Loving God Under Trials

12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

Qualities Needed in Trials

19 [c]So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

Doers—Not Hearers Only

21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and [d]overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

26 If anyone [e]among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, andto keep oneself unspotted from the world.

Footnotes:

a. James 1:3 endurance or perseverance

b. James 1:4 mature

c. James 1:19 NU Know this or This you know

d. James 1:21 abundance

e. James 1:26 NU omits among you

The Prophet & The Wilderness Part 2: The Commissioning

Previously we talked about the calling and consecration (ouch) of the prophet, two levels we go through to be prepared for service as prophets for Jesus and His Church.

The time between the calling and the commissioning is through the consecration, the preparation for our ministry, where we are fine tuning our gifts, learning more about who we are in Christ and what our ministry involves. When the commission finally comes, there will be an increase in our authority and a mantle, revealing an approval from Yahweh, where He recognizes and backs up our ministry.

So, what is the commissioning?  

The word commission has several very different meanings, but in its most basic form, commission is the act of “passing a responsibility to someone else”. 

The higher up the Mountain (Symbol: The Government of Yahweh) we go, the more responsibility is put upon us. Someone said, “Well you don’t have to do anything, just let Jesus do the work.” Just rest in Him. Really?

The problem is, He is in us and we are in Him. So, we are His Hands and Feet. Are you getting this?  I Cor 3:9 says, ” For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. 

We are called to co-laborers with Him, no doubt He is helping, but we have a part we must do as well and remember, Jesus died to give us back dominion over the earth and to be His “husbandry,” meaning to watch over, care for and careful management.

The most famous version of a commissioning in the Bible is the Great Commission, Matthew 28:16–20, somewhere on a mountain in Galilee Jesus says:

[18] And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
[19] Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
[20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Though some believe the disciples were the only ones commissioned, I am going to stand firm; we are also included in this commissioning! If we have accepted Jesus, been baptized with water and filled with His Spirit, then He’s in us and we are in Him and SURELY His Desire, is to go out and make disciples, with us and through us.

The Ministry of Jesus did not stop at His death or the death of His disciples, because He rose from the dead!

God’s NOT Dead, He’s surely alive, He’s living on the inside roaring like a Lion. Can you hear that song, “God’s Not Dead, He’s surely alive, He’s living on the inside!  He’s still very much alive and living on the inside of each one of us who are saved, signed up for the Kingdom calling, sealed and delivered from our sins.

Major Ian Thomas was a 20th century Bible teacher and he said this:

“Jesus gave His life FOR YOU, so He could give His life TO YOU, so He could live His life THROUGH YOU.” (I love this)

Now look at Acts 3:6. We all know this scripture, but there is a problem with the translation, one word has been changed, which was in the original text.  Here is what we have been taught.

But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” NLT

The word changed was, “what.”  The Scripture should read, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you WHO I HAVE.” 

And That One (Jesus) WHO you have, said this:

You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. John 15:16

Scripture says, we have Christ, we are Christ Like and we put on Christ. Galatians 3:27: “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” 

What did Jesus say about that?

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. John 15:5 We are called to bear fruit…

When Father Yahweh looks at you and me, what does He see? He sees Jesus.

Yahweh woos us to Jesus for a new life, commissions us with His purpose and then, His Spirit empowers us to fulfill that purpose, that calling, that destiny, whatever you want to call it. It is about Him, His Ways and His Purposes, which He wants to fulfill through and with us.

The gifts & callings from God are based on His sovereignty, not on human worthiness or persistence in requesting a certain position. You cannot buy a certain position into a Church or Ministry.

Many of you might believe the lie spreading through churches you are not called by Jesus or worthy to walk in the prophetic ministry. If that’s you, right now, I rebuke that spirit of unworthiness off you, and call you to come forth into the position Jesus created you to walk in.

Ephesians 3:20 says, “Now to him who by the power that is working within us is able to do far beyond all that we ask or thing…We are now living and depending on his power – by faith.

The bottom line is, those who follow Jesus, become disciple and then, they go forth and make disciples. The 5 Fold Ministry, which includes the Prophets are called (you are called) to teach and preach and raise up the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:1-13

It was he who gave some to be (1) apostles, some to be (2) prophets, some to be (3) evangelists, and some to be (4) pastors and (5) teachers.” Primarily as a result of this verse, some believe God has restored, or is restoring, the offices of apostle and prophet in the church today. Ephesians 4:12-13 tells us that the purpose of the five-fold ministry is, “to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” So, since the body of Christ definitely is not built up to unity in the faith and has not attained to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ, the thinking goes, the offices of apostle and prophet must still be in effect.

It is sad today, as many Bible believing Christians don’t have a clue regarding the personal commission Jesus has for them. People who have been a Christian for years, prayed, prophesied, trusted wholly in Jesus and walked humbly before Him without any thought of a special call to the service of Christ.

There is a difference between the calling and the commissioning. In the Book of Acts, Paul was called as an apostle for several years “before” he was commissioned to the Apostolic Ministry, somewhere between eight and fourteen years.  During this time, from his letters, you can see, he was in a time of preparation and ministering as a prophet, and a teacher.

Jeremiah

The prophet Jeremiah was commissioned by Yahweh in Jeremiah 1:4-19 in the same manner He commissions the prophet today.  He put His word in his mouth and sends him out to speak His word. He promises the prophet and the church, which sends him out; He will use the spoken word of the gospel both for condemnation and for salvation. Look at verse 10:

He will use the word “to root out, and to pull down and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.”

