the call - morningstar ministries · 2019-04-05 · rick joyner is the founder and executive...

1

March 2013

Volume 23 / No. 3

MorningStarT he

The Call God’s RoI

PrinciPles of warfare

Word for AmericA

The second installment from book four in The Final Quest Series

2 The MorningStar Journal / march 2013

CONTENTSEDITOR A Note From Rick Joyner ........................ 4

FEATURESCOVER The Call ...................................................6

Word for America ........................................16God’s ROI .....................................................22Testimonies .................................................26MorningStar News .....................................28Principles of Warfare ..................................30 BOOK Mystic MooseTalesRedefining Wildlife .....................................36

QUOTES Mustard Seeds of Wisdom

14-15, 20-21, 24-25

FEATURE VIDEO

The second installment from book four in The Final Quest Series

http://www.morningstartv.com/ejournal/personal-message-rick-joyner-morningstar-journal-march-2013

3

The MorningStar Journal / March 2013 Volume 23 / No. 3

INSIDE Ministry .....................................................48 Worship .................................................... 50 MorningStar School CSCL .......................52 MorningStar University MSU ..................54 Missions ....................................................58 Partners .....................................................60 Travel ........................................................ 62 Happenings ...............................................64 Contributors ..............................................66 Reader’s Favorites .....................................68MFM Directory ...................................................70Welcome Letter .......................................................72

FEATURE VIDEO

SAmplE mUSIC

FEATURE VIDEO

FEATURE VIDEO

FEATURE VIDEO

FEATURE VIDEO

http://www.morningstartv.com/ejournal/cscl-comenius-school-creative-leadership

http://www.morningstartv.com/ejournal/god-journey

http://www.morningstarministries.org/store/worship-music/new-cd-inside-us?utm_source=JanMSJ&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=InsideUs_MSJ_1.12

http://www.morningstartv.com/ejournal/morningstar-university

http://www.morningstartv.com/ejournal/morningstar-university-0

http://dr.eaglemissions.org/2013/02/25/javier-and-jacqueline/



http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/partners/morningstar-partners#.US926uugnZg


EDITOR MARCH 2013R

ick

Joyn

er

A Note From Rick

Rick Joyner speaks to The MorningStar Journal subscribers about the new articles he will be including in The Journal this year. He has been receiving a new level of revelation similar to that which he received and released in The Final Quest series.

Rick has received so much revelation lately that it is hard for him to keep up with it.

We are in a time when living in heaven on earth is going to be a reality. We are called to live beyond the veil. Nothing compares to this kind of living. All Christians are supposed to be more at home in the heavenly realm than they are on earth. We can all go boldly before the throne of God anytime and have our own experiences. We have access to God, and we are called to be seated with Him in the heavenly places.

http://www.morningstartv.com/ejournal/personal-message-rick-joyner-morningstar-journal-march-2013

https://www.facebook.com/RickJoyner.MorningStar?fref=ts

https://www.facebook.com/RickJoyner.MorningStar%3Ffref%3Dts

5

Rick Joyner is the founder and Executive Director of MorningStar Ministries and Heritage International Ministries and is the senior pastor at MorningStar Fellowship Church. Rick is the president of The Oak Initiative, an interdenominational movement that is mobilizing Christians to be engaged in the great issues of our times. He has authored more than forty books, including The Final Quest Trilogy, There Were Two Trees in the Garden, and A New America. Rick and his wife, Julie, have five children: Anna Jane, Aaryn, Amber, Ben, and Sam.

Charlotte Photography 5


The CallB Y r i c K J oY N e r

FEATURES COVER


This article is the second installmentfrom book four in The Final Quest series.

7

walked in silence behind the Voice for a good distance. Gradually the path got broader, so I pulled up beside him. I had many more questions and did not want to waste whatever time I had with him.

“About the ‘mighty ones’ Enoch prophesied of, can I ask you about them?” I began.

“You may ask anything,” the Voice responded.

“Will these ‘mighty ones’ be like Enoch and walk so closely with the Lord that they will be taken up?”

“The questions you have about them would be better asked of Enoch, but I will tell you what I do know,” he responded. “They will walk with Him so closely that they ‘are not.’ This does not mean that they will be taken up as Enoch. He was a sign, and he was kept so that he would not see death for the same reason that I was. Enoch ‘was not’ because he became wholly the Lord’s. He lived to do the will of God. So it will be with these ‘mighty ones’ he prophesied would come at the end of this age.

I

7


JOYNERRICK

FEATURES

“I had the power, but Enoch had the greatest love for God. Enoch loved God so much that he wanted God more than he wanted food, water, or even air to breathe. Loving God is the highest purpose of man, and those who love are transformed. At the end of this age, His messengers will have both this love for God that Enoch had and the power that I had. Their power will be the power of love that is released to us when we love God.”

“Will I see Enoch too?” I asked.

“Those who walk this path will see me and Enoch. You must see us to stay on the path.”

“So I will literally see Enoch?”

“Why do you care about what you call ‘literal.’ What you see in the natural is not as important or as ‘literal’ as what you see with the eyes of your heart, your spirit. You must have Enoch’s love for God and the power I represent to stay

on the course. Only love will enable you to handle the power without getting off the path of life.”

The Voice stopped, turned, and took hold of both of my shoulders while looking me straight in the eyes. Then he began:

“Love combined with power becomes courage. Courage is the result of loving others more than yourself. The greatest courage comes from loving God, but if we love Him we will also love His people. Those who have a message or a purpose will quit if they do not have love.

“Those who have love without power will fail because true love is not just something that is, but is also something that does. Those who have the truth will quit if they do not love the truth. It is not just love or just power, but it is the power of love. You must have both. Love is the greatest,

9

but true love is expressed by true power. When both are present, you will also have courage. To walk this path will take the greatest courage, so you must seek the greatest love and the power to express it.”

“No one can see God and not love Him,” I said.

“How do you know that?” the Voice retorted.

“I’ve seen Him,” I answered.

“And you have been given grace,” the Voice responded. “Because man was created to have a special relationship to God, no man can see Him as He is and not be drawn to Him, unless the enemy has completely taken them over. There are many like this. Those will only hate Him more, the more they see Him. Is that not how many reacted to Jesus? Many believe that if those who oppose could just see a miracle, they would come to the Lord, but the greater the works that Jesus did, the more they hated Him,” the Voice explained.

“I see your point,” I admitted.

“I had to stand against some of the ultimate evil powers in my time. Those who walk with God in these times will have to do the same. When men build authority and influence on anything but the calling and purpose of God, they are at best building on their own power to manipulate and control others. Such are many religious institutions, which have always made them special tools of the enemy just as he used them against

Jesus. The greater the works that Jesus did, the more the religious powers that held the high places were threatened by Him. The demon possessed would bow the knee to Him, but it can be the religious powers that are the greatest enemy of the truth.”

“So it can be the very religious who are being taken over by the enemy, so that they will hate Him and His works,” I commented.

