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Unto Full Stature

Unto Full Stature (author DeVern Fromke)

Review by: Colleen Moran

Introduction and Preface:

This book is about moving into the full expression of what our Father intends for us, developing character, spiritual stature and likeness to Him, now. He desires us is to be a vast family of mature sons who reflect His nature, will and word in everything we do.

A key component is our interdependence, designed to help us press each other into full stature. Like the tossing of unique stones in a lapidary tumbler, we rub off the rough places and help polish one another into a greater reflection of Father. There is no such thing as individual full stature. We’re fit together to collectively reflect His nature; we need each other!

We all start as spiritual children and then mature as we move into His perspective, purposes and vision. To do that, it’s a daily struggle with our flesh nature, learning to express His ways and plans, not our own. We are to be sons and warriors, living His Kingdom principles as reality. Unfortunately, it sometimes takes us years or all of our lives, to grow out of being needy children or busy adults in religious activity. Doing His will as mature sons in intimate relationship with Him, dedicated to His purposes, strong in unity and in oneness, is what God desires.

We were created and seated with Him before the foundations, then sent to be participators in the GRAND THEME of the universe. So, what does all that look like down here, as it plays itself out? Sometimes not too good. Under fire and pressure, the child in us sometimes can’t take it and seeks to run away. However, it is in those crisis events that we can find our greatest benefit and growth.

Chapter 1:

To grow into Full Stature, we must adjust ourselves to not move out of our limited human situations and time perspective, but instead from His eternal timelessness, the bigger picture or “background” as the author calls it. Without the bigger picture, how can we know the true meaning of the parts or how they fit together? We “human-divine sons” were in His heart and plans from the beginning; our full stature development is an integral part of the master plan.

In God’s grand scheme of time, the redemptive cross and escaping of sin is just one aspect, not the emphasis. Too many people see the cross as the way of escape rather than seeing it as the way to fulfillment. The cross, at first, was God poured out. But when applied to our inward growth, it means man “poured out.”

In daily life, we need to distinguish between the urgency of crises and the urgency of the opportunities therein, to better recognize and embrace the fulfillment of God’s ultimate plan. As His sons, He wants us to be able to see, know and understand what He is doing in our lives and in the world. As the author put it, “Once my inner being was corrected, my inner eyes could see what He sees;” the pure in heart will see.....

Posted by ladygrace at 6/30/2011 5:23 AM | Add Comment

Transformation...

Transformation..the latest buzz word in the church culture, although it has been the buzz 'word' in education for at least the last 10 years.

When someone recently told me their church was focused on citywide transformation, I wondered in what area they were focusing on? I find so often many ministries say they are about citywide transformation, but are not specific to what they are called to in this process. I like to ask, What is it the Lord has called you and your fellowship to specifically? Is it feeding the poor? helping the homeless? cleaning city parks?

Maybe your senior leader has a heart for caring for the homeless, and yet you feel called and have a passion to prayer for nations or the human trafficking issue, yet prayer is not strongly established in your fellowship. So why not connect with a ministry who has that focus?
For some reason I think as believers we think we can only serve in one place. I don't see that as the case.

Think about it, do you work outside the home, serve your family and work? all are ministry, and yet all are not in one place.

I have been involved in serving in many ministries at the same time and have gleaned from many at the same time. I don't believe any one congregation can do it all. I believe we are part of the Body, called to do our part, like a piece of a puzzle. For example, I loved it when I found out a friend of mine was starting a ministry to the skaters, since it had been on my heart to do so several years ago, but I didn't have the manpower to do so. So God answered prayer and raised up another.

When I think of transformation, I think of those para -church ministires (which i don't like that word 'para) who are advancing in bringing transformation to our city than most local 'congregations. Why do I believe this? Because I see they are out there doing the stuff, while most churches are inward focused. These ministries are serving the poor, the homeless, visiting the prisoners (prison ministry); mentoring kids, providing jobs through workforce programs etc. I love hearing their testimony of transformation in our city.