It’s interesting, Yahweh wants to commission Jeremiah, but Jeremiah is whining and declining the commission.  He didn’t consider himself qualified to be a Prophet of the Lord. (verse 6)

Then, said I, Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child,” which really meant he felt he was not qualified or experienced enough to be a prophet.

We hear the same old thing today. Oh God, I’m not worthy. God knows that is true without Him, but with Him,  He takes the foolish things and makes something very special out of them, to astound the wise.

It would be good for us to get over ourselves and how we feel, so we can run the race with Jesus. He is more than capable of refining, defining and transforming us into who He created us to be. But like so many today, Jeremiah was pulling back from the Call of God on his life thinking he could not measure up.

The first step in being a prophet is knowing, who your source is and realizing everything you do as a prophet comes from Him through you. Yes, it is His Power and it is for His Glory, but remember we are co-laboring with Him to save souls.

As a prophet, we do not exalt ourselves over the people or try to take the place of Yahweh in their lives. Nothing is more destructible to the calling of the prophet than the spirits of false humility, arrogance and pride. They will divide and scatter the flock of God, and in the end, cause us to be judged. False Humility is an ugly spirit running rampant in the body of Christ today.  Here is an example.

I recently heard the story of a pastor who had a garden, which surely represented the way Eden must have been like.  There were beautiful flowers of all types, trees with beautiful fruit and even an area where corn and some other vegetable were rising up.  A friend dropped over and they went to look at the garden.  The friend was amazed and said, “Oh pastor, doesn’t God create a beautiful garden.” The pastor smiled and said, “You should have seen it before I got here.” This is the co-labor and husbandry, which is revealed in the Bible.  We have a part to put in, to make things come into order. 

The same thing applies to a beautiful Grand Piano on a stage, it is precious and very expensive, but until someone walks over who has been given the gift and talent from Yahweh to play it and has practiced and honed that talent (honed = been refined and made perfect) the grand piano is not so grand.  But, when the master walks over and sits down and puts his fingers on the keys, the most beautiful music erupts from the piano.  When I have heard and seen such talent, I am quick to acknowledge my appreciation and thank the person. At this point, I sometimes hear, “Oh it’s just God.” This is the spirit of false humility at its best.  

We co-labor with Yahweh and everyone knows when someone has such a great talent or gift, it has been given by Him, but we should also know it has taken time, work and this talent working together with God, to create a beautiful garden or melody. Yahweh tells us in the Bible when we finally stand before Him, He will say to us, “Well done good and faithful servant.” Affirming and appreciating people who co-labor with Yahweh is biblical.  So when someone compliments you concerning your work, artistic ability or such, don’t feed the spirit of false humility, just say, “you are welcome.”

It is apparent in religious circles today, not everyone responds well to a prophet or his/her message. I’m sure you have picked up on this. This was also happening in the days of Jeremiah. He knew the people would not react well to the arrows of truth, which God would put in his mouth to proclaim to His People. This was another reason Jeremiah did not want to accept the commission.

The Lord knew this, is there anything He doesn’t know? Anyway, in Jeremiah Chapter 1, God tells Jeremiah He will protect him, but evidently not in everything, because Jeremiah faced a lot of resistance. At one point, he was threatened and thrown into a dungeon. Yahweh responded to Jeremiah’s objection and tried to assure him with the fact, because He called him, so will He also qualify him.  This is a part of the commissioning of the prophet, the assurance Yahweh gives them to know that they know, they are called. Remember this in verse 5:

Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb, I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.”

In this verse there are 3 things Yahweh reveals, which are contained in the commissioning, of the prophet.

1. “I knew thee”

2. “I sanctified thee”

3. “I ordained thee”

First, “I knew thee.” Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee. So, God didn’t just know “about” the prophet, or something concerning the prophet. He knew the prophet: “I knew thee”

Yahweh makes it personal. The Old Testament language again brings forth the intimacy in the “knowing” someone. It reveals the love God has for the Prophet and those He chooses to bring to Him for salvation.  Notice the knowledge and love God has is “eternal knowledge.” He says before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee.

Yahweh says I knew you in the time before I formed you in your mother’s belly. He is speaking of knowing Jeremiah in the same way Paul talks to us in Romans 8:29, “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate.”In this same manner where God knew, “foreknew”, and predestined Jeremiah, guess what, it is in this same way God knows and predestinates us today and calls us His faithful ministers of His Good News Gospel.

Our qualifications as a prophet are: We must be a saved, elect, child of God. And I know, I know, God can use an unsaved man in the office of the prophet, because of Balaam in the Old Testament. He had some major problems and God did use him, but not in the way, we would want Him to use us. He was a prophet for hire, who God used a donkey to speak to him to save his life.

Though Balaam was a called a prophet and did hear from God, God didn’t personally speak to him to save his life, except through a donkey. One of the biblical symbols of a donkey is of being stubborn and obstinate. Interesting.

The “Will of God” for His prophets is FIRST, to be obedient to God’s Word. The walk and talk of the prophet cannot be compromised against God’s Word. The prophets must know deep inside to their very core, the real meaning of the Word of God, which they are called to bring forth. He/She must walk their talk and be able to share their personal experiences of the mercy and grace of Yahweh.

Secondly, Yahweh says, “I sanctified thee. And before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee.” “Sanctified” means literally “to set apart.” This refers to what is set apart by Yahweh for Himself. The prophet is set apart for special service to Yahweh. This is the case with the prophet as an office bearer of God, he has been set apart from the rest of God’s people, in order to carry out a special service on behalf of Yahweh.