“Anyone who uses religion for personal gain or position will be of special use to the enemy. There are those in high positions in religious institutions who love God and are true followers, but it is a rare soul who can keep from being corrupted by such systems. There is no greater fall than to use the things of God to draw worship or devotion to yourself, rather than to God. This was how the first fall, Satan’s fall, began, and it has been the fall of many since. These are the ones the devil takes special pride in because they are the most useful to him. This is why religious institutions that require self-promotion for advancement become the main opposition to the true moves of God. Such advancement is the opposite of the way of true discipleship, the way of the cross, which is this path we are on now.

“It is my task,” the Voice continued, “to challenge all who are hesitating between opinions. It is my task to make the opposing positions clear, and all will now have to choose between good and evil. The world is entering the Valley of Decision now, and all must choose, so it has been a basic purpose of the evil one to blur all distinctions as much as he can.”

“For you to be here now, the Lord’s return is obviously near,” I said.

“His coming is near,” the Voice replied while picking up the pace, “and there is much to be done.”

“You said that my destination is my home. How will


going to my home help to prepare the way for the Lord?” I asked.

“Your home is His home. Our destination is the mountain.”

“I thought you said we were going to the city of the Lord?”

“We are. His city is a city set on a hill. We are going to the mountain of the house of the Lord. That is the true home of all who love Him and do His will.”

“I’ve been to the mountain. I fought in a battle there. I also had some of the greatest experiences of my life there. It’s been almost twenty years since I was there. Has it changed?” I asked.

“Everything changes with time, except for the King. I know you have fought battles on the mountain,” he continued. “You climbed it and beheld the glory of the Lord. You have even seen what is in the heart of it. Even so, there is much more to the mountain than you have yet seen.”

Again the Voice stopped, turned, and looked me straight in the eyes, which I had learned he would do before he was to say something of great importance.

“The mountain will soon be the focus of the whole earth,” the Voice declared emphatically. “All who do not seek to climb it will be seeking to destroy it. The mountain of the house of the Lord will soon challenge everyone on earth. The ultimate battle is close, and the mountain will be the battlefield. You must lead all who come to this path to the mountain. They must find their place on it and be prepared to defend it. That is how you, and the others like you, will help prepare the way for the Lord.”

“I have been fighting battles my whole life,” I offered. “Most of them have been with myself. I would much rather be fighting for the mountain and something truly important. Fighting on the mountain was hard. Climbing it was hard. Seeing what was in the heart of it

was hard, but it was also the best time of my life. I am glad to be going back.”

“The battles you fought with yourself were also important. If you had not fought those, you would not be here now,” the Voice explained.

The path continued to get wider as we walked. I was about to ask about this when we broke out of the forest into the open. There was a beach in front of us, and a large luxury cruise ship was off-loading passengers nearby. The place felt familiar, and then I recognized it as the same place from which I had entered the wilderness before.

“What are we doing back here?” I asked. “I thought we were on the path to the mountain?”

“This is the path to the mountain,” the Voice said, pointing to the place where I had entered before.

“I know, but I have already been through that forest, and I sure do

11

not want to go through it again. Did we just walk in a big circle? Did I fail the test of this wilderness so that I must go through it again?”

“You did not fail, but you cannot go farther until you have brought others as far as you have gone.”

“So I must go through the same trials again?”

“Yes, but they should be much more easier for you this time, though the journey will likely be more difficult this time.”

“How will the trials be easier, but the journey more difficult?” I asked.

“It will be easier because you will not forget to drink of the living water this time. It will be harder because you will have these with you,” the Voice said, while pointing at those getting off of the ship.

I turned to ask the Voice another question, but he was gone. As I stood there looking around, an officer of the ship began to walk toward me, followed by a few dozen people.

“We are ready to go,” the young officer said.

I looked at all of the other passengers. Hundreds were on the beach, and I assumed that several thousand more were on the ship.

“Where are you ready to go to?” I asked.

“We’re going to the same place every sojourner has sought—the city that God is building.”

“How do you know me, and why do you think I can take you there?” I inquired.

“We know who you are, and we were told that you know the path that will take us there,” one of the passengers said.

“Are these the only ones coming?” I asked.

“The rest said they would come later,” another replied.

“There may not be a later,” I said. “The time is getting short.”

“I’ve been telling them that, but they don’t believe me,” stated the young officer.

“What about the captain of the ship? Has he not been telling them too?”

“Sir, I don’t think he believes the time is short,” the young officer said, with the obvious agreement of those who had followed him.

“What are they going to do?” I asked. “Where are they going now?”

“They said they have everything they need. If they do not stay here, they may just cruise up and down the coast, which is what we’ve been doing for a long time,” another one of the passengers added.

I told the group to enter the forest by the path nearby and I would join them shortly. I then asked the young officer to take me to the captain so I could speak to him, which he agreed to do.

As we boarded the ship, I was in awe of how beautiful it was. Everything was designed for comfort and luxury. There was a large gathering going on in the center of the ship that I could hear echoing throughout, and the music was beautiful.

“You must have a great sound system on this ship,” I commented to the young officer.

“Only the best. Everything is state-of-the-art,” he replied.

“Are the cabins as nice as the common areas?” I asked.

“Some are even nicer. You should see where the leaders live. They say that they have to have such places to impress and entertain all of the

dignitaries who visit us. We do have many famous people coming and going,” the young officer added. “I was offered a magnificent place myself if I stayed.”

As we came to the captain’s quarters, I could not help but to marvel at its opulence. He was waiting to usher us in and had refreshments ready. He seemed genuinely glad to see me. After exchanging greetings and some news about a few common people we knew, I got right to the point.

“Captain, I am honored that you have trusted me with some of your people to carry on this mission,” I began.

“I am so happy for you to take them. They are all great people, and I think they will do very well with you,” the captain replied.

“The few minutes that I was with them they all seemed very well-prepared. My concern is for the others here. The time is short. Those who do not make this journey soon may never have the chance. This could be the last call,” I stated.

“I appreciate your zeal,” the captain replied, “but people have been saying that for generations. In fact, I think every generation has felt the same way, and yet time goes on.”


“Even if we have a lot of time left we do not have any time to waste. The last battles between light and darkness are increasing, and the last battle is obviously near. We must make it to the mountain of the Lord with as many as we can,” I urged.

“There are certainly great battles being fought,” the captain replied. “We appreciate all who are fighting them and do as much as we can to support them. I have also fought in quite a few, but right now we are being taught how to prosper. We must be obedient to our calling; this is what we are called to now. This is our part, and we can help support those who are going on these missions.”

The opulence and luxury were mind-numbing. Everything the captain said seemed so reasonable, and my own words seemed empty and unreal on such a great ship. After the hardship I had just endured, making it through just the first part of the wilderness, the temptation to just stop and relax on that ship for a while was very strong.

The captain seemed to sense my growing weakness and continued, “I learned a long time ago that you have to release those who are determined to make the journey you talk about or they will end up sowing a lot of discord. They’re all good people though, and I thank you for taking them. But before you go,” the captain said, taking my forearm in a friendly gesture, “Are you sure that you should not stay here for a while? I have a perfect position for you, and there is no better place to get healed of your wounds and the hardship you have been through than right here.”

