The apostle Paul had many burdens but the care of all the churches was his greatest one. After listing his many trials and sufferings he endured for the gospel’s sake Paul added this:
…besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. (2 Corinthians 11:28)
The Young’s Literal translation, which I understand is closer to the Greek than most translations, reads this way:
…Apart from the things without—the crowding upon me that is daily—the care of all the assemblies.
I find it so interesting and awe-inspiring that the one who made so much trouble for the churches before he met the Lord was now the one who had the greatest daily care and concern for them.
One of his greatest burdens for the churches, as witnessed especially in his letters to the Corinthians, was the immaturity of the churches — not only their carnality, but also in their ignorance of spiritual things.
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant…(1 Corinthians 12:1)
Over the past few years this same burden has come upon me in a far greater measure than I’ve ever had before. One of the consuming passions I’ve had is the setting in order of churches and ministries in the body of Christ. This can only be done through true apostolic ministry and the governing leadership or eldership that is already established in these churches or ministries.
No apostle or ministry gift can go into another man’s field and sow or water it if permission, access, and liberty is not granted. For instance, there are many things I could do to help so many younger churches and ministers, but they must be open and teachable. There’s an old adage that says it all: “When the student is ready the teacher appears.”
Paul told Titus: For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you. (1:5)
I see such lack in many local churches and the need for the ruling elders and overseers to have godly oversight themselves.
Right government and order brings peace and edification. Paul understood the importance of order and the importance of the various ministry anointing's to build the Church.
And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. (1 Corinthians 12:28)
Genuine and mature apostles bring good order. Most seasoned apostles are fathers who deeply love and always prioritize the local church. This is one of the ways you can tell they are fathers. Local churches are made up of families within the church family, and true fathers in the faith love families. Mature fathers would never hurt the family.
Genuine and mature prophets minister good guidance and direction to the Church. The spirit of prophecy should have a dwelling place in the local church through their anointing. The Holy Spirit needs to be the superintendent of all local churches, and true prophets bring an extra measure of the Holy Spirit.
In my heart teachers will be more in demand for this next generation than any other, especially on the local level as churches reap the great harvest now before us. Teaching is a watering ministry. God can’t give the right kind of increase to the seeds and works that are planted without a strong emphasis on the watering process. The Lord has spoken to me personally about this order in our own ministry.
Good teachers don’t just teach; they train. There is a difference. There is a certain instruction that young children receive in the seat of their pants that they can’t receive any other way. That is training.
Miracles and healings are next in the order appointed by the Lord.
Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. (Acts 8:5-7)
Philip went down to Samaria and cast out devils as they came out of people screaming. That is “the working of miracles” that broke things open in that city for healings to manifest. We need bonafide New Testament power evangelists that operate in notable and undeniable miracles and healings.
God has ordained miracles for every city and town. We need churches of miracles, so that multitudes can be arrested, and the fame of Jesus would be spread abroad near and far. Any and all believers can lay hands on the sick and occasionally move in miracles, but the evangelist carries that anointing.
Miracles and healings keeps you from being destroyed through depression. When the power of God is manifested people will not be despondent or destroyed by unbelief. They will not be fearful and timid but strong and bold in God. Preaching Christ with miracles and healings give birth to joy.
And there was great joy in that city.
When Pharaoh kept hardening his heart God called Moses aside and doubled up on His miracles, and signs and wonders. In these last days the miraculous will double through the Holy Ghost.
In our church services when we assemble together the Holy Ghost doesn’t have to wait until the end of a service to do something. He can move right in the beginning. Local pastors/elders and leaders, please give the Holy Ghost the option of moving when He wants to move. Let your pauses be increased in the service. Wait on Him. Make room for Him.
We need greater capacities of understanding that the Holy Ghost is not only a Comforter (7-fold meaning of His ministry to us), but He is also the One that knows what any service or meeting needs at any particular moment. He knows the personal circumstances of everyone who is gathered there, too, even visitors and sinners.
In a moment of time the Holy Ghost can do more than you could do in months or even years.
Just as the children of Israel did not know what the manna from heaven was (Numbers 11:9), unfortunately, even with the knowledge available to us today, many still do not know the Holy Ghost.
Often levels of faith and understanding must be established in the people before the greater things can manifest and the greater glory can come. Building faith and expectation into them is a key, for it’s been said that expectation is the breeding ground for miracles.
PREPPING FOR COLOMBIA...
NOTE: There is a fountain that has opened over my life that has overwhelmed me. I just wrote yet another manuscript in less than a week (the above is just an excerpt). Two years ago I was overtaken by a demonic attack. Now I've been taken over by the Spirt of the Lord. Life is rich, big, and wonderful with my hand in the hand of God. You better get these books. They are for the Church right now.
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