Third, “I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” This expression in verse 5 indicates the specific calling unto which Jeremiah has been set apart. He has been set apart by Yahweh to be a prophet. Jeremiah is called by God and, not only is this put upon him through the very words of Yahweh commissioning him to be a prophet, but this is also revealed in the testimony of the meaning of Jeremiah’s name. His name, “Jeremiah” means “raised up or appointed by Yahweh.” His Name is like an insignia, which reveals to all, the truth that Yahweh has commissioned him; called him; ordained him and set him in office.

Several prophetic ministers have shared, “If you are wondering whether you have been commissioned, then you haven’t, because when the real thing happens, it will be clear and you will know it came from God and not just men. Until then, we are all in training and the more significant our calling, the more intense and usually longer and harder our training will be. ” (Joyner)

For me, I remember a situation, where I believe God came to me, anointed me with oil and called me to Himself . I was taking a class regarding an Emotional Raindrop Massage with Essential Oils. My class had about 5 people from several different religions and ideologies.  My teacher was Gaia Tossing, founder of the Nashville Academy of Reflexology, who is also the representative for the C.A.R.E Raindrop Group (Young Living Dr. David Stewart).

We had been learning for a week about the YL oils and techniques, regarding the Raindrop Massage. On this last day, she was teaching about the “emotional oils” Raindrop Massage. We were learning about each of the traits of the oils we would be using and smelling them. During the whole morning session, I had just wept. The oils were definitely touching my emotions, normally this is not like me. The only other time I can remember weeping like this was, when I was ordained.

We only had time to do one practice massage so; we put all our names into a hat. Gaia pulled out a name and looked around, then focused on me and said, “It is Bonnie.” I am still not sure that was legit. LOL I think she just knew I was the one who was ready. Then again, maybe God was ready for me. Gaia is a very interesting and intriguing lady, who ministers with the oils and teaches to all, no matter what their faith. However on this day, I was to glean some deeper knowledge of her walk as a Christian, maybe even an Apostle.

I got on the massage table and for this massage; all those in the class were going to help apply the oils, including me.  Each person had different oils to put on my forehead, toes, bottom of my feet, brain stem, heart, nose, stomach, hands, and I was called to put a blend, over my heart. 

I don’t remember everything because, as I was lying there with my eyes closed, I suddenly had a vision. I saw a tremendous white light flood through my mind’s eye and then, the most beautiful rich purple color came forth. I do remember hearing Gaia ask one of the ladies to give her Frankincense and they said, “that oil is not next on the list.” Gaia said, “I know, but I am sensing to use Frankincense.”

The next thing I saw was like out of a old movie, like Ben Hur. Two people were coming toward me in a desert like scene and I knew they were men. They were dressed with rich brown robes over their heads just like back in those days. I could not see their faces, but I knew they were coming to me and for me. As they came closer, I heard Gaia. She was calling me into service, to go out and minister, in the Name of Jesus Christ.

As I write this I can still feel the tingling in my soul, as she spoke. I had never seen her do anything like this before and I had been in several of her classes.

I can’t say this was Jesus, but more than that, I can’t say it wasn’t. Everything just came together and I was just out there in outer space by then.  I remember then hearing her singing, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine, a couple times. I opened my eyes and she said, “I knew that would bring you back.”

I am still amazed when I think on this experience.  I know this is probably not considered proper as to a religious type ceremony of commissioning, but I know, Yahweh touched me, called me, anointed me with Frankincense and the finest of oils all over my body and commissioned me to go forth, through Gaia. How awesome Gaia moved with Jesus to minister to me. I pray we can all move with Him like this.

Gaia is not a carbon copy of anyone, she is her own person and maybe according to some church doctrine, she may not fit the stereotype we have been given to be a Prophet, Apostle, Pastor or whatever gift mix, for a ministry Jesus has bestowed upon her, but so are you and I different. The prophets in Scripture were all unique too. There were ways, in which they were similar; but they still walked their own special walk. 

When I look at the folks God is bringing here to Firestorm, I am amazed at all the different personalities and gift mixes. No one is a duplicate or carbon copy of another. Some may be similar, but they are definitely not the same.  God didn’t make us to be Cookie Cutter Christians; He made us to be who He wanted us to be, in His Image. 

We each have a different part of the message He wants to share with His Church.  He confirms messages, but in each situation where a Word from Him comes forth, there are unique and special words to fit every situation we are dealing with, where He speaks to us through His Prophets with supernatural perfection and awe. In Revelation Jesus sent letters to 7 churches and they were similar, but they also contained specific directions and insight into what each one was dealing with and directions on what they needed to do, to get right before Him.

If you think you and I are weird, NO, we are a peculiar people and if you look into the lives of people in the Bible,  you will see God surely chose many of the foolish to speak for Him and not only astounded the wise, but made them very angry. So too in today’s world will some be angry and jealous of our walk and come against us. But, we are more than conquerors because of the God who is in us, so fear not.

God uses everyday people like you and me who have a heart for Him and have placed Him high above all earthly things, considering Him to be the greatest of all treasures. Seek Him first in all you do and all the callings, commissioning’s, gifts, talents, ministry positions and such will all be found.