So my prayer is, as ministries and individuals, find out your call and do it. And if your church isn't moving in your area or call, then connect and serve with those who are. My hope and prayer is for congregational leaders to support these who are doing this, and not give them the guilt trip how they are so needed to serve in their church only. Support and release them to serve where they are called and have a passion.

Posted by ladygrace at 6/30/2011 5:17 AM | Add Comment

A.R.C.

As my last post stated we entered into the season from Passover to Pentecost (50 days). It was a season of preparing and moving into NEW. I liked what I heard recently by Robert Heidler at GZI when describing Pentecost

"biblically heavens open and poured out for NEW- pentecost. God was establishing new way of relating, new ways of operating, becoming a different people from of the past; forming a whole new society; new ways of operating and relating; it’s a new vision, moving from church to Kingdom ..."

A few years ago, the Lord began speaking to me about 7MWIN being an apostolic reformation community (A.R.C.). At first when I heard this, I became a bit overwhelmed with the thought and to be honest it made me nervous. I went to prayer and fasted about it. I took it to my H.I.M. apostolic leader to share about what I was sensing and he confirmed it. However, at the time I was not yet able to tell others about it. It's only been recently the Lord has released me to begin speaking about what this means. It has been a challenge explaining what this all means and it is revelation still unfolding.

When I first heard the word 'apostolic' almost 10 years ago, I really had no idea what it meant. I knew it wasn't in context to some churches that have the word 'apostolic' in it. However in my years of listening and learning, I began to realize it was not anything new. It is what was practiced in the first century church.

Actually fifteen years ago during the 'renewal' movement, I began to seek out apostolic led churches (although at the time I didn't know that's what they were). Being a Christian for over 35 years, I was seeking something more than what I was experiencing in the church I was attending at the tiem. I began to seek out churches led by the five fold gifts with 'aposles and prophets' being the Senior leaders. Most of these 'apostolic led ' churches I aligned with ended up being out of town. The Lord said we would be an apostolic community but not look like these others. We would have the five fold gifts functioning in leadership recognizing and releasing ministers and ministries outside the 'traditional' church walls, equipping and training markeplace ministers. We would function as a citywide/regional ministry and some would even be pastors in their work or schools.

Apostolic: I like what one ministry states about the apostolic : ".... we believe the apostolic function extends to the establishment of new works. While a work might be something "new", the purpose is to return to something "old"; eg. 1st Century Christianity as recorded in the Book of the Acts of the Apostles." Aposolic leadership tend to be 'pioneers', visionaries, spiritual fathers and mothers (that means they have years of experience growing in this) and are intercessors. I once met a 25 year old who told me he was apostolic, I had to smile at that. Most of the time, it takes 15-20 years from being 'called' to being 'commissioned' as one. So when people say they are apostolic, I often look for the fruit. What have they built? Are they functioning as spiritual fathers? Who are they sending forth? Are they people of prayer? and if they are aposolic, Are they marketplace or nuclear church apostles?

Reformation: To bring reformation to society around us...bringing God's Kingdom to all spheres as Jesus did. To be a part of a movement like Martin Luther did..reforming church culture...moving from 'church' culture to Kingdom culture'. For example:

Moving from a single pastor mentality of leadership, to ALL the fivefold functioning together as a team- the apostles, prophets, evangelist, pastor/teacher equipping the saints (Eph. 4:12) .
From being 'covered' by a 'pastor' to accountabiity in 'real authentic relationships' with spirtiual fathers and mothers. From looking at the pastor as a 'covering', but the leadership as a network or foundation of support.
From 'going to church' (a building on Sundays)..but BEING the church everywhere we go, any day of the week.
From paid 'pastoral' staff to volunteers and/or 'tentmakers'
Going from one person teaching/preaching sermons on sundays to many in the Body teaching in homes/small groups any day of the week

How might this look?

Sometimes, we may be joining other prayer leaders in the state or nation, praying for Hollywood, business and/or government, prayerwalking cities; commissioning others into their media or business call; meeting with writers (communicators) dicussing and praying over their work; discipling a student on the college campus; having citywide worship/prayer assemblies; praying for the sick; teaching a class; having corporate prayer with business leaders; helping others with strategic planning; or coming alongside other compassion ministries for outreach.

