Saturday, October 19, 2013

A Special Word to the Women of God



A Special Word to the Women of God
Before I begin this message, let me provide a short disclaimer: although I do encourage women to move freely within the order provided by God in their local churches, my goal is to exalt and celebrate a primary grace that God has placed specifically within women, which the Lord Himself has used in past times to release revival.
The Genesis Distinctions
When the Lord created humankind, He placed unique graces in man and separate but equally unique graces in woman. He told Adam to name the species of life on earth "and whatever the man called a living creature, that was its name" (Genesis 2:19). This "naming" was much more than calling the dog "Spot." Adam was created with an organizational, administrative capacity that enabled him to identify and define the world around him. By naming the living things, Adam not only brought them into his consciousness, but he introduced order and structure to the human experience. Adam did not create the world, of course, but by defining the things God brought to him, he helped establish reality.
Within the genetics of this original man, there also existed the powerful, but dormant, qualities of the woman. While Adam slept the Spirit took from the man a rib. Fashioning it into a woman, the Lord created for Adam a companion. Not only was she suitable for him, but she powerfully expanded man's creative capacities. Indeed, the woman brought many new graces into Adam's world that did not formerly exist – the foremost of which was the power to conceive and give birth.
It is important to remember: God created male and female in His image, according to His likeness (Genesis 1:26). Of course, in certain ways, both Adam and Eve as individuals possessed reflections of the divine nature. They each could think, speak, dream and create. 

However, it was in the union of Adam and Eve, in their mutual respect of one another's strengths and graces, that mankind would possess a more perfect expression of the fuller nature of God.

As Adam beheld this first female, he said, "This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man" (Genesis 2:23). The term woman was a delineation used by Adam, identifying her as a unique variation in the species of man. My wife says, "Think of her as the upgrade." In some ways, she is right, for the nature of the woman was twice refined. Adam was created of earth; the woman emerged not from the earth but from the man. She is both more complex and emotionally sophisticated.

Soon Adam began to understand the greatest power of his counterpart: her ability to conceive and bring life into the world. Recognizing this quality, Adam named her Eve, which meant "life." Eve would play an integral part in the unfolding of life's new beginnings. "She was the mother of all the living"(Genesis 3:20).
The Power of a Woman's Prayer
The Lord gave Adam a primary ability to name and establish reality; He gave to woman the unique capacity to conceive and then birth reality. The primary strength of each gender is that man establishes, woman births. Remember, these qualities are not merely "human": they are reflections of the divine. Man's ability to bring order to one's world, to take what was random and give it definition and structure, is a divine facility. Woman's ability to conceive and incubate life, and then deliver life through birth, is also an aspect of the divine nature.
Note also that Adam named the woman Eve (or "Life") before they had children. God gave the woman an ability not just to have babies but to release life in a variety of its expressions. In fact, one translation says that Eve means to "enliven."

Alone, Adam had been downcast; it was not good that Adam was alone. Eve enlivened Adam in ways no other creature on earth could. Adam could build a house; Eve made it a home. When Adam named Eve "Life," he was not only speaking prophetically of the first mother, but he was speaking out of his own experience: Eve brought life into the structure of Adam's world.

We are speaking in generalities here, but when we observe the spiritual realm, we see this same divine encoding replicated in the ministries of men and women. Jesus laid the foundation of the Church with twelve men whom He called to be apostles. This didn't mean there would never be women in leadership, but that one of the better skills given man from God was the ability to bring order and structure. By the same token, prior to Christ's birth we find Anna, a prophetess, engaged in much prayer and fasting.

In my opinion, it is quite possible that this woman was not alone in her intercession, but the leader of a prophetic prayer ministry that lived in anticipation of her times. Women excel in intercession, in spiritual sensitivity and the release of new beginnings. Note: this does not excuse men from prayer! Actually, some of the Bible's best examples of intercessors are men! We are speaking in generalities in reference to the spiritual tendencies of both genders. Neither distinction is more important than the other. Both are absolutely vital for the unfolding of God's will upon the earth.