One last thought. When doubt comes and it usually does at some point, which causes you to wonder, if you were really called, or you find yourself struggling, because of the resistance, opposition and rejection coming from many of those around you, while others are asking you to do more than you can possibly do and challenging your position and calling, then, you must be able to remind yourself and know that you know, deep in that inner place inside of you:  Yahweh has Called me! Yahweh has Sanctified me! And Yahweh has Commissioned me!

And if you hear a voice saying you are not….Tell that voice in your head to listen to this song!

God’s Creation – The Salt Covenant

October 15, 2001 4:00:56 AM

Hello Firestorm:

Recently we had quite a discussion during the Monday Night Forum regarding salt. Question? Is it Biblical to sprinkle salt in and around our homes to purify and sanctify them to Yahweh, since salt is widely used by witches and the occult in their ceremonies?

Where is the Biblical proof? Did Yahweh say to sanctify and purify our homes with salt, to Him? Does salt have power, and if so, is it evil or Godly?

I have to admit, I did not find any Scripture that said, “Take salt and pray over it, then walk to the area that you want to purify or sanctify, sprinkle lightly in those places, and call on the LORD.”

However, I did not find any Scripture that said, “If witches use anything that was used in holy ceremonies by God or His People in the Bible, discontinue using it immediately, it is now evil.”

God is the creator of all things. Salt was created by His Hand and used in His ceremonies to consecrate, purify, protect and to curse. Satan is well aware of God’s Ways and creations. He knows which ones have power and he uses them for his own purposes.

The fact that Witches and such use salt in their ceremonies does not take away the power or symbol of what salt means to God and His People. In Witchcraft, just as in the Bible, salt is considered to be a natural purifying agent. It is used to cleanse an area in which a ritual or magical circle will be erected.
Some Witches/Wiccan’s sprinkle salt on the ground to purify the sacred space. Others mix salt with water and sprinkle it on the ground. In some traditions, salt is placed in a bowl on the altar to represent the element of Earth.

Consecration/Witchcraft: This is an act of purifying and dedicating an object or a place. Most Wiccans/Witches consecrate a new ritual tool, deity statue, or a piece of jewelry, and so forth. In many traditions this involves “sprinkling” of salt or salted water on the object, along with the introduction of incense smoke. A special oil can also be used to anoint and thereby sanctify. Typically an invocation is spoken during this process, announcing that the negative energies are being removed and the positive energies are being instilled.

A consecration can also be done in the name of a spirit or deity. For example, one might wish to dedicate a ritual wand to the service of a god or goddess. One might also wish to consecrate a statue to serve as an altar symbol of divinity. In such cases, the cleansing is performed as customary and then the object is “anointed with oil” in the “name of the spirit or deity.”

***Hmmm. If witches use salt to cleanse an area from all spirits, so they can call on the ones they want, that is a pretty good confirmation that any and all spirits leave an area when salt is applied.

Some deliverance ministers have used salt in their sessions as well as; crucifixes, oil, wine, incense, candles, holy water and a mix of holy water and salt. In Luke 10:34 the Good Samaritan poured oil and wine into a man’s wounds.

I found some other interesting items that Witches use in their ceremonies that are Biblical. I wonder who told them to do all this stuff?

The Olive Tree (Olea Europaea) is a sacred tree in southern European paganism and witchcraft. In Aegean/Mediteranean mythology Athena/Minerva created the olive tree in a competition against Poseidon for mastery of an important seaport (Athens). Therefore the olive tree was considered sacred to Athena/Minerva and, as a sacred item, olive oil was used as a fuel for temple lamps.

The Greeks, Etruscans, and Romans carved many of their deity statues from olive wood. The olive, though primarily a symbol of peace, was also a Greek Symbol of war in its association with Athena. Victory wreaths often sported both lauel and olive leaves. However, the olive was more noted as the symbol of the goddess Pax (Latin for “peace”), under whose name messengers and other individuals often requested asylum.

In ancient times the olive tree was believed to be the dwelling place of the moon, and therefore it came to symbolize the moon. This symbolism tied the olive to the ancient Moon Virgin race, the prize being an olive branch. This race was an archaic form of the hieros gamos, the divine marriage of the sun god and moon goddess.

Honey is a symbol of immortality, initiation and rebirth. As such it was used as an offering to the gods, ancestral spirits, and spirits of Nature. Mixed with wine and milk it was called the nectar of the gods. Honey was used in ancient times to anoint in initiation because honey itself was the result of a mysterious process of transformation performed by bees.

The gathering of honey from a beehive was a risky business in ancient times and so, honey became the symbol of obtaining knowledge through pain. Honey was also used as an offering for the dead and thus, we find the association of bees with departed souls.

How about this, in ancient times, honey was employed as part of a formula for preventing pregnancy. It was mixed with the juice of Roman nettle (Urtica pilulifera) and applied to a strip of linen. The linen was inserted into the vagina prior to intercourse. The honey presented a barrier and the nettle juice acted as a spermicide. Prostitutes in Roman brothels used this method and there are records of it having been used in ancient Egypt as well.

Blood is also used in ceremonies by the occult, Witches, Wiccans, and cults. Many have black masses and use the cross as one of their symbols. The list goes on and on. Satan uses anything and everything he can to pervert Yahweh’s Stuff.

Think about it. He is not a creator. He is not God. He doesn’t have anything of his own. He robs, steals, and destroys what God creates.

So, what about the real purpose for salt? How and what did God create salt for? Is it symbolic or demonic?