Community: Encouraging authentic relationship, Being Family.

We are people from the community, from all walks of life, different leadership gifts, some still tied to traditional churches and some not. We don't believe that one has to be tied to one 'church' only since we see the church as being of the city, not of one address. Some are still involved with local churches ( committed to pastors and teachers), yet connected with apostles, prophets and evangelist with us because their local church has not yet developed the five fold leadership. It actually works well. We are not territorial believing that people are 'our sheep' only. We are not of the mindset others have to commit to us only, because ultimately Christ is the Head, and we are all part of the Body. We have small groups where we meet together. There are evangelist who love to go out. We desire to recognize all the gifts and release the 'priesthood of the believers'. It is a different wineskin, a reformational community.

We are committed to building strategic alliances to encourage corporate unity in the Body of Christ, touching the 7 spheres- arts/ entertainment; communication/ media; business, government, family, education and church through prayer & God's love, in order to reach beyond our territorial limits to influence the world around and beyond us.

As our website states:

Transforming Lives, Transforming Cities

Our desire is to see lives awakened, revived, healed and empowered to live a life of deep intimacy with God; To see a holy remnant of God's people boldly abandon themselves fully to God so that they may walk in their God-given calling and fulfill their unique God-sized dreams and destiny, and to transform hearts and cities of the world with the tangible display of God's love and supernatural power to save, heal, and deliver, advancing God’s Kingdom in the seven spheres of influence.

Posted by ladygrace at 6/16/2011 3:54 AM | Add Comment

Spring Update/Riding the Wave of Change

Do you feel the wind of change blowing or like you’re riding a wave? I sure do. This living by the Spirit, being led by HIM day by day definitely is not a boring life. I’m always amazed at the divine appointments and new revelations He brings. I am reminded when He told me I would be doing things I never imagined or could think of, I sure am.

I am a person who likes my ‘ducks in a row’, order, see the vision and write the plan, bulldoze and build. I like writing strategic plans but at this point of my life, I see even my strategic building plans being changed. Even though the vision is the same, the process in which I am taking is NOT how I imagined. Sometimes it is frustrating, as I appear ‘flaky’ even to myself. I suppose it fits what is going on around us, the world is facing turmoil and changes abound. Thankfully there is the peace of the Holy Spirit that I don’t have to be tossed to and fro by the waves, actually I prefer just riding them.

Since coming back from the prophetic conference in Pasadena in January, I feel like God hit the acceleration button. Things I thought we’d wait to do until Fall season, He is now saying start now, and other things we started last summer thinking we’d go a full year, He is changing. Oh vey! I will be honest and say it has ‘tweeked’ me a little, since I look forward to and anticipate change in the Fall season, with new school year, but it seems like I jumped into a new time zone. One night I woke up early, looked at my watch and it was at 3:15 am, I thought oh, the 4^th watch time to pray, and then when I went out to the living room and looked at the clock it really was 1:15 am. I thought ‘what in the world’, and I heard the gentle still voice of Holy Spirit that said ‘you are on my time.’ Then He began to talk to me about time zones being different all over the land, and He was not locked into ‘my’ time zone. So we've entered into some NEW things this Spring season...from Passover to Pentecost.

FRESNO H.O.P.E. (www.fresnohope.net)

Citywide Worship…each month is different, and now it looks like we may be ending this season (to my surprise). The building we’ve been meeting in may no longer available to us, so we are seeking the Lord if we continue on or meet elsewhere.

The CSUF CLUB HOPE students are doing great. They joined other student prayer leaders at retreat in Santa Cruz in March, and had a fantastic time. They continue to meet on Mondays from 11-1, and some are taking initiative to meet other times all during the week and have seen healings during times of prayer. We will continue to see the Lord for the next year, possibly name change. We hope to have a 12 hr. assembly in the Fall with the other Christian campus groups.