I don’t remember ever being so tempted in my life. I knew that if I

even opened my mouth to debate with the captain I would end up staying. I just shook my head and left as quickly as I could. The young officer was right behind me. I felt defeated. Not only had I not been able to penetrate the atmosphere on that ship and warn those on it, it had almost taken me over. I was running for my life like a puppy with its tail between its legs.

As we crossed the beach I turned to the young officer, “What caused

13

you to be willing to leave such a comfortable position to strike out into a wilderness like this?”

“I don’t want to be negative or disrespectful of my pastor,” the young officer replied. “He taught me so much and has given me so much, but all we talk about anymore is money and stuff. I signed up to serve the Lord, not to get rich. This may be what they are called to, but it is not what I am called to.”

I marveled at the young man for being so resolute about something that I was so weak in. As we walked he continued:

“As great as it was to be on that ship, my heart was empty, and I was getting emptier. I saw good people drifting, beginning to do things that should not be done. I knew that if I did not leave that ship very soon, I never would. Then I would live a life of compromise and defeat. I think this was my last call, regardless of how much time the world has.”

“You do know that you are leaving this luxury and comfort for great hardship, don’t you?” I asked.

“Yes, I do know that. It may be more difficult than I think, but I have been reading the classics, the great messengers of the Lord in history. They all lived a very different life than we were living on that ship. The more I read about the lives of the great saints, the more I questioned everything we were doing and teaching. I could not bear it any longer. The captain was right. I would have caused discord if I had stayed. I have to make this journey or I will never be at peace,” the young officer stated.

“You have done the right thing,” I said, “but it will be hard. How about the people who followed you—do they know what they are getting themselves into?”

“They were all a part of a group we started called ‘The Society of Bonhoeffer’,” the young officer said.

“I guess that says enough,” I replied as we entered the wilderness. I noticed that he did not even look back at the ship.


QUOTES Mustard Seeds of Wisdom


15

“ ““As a child I received instruction both in the Bible and in the Talmud. I am a Jew, but I am enthralled by the luminous figure of the Nazarene. No one can read the Gospels

without feeling the actual presence of Jesus”. - Albert Einstein

Mustard Seeds of Wisdom


n each final decade of a century or the first years of a new century in the last 400 years, God has invaded America. In

other words, if the pattern holds, we are due for a visitation right now!

The Puritans saw revival in the late 1600s. The Great Awakening came a few years later. In the last part of the 1700s, Dwight Edwards, the grandson of Jonathan Edwards, was the catalyst for revival at Princeton when the French infidel, Thomas Paine, had enveloped American youth. The Salvation Army emerged in the late 1800s, followed in the early twentieth century by Evan Roberts in the Welsh Revival and Brother Seymour at Azusa Street.

At key moments, when God’s people assume that the darkness will prevail and moral awakening is utterly impossible, God will drop a measure of

Word for AmericaMURIllOMARIO

I

FEATURES

All Scripture references are New King James Version.

Jonathan Edwards Thomas paine

Evan Roberts in the Welsh Revival

Brother Seymour at Azusa Street.

17

His Spirit on humanity. This deposit of His life immediately renders people desperate, and they stampede to the place of glory. Masses instinctively realize that this gift is the cure for their inner agony!

Believe me—God knows how to incite reckless abandon on the part of sinners. It is unmistakable when it happens. Matthew 11:12 says, “The kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.” Jesus cited this verse as an explanation for the panic of righteousness that John the Baptist touched off. Some historians estimate that John drew 120,000 Judeans into the kingdom! Even more surprising was that he did it with a hard message of repentance.

We use different words to describe this phenomenon. We call it revival, awakening, outpouring, and a host of other names. No matter what you call it, the common factor is a moral vacuum violently filled.

I Samuel 3:1 says, “The word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation.” Open or widespread revelations have appeared many times in history with cataclysmic consequences. In America, these widespread revelations have fallen in a predictable pattern. Another exciting aspect of these awakenings is that they usually start at a college or university.

Dr. David McKenna, the former President of Intervarsity, said in his book, The Coming Moral Awakening, “Students bear the brunt of cultural change and feel things coming before other people in society. This is why they start revivals.”

Revival fire has jumped off campus and consumed entire cities! It is ironic that these times of refreshing occur

when morals are lowest and the idea of holiness is most farfetched. For example, when revival hit London through John Wesley, one of every seven houses was a brothel and the occult was more popular than the Church of England!

Here at home, revivals have emerged when alcoholism was pandemic. In the case of 1907, a revival hit when cocaine was legal and its use was far more widespread than today. How can a jaded society be the tinder for the fire of revival? The answer

is as simple as

hurricanes. The tropical lows create the violent winds. Nature rushes in to fill a vacuum. Activist judges and liberal leaders have starved America of God! Rather than create a society that is immune, they have inadvertently created a voracious appetite for the Holy Spirit. Watch out when the banquet hall

of revival opens. There will be a feeding frenzy!

The Fourth Turning, an American Prophecy, by William Strauss and Neil Howe is an unlikely source to confirm this miracle. These mainstream sociologists came out and said, “At the end of a century, Americans reach a point where all of their ideals and hopes are used up and they decide to party before doomsday. In the next decade, they will collapse into either anarchy or religious fervor. The indicators point toward a return to faith.”

Yes, it is true that right now


America is gorging on despair and perversion. Judge Bork is right when he says we are “slouching toward Gomorrah.” It is true that 9/11 knocked the wind out of our national soul. Music has never been more violent. The value of human life has never been lower. Movies seek and find new depravities. The institution of marriage and family are islands disappearing into a rising sea of hostility. The burning question is: Will God skip His visit to America? This issue is far greater than Alan Greenspan, interest rates, or even Iraq.

By murdering the unborn, by

outlawing prayer and suppressing Christ, has America finally and totally alienated God? Will the prophetic words of Billy Graham’s daughter hold true? She said, “Many ask where God was on 911. The answer is that we told Him to get out of our courts, our schools and out of every aspect of our lives, and like a gentleman, He did.”

Deep down within me, where the real “knowing” happens the answer is a loud and long “NO!!” God will not skip America. The Father will not bypass the U.S.! In fact, the opposite is true . . . we will have the greatest hurricane of holiness and joy in history! Here now are my three reasons that God will not skip His normal

visit to America.

reason number one is that America is over the top in rejecting God. This is suspiciously supernatural! Why are anti-God forces fighting so hard to extinguish something they do not believe exists? Why are many comedians taking a swipe at Jesus? Why do leaders like Howard Dean feel so free to blast Christians? Why is it open season on the people of God? Shakespeare said, “The lady protests too much, me thinks!” This was the overreaction of Saul of Tarsus. He railed against the church even as he approached his inevitable collision

with Christ on the Damascus Road!