Salt was a necessary seasoning for food and a preservative – without it, food spoiled easily in the hot desert climax. Rock salt was obtained from mines deep in the earth’s surface and The Dead Sea produced an inferior salt, but it’s accessibility made it a major source of salt in the Holy Land. The Dead Sea has a salinity of nearly 10 times that of regular seawater and it cannot sustain plant or animal life.

We read in Genesis 29:26 Lot’s wife looked back in willful disobedience to Yahweh and was turned into a pillar of “salt.” Since salt is known to be a preservative, it is believed that this act of rebellion was to be preserved for generations, plus salt is a permanent chemical. The punishment of this woman was to be permanent for all to see for a long, long time.

In Leviticus 2:13, it is revealed salt is to be used in all offerings. “And every oblation of thy meat offering shalt thou season with salt; neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the covenant of thy God to be lacking from thy meat offering: with all thine offerings thou shalt offer salt.

(NIV: Season all your grain offerings with salt. Do not leave the salt of the covenant of your God out of your grain offerings; add salt to all your offerings.)

***I don’t believe salt was used here as a preservative for the sacrifices. It was the renewing of the covenant, purification and sanctification. Notice, we are told to use salt with all our offerings. If we pray and offer our lives and homes up as an offering, should we not use salt?)

The offerings were seasoned with salt as a reminder of the people’s covenant (contract) with Yahweh. Salt is a symbol of HIM in a person, because like salt He penetrates, preserves, and aids in healing.

When God becomes a part of you, He is every aspect of your life, preserving you from the evil all around and healing you of your sins and shortcomings.

Numbers l8:19 reveals the covenant which Yahweh makes with His people and in this verse it is characterized by purity, permanence, stability and savour.

“Yes, I am giving you all these holy offerings that the people of Israel bring to the LORD. They are for you and your sons and daughters, to be eaten as your permanent share. This is an eternal and unbreakable covenant between the LORD and you, and it also applies to your descendants.”

What does “SALT” represent?

Salt: Being possessed of purifying, perpetuating and antiseptic qualities, “salt” became emblematic of fidelity and friendship among eastern nations. To eat of a person’s “salt” and so to share his hospitality is still regarded thus among the Arabs. This partaking of salt by different persons together is regarded among the Arabs as a pledge of friendship. It is equivalent to a most solemn covenant.

Numerous instances are recorded in history about the covenant initiated by travelers who share salt together. So deeply rooted is this sentiment that intended robbery has been abandoned when the robber has accidentally eaten salt while getting his plunder. Travelers have sometimes secured their safety while in the midst of wild Bedouins by using stratagem in getting the Arabs to eat salt with them.

Macgreor tells how he outwitted a sheikh who had made him a prisoner, and whose disposition seemed to be rather unfriendly. “We had now eaten salt together, and in his own tent, and so he was bound by the strongest tie, and he knew it.”

So too, by using salt in their sacrifices ages ago, people were bound to Yahweh, just as we are today, in the most solemn of covenants. We, as Christians, are in the “covenant of salt” with Yahweh.

Food was and is seasoned with “salt.” every meal offering was to contain it, and it was to be offered with all offerings presented by Israelites, as emblematic of the holiness of Christ, and as betokening the reconciliation provided for man by God on the ground of the death of Christ. Lev 2:l3.

Salt was actually a part of Israelite worship an indication of the b’rit of covenant

“And you shall season each of your grain offerings with salt; you must not leave the salt of the covenant of your God out of your grain offering—you are to add salt to each of your offerings.”
(Note: This is not iodized salt, See Part One Salt)

It would appear we are supposed to have been using salt with all of our offerings to God. I had always thought of salt as just a seasoning on the table for food with no holy attributes. I never knew salt could be so important in my life. Now who would have removed that information from me? Does everyone else know about this, but me?

More on Salt

To refuse God’s provision in Christ and the power (efficacy) of His expiatory sacrifice is to expose oneself to be “salted with fire,” (Mark 9:49-50).

For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt. Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.”

While “salt” is used to fertilize soil, excess of it on the ground produces sterility (Deut 29:23; Judg. 9:45; Jer. l7:6; Zeph 2:9)

(Notice it says that if we use too much salt it can be a curse. Thus, I believe “sprinkling” is a good idea when we use salt.

(***Salt is used not only as a symbol of the covenant made between God and His People, it is what seals the deal. The salt binds us together legally. It is a heavenly symbol.)

In Deuteronomy 29:23 Here we are shown salt as a part of the symbols of God’s judgment and curse wherein He prevents the growth of all green things in order to punish the enemy.

And that the whole land thereof is brimstone, and salt, and burning, that it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the Lord overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:

In Judges 9:45 Abimelech used salt as a curse and he “beat down the city, and sowed it with salt.”

**********

“And the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold I pray thee, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water is naught, and the ground barren. And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put “salt” therein. And they brought it to him. And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land. SO THE WATERS WERE HEALED UNTO THIS DAY, ACCORDING TO THE SAYING OF ELISHA WHICH HE SPAKE.” II KINGS 2:19-22

****BINGO HEALING FROM SALT BEING THROWN INTO THE WATER AND IN THE NAME OF THE LORD.

(Notice Elisha said there would be no more death or barren land. He purified and sanctified the water and it was protected and is still pure to this day. If we make a salt covenant with God, He is no respecter of persons, He will heal our land, homes, lives, whatever. We need to renew our salt covenants with God.)

In Ezekiel 16:4 the chapter reveals there was no period of preparation in the forming of the nation of Israel.

