God is speaking today of women in ministry. Even as sports figures are more and more prominently WOMEN in these "last days" (such as the championship Women's USA soccer team, and China etc.)--God is showing forth that he is catapulting--yes thrusting forth women in places and situations of ministry that are public. And they are accomplishing things that we men would never have dreamed they would or could accomplish. They will run the race so as to win---and they ARE running the race--so as to win!!

As the Messiah Himself was being introduced to the world, AT THE TEMPLE, representing OUR TEMPLE--Our bodies, and THE BODY OF CHRIST, this is what we see:

Luke 2:34-37 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too." 36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. (NIV)

Anna--- a prophetess is conspicuously present--not only as a day and night worshipper--but as A PROPHETESS. God inaugurates the public knowledge of the Lord with this scene.

And then there were the four daughters of Philip---- who prophesied?

"What?" you ask. "Four daughters who prophesied?"

Yes, and where do you suppose they did this prophesying? Probably not in the open fields ---rather in public gatherings. Remember where we learn of the prophet AGABUS? Guess who we learn about first? . . .

Acts 21:8-10 8 Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. 9 He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. 10 After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. (NIV)

Let's set the scene of these four women who prophesied:

1) too young to be married (perhaps) 2) NOT married, therefore not "covered" by husbands 3) Mentioned right next to one of the most well-known New Testament prophets, Agabus--- 4) We don't know WHAT they prophesied but clearly the Holy Spirit considered it important enough to put into Scripture so you and I could understand it. Right? Are we learning from it?

AND THEN, JUST BEFORE WE ARE TOLD "REJOICE, AND AGAIN I SAY REJOICE," WE READ THIS:

Phil 4:3-4 3 Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (NIV)

Whether you are a Prophet or Pastor, what are you doing to release women of God into the Work of ministry? If you do, they will prophesy God's will into your life, and they will contend at your side for the cause of the Gospel, and the Lord will bless you in a special way for your part in promoting them.

Those who are the "Joan of Arc's" are being called forth. Will you listen to the Spirit's call--and promote some of these women of God?

Blessings,
Steve Shultz, Publisher THE ELIJAH LIST