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A WORD THROUGH JOHN L. MOORE
John L. Moore
Jul 25, 1999
jlmoore@mcn.net Wed, Jul 21, 1999
Note from Steve Shultz, Publisher, THE
ELIJAH LIST
As you read the Word/warning below,--if
you do not feel it applies in your life, please don't
take it to yourself. It is simply a warning that I
believe is from the Lord for us to be careful of such
things, whether we are Prophets, pastors, or just plain
folks ---If we are trying to be "busy" doing
what we are called to do---we must make certain the Holy
Spirit is in our business.
This morning I was in an email
conversation with a Texas pastor discussing how many
pastors are vocally in favor of the five-fold ministry
but few know how to implement it.
As I rose from my desk the Lord spoke
this phrase to me: "My people are too proud of their
words."
He continued to show me how pastors are
reluctant to sacrifice their Sunday morning sermons even
though this act of sacrifice could facilitate a great
moving of the Holy Spirit. "Remember Abraham,"
the Lord said. "He greatly desired a son but he did
not hesitate to offer him up as a sacrifice for he
trusted in One greater than himself." Pastors must
be willing to sacrifice their beloved words and do so
laughingly. Undue pride in their message constitutes
idolatry.
"And the prophets, too." The
Lord said.
"They selfishly cling to their
revelations and defend themselves if questioned,
forgetting that that My Son did not revile or defend
himself on the cross."
The Spirit instructed me that it is not
such a great honor to be a prophetic people if being
prophetic means merely speaking out. "It is better
to be a hearer than a speaker," the Spirit said.
Some messages, be it to a pastor or a prophet, are meant
only for that pastor of prophet. Too many covet
attention, believing if their word is received their walk
is validated. Undue desire to be accepted constitutes
idolatry.
And finally, the teachers (I was given
nothing for apostles or evangelists). The Lord impressed
upon me that the teachers are too eager to be published.
By becoming a published author they deceive themselves
into thinking they have become an authority. "Of the
writing of books, there is no end," the Spirit said.
"It is better to be a listener than a writer."
Undue desire to be noticed constitutes idolatry.
As I meditated on this, knowing my own
guilt in all of the roles above, the Lord warned that we
all must be watchful of the sin of taking pride in
ministry. Yet, the Lord was gracious to show that He
loves His pastors, prophets, teachers, and writers. He
simply desires that all would learn to work together.
"Teach the children to share," He said.
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