God called Abraham, he obeyed and began the Nation of Israel immediately. He did not receive the usual treatment at birth. During this time new born babes were rubbed with salt in order to harden their skin; this operation was supposed to make it dry, tight and firm. It may have also been applied as an emblem of purity and incorruption.

When Jesus was born they probably called an experienced midwife. She may have helped Mary through her labor, as later tradition described. If so, it was this unknown Bethlehem midwife who cut the baby’s umbilical cord. Following typical procedures she would have brought water, or asked Joseph to fetch some, and then bathed the child. TO PREVENT INFECTION, she would have rubbed salt all over Jesus’ body.

********BINGO PROTECTION************

Salt was added to sacrificial offerings (Ezek 43:24), and infants were rubbed with it after birth (Ezek 16:4)

Jesus called his disciples the “salt of the earth,” likening their role to the preservative qualities of salt, which kept food free of contamination. Yet he cautioned them not to become worthless like salt that has lost it’s flavor (Mt 5:13).

“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.”

Selah: We as disciples are to keep ourselves free from contaminants of the world and to help others. We are the walking, talking testimony of Christ. Jesus knew that salt preserved from corruption, that’s what He wants us to do. Preserve from corruption.

Salt was the choice for preventing bacteria from poisoning food. It was so vital for this purpose that wars were fought over salt, and entire economies were based on it. Salt could literally make the difference between life and death in a time when fresh food was unavailable.

Salt For Pay

Two thousand years ago the Roman Empire paid it’s soldiers in salt. The storage vault for salt was called in Latin, the salarium, from which comes the English word “salary.” Ever since Roman days, a worker who does poorly “isn’t worth his salt.”

In Colossians 4:6 “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”

(From the Dakes Bible: Let your speech be always spiced and seasoned with answers that will oppose sin and preserve from the corruption thereof. Let it be holy, wise, gracious, Christian, savory, wholesome, courteous, respectful, desirable and worthy of being kept in the memory of others.)

You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? Matthew 5:13 Let not our salt be diluted by the ways of the world. Let us remain salty in our representation of Christ.

We need to be aware of the qualities salt has which we do not see in the natural. I know I will never look at my salt shaker the same way because, now I understand, when I salt something, it is not only for taste, but maybe that is the renewing of my salt covenant with God and He is using that to protect me. Salt by the Spirit, is a prophetic/spiritual symbol to me, the same as my communion, the cross, holy water and oil.

There are so many things that have been taken away from the Kingdom of God by the enemy through deception and the lack of knowledge. I see where many do not like music, song and dance. What a shame. God created music in the very beginning. Satan took them, perverted and stole them from us.

Well, for me it stops here. You cannot have what God has given me. They are mine and to be used for the Kingdom of God to set the captives free. You cannot have my salt!

I will include a little salt in my purse, right next to my oil and my bible. I make a new covenant with My God to stand and not let anything or anyone dilute my salt or steal my weapons. I will take those thoughts captive, I will study and dig into the Word, I will clean out my ears and listen and I will call out to My Father in prayer and supplication.

In looking back to the beginning of my posting, I guess I have not been able to find the Scriptures to prove Biblically where it says for any of us to personally use salt to protect, make covenant, purify, sanctify, cleanse from evil spirits, curse or heal.

But, you know what???? My spirit is alive and well and I hear, “Use what’s in the House of God!” Well, that’s My House and baby, I have Salt!

Blessings, bon

References: King James Bible, John Hagee Prophecy Bible, NIV, New Jerusalem Bible, Bible Readers Companion, New Concise Bible Dictionary, Webster’s Nineth New Collegiate Dictionary, Holman New Testament Commentary, Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary, Encyclopedia of Wicca and Witchcraft, Manners & Customs of the Bible, A Dictionary of Bible Types, Reader’s Digest, Jesus And His Times.

The Prophet & The Wilderness

Have you noticed, there is an increase in the use of the words, “Prophecy/Prophetic” everywhere? Throughout the Internet and in churches all over the world, we are seeing a people being raised up, who are hungry to learn how to hear the voice of God, what it means to move in the prophetic and what does a Prophet do? Is there any doubt Yahweh is raising up His end time prophetic generation, right in front of our eyes?

There are many in this remnant who seek to prophesy and have their eyes on fame and glory. However, Yahweh wants much more than just an inflated mouthpiece. He is pouring His Heart into those who will carry His Words to a hurting and dark world, snatching souls out of the fire and declaring and proclaiming His Will for this Earth through the Ministry of the Prophets.

Some people will move in the prophetic gift and be satisfied to just give a couple words here and there, but there are others, who are struggling with a hunger and passion burning deep inside of them, and they are willing to “pay the price,” to carry the mantle of a Prophet of Yahweh.

So, what does it mean to, “pay the price?” It means you will be trained, tested and examined, to see what is on the inside of you. The call upon a prophet does not just revolve around whether you will stretch your faith and trust out of the boat and walk on the water to prophesy. Biblically speaking, there are three categories or areas you will have to go “through,” if you are seeking to be a prophet.

There is the Calling, the Consecration and then, the Commissioning

Many of us have an inner knowing, we have been called into the prophetic ministry. You can’t stop thinking about it, you read about it, you join prophetic classes, go to conferences to hear people prophesy, study the prophets, in other words, you eat, sleep drink and think about the prophetic realm. It consumes you day and night.

