Diamonds - Unconquerable

Last night a prophet laid hands on me and prophesied over me as a diamond. One who has been thru pressure and heat and yet has come out of the fire hardened and whole. But, most important, despite all that he said by the Spirit of God, You are Unconquerable. A diamond.

I looked it up. Here's what I found.

ABOUT DIAMONDS

Diamonds have been a source of fascination for centuries. They are the hardest, the most imperishable, and the brilliant of all precious stones. The word "diamond" comes from the Greek word adamas, meaning "unconquerable".

I know many of the people who are the most prophetic, many of whom are diamonds, who have been thru the fire, who have been hardened, who are unconquerable. There are a couple other features of diamonds that fit this as well. They are hidden. They look like every other rock. When split and polished they begin to shine, reflect and become what they always were....Diamonds.

The church of Jesus is somewhat like this. Not everything the Church does is diamond-like. I am like Spurgeon, I hate the idea that some people don't take the whole gospel at face value and instead pick and choose doctrines they like and hold them up as diamonds ignoring the covered true diamond truths buried in the earth. They aren't diamonds. I think you have to let the whole text tell the story. Spurgeon had it right.

Be well instructed in theology, and do not regard the sneers of those who rail at it because they are ignorant of it. Many preachers are not theologians, and hence the mistakes which they make. It cannot do any hurt to the most lively evangelist to be also a sound theologian, and it may often be the means of saving him from gross blunders. Nowadays we hear men tear a single sentence of Scripture from its connection, and cry 'Eureka! Eureka!' as if they had found a new truth; and yet they have not discovered a diamond but a piece of broken glass." - Charles Spurgeon

A Call to Careless Living

Last night we heard Pastor Brad talk of not caring. That we must cast our cares on Jesus. He cares for you. You are to live Careless.....Consider the birds of the air, not sowing not reaping. Provided for.

Brenda Craig has a great thought today that goes with it:

Beloved, never be afraid or concerned. Don’t count yourself as unworthy, nor figure someone else will do it. If all is left to what you consider to be Super-Christians, much will be left undone. I desire you and the fulfillment of all I call you to be in the earth.

Therefore, breezes of My presence have come and will continue to come to expose and blow away all chaff in this day among My beloved ones and this includes you. I am blowing the dust away and clearing the air with new winds of restoration and change.

This is your day of visitation and you have already come farther than you know. In order for you to see enough and enable you to come up here with Me, I must not push or exert My wind against your back but come around about and meet you face to face. Lift your face; lift your heart to the mountains from whence your help comes. Your help comes from Me. The wind is blowing.

It is a new day and those with their faces set like flint and turned into the wind will hear the voice of Holy Spirit saying, “Turn right, turn left.” The nuances of My presence and diversity of gifts have become and will continue to become manifest (Isaiah 50:7). Without revelation you perish. Turn your face into My wind; I have set vision before you this day.

For, there is no other who can do what you do in the way you do it. You see, Beloved, you are indeed a piece of My DNA—an expression of My heart no one else will ever be able to duplicate. You are truly one of a kind—the rarest of all gems fashioned to radiate a unique matchless demonstration of My heart. Yes, you must rise and face the wind and it will surround you, carry you, advance you and propel you into the manifestation of all vision

This may not be the year of living dangerously, but it may be the year of living carelessly.

Disconnection or noise on the line to God

Yesterday I was in the Spirit. Hearing from heaven. It was great. Downloads from the throne. Seeing visions.

Now, don't get excited, not every vision, not every download is book of revelation stuff. Sometimes it's encouragement from Him that I need to hear. It was that.

Suddenly I was interrupted in my reverie by a phone. Cell phone. It was a friend. He was calling to talk a little politics. I shouldn't have answered it. But I did. Big mistake.

We talked for a few minutes and God hung up. No he didn't hang up. I did. I put Him on Hold.

When I came back on the line, there was lots of noise - static. It took a while to even get back to the conversation, and I never really did. It's not him. It's me. I let the cares of the world crowd him off the line.

Who knows what Father had to say? Cure for cancer, healing for the nations?

I did get this before the connection was broken:

In this time of re-ordering, of justification, the people of God will be presented with unprecedented opportunities they never had before. Whole strip malls. Vacating radio frequencies and stations for the choosing, newspapers, empty big box store buildings for almost nothing, services provided by ready armies of believers because companies no longer can or will and it will cause a revenue flow, economic small business malls that give believers the opportunity to create enterprise. The church of Jesus not just caring for the poor and underprivileged, but lifting them by vision and faith to step into a future they couldn't have dreamt about without the Spirit of God alive in their lives.