Kingdom Living Groups are also changing. We’ve been opening our home more often on Sundays for fellowship, worship, teaching or however the Lord leads. Kingdom Messengers group (those called to Celebration and Communication mountains) has been meeting once a month. There are o many exciting creative ideas and projects being birthed. A new ladies group will be starting in May going through the book ‘Unto Full Stature’. I also sense many more small groups will be emerging. A men’s group is also forming. It is all part of the launching of others. We also changed HEALING Prayer ministry to the 2^nd Saturday of the month.

Posted by ladygrace at 4/12/2011 3:37 PM

About our Region

These are just some thoughts I had about a few prophetic words given about our region that i recently posted on a new page on our website. Often when I read these type of words of the past, i wonder if the word has been fulfilled. I like to look at the signs and seasons we live in.

I understand sometimes these words can cause controversary, and in no way am I trying to do that, this is purely my observations, but because I am an intercessor I watch and pray.

These word are listed on the About Us/About Our Region page.

July 25, 1998, Bakersfield, CA- Chuck Pierce:..."And I would say to you, I have set the wheels in motion for My destiny across this state. I would say I have chosen eight hubs throughout this state, even this moment. And I would say, from those hubs, there will be sixteen spokes going out of all eight. And I say from each hub, you will mobilize 2000 intercessors within that hub. And I say then each hub will connect, hub upon hub upon hub, for the wheels have been set in motion over this state. ...find your place with these hubs. For pockets of fire will arise in each one of these eight cities and I say to you from that fire in these eight cities this whole state will become ablaze."

I do see the 8 regions similar to those listed by Pray Cal website. San Diego, Sourthern (L.A.), Central, Coastal, Bay (SF, SanJose), Sacramento, Mountain region, and Northern Cal.

I also see each of the 16 spokes as being in each region, and since this refers to 2000 intecessors coming from them, I'm thinking 16 type of prayer ministries from different streams. I.e. Aglow, Pastors Prayer, RSA, CA4Jesus, Houses of Prayer, Pray Cal, Living Wall, National Day of Prayer, Canopy of Prayer, denominational groups -catholic, etc., ethnic groups -hispanics, native, african american, etc. The list goes on and I have no idea of the numbers of intercessors a part of these groups. However, I am honored to be one of the thousands standing on the walls as a united army in CA.

May 2004, Fresno, CA-Rachel Hickson: I see 3 large wheels like cogs of a clock but these wheels turn water. There is one in the North- one in the Central and one in the South. I feel this is the time that the North cog is getting established and positioned. This North cog has 7 teeth, I feel that this represents , key relationships that will come together, but the 7 represents the perfect timing, the completion, the fullness of time . As these teeth of the cogs move into position I see each tooth likea puppet that has to cut its various stings to get into correct alignment. These strings represent wrong mind-sets, wrong priorities and even ajustment of past relationships. There is a new alignment and positioning of the teeth for this water cog. But as these teeth walk out of their strings, like Pinoccio, and become alive and then the water cog of the north is positioned.

I feel the cog of the central region is essential for aligning the north and south.The south in many ways already has its cog and teeth coming together but not attached to the north and central but the central cog is key for alignment of the state and to be a bridge, a pivot for turning of the state. The north cog will have strong relationship graced with power, this area will turn the power on in the state, signs, wonders and evangelism.Training centers for harvest. The central cog will have a strong cry of worship, prayer and intimacy mixed with the war cry for deliverance. ...The south cog will have a stong mix of the others but with also a strong grace for generations and nations and will be partnerships of the Isaac and Jacob (parents and youth) generation. Also the nations will work together for the kingdom. As these 3 cogs come together and work, the north cog will begin to turn the water and this water will cascade from the north to the south and it will effect the northwest, California will lead the way, California will turn, this is the turning time for the state.

I find this an interesting word, as the cogs sounds similar to the hubs, although i believe this word refers to more than the prayer ministries. .

The North cog has 7 teeth. I see the teeth not necessarily as specific ministries, but streams...some have had to cut off their denominiatoinal ties to be in correct alignment. I can see the north graced with power, turned on in the state with signs , wonders, evanglism, and training through ministries like Bethel School of Ministry in Redding, the Mission in Vacaville, Harvest Evangelism in San Jose and others in S.F and Sacramento, and I'm only naming some from the protestant stream. I know there are more.

