IThe Sound of the Eagles Cry
I asked the Lord for the meaning for this. Thoughts came to me of a prophetic movement that will birth a revival. There is coming an increase of prophecy, visions and dreams that will fan the flames for a great awakening. In order to pastor the prophetic, the Lord is establishing eagle nests where young eagles can be fostered, nurtured and matured in the prophetic until the time they leave the nest to soar in the spirit.
GOD IS DOING A NEW THING
While the church is praying for revival to bring new life to the old ways, God wants to do a new thing. What is coming is spiritual life with creativity that far exceeds our expectations and even our present understanding. Although we may not know what this will look like, we do know that it is going to revolutionize church as we know it today.
Behold the former things are come to pass and new things do I declare: before they spring forth, I tell you of them (Isaiah 42:9).
There is now a move of God taking place that is awakening hearts in the revelatory knowledge of Jesus Christ. In preparation for the new, God is communicating to people through prophecy visions and dreams to reveal His thoughts, dreams and aspirations for them. People everywhere are becoming pregnant with vision. Through intimacy with the Lord, people are being awakened to their purpose and destiny that is giving to them a hope for the future, which for the church is glorious.
God is doing a new thing and the old has passed away. What man used in the past for church growth and renewal will no longer work. God is presently tearing down everything that man has built to establish His house. If you stand with God you will shine with His light and stand out. Those who are determined to hang onto the old will try to bring new life to a dead horse. The main reason for this is their misplaced commitment and devotion to a church and their ideals rather than to Christ. The two are often confused. Simply because one is moving on in Christ to embrace the new, does not make them unfaithful.
There are many who keep hanging onto the old believing that change will eventually take place, when God has called them to move on to embrace change. Sometimes what we believe is faith and devotion is actually disobedience. Rather than trying to raise that which is dead that only expends our time and energy, we must move on to embrace the new thing that God is doing. For those who do, the Lord will make a way in the wilderness. The promise is given that He will release living waters to those who step into His purpose that will cause their deserts to blossom and prosper.
Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing: now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? (19) I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert (Is. 43:18-19, 21).
THE CURRENT PROPHETIC MOVEMENT
There is a current move of God where people everywhere are experiencing prophecy, visions, and dreams and it is increasing in intensity and frequency. Whether Christians believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit with prophecy, visions, and dreams, it doesn’t matter because Acts 2 declares it. Whether they believe it is for today or not, it is here and it is here to stay. The truth of this is now being manifested everywhere!
Thes Lord is touching the lives of both the old and the young, male and female. The Spirit is moving relentlessly everywhere and there is no escape from it. His thoughts are coming like waves of the ocean and they will continue until the full tide of His presence comes in. Then the knowledge of the glory of God will cover the earth as the water covers the sea.
It is the Lord’s desire to pour out His Spirit upon all flesh until every believer is fully baptized in the Holy Spirit, empowered and hearing from the Lord prophetically through prophecy, visions and dreams. Those who embrace this will often find themselves shifted into a whole new dimension of spiritual life. I have heard people proclaim that the spiritual life they now posses because of their response to change is so dynamic, they vow never to turn back to the old. Once you align yourself with the purposes of God, a shift takes place in your spiritual life that takes you to a higher level. Our call is to go from glory to glory.
THE BAPTISM OF FIRE
John the Baptist prophesied the coming of Christ stating, “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire” (Mt. 3:11). Along with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is the baptism of fire. Being filled with the glorious presence of God is wonderful and addicting, but along with it comes the cleansing fire of God to bring forth that which is pure an holy.
The Lord is our loving Father who is merciful, compassionate and kind, but as we are told in Hebrews 12:29, “Our God is a consuming fire.” The purpose of the fire is to burn up the wood, hay, and stubble that we are used to building with to bring forth the refined gold and silver. It also purifies our lives for whom the Lord loves He chastens as His own son.