Modern social engineers are boasting that we are in the post-Christian era! What we are hearing is the echoes of

Voltaire who boasted “50 years after my death the Bible will cease to exist in Europe.” Instead, on the 50th anniversary of his demise, the European Bible Society purchased

his home and made it their Bible distribution center! What these sinners fail to see is that the real time we are in is revealed in Psalm 119: 126, “it is time for You to act o Lord, for they have regarded Your law as void.”

reason number two is youth displaying a healthy rebellion against the Baby Boomers. Studies show that radical parents are causing conservative children. There is a trend away from drugs and casual sex. Many are starting to ask questions that make liberals queasy. “Can you tell me where God is? Why is Harry Potter, the Koran, and Lesbian material available on campus but not the Bible?” Do not think for one moment that liberals will be able to calm our kids down or get them to change the subject! Now that we know the time, what do we do? It begins with those of us who are leaders. We have

18 The MorningStar Journal / march

19

“ “

It is time for You to act, O Lord, for they have regarded Your law as void (Psalm 119:126).

an urgent duty to prepare so that this awakening does not catch us flat-footed.

I know that for me this is an hour where I must recapture the childlike spontaneity and adventure that I had in the Jesus movement. The culture has come full circle and the same atmosphere that crackled with excitement and bold faith is back!

Here and now, I am pleading with my brothers and sisters in leadership to abandon the marketing mentality. We have tried so hard to be relevant that we are neglecting the things that make us relevant now: moral clarity, signs and wonders, and spontaneous worship.

The public has grown beyond its fling with seminars and the “Starbucks” atmosphere. Masses are forming like waves at sea. They yearn for genuine revelation, not artificial stimulation. Preachers, I say this in love . . . lose the psychobabble! Emotional well-being

is a passé subject. People do not want enablement, they want equipment! They see themselves as soldiers, not one nation under therapy! Our meetings need to be boisterous and miraculous.

our mood must change to one of anticipation. It is no longer time to beg for revival, but time to plead for mercy that we will be ready for the one that is nearly upon us! God has not just decided to visit America again; He means to make it the biggest outpouring ever. Each one of us must . . . and I mean MUST, start to walk around with our heads up and ears open because it could start at any moment! This means we surrender schedule, tradition, and routine. We have to be ready at any moment to run to the glory zone! If we move fast enough, we may even get there before this stampeding generation arrives.

Mario MurilloMario’s ministry began in San Jose, with a four-day crusade that was extended to six months and reached 250,000 people in an Azusa Street-type visitation. Mario impacted San Francisco in 1999 with the largest Christian gathering (over 14,000) in the famous Cow Palace for five nights. Thousands received Christ. Mario’s outreaches are noted for the presence of God, healing power, and revival fire. Mario has authored several best-selling books such as Critical Mass, Fresh Fire, Fresh Impact, and I Am the Christian the Devil Warned You About. For more information, visit www.mariomurillo.org

19

http://www.mariomurillo.org/


QUOTES

“ ““I know men, and I tell you that Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between Him and

every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the

creation of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded His empire upon love; and at this hour millions of men would die for Him.” - Napoleon Bonaparte

21



od woke me up early this morning with a very challenging, yet encouraging message on my heart: “I’m looking for a return on My investment.”

If you’ve spent any time in the business world, you are familiar with this principle. Those who invest money in a business venture don’t do so just for altruistic reasons—they expect their investment to grow and give them a return. This “Return on Investment” is commonly abbreviated ROI.

God loves us. He wants to meet our needs. He’s a generous heavenly Father who loves to bless His children, but make no mistake about it: God is an investor.

Take another look at the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30. The master was a businessman. He distributed his resources to his three servants in differing amounts, but he expected each of them to gain a ROI. You see, the master was an investor, and he expected his servants

to understand that fact. He wanted them to be investors too, gaining an increase on what they had been given.

Let’s understand this clearly: The master didn’t want his servants merely to be CONSUMERS or HOARDERS. He expected them to be profitable INVESTORS.

Two of the three servants in this story got it right. “The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more” (v. 16). According to “The Message,” this servant “doubled his master’s investment.” This was an impressive 100% ROI.

Sadly, the third servant was a hoarder. He wanted to play it safe, so he merely buried his

G

FEATURES

God’s ROIBUChANJIM

All Scripture references are New Living Translation.

23

allotted resources in the ground. When the master returned, this man proudly told him, “i found a good hiding place and secured your money. Here it is, safe and sound down to the last cent” (v. 25 The message). At least this servant hadn’t consumed everything he had been given, as some of us might have done. Instead of being impressed, “The master was furious” (v. 26 The message). He had expected the servant to exercise some faith, take some initiative, and gain a ROI.

I saw this principle at work when I inherited some money several years ago. Wary of the fluctuations of the stock market, my first thought was to just put the money in a savings account at the bank, where my inheritance would be safe, but my banker called me one day and confronted me on this. He pointed out that the rate of inflation was higher than the interest rate on my savings account. So my “play it safe” strategy was actually losing money every month.

God has made a huge investment in His people. He gave us His Son and, with Him, everything else we could ever need (see Romans 8:32). He promises to bless us, but in turn He expects us to BE a blessing, so that His name and fame are spread throughout the earth (see Genesis 12:1-3).

Perhaps you don’t have a lot of money today, but that is not the point. The third servant may have tried to excuse his hoarding by the fact that he didn’t have as much to start with as the others.

The question isn’t what you don’t have but rather this: What are you doing with the money, time, talents, relationships, and resources you do have? As God is challenging me, let me ask you today: What has the Lord put in your hands? Whatever it may be, He wants you to use it to bless others, thereby gaining a return on His investment.

What ideas has He given you that you’ve never yet acted upon? What teachings from His Word have remained dormant in your heart, never yet implemented? What God-given dreams have you merely buried in the ground?

With more than thirty-five years of ministry and writing experience, Jim Buchan has a passion to spark revival and equip Christians for greater fruitfulness. He has served as an attorney, pastor, church consultant, conference speaker, and the managing editor of Ministries Today, Inspiration Today, and The MorningStar Journal.

Jim’s books include: Walking the Leadership Highway—Without Becoming Roadkill!, Apostolic Evangelism, and Taking Your Church’s Vital Signs.

For more information about Jim’s ministry, contact him at [email protected] or 704-770-5200.

GAmAL Deal bountifully

mailto:buchanJ%40aol.com?subject=Jim%20Buchan


QUOTES

25

“ ““Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books

alone, but in every leaf in springtime.” - Martin Luther

“To be chosen to live in these times is one of the greatest honors we could be given by God.” - Rick Joyner



Recently on Prophetic Perspectives, Rick Joyner was joined by long-time friend of MorningStar and former MSU Director, Andreas Keller. Together with his family, Andreas works at the Schleife, a pastoral and reconciliation ministry in Winterthur, Switzerland.

Andreas has a heart for the land and farmers of Switzerland. He hosts regional gatherings of farmers throughout the country where many have been saved. The gatherings are a time to come together for fellowship, encouragement, and prayer. Lately, they have served as a time of releasing the power of testimony, as many have shared about the miracles the Lord has been doing on their farms.

One gentleman heard he could pray for his fields, so he started laying his hands on his potato field, but the same year a drought came. He kept praying, and when harvest

time came there was no sign of life, but when he pulled up the potatoes the average size was 3 pounds! The stores could not handle selling that size potato, so his friend helped him to find a market for the potatoes, and the farmer became an entrepreneur! The worldly systems are not equipped to handle the blessings of the Lord!