I see in the South- streams and ministries of generations and nations like H Rock church, H.I.M, the Dream Center, Houses of Prayer, U.S. Center for world missions, The Call, Hollywood prayer network, and schools like Biola, Azusa Pacific, Vanguard, Masters College, the list goes on.

The Central area- one of our assignments as 7mwin is to build and be a part of that bridge with the north and south, so we are intentional in building relationships with others from thesea areas. We also believe one of our assignments or mandates is to see the fulfillment of this word come to pass. We know we are only part of the picture . Prayer, worship, intimacy with deliverance are the part of the core missions of this ministry. This is why we are intentional to see houses of fire/prayer all over the valley. Our region is united in prayer...with the C.V. prayer roundtable, pastors clusters and P.C. valley meeting for the past 20 years. I don't know how many other regions have this, but I thank the Lord for the unity we do have.

Posted by ladygrace at 4/10/2011 7:39 AM | Add Comment

Worship

Recently a few people have asked about the type of worship we have on Friday nights at CITYWIDE WORSHIP. These conversations along with few experiences have made me think again about the term ‘worship ’ . What do you think of when you hear the word ‘worship’. Do you think, playing instruments, singing, dancing, or painting etc.? Sometimes I think of doing my work.

My Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible has many pages written about the word ‘worship’. Basically there were five Greek words listed, and they all meant something slightly different. In a nutshell, a few words meant, ‘bowing down’,’ or make a sacrifice’. A few words meant a form of ‘service’, which is why I sometimes think of work. I also consider worship a type of prayer, which is another form of communion with God.

Last year while attending the ProJect Light conference at H. Rock church in Pasadena, CA (which by the way rocks and I recommend all those in media/entertainment to attend), I heard others share about their style of worship. Whether they painted, danced, acted, sang, or even designed clothes all said it was their worship unto the Lord. They loved creating as a form of worship. I remember the old movie ‘Chariots of fire’ the main character felt ‘running fast’ was pleasing to God and his form of worship. I believe bringing our love to God in who He has made us to be is an act of worship. Whether it be in a sanctuary, home or in a classroom, let’s be reminded whatever we do we do unto Him and is and can be our worship.

And for this Friday night, let’s worship corporately in song, music, flags and for those who love to paint or dance be free to. So come join us at…at CITYWIDE WORSHIP.

Posted by ladygrace at 3/15/2011 7:21 AM

Where are the sidewalks?

I recently heard a story about a man who built a school and did not put in sidewalks. When asked why, he said because he wanted to see where the people would walk. As the pathways would form he would place the sidewalks. This story spoke to my heart.

In this particular season of time, I’m reminded by the Lord to watch where people are walking and come alongside and help build pathways for them and places for them to meet. I’am seeing many Christ followers leaving the traditional church gathering places and creating new pathways into organic meetings in homes and various marketplace venues. As a network we provide sidewalks and connections for those traveling into these homes and marketplace venues.

I can just imagine as these pathways connect, from home to home, venue to venue, a NET will form, which will hold the HARVEST. I also see these HOPE houses as pillars of fire throughout the city, igniting the land, bringing HOPE and love to all those who enter. Oh, it’s a beautiful sight.

Posted by ladygrace at 2/26/2011 7:41 AM | Add Comment

Winter Newsletter

FRESNO H.O.P.E.

NEW WEBSITE www. fresnohope.net

CITYWIDE WORSHIP

On December 31st we gathered for FUEL THE FIRE assembly. It was amazing to see 8 worship teams (each took hour and half), many prayer leaders, united being led by the Holy Spirit to, worship, pray for the 7 mountains of influence and prophesy. Many of the teams hadn’t met before, yet to see the flow of the worship and prayer among them was incredible. It is our desire to meet weekly for corporate CITYWIDE WORSHIP with occasional longer Fuel the Fire gatherings. We continue to meet for intercession, soaking and other prayer ministry in various locations.

