| prophetic words |
Prophetic Words to PCOG
Back in October 2002 about eight of us attended a conference sponsored by Steven Fry. During the conference we heard a talk by Mike Riches about the transformation of his safe, sane, staid evangelical church by the power of God. What he said resonated with our entire team so we asked to sit and chat with him if he had time. During our one-on-one time with Mike and his wife Cindy. Cindy asked if our church was old. I answered Yes, more than 100 years old. She smiled and said that might explain it. She felt God was saying to us, As with Sarah we would birth a new thing, the promise of God (an Isaac), in our old age. When we told them our name Presbyterian Church of OLD Greenwich they laughed! All of us in the room were blessed that God may be doing a new thing here among us, that God may be birthing His promise here at PCOG in these days. We shared this with the elders when we briefed them on the conference and the elders too were blessed that God was doing a new thing among us.
Then three times in 2003, beginning in April, we had people share with the elders words they felt were from God specifically for us here at PCOG - what we have come to refer to as the Prophetic Words. These Words from God for Us was new territory for us, so as elders we searched the scriptures, particularly the New Testament, determining that God does still speak and that words purportedly from God, and must be tested (1John 4:1-3). And the tests we applied were:
Is the word consistent with Scripture, the written Word of God? (The Bible is God's eternal, inspired, infallible, inerrant Word for all time for all God's people.)
Is Jesus honored? (Jesus is the Word of God incarnate and he alone is Lord and access to the Father is through Jesus alone.)
Does it resonate with the inner voice of the Holy Spirit leading each member of Session? (Is the Holy Spirit confirming this word to and through leadership body as a whole?)
After much prayer and discernment the following three words were received by the elders as words from God for us.
Grace and Peace,
Bill
April 2003
I want to come like a mighty wind, in power, My power, to release My gifts of the Spirit in order for you to serve Me and bring Me all glory, honor and praise by serving those whom I love. I will start with the leaders so I may use them to show and therefore further My gifting. There must be a relinquishment of power to Me. I want to bless you that I might use you for the advancement of My Kingdom. Abide in My Son that He may abound in you.
(Received by session April 22, 2003)
July 2003
PCOG has been hiding. Look what work I have done to bring you to this place now. What are you afraid of? Do not be ashamed of Me. Do not fear change and new faces. Do not fear familiar faces looking at you in a new light. I created change. I am the only thing that does not change.
I am the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)
I have equipped you for this time. You are strong in your faith; just cowardly in your comforts.
Be bold, be strong, for the Lord your God is with you.
Be bold, be strong, for the Lord your God is with you.
I am not afraid; No! No!
I am not ashamed. No! No!
Cause I'm walkin in faith and victory,
Come on walk in faith and victory,
Cause the Lord your God is with you.
You have been taught, led and changed yourselves. Do not forget your sole purpose as a Christian is to go and make disciples of all nations. I am only asking PCOG to disciple Old Greenwich, not even nations. You need to be in prayer asking for My leading. After all, I am your leader. Do not be afraid of change and what's to come. It's all in My plan and preparation for the future, My future. This is My church. Look to Me for guidance. Be on your knees; humble yourselves. Stop squabbling and unify. Act differently because you are different. You are saved. You are filled with joy and light. Start radiating this outside of the church.
You have all become too comfortable. Don't remain stagnant. I desire change in you and in the church. Good change that will bear much fruit (Col. 1: 10-12 and verses surrounding these.**) I just need willing hearts to follow. Depend on each other. Admit weaknesses, and step down if you need to.
This may appear harsh to some of you, yes, all of you. I love this church and I love you. I just want you to trust and obey Me. I have brought you thus far. Just look at the storms we have weathered together. These new challenges are mostly for the growth I want to see in you.
How will you react, respond? Is your heart open to this letter, to Me speaking to you? It's time to put your faith in action. You are not too old for this. You are setting the example for the next generation. You still have a lot to give.
Bring the younger ones along side you. They are your younger brothers and sisters in Christ. They hold the future of this church. Bring them in, help them learn to lead, to take responsibility. To feel proud of their contribution to leading PCOG.
There are many untapped gifts in this church. Find them! Be in prayer on all occasions for all the saints. (Eph. 6:18) Pray that those people would be ready to share, and use their gifts for My glory. I have big plans, but they start with each of your hearts, because that's what I care about most.
Love,
Your Father
**Col. 1:9-13: For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. [10] And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, [11] being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully [12] giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. [13] For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,
(Received by session July 22, 2003)
August 2003
PCOG & SESSION
There will be steps. I will lead you. Just keep your hearts open for Me to work in you. I am starting with you first. Don't worry, just watch, wonder, and give ME praise. Guard your hearts at this time against pride and praise of self (self-righteousness.)1 You are nothing without Me in this. You are merely willing hearts. Just keep obeying Me and watch it all be for My glory. I will lead you. Don't doubt the work I am doing here. Yes, it may be scary at times and definitely new territory, but I will prepare the way. Keep your eyes open and your hearts ready. You will witness my glory at work, and I have you in mind for the job. Don't let your hearts waver from the goals I set before you. Some may stumble and fall, but you will stand for Me. Be confident in that. Rest in that word. Have faith in Me the One True God. All glory and praise need to be on Me and no where else. You will be my good and faithful servants. All I need is your hearts and your obedience. Remember, I am the One True God. Let nothing shake you. There will be steps I will want you to follow in time. Through them all I will bring peace over your hearts. I am with you. Trust Me.2
JESUS CHRIST
YOUR LORD
(Received by session August 5, 2003)
1To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. Romans 2:7-8
2 [1] Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!
[2] I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. [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! [5] Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
[8] Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. [9] Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:1-9