This is not just a word for Switzerland! Let’s bless our neighbors, our fields, and our farmers. Then we’ll see the miracles happen in our own backyards!

FEATURES TESTIMONIES

Swiss Farmers Are Seeing Miracles

http://www.morningstartv.com/prophetic-perspective-current-events/swiss-farmers-are-seeing-miracles

27

Dan Scalf discovered at an early age his heart for missions, and by the age of seventeen he was smuggling Bibles over international borders. Eventually, he planted 1,500 churches in the former Soviet Union. Listen to his perspective on how the American church is not walking in true discipleship, and grasp his vision for what biblical discipleship looks like.

Compassion&Discipleship

Tom Hardiman’s Interview With

dAN ScALf

http://www.morningstartv.com/ejournal/compassion-and-discipleship

http://www.morningstartv.com/ejournal/compassion-and-discipleship


astors, ministry leaders, and people hungry for the Lord gathered in South Florida for a

MorningStar Regional Impact meeting on January 17–19, 2013. The Revival Tides are Rising, as MFM host pastor Randy Cutter titled the conference, was touched with God’s prophetic flourishes from its inception. New Dawn Community Church, Randy’s congregation, hosted the conference at their facility in Coral Springs, Florida.

Back when Randy named the conference, no one knew that the University of Alabama, the Crimson Tide, would come rolling into Florida just before the conference for the BCS Championship. When the Tide rolled in, they beat Notre Dame in a lopsided rout that was even a worse drubbing for Notre Dame than the final score indicated (42-14). When prophetic voices began to hear about a wave rolling into South Florida and began to connect

P

FEATURES MORNINGSTAR NEWS

highlighting ChurchesBy Randal Cutter

29

that and what the Crimson Tide did to Notre Dame in the championship game, faith blossomed for what God wanted to do in the Southeast region through this conference.

Many of those who attended the conference came from the geographical regions around South Florida. Some MFM members came from the Midwest, and even British Columbia, because of things the Lord had shown to them about the conference.

Those who attended enjoyed messages by Rick Joyner, Tom Hardiman, and Randy Cutter, as well as prophetic ministry by the speakers and MFM interns. Healing teams from New Dawn ministered after almost every meeting, determined that anyone who came with a sickness would not leave with that sickness.

One highlight of the conference occurred when Rick Joyner spoke on Saturday morning. Rick shared on the importance of forgiveness and restoration, using Todd Bentley’s restoration as an example. Then he settled into a relaxed question and answer mode that lasted the rest of the morning. Questions from the audience covered a broad variety of topics, but Rick fielded them with knowledge and insight that left those in attendance feeling like they had a full spiritual meal.

After the Saturday morning session, pastors and leaders were able to enjoy lunch with Rick at a local restaurant. At the close of the meal, Rick addressed those in attendance and again fielded some questions from them.

MFM members had another fellowship opportunity on Friday evening. They enjoyed a special time with Tom and Mary Anne Hardiman at a cookout at Randy’s home. About thirty people gathered to enjoy the South Florida weather, the good fellowship, and some great food.

Another conference highlight was Friday afternoon’s prophetic roundtable, which was well attended and filled with revelatory insight for the region. The Lord spoke clearly about the tide of grace that He is releasing, not just for the southeast, but also for His hungry people across the United States and beyond. It became clear that the Lord was releasing encouragement at a very high level in order to build faith for what He is doing and to position His people appropriately for the days ahead.

While Mary Anne Hardiman was unable to speak at the conference because of some scheduling conflicts, she did speak at the Sunday morning meeting for New Dawn Community Church. Her message about the incredible grace that God released to those who established our country and the revivalists who impacted our nation in the years before its founding, brought a hunger for revival and appreciation for the Lord of history, who achieves His purposes throughout history.

We believe that this Regional Impact Meeting was an important start to 2013. Back at the May 2010 MFM Retreat, Todd Bentley prophesied that a tide of great grace was coming in. He prophesied this word to the entire MFM. His actual words were, “I heard the Lord say, ‘The tide is rising and it’s the tide of grace and great grace.’” He added, “It’s almost like in the past we could push so far and the tide comes so far and then it goes back, and it just never quite breaks through. It just never quite overtakes the boundary that we’re used to. I saw the Lord remove that boundary.”

I believe the Southeast Regional Impact Meeting, the Revival Tides are Rising, was an important timing signpost for the MFM. The tides of grace are coming in. The boundaries are being removed. His grace, like the tide, is rolling in and overcoming all opposition. Prepare to get wet as His grace tide sweeps in.

New dawn community church

Pastor Randal Cutter 9335 Sample Road Coral Springs, FL 33065

Sunday Service - 10:00 AM

Friday Service - 7:30 PM

29

http://www.newdawn.org/


The Principles of Warfare

B Y r i c K J oY N e r

FEATURES

Part 1—Introduction


31

here is a saying that “those who do not know the Principles of Warfare will serve

those who do.” That may be a bit of a stretch, but those who know the basic Principles of Warfare and use them will have a significant advantage over those who do not. They were developed for warfare but can be applied to just about any enterprise, mission, or endeavor. In this series, we will examine each one and discuss how they can be used to achieve success and victory in what we have been given to do.

These principles are sometimes taught differently, and even defined differently, but they are the basic

Tprinciples that high-impact people in the world use. The single group with the greatest potential for using these effectively is the body of Christ. Yet this is the one group that still seems to be generally ignorant of them, which could account for much of the expended efforts and resources with so little fruit. It is time for this to change.

I am not implying that knowing and implementing the Principles of Warfare is the answer to all of our problems, but it would help illuminate the problems so that they can be much more effectively resolved. They can also help us to focus our energy and resources on clear objectives to multiply our effectiveness.

A number of metaphors are used to describe the body of Christ. We are called a field, a building, a temple, a body, a bride, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and an army. These all describe certain aspects of our nature

31


JOYNERRICK

and our purpose. For the body of Christ to become what it is called to be, we must consider all of these and how to develop them. We will focus on one of these metaphors that is rarely applied in a practical way—that we are called to be the army of the Lord.

Of course, the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but spiritual. We do not use bullets and bombs but weapons that are far more powerful. These weapons are such things as love, truth, grace, and mercy. This army is not being prepared to wound, kill, and destroy, but to heal and build. It is not seeking to conquer and dominate others but to set the captives free. Always keeping this in mind, we will nevertheless have to become the army we are called to be to accomplish our purpose in our times.

To accomplish our purpose, we must acquire a military-like demeanor and discipline. We must also learn to use the basic Principles of Warfare, including military strategies and tactics. As stated, these principles can be applied to just about any endeavor or enterprise to greatly increase our effectiveness and opportunity for success. It is time to start

FEATURES

winning the battles against evil and see the light prevail over the darkness. We must become the army we are called to be and use the basic military principles to accomplish many of our purposes in these times.

The inspiration

This work began when Lt. Gen. (ret.) Jerry Boykin and I taught these principles together a few times. Gen. Boykin is one of the remarkable military leaders America has had in recent times. He was a founding member of the U.S. Army’s elite Delta Force. He later commanded Delta in some of its most important battles and campaigns.