Today we are fighting the advance of satan in many arenas. Whether the topic is wars and terrorist attacks or the ever-increasing expansion of iniquity in our world, we need revival. To possess a national awakening, the "birthing" power God has placed in women must be released. All the efforts of man to establish laws and govern righteously will not truly transform our culture. We need something greater; we need the presence of God poured out. I believe the Holy Spirit is raising up a prayer army of women who are rising in power on behalf of their families and nations.
My Mother's Prayers
I personally know the power of a woman's prayer: my mother's. In the late sixties, I was a very lost young man living in sin and rebellion. Judging from my appearance, I looked hopeless. Yet in spite of my outward condition, my dear Catholic mother stood before God for me. Resist as I did, divine power, uniquely escorted to Earth through her prayers, began to hunt me down. Her cries were relentless and unceasing; often she would pray through the night for me. She was pregnant with prayer for her son. In 1970 God finally answered, and during the Jesus Movement revival, I came to Christ.
Years later I asked the Lord about the Jesus Movement revival. As you may know, it has been part of my assignment to help engender citywide unity and establish prayer, things that precede revival. Yet, to my knowledge, no citywide unity or organized prayer fueled the Jesus Movement. So I asked the Lord how revival could occur without a prayer movement at its source. The Lord quickly corrected me, saying that there was a great prayer movement: He had heard the prayers of a million praying mothers, each crying to Him for their children.

From all denominations, in a "unity of desperation," God heard the cries of believing mothers. His heart was touched, and as a result, multitudes of sinful kids found repentance and salvation in Jesus Christ. This is the army God desires to release again today, but now with more vision, more power from the Holy Spirit, and with the support of men as well!

Women of God, the fact is, Heaven needs you! You have been created by the Almighty to birth breakthroughs on planet Earth! God has uniquely designed you with a latent ability to release life through your intercession. Together with you, we men can build and establish, and we are learning to pray, but you have a special grace to release new spiritual beginnings. Whether your prayer focus is for your husband or church leadership, whether you are interceding for your children, city or nation, you possess in your spirit the seed-realities that, through prayer, can release God's life into the world.

Yes indeed, a battle rages; there still exists "enmity between [the serpent] and the woman" (Genesis 3:15). Satan especially hates you because it was your seed that bruised the serpent's head. It is amazing to me that God chose to bring His Son into the world, not through the heavens nor even through a woman impregnated by man, but through a woman made pregnant by God! God Himself came to earth through the woman's power to give birth!
Today the Lord is giving women a new grace, a new confidence against the powers of Hell. Out of their oneness with Christ, these godly women will prayer-birth powerful ministries on earth, both male and female. They will release new beginnings to the Body of Christ.

I also want to commend and personally thank the many women's ministries and prayer groups that have stood with me, interceding for my life, my family and my ministry. Many, many times I have suddenly experienced divine protection or unexpected spiritual breakthroughs. When I questioned the Lord, He's said, I'm answering the prayers of [such-and-such] ministry. To each of you, I say a special thank you. In a unique way, you have been a mother to me. May the Lord multiply His grace toward you and give you the desires of your hearts!

Finally, Revelation 12:1 speaks of a "woman clothed with the sun." This word is not only talking about Israel or the Church. It also reveals how the Most High sees spiritual women: They are honored and crowned with distinction – pure and clothed with the glory of God. With confidence, they tread upon the powers of night. Dear army of praying women, it is your inherent destiny to birth that which shall rule the nations.

Adapted from Francis Frangipane's book, This Day We Fight!
Francis Frangipane
Ministries of Francis Frangipane

Email: francis1@frangipane.org
Website: frangipane.org
Francis Frangipane is the founder of River of Life Ministries in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and has traveled throughout the world ministering to thousands of pastors and intercessors from many backgrounds. Francis' heartfelt prayer is to see established in every city Christlike pastors and intercessors, united before God, revealing the love of Christ to their communities. Since 1985, he has written fourteen books, plus a number of study booklets. Over the past decades, Francis has served on a number of other ministry boards. However, in recent years he has gradually resigned from these various boards. As of June 2009, he has also retired from his position as senior pastor of River of Life Ministries. In this more simplified life, Frangipane is devoting himself to prayer and the ministry of God's Word.