I did get this warning, this re-ordering, this adjustment, this justification will mean that many churches, many supposedly good well established churches will go away, bankrupt. Close. These are churches that were already spiritually bankrupt and already closed. The world will not miss them. The Kingdom won't miss them because they were not in the kingdom.

This will offer the last great opportunity during this time of Re-ordering. Good men and women of God will be led to acquire these empty buildings and capture the promise made by the founders sometimes a hundred years or more before. It will cause Life in God to come back into these empty places. New people will be brought into the kingdom.

This re-ordering is important. It's time. Kairos time.

What does this mean?

QUOTE: "We have to recognize that we've created the system that we loathe. I don't think the reason 15 percent serve is because 85 percent are lazy. We've created a system that glorifies the clergy and marginalized the laity. We got the outcome we created programs for. We've become ‘clergified.' There's a three-tiered structure: laypeople, clergy and missionaries. ... All religions tend to create a class of people who are above others so 1) they can revel in that and 2) the rest of us can say it's their job. Christianity was started without any of those structures, and ended up like so many false religions do when they create a ministry caste structure. When we see real movements of God take off, they happen when people are free." -Lifeway Research director Ed Stetzer [rev.org, 2/09]

60 Trends that will Emerge with the Full Restoration of Apostles and Prophets

A man I respect and admire has written a great article. I am tacitly connected with him and his ministry. I wish I were more closely connected. He's a good man. Read this whole thing:

John Eckhardt:

"60 Trends that will Emerge with the Full Restoration of Apostles and Prophets"

It is imperative that apostles and prophets come into their appointed positions of leadership in the Church. These are governmental gifts that have tremendous authority to execute the plans and purposes of God. In order to do this they must be identified and released.

When apostles and prophets come into their place, the Church will experience great blessing. Individuals must begin to walk in these callings with confidence and boldness. They need to know the functions of their offices in order to execute them faithfully. Clarity and understanding of these gifts and callings will help them to walk in them fully. This includes planting, activating, imparting, and demonstrating the Kingdom of God.

These gifts need to be confirmed and strengthened. The Church will advance and experience great breakthroughs as a result of these gifts coming forth. The saints will experience a new level of perfecting, maturity and release. Fear, ignorance and unbelief will hinder these gifts from coming forth fully. Overcome fear with courage and boldness, overcome ignorance with knowledge and revelation, and overcome unbelief with faith. Apostolic alignment is important in this hour. We must align ourselves with the apostolic and prophetic movement.

The following are 60 trends that I see emerging in the Church with the full restoration of apostles and prophets.

60 Trends that will Emerge with the Full Restoration of Apostles and Prophets

1. A greater emphasis of the importance of signs, wonders, and miracles (especially deliverance). This will prevent the Church from depending too much on rational, intellectual ways of approaching ministry (see 2 Corinthians 12; Matthew 10). Greater demonstrations of the power of God (see 1 Corinthians 2:4).

2. A greater release of revelation and insight into the mysteries of God. Many portions of Scripture will come alive and be relevant for this end-times move (see Ephesians 3; 1 Corinthians 4).

3. Continue to expand the vision and outreach of the Church in order to break complacency, apathy, and limited vision. This includes expanding into new nations and territories. The release of a pioneering (proton) anointing (see 1 Corinthians 12:28).

4. The raising up of new leaders and ministries, confirming, ordaining, and activating new gifts and callings. This will assure a continual supply of new ministries for the expansion of the Kingdom. Increase of emerging apostles and prophets mentored by more seasoned apostles and prophets (see 2 Timothy 2).

5. Enforcement of Biblical standards for leadership, including elders (bishops). This will help to stem the tide of immorality and bad character in leadership. Standards concerning marriage, family, and divorce will be once again emphasized as a standard for leadership (see 1 Timothy 3).

6. Establishing the Kingdom into new regions and territories through church planting. This includes the release of apostolic, church planting teams. Raising up of Antioch churches that will have a sending and releasing mentality (see Acts 13).

7. Greater emphasis on spiritual warfare, including binding and loosing. Greater authority over territorial strongholds, including principalities and powers (see Matthew 16, 18).

8. Release of greater grace to handle increased persecution and suffering of the Church worldwide.

9. Release of greater boldness to press forward in spite of suffering, persecution, and increased opposition to the message of the Kingdom of God.

10. Release of greater resources for Kingdom advancement, including finances and human resources. Greater release of missionaries, both long-term and short-term, for the expansion of the Kingdom. This includes Kingdom businessmen and marketplace apostles (see Acts 4:34-37).