He then rose to command all U.S. Special Forces, and after three years of overseeing covert operations at the CIA, he became the Deputy Secretary of Defense for Intelligence. This experience has certainly given him a unique and vast understanding of our times and some of the great challenges the world is now facing.

When Gen. Boykin and I taught these principles, he would explain each one with its military application. I would then share how each could be applied to the church, missions, business, political campaigns, or just about any endeavor or project, even sports. Every time we taught this, I would get requests to put this

General William G. “Jerry” Boykin (retired) General George S. patton

33

material into a book. I have been working on this book for more than two years, and I think it has the potential to be a crucial book for our times. I am sharing the basic material with The MorningStar Journal readers first in this series of articles. Any feedback or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Leadership—the first essential for Success

Because one can know the greatest principles, strategies, and tactics thoroughly, but still fail with good leadership, we will include some of the basic principles of leadership in this study as well. We are living in times when a great dearth of leadership is in virtually every field—government, business, media, education, and the church. Many factors work to develop great leaders, but knowing the basic principles of leadership, combined with knowing the Principles of Warfare, will no doubt give leaders a decided advantage.

We have many things at our disposal now, such as the Internet that was not available to any previous generation. They do give us a great advantage. We also have some of the greatest challenges faced by any generation. What we do not have is the kind of transcendent leadership that

it will take to face and overcome the challenges. However, we can be sure that they will arise. You may even be one of them, as a common characteristic of all the great leaders is that they study leadership and seek to learn from the history of other great leaders.

There are people who seem to be born leaders such as General Patton in World War II. The Germans recognized him as the most effective commander on the field and feared him more than any of the others. He was dynamic and the one who got most of the press. Some of the most effective leaders in history were those who simply developed the basic principles of leadership in their lives. I would put General Bradley in that category. He may not have had the dynamic gift of leadership that Patton did, but his hard work made up the difference and he ended up being Patton’s commander. The really dynamic and gifted leaders often need someone a bit more grounded to help them with the necessary controls, but the point here is that the diligent will usually rise above the merely gifted.

Of course, the best leaders should be gifted but also humble enough to be teachable and correctable. Those born with a great gift of leadership will not likely be successful without honing and developing these skills further. For this reason, I try to sow as many of these principles as possible into all of

my writing, but it is especially essential in this study. Every Christian is called to leadership because we are called to manifest on earth the King of kings—the ultimate Leader.

There has been an age-old question of whether the times made the leaders of history or whether these leaders made the times. I consider them both to be true. As a student of history for more than forty years, it is now obvious that many of the great leaders were fashioned by their times, and many seemed to fashion the times. One of the great examples of both was possibly the greatest leadership generation to date: the generation that grew up during the Great Depression, fought in World War II, and then in The Cold War.

This remarkable generation was born into the adversity of the Great Depression where it was a major struggle just to survive. Then they faced off with some of the world’s most evil and powerful forces in a struggle on a scale never before seen on the earth. After victory in World War II was finally accomplished, they rebuilt the nations that had been ravaged by that terrible war.

Even after this great task was finished that generation could not rest, but had to fight a very different but nevertheless deadly conflict that would last decades—The Cold War. They won that too by simply wearing out their enemy. It is for good reason they have been called “The Greatest Generation.” There may have never been a generation so embattled, and yet they accomplished so much. How did they do this?

The resourcefulness required to survive the Great Depression was exceptional and did help fashion these great souls. The resourcefulness and resolve required to prevail in World War II was even greater, but they rose to meet the challenge. This generation did not know the word quit, but persevered

General Omar Nelson Bradley


even when it seemed that the odds against them were impossible.

What was required to prevail in The Cold War was different, but maybe in some ways even more challenging. How did that generation make the shift and prevail in such an entirely different kind of conflict, while building the most powerful economic machine the world had ever known? One major factor was the military training and experience received in World War II. This gave many more people the tools for success than any other generation had ever known.

The ability of “The Greatest Generation” to overcome so much was the steel in their hearts, fashioned in them by the Depression and then World War II. After these, almost any

crisis would seem easy for veterans. What others might be overwhelmed by, they would hardly see as a problem.

War is a hard, cruel experience, but it fashioned a resolve in that generation that would benefit them the rest of their lives. It was not just the hardships and discipline but also the training they received in planning, strategy, and tactics. They not only knew how to identify important objectives, but they had been trained on how to evaluate what it would take to accomplish them and draw up a workable plan for doing so with the resources available to them. This combination is one of the biggest advantages a person can have to build a life of accomplishment.

Since the attack on the World Trade Center on 9/11, America and her allies

have been in protracted, continuous conflicts. The fight has been hard and expensive in resources and casualties. Even so, it is providing another core of battle-tested and hardened leadership that will serve our nation well for many years to come. This is a resource better than money could ever buy.

Even so, war is a hard way to get this kind of resolve and training. For those who have not had military training and experience, the principles can still be learned and the advantages gained from them. Life itself is in many ways a constant battle and will give us plenty of opportunities to learn them. When we learn to apply these principles, experiences, and their impact, we will start to develop a “victory mentality” where defeat is not an option. Those with this victory mentality can see their way through almost any challenge. Then they develop an excitement about the challenges because they start to see them as the opportunities that they are: As we are told in James 1:2-4:

consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Those who have developed this “victory mentality” do start to get excited about every new challenge. We have the sure promise of Scripture that the Lord “always leads us in His triumph” (see ii corinthians 2:14), so why would we not have this attitude about challenges? This is the nature of true warriors and the reason they will run to the sound of battle rather than away from it.

35

This is what every Christian will need for the times to come. We are starting to face some of the greatest challenges of all time, which also make them the greatest opportunities of all time. The ultimate battle between light and darkness is unfolding. The prophets and righteous of old all desired to just see these times, and we get to live in them! To live now may be the greatest honor, but with this great honor comes great responsibility. We must be prepared, and as this study unfolds, I think you will see just how important these principles are to understand and implement. “ “

Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place (II Corinthians 2:14 NKJV).

35


mystic mooseTales: redefining WildlifeBy Robin McMillan

FEATURES BOOK

Chapter three

Teddy meets the Angel

The following is the next chapter in the continuation of Robin McMillan’s book, Mystic MooseTales.

F labbergasted! Dumbfounded! Astounded! Take your pick. They accurately described

my swirling mind as I sat under the old pecan tree in Magellan’s backyard listening to Mystic’s wild tales. I had no grid for understanding his stories, nevermind the capacity to believe such nonsense. No church I ever heard of had running or crying or laughing as part of their normal services. Laughing!?! There is no laughing in religion! Just quiet contemplation or maybe occasional whispering, possibly some frowning and hymn singing, but not laughing. My limited church experiences came more from “The Lord is in His Holy Temple, let all the earth be silent before Him” school of thought.

Whoever heard of a transformed skunk that stopped smelling bad and

began to smell like gardenias because she attended some bizarre church service. Preposterous! Then there was the huge angel with a ten-foot wingspan wearing a letter sweater with a big “B” on it. Utterly ridiculous! My head spun as I attempted to absorb the information this very strange old moose reported to me, looking at me through his tortoise shell glasses with those intense brown eyes.