Fire is coming to the house of God. There is even now a purging taking place with the purpose to bring forth a righteous people being led by His Spirit. He is making His people messengers of fire! They will hear from heaven by the spirit of wisdom and revelation (Eph. 1:17-18) that enlightens their heart in the true knowledge of Him. It is this revealed knowledge of God that is the fuel that keeps the flames burning. Those who are on fire for God have the flame of His presence burning within them. The church will experience the knowledge of Christ and His love that will cause her to burst aflame with the glory of God.
JESUS – THE WORD OF GOD
God is releasing the Spirit of prophecy which is the testimony of Jesus. (Rev. 19:10). A door is open in heaven that we may partake of His thoughts, wisdom and understanding that renews the mind, restores the spirit and awakens hearts to their destiny and purpose. Jesus tells us that the flesh profits nothing, but His Words are Spirit that has life. Jesus said, “It is the Spirit that quickens; the flesh profits nothing, the words that I speak unto to you, they are Spirit and they are life” (John 6:63).
Jesus is the Word of God. (John 1:1) When He speaks His Spirit touches our hearts with the truth that quickens to us His understanding. (To quicken means to make alive, to revive) God does not speak to our mind but to our heart (for with the heart man believes unto salvation) that we may understand His truth. When hearts are enlightened by Him true understanding comes to our minds. Because God is alive the Words that He speaks has life -His life. This is the manna of heaven that nourishes us with spiritual life. If we want people to have the life of Christ, we must teach them to hear His voice.
God’s thoughts are like the rain that comes down from heaven that waters the earth that it may blossom and bear fruit. God’s thoughts are not our thoughts. They are expressed to us from heaven through the Holy Spirit – the rain that comes from above. Prophetically, rain speaks of prophetic teaching that reveals the heart and mind of God to His people that enlighten our hearts in the knowledge of Him. (Eph. 1:17-18),
For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and returns not, but waters the earth, and makes it to spring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater. (11) So shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth and it shall accomplish that which I please and prosper the area that I send it” (Isaiah 55:10-11).
People everywhere are hearing the gentle voice of the Lord. God is speaking His thoughts to accomplish that which pleases Him. His Word will not return void for the life of heaven is invading earth and it is prospering those who have an ear to hear what the Spirit says. Listen to the promise in the next verse for those that receive the watering of His Word,
For you shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands (Is. 55:12).
Those who are nourished by the manna of heaven go out with joy and are led forth with peace. The peace and joy of the Lord is not an option, it is His divine nature that comes with His presence, for the Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Peace and joy is the earmark of those who are hearing His voice being led by His Spirit. You know them by the joy that exudes from them and the peace of God that rules within them. Because they are walking in step with the Word of God abiding in His presence, all of creation rejoices in recognition of the creator that is with them, for it is “Christ in you the hope of glory” (Col 1:27). This is the testimony of Jesus, which is the Spirit of prophecy.
Those who hear the Lord’s thoughts are nourished by them. There is life in His Word because of its source, the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Living Word, the author of the scriptures. The Word of God is a person “as the truth is in Jesus” (Eph. 4:21). The life of God that is in His Word quickens even our mortal bodies as well as our mind, heart, and soul. It is this rain from heaven that enables God’s people to become springs of living water that causes them to blossom with new life -His life. As they drink the dew of heaven and they, in turn, pour out living waters to minister His word to those who are thirsty, God will guide them continually, satisfy them in drought, and make them like a well-watered garden,
And if you draw out your soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul: then shall your light rise in obscurity and your darkness be as the noon day. (11) And the Lord shall guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and make fat your bones: and you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters fail not (Is. 58: 10-11).
HOW DO WE PREPARE
As I pondered further on the meaning of the eagle’s nest, I began to understand that these nests are equipping centers that God is establishing in the region. Bald eagles often represent the prophetic ministry. These eagles’ nests are home groups, Schools of the Holy Spirit and Church ministries that have the vision to birth eaglets, nurture them and equip them for the work of ministry. These nests are located in the heavenly realm far above the earth. We are called to soar in heavenly places. Prophetic sight always sees from an elevated position in Christ that we may see through the eyes of the Spirit. (See Eph. 2:6)
As a new creation in Christ, we are not born again in the maturity of Christ, but we mature as we grow up into Christ. These nests will be used by the Lord to help equip and mature people in the prophetic to enable them to minister with integrity and with excellence that will impact their home church and communities for Christ.