11. Strengthening of existing churches and confirmation of new churches. This will greatly strengthen the Church worldwide (see Acts 14:22, 15:32).

12. Releasing and maintaining an atmosphere of liberty in the churches that will be conducive for the moving of the Holy Spirit and operation of the gifts of the Spirit, including prophecy (see Acts 15:10).

13. Contending with heresy and doctrinal divisions that keep the Church separated and divided. Defending the truth and preventing apostasy from infiltrating the Church.

14. Releasing the saints into their individual destinies and purposes. Releasing churches into their corporate destinies and purposes. Activating Believers into their callings and empowering them to do the works of Jesus Christ.

15. Releasing the spirit of faith in Believers and assemblies for Kingdom exploits. Apostles and prophets help us to believe for supernatural breakthroughs. As power ministers they often operate with the gift of faith and release the spirit of faith. They help destroy and overcome the spirits of doubt and unbelief that hinder the saints from operating in faith. Warning the Church against the dangers of unbelief (see Acts 13:40-41).

16. Releasing the fear of the Lord for greater reverence and respect for the things of God (see Acts 5).

17. Greater release of the spirit of prayer and intercession. Increased burden for prayer and intercession. The release of prophetic prayer warriors for regions and territories. Restoration of all night prayer, citywide prayer, watch of the Lord, and corporate prayer (see 1 Timothy 2).

18. Encouragement of fasting that releases humility and greater grace (see 2 Corinthians 11:27).

19. Encouragement of individuals and churches to embrace a global vision and sending mentality (see Acts 13:47).

20. Emphasis on foundational and important truth that establishes Believers in the faith and prepares them to go to perfection (maturity). Rejection of teachings and any emphasis that are not important and do not matter. Bring redefinition to terms and doctrines that have been taught erroneously.

21. Encourage the baptism of the Holy Spirit as the doorway into the supernatural realm and Spirit-filled living. Emphasize the importance of utterance, including tongues and prophecy, along with impartation and release of these things through the laying on of hands (see Acts 2, 8, 10, 19).

22. Upgrade of churches and regions into present truth (see Acts 19).

23. Creation of new wineskins to receive the new wine that is being released from Heaven. Renewing of old wineskins, including denominational structures and churches (see Mark 2:22).

24. Bringing reformation and change. Establishing and releasing new models for ministry (see Hebrews 9:10).

25. Helping the churches transition into new moves and patterns for ministry. Apostles are raised up during times of transition (see Joshua 1).

26. Help interpret new moves and validate them Scripturally (see Acts 2).

27. Changing and shifting spiritual climates over regions and territories, causing a new receptivity to the Gospel and the things of the Holy Spirit.

28. Relieving and helping the poor, orphans, and widows. A greater release of good works (see Acts 11; Titus 3:8).

29. A greater release of angelic activity through worship to God, prayer, and utterances, including apostolic decrees and prophetic declarations (see Acts 12:5-7).

30. Redigging old wells. Reestablishment and restoration of truth that has been neglected or under-emphasized (see Genesis 26:18).

31. Greater release of judgments against immorality and sin both within the Church and society. Pronouncement of judgment upon wicked rulers, wicked governments, and wicked religious, economic and political systems (see Acts 12:23, 13:6-13).

32. Release of greater peace and grace in churches, especially persecuted and suffering churches (see Ephesians 1:2).

33. Release of greater favor for churches with local governments (see Acts 2:47).

34. Greater multiplication and church growth through evangelism and discipleship (see Acts 6:1,7).

35. Pulling down of strongholds and ideologies, including humanism, that have kept people from receiving the truth (see 2 Corinthians 10:4).

36. Greater acceleration of the purposes of God worldwide, including the fulfillment of Bible prophecies and prophetic utterances (see Jeremiah 1:12).

37. Greater manifestation of God's glory in the Church, including the manifest presence of God and the restoration of the tabernacle of David (see Acts 15; 2 Corinthians 3:8).

38. Greater release of the prophetic, including personal prophecy, corporate prophecy, prophetic teams and companies, prophets, prophetic worship, arts, dance, banners, and prophetic teaching and preaching. Apostles will encourage the prophetic in local churches and regions (see 1 Corinthians 14).

39. Greater clarity and understanding of the purposes of God, including the Great Commission (see Isaiah 14:24-27; Matthew 28:19-20).

40. Greater unity and cooperation between leaders and ministries in localities (see Ephesians 4:3).

41. Greater release of women and minorities into ministry and authority. Destruction of spirits of racism and sexism in the Church. Smaller nations and people groups being released into their destinies and redemptive purposes (see Acts 2).