You may have also had some supernatural experiences, where God has touched you and confirmed through seasoned prophets, He has given you the ability to hear and speak, to prophecy, His Words. You have spiritual confirmations and it is on your heart, to share His words with those He puts in your path. You hunger to prophesy, you love sensing Yahweh inside you and moving through you, to speak to those in need. You seek to learn more about the prophetic, but the real passion in your heart, is to have a deeper and more intimate relationship with God. You want to know everything about Yahweh.

For me, my knowing came when I was sleeping. I heard an audible voice call my name. I woke up and looked around, but no one was there. Then, in my spirit, I heard the word “Grace” and then, number 5. So, I knew my name was called and then I had grace, but doesn’t the number 5 mean grace too?

I did not see or understand the message until Risa and I went to a Mike Bickle 3 day Prophetic Conference in Kansas City. When we returned to Nashville, Risa and I were talking about a possible Firestorm Conference and she was telling Deborah Inghram about it on the phone. So, I started browsing through a dream book written by Ira Milligan I bought at the conference.

I was looking in the number section and when I came to the number 5, I got suddenly moment, because He wrote: FIVE – Serve! It was at that time, I knew it was Yahweh who woke me up, by calling my Name. The message: Bonnie, I’m calling you and I am giving you Grace (power) to serve (#5). My spirit resonated in this and I know that I know, that day He called My Name to come forth and to go and serve.

So, knowing you are called is the first step but, what about consecration? What is consecration?

Consecration is the action of making or declaring something sacred.

If you believe Yahweh is only looking for those who have their eyes and ears tuned to Him to speak out prophetic words, you are mistaken. He is looking for those who will teach and activate His People and He is looking for those who will carry His standard or banner of excellence to this Earth.

He is wanting to share His Heart with His people through you. He is not interested in condemning or putting a guilt trip on someone, nor is He interested in sharing someone’s sins on an outdoor clothes line. He is in the business of saving souls, healing and deliverance and showering His Family with Supernatural Love and Grace (Power).

In the FS Situation Prayer Room Thursday Night, we had people asking for prayer because they are continually having to deal with all kinds of personal issues such as; health, finances, family, relationships, jobs, you name it, everyone was dealing with something. It is interesting though, in the midst of these storms, everyone is still passionate about Yahweh and seeking His Help. They are faithful to Him and yet, trouble is everywhere. Several mentioned they felt like they were in the “wilderness.’ and they are just wore out.

Well guess what? The wilderness is the next step in the process of becoming a vessel Yahweh can flow through and trust to be obedient. You have to know and understand where you are and what season you are in, to be able to stand. The wilderness is where a vessel is pressed and broken, through the trials and tribulations, this world brings. Consecration reveals the character of the one who will stand and be faithful under pressure and operate under the banner of Yahweh, with humility, holiness, authenticity and His Power. That is the Real Deal. It is not the real deal to be a prophet for hire, who falls in love with all the stage lights, cameras and sells prophetic words with no regard or desire to help introduce, teach and train people in the church about Yahweh or His coming Kingdom of Heaven here on Earth.

Consecration is a process repeated several times in the life of a prophet who is seeking to minister for Yahweh to the Body of Christ. The wilderness training is where the desires of a carnal heart are revealed, those desires hidden deep in the heart, which long for the applause of men, character flaws of religious pride, fleshy arrogance, ambition and the lust for money, such as with Balaam, Simon the sorcerer and the Pythia, who prophesied as the oracle of Delphi, to make money for herself and her masters.

Those who have never spent time in the place of consecration in the wilderness and refuse to go in, miss the training of being in the “hiddenness” place with God and can still crave earthly praise and platforms on the world stage, instead of spending time with Yahweh in conversation (prayer), behind closed doors, learning more about His Heart and Will for His Kingdom.

Think about it and check your heart. Do you think Yahweh would raise up a prophet in the midst of today’s world, whose heart was dark, filled with impure thoughts and motives for self interest and personal gain? I think not. The consecration, the stripping, the purifying, the cleansing all have to come first and if not…around the mountain we go again to learn humility, meekness and how to overcome, as best we can, as we go “through the valley of the shadow of death.”

And, are we alone in our consecration ? No! More than once in the Situation Room, I heard the Word of the Lord saying, “I will not leave you or forsake you, I AM with you.” And if He is with us, who can be against us? Do not lose heart regarding the processes you will have to go through. Know Yahweh is with you and has only good thoughts for you. Go for the training and see the Hand of the Father upon Your Life. Think upon those things, which are to come, when there shall be no disease, no death, no bondage or prisons and such.

When Jesus told us to pray the Lord’s Prayer, He knew this was the best prayer for us to release over and into the Earth, which would best bring Him back to us. What a Great and Mighty God – Yahweh!!!! Hallelujah!

The prophetic training ground for “all” of the called prophets of God Is the Wilderness. This is where we are consecrated, (made holy) for service to Yahweh and His Church. Here is where we learn our talk has to line up with our walk.

Do you think that is why James said, “count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driving and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” James 1:2-9

Matter of fact the whole chapter of James 1 is important – to those seeking the Prophetic Gift or title of a Prophet. I have enclosed the rest of the chapter below from James, but there is one more area after the consecration (ouch, ouch, ouch) in the wilderness. It is the commissioning and it is coming next, in part 2.

Blessings and please read the rest of James Chapter 1:9-27 below.

The Perspective of Rich and Poor

9 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, 10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. 11 For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.