These eagles nest are not limited to the prophetic ministry but will help to prepare and equip the members of the body of Christ to function as God has set each one in the church. (1 Cor. 12:18). Every person is called and each on is needed. They will also help to prepare and mobilize the army of God for a great advance. These eagles nest are not a place where people become church members. They are instead a nesting place where the young can be feed and nourished to grow strong in the Lord until they develop eagle’s wings. At the right time, they are encouraged to leave the nest to take flight in the Spirit.
Those who have a nesting ministry will need to get use to people coming and going, which can be hard for those who have a love for God’s people. It is only natural for true mothers and fathers of the faith to become attached to their eaglets. This is something that I am very familiar with. Quite often just as we establish a close bond of friendship with someone they will move on. When they do they always take a piece of our heart with them, but such is the way of love. Sooner or later all sons and daughters must leave the nest to find a life of their own. It is our joy to see them mature and move on to bear eternal fruit.
THE MODEL OF DISCIPLESHIP
One of the main purposes of church leadership is the Ephesians 4 mandate, which is to equip the saints for the work of ministry. Every church leader and believer should disciple others to do what they do. For instance, a church prophet should teach others about Christ the prophet and lay a solid Biblical foundation for the prophetic ministry. They are also called to equip the members of the church to prophesy. As the apostle, Paul admonished, Follow after love, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that you may prophesy (1Cor 14:1).
For you may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be comforted (1 Cor. 14:31).
This principle holds true whether you are a teacher, a pastor, evangelist, intercessor or watchmen in the body of Christ. Discipling others to do what you do is part of bearing fruit. God will longer grant His grace to pew warmers but will pour out His Spirit upon those who use their gifts and talents for the work of ministry. To those who use their talents and reproduce them in others, He will give them more. To those who do not, they will lose that which they have and it will be given to another. (See the parable of talents Mt. 25:14-30)
A trait that we look for in leadership is those that have the heart to equip and train others to do what they do. This is the model of Christ who discipled 12 men to do the works that He did and they went out and changed the world. We are all called to reproduce our gifts and talents in others to do the works that Jesus did. Jesus said the works that He did we will be empowered to do also because of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “freely you have received, freely give” (Mathew 10:8). Eagles nest are a great place where people can be discipled and move in the gifts of the Holy Spirit as well as to equip and train others to do what they do.
HOME GROUPS
Many of these eagles nest are home groups led by those who have the vision to equip and train believers for the work of ministry. Home groups in the near future will play a vital role as part of the churches equipping ministry. This includes the ministry of intercession, worship, healing and deliverance and so on. Each of our Destiny Home Fellowship groups has their own vision which depends upon the gifts and talents of the home host.
The expression of the church in the book of Acts reveals that the home was a vibrant center of church life. Smaller gatherings provide opportunities for relationships expressed in at least three different ways:
Fellowship – Developing friendships in a family atmosphere is a practical part of home groups where trust is developed, true relationships flourish, healing takes place and lives are changed. Home groups serve a significant purpose in providing ministry to the body of Christ through the expression of love, hope and faith.
Equipping – Each individual has the opportunity to develop and use their gifts by stepping out of their comfort zone into the works of God. It is a place where valuable experience can be obtained, as well as an essential place for the training and development of God’s army.
Evangelism– Home groups provide a wholesome atmosphere for family and friends who do not know the Lord. It provides a place where they can experience the warmth and love of God while meeting the Lord themselves. Home groups will play a major role in the harvest as a place to disciple new converts in Christ.
Before we settled into our present ministry location in Augusta, Maine, I conducted Schools of the Holy Spirit in five different homes in various areas of Maine. Each one had a distinct focus, anointing, and purpose. It is here in the private setting of homes that I have experienced some of the most powerful moves of God. God loves to move in small groups where the people gather together with the expectation of meeting with Him.
Home groups provide a safe place where people are much more comfortable to step out of their comfort zone to minister in their spiritual gifts. Homes also provide a place for others to build relationships and trust, especially those who are recovering from their wounds, shortcomings, and failures.