42. Greater release of small groups through cell structure, releasing more Believers to share their gifts with the Body (see Acts 2:46).

43. Greater testimony released in the earth, including martyrdom (see Revelation 12:11).

44. Greater impact and breakthrough into Jewish and Muslim people and those who have been historically resistant to the Gospel. Historical and generational rebellion will be confronted by apostolic leaders (see Acts 7:51).

45. Greater breakthroughs into media for the promotion of the Gospel, including Hollywood.

46. Greater manifestation of demons, hardness of heart as the demonic realm reacts to the advancement of the Church and increased breakthrough (see Acts 16).

47. Restoration of proper government in the Church, including the restoration of governing presbyteries of apostles, prophets, and teachers. Challenging false government, including congregational and episcopal control (see 1 Corinthians 12:28).

48. Greater emphasis on holiness and righteousness in the Church. This will help stem the tide of worldliness and carnality (see 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7).

49. Greater impartation through the laying on of hands and prophecy. This will accelerate people into their callings and giftings (see Romans 1:11; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6).

50. Greater unity and team ministry. This will be especially true of apostles and prophets working together to build, plant and break through. Greater understanding of these gifts will help Believers walk in them accurately and bring greater blessing to the Church. The result will be the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry and the edifying of the Body of Christ as all five ministries are released and work together (see Ephesians 4:11).

51. Establishment and recognition of spiritual gatekeepers and gateway churches that operate in apostolic authority in cities, regions and territories (see Lamentations 5:14).

52. Increase of knowledge and breaking of spiritual ignorance and darkness, including superstition and idolatry (see Daniel 12:4).

53. Greater breakthroughs in inner cities and areas that have been neglected and abandoned (see Isaiah 54:3).

54. Greater emphasis on justice and righteousness in society. Dealing with unfairness, inequality, racism, and discrimination (see Isaiah 56:1, 59:4).

55. Greater emphasis on outreach, street ministry, prayer walking. Greater visibility outside of the four walls of the church (see Acts 5:15).

56. Greater encouragement to sell all and forsake all for the sake of the Kingdom. More radical conversions and commitment from the saints (see Matthew 19:27).

57. Greater release of youth and children in salvation, gifts of the Spirit, and ministry (see Isaiah 44:3).

58. Greater release of apostles and prophets, and more ministers step into these callings, being inspired to move into these gifts because of others who have preceded them. The fear and unbelief that have prevented many from walking in these callings will be overcome. The restoration of these gifts means that an abundance of these gifts will be seen in the end-times Church. Multiplied thousands will come forth in different cities, regions, and nations (see Deuteronomy 1:11).

59. The Church will begin to contend for the faith that was once delivered unto the saints (see Jude 1:3).

60. Continuous revival and refreshing released to the Church (see Acts 3:19). This is a result of repentance that comes from the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and this will precede the coming of the Lord (see Acts 3:20). Restoration of all that has been spoken by the prophets (see Acts 3:21).

John Eckhardt
IMPACT Network
Email: cmimpac@aol.com

About John Eckhardt: Gifted with a strong apostolic call, John Eckhardt functions in the office of apostle and overseer of Crusaders Ministries located in Chicago, Illinois. He has ministered throughout the United States and overseas in more than 70 nations. Apostle Eckhardt founded the IMPACT Network (International Ministries of Prophetic and Apostolic Churches Together) as a vehicle for global apostolic reformation. His vision, as a passionate minister of the Gospel, is to see the Church become truly apostolic by developing the saints for ministry and Kingdom living through teaching, training, activation and demonstration.

He has authored more than 35 books, many having been translated into several languages. He is also founder of the Apostolic Institute of Ministry (AIM), and is part of the faculty of the Wagner Leadership Institute (WLI) and a member of the Board of Directors for the International Coalition of Apostles (ICA), both under the leadership of Dr. C. Peter Wagner. He also holds a Doctor of Ministry Degree. Apostle Eckhardt resides in the Chicago area with his lovely wife, Wanda, and their five beautiful children.

Hearing from God - Just YOU and HIM

I was sitting with a dear Pastor friend of mine. I love this man. He has been told by God to go away to get something from the Throne. For several weeks. Alone. Hearing.

I've done this. I do this. Think it's critical. It's solitary. It's hard to hear from God without a silence.

I humbly made the suggestion that he go apart with just a couple gallons of water and a notebook. Then sit and wait for God to speak. He will.

I suggested he not even take his Bible. He is my senior in age and maturity. He has forgotten more about Jesus than I'll ever know. His reaction was that he wouldn't go anywhere without his Bible. I know what he means. I understand.