Not wanting to offend Mystic Moose since I truly liked him, and yet not wanting to continue the interview, I decided to diplomatically end our association. Who would believe any of it anyway? I did not! I could not!

Angus’ diplomacy fails

I began, “Mystic, I am sure that you are a fine person. For a long time I have been interested in you and wanted to write about you, but your story is so

bizarre that I cannot in good conscience continue. The stories about the skunk and the chief coming back from the dead, and the angel with the sweater….”

mystic Answers

“Angus, my dear, dear man, I know you seriously question the truthfulness of my story and that my accounts are beyond your sphere of experience. You must remember though that God has a sovereign right to do unusual things with people at different times and has done so throughout recorded biblical history.

“For example, Moses was eighty years old before God revealed Himself to him in a most unusual and supernatural way as he followed his sheep on the backside of the desert. At best, the desert is a forbidding place. How much more so its backside? If God’s primary motivation was to appear in a palatable

37

and normal way, the best place for Him to do so would not be in the worst part of such a forbidding place. Not many people go there. Those who do are not expecting an encounter with God.

“Then there was the form in which God revealed Himself to Moses. The Scripture says, ‘and the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed.’1

“God spoke to him out of a dry, burning, desert bush. Even though it was on fire, it never burned up. Under normal circumstances a bush like that could not burn long. Consider the implications of a fiery talking bush. That makes very little sense, and yet God chose that method to reveal Himself.

“Not even in previous books of the Bible had such a thing happened, yet through courage and faith, Moses opened his heart to just such an experience with God.

“Consider Moses’ life experience until that time. He was born into a family of despised Jewish slaves in Egypt. Through a remarkable chain of events, the daughter of the Pharaoh, the King, adopted him into the ruling family of the world’s most powerful nation. For forty years he lived a life of privilege and luxury until he murdered an Egyptian he found mistreating one of his Hebrew kinsmen. When others discovered his crime, he fled for his life, became a shepherd, and hid in an unpopulated place. For forty long years he wandered through this barren region, following his flock of sheep.

“Do you know what sheep leave behind them? That is what Moses walked through all those years. Then one day God confronted him in a way completely outside his comfort zone and his experience. He spoke to him

from this burning bush to take off his shoes because he was standing on holy ground! God called ‘Holy Ground’ the kind of experience many would reject as not having been originated by God at all! Think of how much poorer Moses would have been if he had ignored that burning bush and concluded that since this encounter was far outside his experience it must be invalid.

“Nothing I told you so far is quite as inexplicable as God revealing Himself through a burning, talking bush, and yet that is the way He chose to get Moses’ attention. In that peculiar manner, Jehovah initiated a process of deliverance for the enslaved Hebrew nation who had been oppressed by their Egyptian lords for four hundred years.

“Angus, please. Take time to hear me before you write me off as some kind of crackpot. My experiences with God are real, actual occurrences, and none violate the spirit of the Scripture. All I ask of you is that you hear me out. If, after I finish telling you my story, you’re unwilling to write it, then I will accept your decision. You’re under no obligation to me, but I know you are the man to write my story. Remember, you wanted to meet me for a long while. “Here I am. What do you say?”

At that moment, from out of a nearby rhododendron, flew a sparkling white dove that quietly landed on Mystic’s shoulder and began cooing calmly. I noticed the bird earlier in the bushes and marveled at her brilliant whiteness. The dove looked at Mystic, then turned her head and looked right into my eyes. She actually made me nervous for some odd reason. Then I thought, “What kind of person possesses such quietness of spirit that a very skittish bird would land and remain on his shoulder?”

I considered Mystic’s words, his logic and sincerity of heart. The dove

landing on his shoulder was amazing, but I was not sure that I completely agreed with him.

Then, before I gave him an answer, he began to tell me more of his story, just as if I agreed to continue. His quiet words came with compelling power and I could not but listen to him.

mystic continued

“My mother didn’t tell me about the supernatural occurrences that accompanied my birth until later in my life, because she knew I must have my own experience with the Lord to enter into all that He planned for me. If you think that what I told you so far is farfetched, then you must buckle your seatbelt my good man. You have just begun to hear of the marvelous things that God has done in my life and in the lives of those I have known.”

mystic’s childhood

As I listened to Mystic Moose’s tales, I continued to see how unusual this man was, outwardly very calm and peaceful, but in his nature a high-energy kind of guy. He said that even as a child he was an energetic pursuer of life and became more and more of a handful for his parents as he grew older. He made friends with Thelma Skunk’s tenth child, Larry. Everyone called him Skunk Larry because of a humorous episode that happened in the first grade.

Although Skunk Larry was a skunk, he did not smell like one. He was born after the Holy Ghost touched his

1 Exodus 3:2


mom and she began to smell like fresh gardenias. Mystic said Skunk Larry didn’t smell exactly like gardenias but didn’t smell bad either. He could only deduce that the transformation his mother had somehow changed her DNA and Larry lost the stink!

first Grade

As Mystic told it, his first grade teacher, a fastidious yet fat old walrus named J. Hickman Dumpford, was a retired U.S. Army Colonel. (The J stood for Jasper, but he didn’t want anyone to know.) By the time Teddy and Larry attended his class, Col. Dumpford dressed his rather rotund physique in pants hiked up almost beneath one of his lower chins. He was a tubby little chap who “looked as if he had been poured into his clothes and someone had forgotten to say ‘when’!’”2 Rumor had it that in a fit of frustration his wife Palmetto described his sloppy attire as looking like a walking bag of hammers. He sported a big drooping handlebar mustache that nearly touched his belt on both sides since his trousers were jacked up so high.

Having been mightily influenced by his years in the armed forces, he conducted all of life’s activities military style, strictly by the book. Mystic said he called the roll every single day according to the military method, “last name first, first name second, second name last, no nicknames allowed.” Mystic’s parents named him Theodore Conquest Moose, and most people called him Teddy for the first twenty years of his life, but to Col. Dumpford he was Theodore!

On the first day of school Col. Dumpford called the roll; and when he got to Mystic he said, “Moose, Theodore Conquest?” Mystic responded, “Here, sir.”

Then Col. Dumpford, arriving at Larry’s name, bellowed out “Skunk,”

hesitated a few seconds and then called, “Larry”? Larry, who was already daydreaming, didn’t respond. So again the old walrus barked, “Skunk, Larry?”

Larry continued daydreaming, so Col. Dumpford bellowed one more time at the top of his lungs, “Skunk, Larry?” and then looked all around the class. He finally drew a bead on the only skunk in the class, who for the moment looked out the window, living in another world, and that of his own making. Larry, being away from home for the first time, thought his real name was ‘Thweety-pie’ since that’s what his mom always called him at home. He hadn’t connected to being called Larry, never mind Skunk Larry!