A WORD OF CAUTION
There is no doubt that we are living in the time of a great transition. We are caught between the old way of church life and the new. This is causing a premature exodus to take place in some churches. People are leaving believing that they are responding to the call, when the Lord is calling them to draw closer to Him, die to self and receive the healing they need. Others are leaving because they are disgruntled and offended or dissatisfied with leadership. Others flee because they are being shunned for their prophetic gifting.
Some are leaving at the prompting of the Holy Spirit, while others are not. It is vital that each one knows where God has placed them and be faithful to this. Regardless of the pain that you may be going through, or the trials and tribulations taking place around you, what God is interested in is the work that He is doing within you! The Church that you are in may just be the place God is using to conform you into His image and likeness.
Many are seeking a place where they can fellowship such as a home group. However, I have witnessed home groups that consist of disgruntled Christians that are not reachable. Because of offense, many are not teachable. They want to fellowship without leadership claiming to be led by “Christ only.” In other words, they want to be led only by the Holy Spirit, which for some reason always seems to wrap around their mindset, desires, and purpose. These are those that drift along never seemingly able to take root at any location, and thus are not able to become rooted and grounded in Christ and His love.
It is very important that home groups have an established leadership; otherwise, the void will be filled by a controlling spirit. Without the wisdom and direction of good oversight, the people that attend will not be able to properly mature and grow in Christ, especially if there are division, discord, and strife. We are to let all things be done but with order (1 Cor. 14:40).
Just as there was a space of time when Moses was taken by the Lord to the time Joshua led the people into the Promise Land, there is a time of waiting for the promise. We are in a season of grace where God has given to us the time to properly respond and prepare for the transition. Soon we will be making a great advance to tear down strongholds, displace the enemy and build the waste places for a habitation for the Spirit of God. We must know the season that we are in and apply ourselves today while building for the future. The key words are a proper response and preparation to change, not isolation or separation.
EAGLES NEST AS A SAFE HAVEN
Eagles nest can provide a safe haven for those in transition that need more than what their church life is offering. Those who feel the need to grow spiritually can do so by developing their spiritual gifts by attending an eagle’s nest ministry. Eagles nest can provide a means of helping people to grow in Christ while allowing them to remain steadfast and faithful to their home church without feeling pressured to leave.
Over the years we have seen many come and go staying just long enough to receive what they need at the School of Ministry while remaining faithful to their home church. Jesus sent His disciples to minister the good news of the gospel. He did not try to contain them in a sheep pen nor should we. Some stay with us to serve as a Destiny Team Leader to help equip others for the work of ministry. And some serve on one of our Destiny Ministry Teams where they use their gifts and talents to minister at our Church services, School of Ministry and conferences as well as outreaches. We have various degrees of fellowship for those who wish to serve. This is fruitful as these people are impacting their home church and communities for Christ in a greater way, which is the goal of discipleship.
The Eagles nest that is used for this purpose must be nondenominational and free from spiritual discrimination. Like the priest of Israel, those who provide the oversight must wear the breastplate of the Lord with a love for all the tribes of Israel. Each of the 12 tribes of Israel had a distinct call and purpose but yet they were one nation. Likewise, each denomination and church today have a different history, anointing, and purpose, yet we are all members of one body, the body of Christ. The apostle Paul exhorts us to,
Endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (4) For there is one body, and one Spirit even as you are called in one hope of your calling. ( 5) One Lord, one faith, one baptism (6) One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all (Eph. 4:3-6).
We must have a healthy respect for our brethren despite our differences while keeping the main thing the main thing, which is intimacy with God and walking in love. We must unite around that which we have in common, the Lord Jesus Christ, for in His presence we are one. We must have the heart of the Father with a love for His people – the bride of Christ, regardless of our denomination or affiliation.
We often have a mixed group of people that attend our ministry events. Some may be Catholics, others Protestant, others Evangelical and others Pentecostal or Charismatic. The beauty is that even in the midst of diversity there is unity. The key is to walk in the Father’s love and cultivate a love for God and for one another knowing that love never fails. God loves His people. Those who oversee eagles nest must have His heart and vision.