Sometimes God wants nothing but spirit to Spirit contact. Yes, his word is his Spirit in many ways. Still, in hearing from God, sometimes even having something to read, something to refer to, something to study can cause us to crowd out what the Lord is saying Spirit to spirit in the silence. Sometimes the very book itself can become a prop instead of a sword.

When we go into the bridegroom's bedchamber and he whispers in our ear the word we need to hear we may have to leave our sword just outside the door. We know it's Him because we have studied Him. We know his voice. We have heard him say these things to us before in his love letters. Now, we wait, we listen. We lay our head on His chest and hear the thump thump thump of his heart. Right then, in the quiet, is not the place to read or study. It's the place to remember and write down every precious word of Love the Bridegroom whispers in our ear. It takes quiet to hear him. Silence. You can hear Him breath. Ruauch. Still small and yet mighty wind

That's the point.... Psalm 119:11
"Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against You".

It does not say, "thy word will I carry along with you in a big black book when I come to meet with you". Sometimes he wants just YOU and HIM. That's all. In the quiet. In the Secret place. He's whispering. Can you hear Him? Behind the lattice. He's looking at you. Gazing. Can you feel his gaze? Quiet now... He comes to you.

Chronos and Karios in Prophecy

I can't define how others prophesy. I do know that when I read the OT prophets I often see layers and layers of prophetic application. Particularly when it has to do with Messianic Prophecy.

I know that sometimes when I am given a word from God it becomes time determinate. I won't spend any time trying to give examples, but it has happened several times. It has happened when I have received a picture and a timetable. A year ago the Lord told me of something that would happen the middle of March and last 6 weeks. It did. Once when I was warned of a man in ministry who was out of line with God I prophesied to him that his ministry would die in less than 60 days. It did. Once when a friend of mine was at short ends financially, the Lord showed me that he would come into a new job and a new venture in a week. He did. I received a prophecy in January of last year that I didn't understand where the prophet prophesying over me told me something that would happen in less than a year. It did. A friend of mine was prophesied that he would receive a new house in a few weeks (by the same prophet). He did.

So, I love prophesies that have time in them. They are great for people of little faith. Even for me. On the other hand, God doesn't use his prophets to prophesy Chronos time Prophecies as often as he does, Kairos timing Prophecies. Kairos is in the fullness of time.

For anyone reading this who doesn't know the difference, there is a good explanation of both there. Read it and you will grasp the difference.

The Bible is Packed with Kairos Prophecies. Not many Chronos Prophecies. When Jesus was born it was in the fullness of time. Karios

Most prophecies I get are chronological but Kairos. What I mean is, first this must happen, then that, than this, than that etc. How long this will take for the prophecies to be fulfiled in full I have no idea. I just know that this must happen first and then this is second. It's part of the reason why God gives me insight into what is going to happen in certain economic things. I can tell you what, just not when. I believe this is a protection for me. If he gave me when I might use it to enrich myself. I have learned that knowing what is all I need. I have stopped giving a time unless I am instructed to do so. I'm mostly NOT instructed to do so.

That's the way God is giving me an opening as I seek him for a glimpse of the earthshaking events about to take place in the world in the economy, the Church and in our culture. I am asking the Lord for wisdom and understanding to encourage his church in these things. We must use prophecy for the purpose God gives it, to encourage, to edify, to build up.

Not to create fear and despair.

Even Paul when Agabus prophesied his bondage was not despairing of it. He looked forward. So should we all.

The ultimate Prophecy regarding the return of Jesus is a Kairos Prophecy of the first order. He won't return until "These things be". When? All the prophets in the world don't know and won't know. Soon. How soon. Every one who had to this date fixed a time has been made a fool. I know when a prophecy is Kairos and when it is Chronos. I will provide what the Lord gives me and not what man demands that may not be what the Lord intends.

I hope this helps. We are going to need the prophetic word of victory now more than ever. Man shall not live by bread alone, but by EVERY WORD that proceeds from the mouth of God.

If you don't believe in me as a prophet, go find one you can believe in. I'm not offended. But, test him or her. Measure. Judge. Does what they say line up with the word of God or not? Start there, you'll never go wrong. You WILL need a Rhema fresh word from God. He will use the most crude, rude and unqualified apparently to deliver it to you. He does that so you are not enamored with the prophet but rather the Word he brings. Believe me, the prophet God uses is not going to at all like you think he will be. I know several true proven prophets of God. They are to a man and woman not qualified as a man would qualify. But GOD......

God uses offense to reveal the heart. That was Naaman's problem with Elijah.