Friday, October 4, 2013

Preparation for Kings and Priests

October 4, 2013
Paul Keith Davis:

The Anointing of Jealousy - A New Mature and Extraordinarily Fruitful Priesthood is Emerging in These Last Days
Steve ShultzPreparation for Kings and Priests
The pain of the past is our preparation for the future. That is the expression I heard from the Lord in a visionary encounter a few years ago. Like Joseph, we must reconcile ourselves with the past in order to make our future more fruitful.

Though many aspects of the past season may have been unpleasant and difficult, they were nevertheless necessary to prepare us to function as both Kings and Priests. The agony of captivity clearly equipped Joseph for the ascension to the throne of Egypt, second only to Pharaoh. Joseph demonstrated this truth in the naming of his sons.

Genesis 41:51-52 Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, "For," he said "God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father's household. He named the second Ephraim, "For," he said "God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction."

A new mature and extraordinarily fruitful priesthood is emerging in these Last Days in the order of Melchizedek. In order to posture ourselves for this we must reconcile in our hearts and minds the past season, no matter how difficult or trying, in order to be ready for what is coming.

As the Scripture teaches, the Melchizedek priesthood consolidates the two offices of King and Priest. This Presence driven ministry will take us from Church Age into Kingdom Age, removing the leaven of human reasoning and tradition.

The Church Age was a season of earnest or down payment but the Melchizedek priesthood is the promise for fullness. This grace is assured to God's people to usher in the great harvest and the Lord's coming. Part of that anointing is "godly jealousy" producing and unwavering devotion to God and His Word.
In the Order of Melchizedek
The concept of the Melchizedek priesthood is simply God as the Living Word fully occupying His people, the Body of Christ (John 1). Revelation 5:9 identifies a company of people who sing a "new song." In it they declare that the Lord is the only One worthy to take the sealed book and open it for His people.

Those described in Revelation 5:9 are an overcoming bridal company positionally placed to function as both Kings and Priests. As I began to ask the Lord about the qualities these will possess one of the key attributes that has been highlighted to me is being jealous for Him.
A Loyal Priesthood like Phinehas
AW TozerAs A. W. Tozer once wrote, "within the fold of Christianity there are to be found increasing numbers of persons whose religious lives are marked by a growing hunger after God Himself. They are eager for spiritual realities and will not be put off with words, nor will they be content with correct 'interpretations' of truth. They are athirst for God, and they will not be satisfied till they have drunk deep at the Fountain of Living Water."

There is emerging today those that Tozer prophesied about who are desperate for God with a holy jealousy. This reality is typified in the Old Testament figure of Phinehas. This loyal priest received a divinely issued covenant of peace because of his jealousy towards the Lord and his commitment to the Word.(Photo: A.W. Tozer)
Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, "Phinehas the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned away My wrath from the sons of Israel in that he was jealous with My jealousy among them, so that I did not destroy the sons of Israel in My jealousy.

"Therefore say, 'Behold, I give him My covenant of peace; and it shall be for him and his descendants after him, a covenant of a perpetual priesthood, because he was jealous for his God and made atonement for the sons of Israel.'" Numbers 25:10-13

The Bible teaches that God's dealings with Israel are given as an example. The lives of the patriarchs and faithful men and women of old are adopted for our instruction in the ways of God and the different aspects of His Person and anointing. We see this truth especially exemplified in the life of Elijah and the anointing resident in his life that will also characterize a company of people in this generation.

Likewise, many will begin to emerge in this hour with the "anointing of Phinehas" and enjoy personal covenants with the Lord. These will be priests providing to God's people inspired revelation of the Word by calling upon Him that He might show us great and mighty things which we know not.