IT’S TIME TO MARCH FORWARD
Years ago I prophesied that the winds of change have come to Maine. This has come and now we are in a season of transition. We are somewhere between the old and that which is new. In order to prepare for that which is to come, the Lord is restoring prophetic vision to the church. We must be able to see with 20/20 vision the purposes of God. In order to follow the Lord of Hosts, we must be able to hear His voice to be led by His Spirit.
We will desperately need His wisdom and counsel in the days ahead in order to navigate through the times. We have raised the anchor and have loosed from our moorings to launch out into the deep. We are navigating through uncharted waters that require a close walk with God being sensitive to His every prompting. We cannot afford to miss one turn or sleep on our watch; least the pirates of the high seas catch us unawares. As Pioneers, we have now embarked on an exciting journey. What is our destination? His glory!
Like Christopher Columbus, the journey to the new world, which is our Promise Land, will require faith and courage. As the Lord said to Joshua on the banks of Jordan between the wilderness and the Promise Land, Have not I commanded you? Be strong and be of good courage; be not afraid, nor be dismayed: for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (1:9).
Though storms may arise, and they will, the Lord is our peace. Although we may face severe trials and tribulations, the joy of the Lord is our strength. Although the world may be waddling in chaos and confusion, His lamp is a light unto our feet. Though darkness may increase upon the earth, His light will shine even brighter “For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon you, and His glory shall be seen upon you” (Isaiah 60:2).
Jesus is the captain of our ship and the Holy Spirit is the wind in our sails. We are living in exciting times and the best is yet to come. God is doing a new thing and all that He does will cause the land to blossom and be fruitful. Now that March has come, it is high time to spring ahead and march into a new spring season. It’s time to sing for the abundance of the Lord is upon us, “For I will pour water upon Him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour My Spirit upon your seed and My blessing upon your offspring (Is. 44:3).
We are living in difficult times that require extraordinary faith and wisdom, but we should never let these difficult and trying times dictate the course of our actions or what we should do. Our faith is not in the world’s economy, a person or the present situation, but in the Lord Jesus Christ. As our eyes are cast upon Him, we will see Him high and lifted up far above all principalities and powers. Jesus Christ rules and He isn’t worried about a thing- nor should we be.
IN CONCLUSION
The prophetic ministry will continue until it is restored as part of the life of every believer. We want to launch out deeper and further than we have previously known in the prophetic. It is our desire for the prophetic ministry to be restored with integrity. To see the watchman’s ministry established in the local church, the gift of discernment of spirits as well as the ministry of intercession and that of prophecy, vision, and dreams.
We especially covet the word of wisdom and the gift of interpretation to implement the practical applications of revelation with the understanding that prospers God’s people and His Kingdom. Like the sons of Issachar, we must know the times and how to instruct the people with the divine counsel and wisdom of God, that they may be prepared for the times. Like Joseph, we must not only be able to interpret dreams but the wisdom of how to respond in such as way that it prospers God’s people, our communities and this nation.
It is our goal to see the prophetic properly pastored and the practical issues of the relationship between prophetic ministries and church leadership united. In order for this to take place, bridges of trust must be established between church leadership and the emerging prophetic. Healing must take place between Church leadership and those who operate in the prophetic ministry which is the heart of God.
It is the deep desire of every person to hear from God. We must create the right environment with a safe loving atmosphere where this can be properly fostered. As the confusion, chaos, and uncertainty of the world increases, so will the need for those who are able to minister a word from the heart of God. Soon the world is going to beat a path to the door of the Church in search for the right answers. Those who are ready for this will reap not only an unparallel harvest but eternal rewards.
We must redeem the time and build eagles nest to prepare for that which is now upon us. We can best do this by obtaining the resources that we need, such as prophetic material, Bibles, and discipleship resources. We can also prepare those who are called to build and establish eagles nest. Our best resource is not finances, but God’s people. Now is the time to prepare by investing your time and resources in the lives of others to equip them for the work of ministry. Our goal is to be a host for a move of the Holy Spirit.
Can you hear the sound of the eagles cry?
In His heart and love
Roy Roden