Loving God Under Trials

12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

Qualities Needed in Trials

19 [c]So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

Doers—Not Hearers Only

21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and [d]overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

26 If anyone [e]among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, andto keep oneself unspotted from the world.

Footnotes:

a. James 1:3 endurance or perseverance

b. James 1:4 mature

c. James 1:19 NU Know this or This you know

d. James 1:21 abundance

e. James 1:26 NU omits among you

FS Prophetic Training: Desiring ALL the Gifts

From the Friday Night Prophetic Classes

Firestorm Ministry offers a minimum of two training classes a month for those seeking to understand and move in the Prophetic. These classes are set up to help train, equip and activate those who are hungry to learn more about the Prophetic Ministry and how to move in it. (See Info below to access the Classes)

Activation’s and various spiritual exercises are presented in order to increase the ability for those who participate, to see and hear, not just with their natural senses, but to access the supernatural realm through the use of the gift of prophecy.

We belong and enter into a supernatural kingdom, when we are “born again” and filled with the Spirit of Christ. The testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy (Revelation 19:10)

When we move into the area to covet prophecy, we move into the supernatural realm, it is good to remember, “The highest realm in the supernatural is to know Jesus and be conformed into His very image. Romans 8:29-30

29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

The ability to function in all nine gifts of the Spirit should not be something beyond our comprehension or spiritual capacity as believers, should it?

I Corinthians 1:7 says: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:

So, in order to live a lifestyle, in which we come behind in no gift, we better take a good look here; a life which is lived in the Spirit, consists of more than merely manifesting a few gifts of the Spirit, ever so often. Did you get that?

Question? I have taken several spiritual gifts tests and they have told me what gifts I have and what I don’t. There doesn’t seem to be a little asterisk at the bottom of the page saying, “This is where you are now, but keep pressing in to receive more gifts.”

Question? If there were a limit to how many gifts could manifest in our life, why doesn’t Scripture tell us?

I Corinthians 12:11 reveals: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts and He alone decides which gift each person should have, not a man made test. I am not saying it is bad to take such a test to find out where you are today, but if it puts limits upon you and you think you can’t have any more gifts, I have a problem and so should you. Anything or anyone who puts spiritual limitations upon you, is moving into a place of authority over you, where they don’t belong, unless it is God.

Look at I Corinthians 12:31

But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

This Scripture says you and I should earnestly desire the most helpful gifts. Interesting don’t you think?

I think this means ALL nine gifts of the Spirit are available and accessible to all believers, that’s us, you and me. Yahweh wants us to be at the place where we position ourselves, to allow any particular gift to flow through us, whenever His Spirit desires.

We can settle for where we are now in the gifts, or for those gifts we are familiar and operating in, or we can press in for MORE. I say we go for MORE. And if we are going to press in for more, the gift of prophecy would be a great place for starters, which is one of the reasons we are taught to desire (covet) to prophesy.

(I Corinthians 14:1 – Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives —especially the ability to prophesy.

Desiring the Prophetic Gift

In exploring the prophetic, there is a dimension called the gift of prophecy, which can “unlock,” what the scriptures speak of as a “more excellent way” of flowing in spiritual gifts (I Corinthians 12:31-14:2).

This is why we are exploring the gift of prophecy and seeking to first understand the foundations of all nine gifts of the Spirit and understand, they are available to ALL believers.

It’s time, we not only know our prominent and most comfortable areas of gifting, but also the keys to flowing in and activating all nine gifts of the Spirit. I wonder if Yahweh has more? Just wondering.

Be quick to embrace this fact: Beyond receiving the gifts, we have received the Spirit of Christ who manifests all of the gifts. Did you get that!!! Would there be anytime when He wanted to move in any gift, where you would not let Him. If you are in Him and He is in you?? Think about it!

The More Excellent Way is in I Corinthians 12:31 where we are told to: “But covet earnestly the “best gifts:” and yet shew I unto you a “more excellent way.”

Did you catch it, the first thing we are supposed to give attention of is, according to I Cor. 12:31, there are some gifts of the Spirit, which are preferred over others.

Secondly, we are to understand there is a “more excellent way” of us to pursue various gifts to operate in our lives.

According to I Corinthians 14:1 it should be clear, this “more excellent way” of operating in the gifts is located in the context of “love” and “the gift of prophecy.”

These are the two key components, which can act as a catalyst to ignite and release various gifts of the Spirit. In fact, the gift of prophecy has a history of pioneering the activation of multiple spiritual gifts. This truth is exemplified in the prophets of old, the life of Jesus and in the early church.

However, here is something to ponder. The scriptural references concerning this level of prophetic activity is rather frequently designated to those who walked in the fivefold office’s of the Apostle, Evangelist and Prophet, which means, those who through the prophetic unction flowed in all nine gifts of the Spirit were people who were wholly given to the Lord’s official service in the ministry. Are you that hungry?

Nevertheless, in Ephesians 4:11, a mandate is conveyed to equip the entire body of Christ, not just a special few in the church. *Notice the prophet is also included here to do His work and build up the church, not just give words.

11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.

Therefore, scripturally, the ability to walk in all nine gifts of the Spirit – is not limited to the fivefold ministry.
Do I hear rejoicing?

Although many of us have not arrived, should it not still be our goal or pursuit to press toward the mark and the high calling for those of us who have the Spirit of Christ in us?

Think on these things and arise, I say tonight to you, arise and let the God in you shine bright and the glory of Yahshua come forth.

And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, a small rock and upon the large rock I will build my congregation (GK. Ekklesia – Called out ones) and the gates of hades will not prevail against her (Matthew 16:18)