They will bear a heavenly "jealousy" and integrity by rightly dividing the Word of Truth without mixture or compromise. This anointing will produce in many a healthy ardor and "Zeal of God" for the Spirit of Truth; Furthermore, they will not shun to declare the whole counsel of God nor tremble at the fear of man (Acts 20:27).
Mouth of Brass
The name Phinehas means "mouth of brass." This is a depiction of those who will begin to "judge and discern the thoughts and intents of the heart" and help others identify the entanglements that so easily distract them (Hebrews 4:12). When the Living Word is present, all things are open and laid bare before the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. Nothing is hidden. This is not something to fear but embrace to facilitate maturity and purity of soul to access Heaven.

The Bible depicts the revelation gifts unveiling the secrets of the heart so those who observe it will fall on their face and say, "surely God is in this place" (1 Corinthians 14:24-25). This manner of revelation is not rooted in suspicion, but genuine insight from the Lord and disclosure of divine secrets ministered in charity and faithfulness.

This work of the "Phinehas anointing" will usher the Fear of the Lord back into the Church and pave the way for divinely granted repentance leading to the knowledge of the Truth. This will produce a more righteous Body with whom the Lord will become intimate and share His mysteries and power.
Love does no wrong to a neighbor; love therefore is the fulfillment of the law. And this do, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. Romans 13:10-11
The Anointing Released
There have been two specific occasions in which I have witnessed this anointing being imparted to leaders. The first occasion took place several years ago during a MorningStar conference. On this unique morning, Bob Jones was taken into the realm of the Spirit.

In the experience an angel approached who had been sent from Heaven with a unique commission for a specific individual. He disclosed that he had been released with the "anointing of Phinehas" to be imparted to one of our close friends, Bobby Conner. Bobby later confirmed that an angel visited him that morning and imparted to him "the spear of Phinehas." Clearly, possessing jealousy for God is evident in the life of Bobby.

On a separate occasion, Wanda and I were involved in a conference in Louisiana and were instructed by the Lord to release the "anointing of Phinehas" on a specific leader chosen by the Lord for this region. Since that time, this brother has told us that he is specifically aware of this anointing when it comes upon him.

In his ministry, this anointing assists in releasing a quest for purity and righteousness among those being groomed for a significant release of anointing and authority.
Eleazar—A Faithful Example
In giving true expressions with a heart of jealousy towards God, we will then begin to ardently obey the doctrines of Christ. According to John 14:23Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him."

All those willing to make this commitment will begin to be adorned in fresh garments and endowed with the Spirit's gifts and anointing. These will then be delegated a commission like the one given to Eleazar.

Eleazar, the faithful servant of Abraham, was sanctioned with the great responsibility of obtaining a bride for Isaac. He was given notable gifts, jewelry, clothing and oil to take to the one set apart to be the chosen bride of the promised son. In like manner, the Holy Spirit desires to impart to us the gifts, anointing and the Spirit's manifest Presence to prepare a bride for the Royal Seed of Abraham, the Lord Jesus.

In order to flow in this great responsibility, we must also possess the faithfulness that characterized Eleazar. Great was his devotion and loyalty in the presentation of the gifts. He made certain that Rebekah fully recognized they were not from him but from the one by whom he was sent.
Speak the Truth in Love
Whenever we speak the Word of truth in love, it will have significant effect and will not return void. The present work of the Holy Spirit is to cleanse and nurture a Body of people to faithfully represent the Living Christ to this generation.

Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances. Ezekiel 36:25-27

We are being delegated with a new heart fully devoted to God with jealousy. That will enable us to speak the truth in love allowing our words to be galvanized with charity. As the Scriptures point out, love never fails.

Paul Keith and Wanda Davis
WhiteDove Ministries

Email: inquiries@whitedoveministries.org
Website: whitedoveministries.org
Paul Keith Davis has written numerous articles appearing in various Christian publications, including the MorningStar Journal, Charisma and Church Growth International. He has also written four books including "Thrones of Our Soul," "Engaging The Revelatory Realm of Heaven," and "Books of Destiny," all dealing with prophetic mandates placed upon the end-time generation. His newest book, "Angels That Gather," provides a Biblical outline for the harvest and insight to help access our end of the age inheritance. Paul Keith and Wanda reside in Orange Beach, Alabama. Together they have five children.