COMMUNITY

I love meeting with these small KINGDOM LIVING groups, a time to build relationships, break bread, encourage and pray for one another, have fun, learn and grow together in God’s Kingdom ways. Newest group - Kingdom Messengers.

COMPASSION

We continue to rejoice in the wonderful testimonies of lives being touched during healing ministry times the first Sat. of every month. Dave and Robin Scudder are also now leading outreaches. Come join them for a time of prophetic evangelism. contact: robins at fresnohope.net for more info.

CLUB HOPE

CSUF campus meets every Mon. 11 am-1 pm. Some new students joined us last Monday and also have a passion to pray for revival on campus and offer free prayer in the free speech area. Glory to God!

7 MWIN SCHOOLS

7 M International Transformation School: A ‘mobile’ foundational school for training and equipping of the saints to advance the Kingdom in their spheres of influence. Marta had the opportunity to teach a few courses to a group of men with Restoring Souls this past month. Courses are listed on the website and taught by a variety of people from the area.

7M Leadership Institute: Changes coming.

7 M NETWORKS

Community of H.O.P.E.: A new network of home churches/fellowships gathered together in mid January. We will continue to gather corporately. Please check out the website for details.

We are involved with several networks in the area and state. It was a joy to join citybuilders and pastor clusters the last few months. The C.V. Prayer Network continues to meet every other month. I love this time being with other prayer leaders hearing the wonderful reports of what God is doing in our valley. So many good things are happening!

If you would like to be part of any of the ministry teams or groups, and to keep updated on events, please read the websites and FB- group Fresno H.O.P.E.

Posted by ladygrace at 2/13/2011 2:34 PM | Add Comment

Apostles ....

These are a few books listed as suggested reading in the Leadership class we offer.

Apostles and the Emerging Apostolic Movement by David Cannistraci. C 1996, 1998.

The author gives great descriptions to the apostolic call, the apostolic spirit, the movement of the Fathers, understanding apostolic authority and patterns for apostolic churches.

Some quotes:

"A great wave is breaking and birthing a wonderful new life. The Spirit of God is releasing a mighty apostolic movment.."
"the apostle is distinct from the other ministry gifts mentioned in Scripture and appears to possess a unique place, function and importance in God's plan."
" The apostles list of responsiblities includes: overseeing, strengthening, developing, imparting, fathering, ordaining, supervising, managing and networking.These words define not only what thdy do, but also who they are."
:..the apostle will take on the mantle of a father in and through this coming movement. One of the most striking characteristics of an apostles' ministry is spirtual fatherhood."

Another book: The Apostolic Ministry by Rick Joyner

"Apostles are called to be God's masterr builders ..
The apostolic goal is not focused on the house a much a on the glory of the One who is to inhabit the house..
The apostolic call is to lead men to Chirst not just to church
the apostolic Christ centered, not church centered...
Apostles impart God's government..
.The governmnet of God is not just a system of organization, but an anointing.
A ture apostolic movement or government, must come from what the Lord has deposited in the heart of an apostle, not by his ability to copy others well.

Posted by ladygrace at 12/24/2010 5:37 AM | Add Comment

Marketplace Christianity

I read Marketplace Christianity by Robert Fraser a while back. Bob was one of the leaders and teachers with Joseph Company (JOCO) with International House of Prayer when I was there in 2006 and 2008.
It was good to read an encouraging book that recognizes ministry is beyond the 'church' walls.

Favorite quotes:

"97% of the pastoral, evangelistic, teaching, prophetic, and apostolic gifts are in Marketplace Christians and are to primarily opering in the marketplace. For Marketplace Christians, their field is their workplace and their flock is the people they work with."
"Worship can be more than a song, It can be anything we do to 'love Him back."
"Spiritual greatness comes to those who simply pursue God earnestly: and pursuit of God begins and ends in prayer. "

Marketplace Christianity is suggested reading for the Marketplace MInistry class of 7Mountain Transformation School.

Posted by ladygrace at 12/24/2010 5:29 AM | Add Comment

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