Young Teddy Moose could not contain himself for some strange reason and began laughing hysterically at the sound of Larry’s name spoken in just such a way, especially by this odd looking teacher, whose BB sized eyes rolled back and forth in his huge old head as he looked around the room identifying each new student. From that day on, young Teddy and all his friends called Larry ‘Skunk Larry’ (when they didn’t call him ‘Thweety-pie’). Teddy and Larry spent the next thirty minutes standing in a corner, each on one leg with a book balanced on their heads as punishment, Larry for daydreaming and Teddy for “unauthorized laughing in class.” Teddy learned that it was easier for a skunk to balance a book on his head than it was for a moose because of the cranial substructure of the moose’s noggin. His book kept falling off, extending his time of punishment.

Braver Than Normal Animal Scouts

In the third grade, Skunk Larry and young Teddy Moose became charter members of the new Scout patrol, the “Braver Than Normal Animal Scouts.” Accumulating merit badges became their passion. By the spring of his tenth

year, young Teddy prepared himself to qualify for his “Courage and Bravery” badge, the most important level of attainment one might achieve, especially if you pursued leadership of the “Braver Than Normal Animal Scouts” troop. To earn this badge each member must spend two consecutive nights in the woods alone, build a camp with a lean-to type shelter for sleeping, and find and cook one’s own food. Each scout could only take with him a “Braver Than Normal Animal Scouts” official manual, a flashlight, a waterproof container of matches, a roll of string, a sleeping bag, a blue tarp, some slats for a lean-to, and the official Swiss Army pocketknife—the the Animal Scouts purple model with all twelve blades (not to mention the toothpick and tweezers), a supply of hot dogs, a bag of marshmallows, and the clothes on one’s back.

The challenge: Being Alone

Since he never slept alone in the woods before, young Teddy became apprehensive. The more he pondered this challenge, the more he realized he’d never been alone that long before, anywhere. One would think with him being a moose, and having come from a long line of moose, that sleeping outdoors would not be a problem, but he was a third-generation domesticated and “bi-footular” moose (walked upright on two feet like most other folks). Bottom line, young Teddy did not look forward to sleeping outside in the elements, especially alone.

day one

According to Mystic Moose, he spent his first day building his shelter, the required lean-to that should protect him from the weather. When nightfall came and all the strange sounds began, the temptation to bag the excursion and go home rose in his heart like an ever-

2 QuotE from P.G. WodEnhousE

39

encroaching ocean tide. Skunk Larry and the rest of the gang were trying to win this badge as well, and Teddy could not let himself be the only one who “chickened out.” If he quit, they might start calling him “Thweety-pie” instead of Larry. Why, even his pal Livingstone C. Pigeon was going for his courage and bravery badge, and he was related to chickens for goodness sake. How would it look for a moose to “chicken out” when the closest thing to a chicken in the whole troop didn’t? Allie Gator was going for his badge too. He would never hear the end of his harping if he didn’t “man up” and stick it out.

Teddy built a campfire and began to roast hot dogs and cook a few marshmallows. He liked to catch his marshmallows on fire, then blow them out and eat them with the burnt part still on ‘em. Finally, he crawled into his “Goes Down to Zero” model sleeping bag and prepared to retire, but sleep eluded him as the reality of spending the night alone for the first time in his entire short life began to settle upon him. Accompanied only by his thoughts, a strange sense of anticipation began to unnerve him. He could not shake an uneasy sense that crept upon his soul like the long early evening shadows of summertime when days eased into nights. Lying flat on his back in his sleeping bag, gazing into the stars, he began to question some things for the first time ever.

The Questions Begin

“Who made those stars? How far away are they? What is outer space? Does space ever end? If it does end, what’s at the end?”

In Natural Science class, Colonel Dumpford explained that there are 50 billion galaxies having millions of stars just like our sun. In class, the vastness of the universe didn’t impress him at all. He accepted the Colonel’s teaching

on the universe as facts to be learned to pass a test, but now they became a frightening reality as the hugeness of space impressed him.

“How could there be so many?”

“Who put them there?”

He remembered other things the Colonel taught about light, the distance to the sun, and the huge distances found in space. As odd a fellow as the Colonel was, young Teddy realized he was a great teacher. The Colonel taught that light travels at 186,000 miles each second and that it takes eight minutes to travel from the sun to earth. Teddy was not sure how fast 186,000 miles per second really was, but he knew he had never gone that fast himself, even on the roller coaster “Lightening Bolt” when he lost his hat and sunglasses from the speed.

The longer he considered the reality of the heavens, the more frightened he became. Before, the nighttime sky looked one dimensional, like a flat black sheet with holes punched in it with a light bulb behind making the holes look like stars. Now for the first time, Teddy knew that space was real and the stars were far, far away, but how far? Each question seemed to resonate into an endless eternity that Teddy had hardly considered before.

He began to experience fear, a strange new kind he never knew before. It was much different than the fear he felt when that mouse ran up his pajama leg last year at summer camp. That fear ended after it jumped out the other leg, and Livingston grabbed it and flushed it down the toilet. It was not even like the fear he had when the snake got inside his shoe in the closet last spring. This fear seemed to ring from eternity past through the present into an unending future. Yet it was not a natural fear at all but one causing him to have a deep appreciation for

everything he saw and knew. It was as though no matter what direction he looked or thought, there was no end to time, space, or anything.

What About me?

Teddy next wondered about himself. “Where did I come from? Why am I here? What am I supposed to do with my life?”

Then his thoughts turned in another direction. He began to wonder about God.

“Who is God?”

“Is the God that mom and dad told me about real, or is that just some kind of fairy tale? What does He look like? I’ve never seen Him.”

Overwhelmed with these sudden new questions, this strange other-worldly kind of fear began to steal quietly but aggressively over his soul. He decided to fall asleep to quiet these strange new thoughts of time, space, and eternity, but sleep did not come easily for the young moose that night.

He said out loud to no one in particular, “Dude, I guess you really do need courage and bravery to win this badge.”

Finally, after much tossing and turning in his brand new sleeping bag, he allowed his imagination to kick into gear to block out the questions and the fears.

To avoid these thoughts, Teddy Moose began to imagine playing baseball, his favorite sport, and being with his best friends, Skunk Larry and Livingstone “Carrier” Pigeon. Finally, he fell asleep.

day Two at the campsite

Teddy’s next conscious moment began with the chirping birds, then the rising of the sun. When fully awake, he knew that life was different than when


he first entered these woods and that it would never again be the same.

The Angel Appears Again

The second day of Teddy’s camping trip, he captured and classified butterflies, collected and identified leaves and other plants. He concentrated on concentrating, trying to keep his mind from wandering back to the uneasy night before. Being alone was very difficult for him. Until these few days, he never realized how much he filled up his life with meaningless things. Now he wondered if it was to avoid some of these very thoughts. He also considered the night that lay ahead. A sense of dread began to fall upon his ten-year-old consciousness like a fine mist upon a meadow. Teddy was not so confident about staying in the woods another night alone. All day he felt a strange uneasiness, as though someone was watching him, or that some unusual presence was nearby.

By nightfall, Teddy began to feel relieved knowing that by morning, if he actually stayed through the night, he would be the proud owner of the coveted “Courage and Bravery” badge. It was his final badge and would make him one of the first scouts to complete all the requirements. He hoped to become the very first den captain of the Braver Than Normal Animal Scout Troop. He hoped that Skunk Larry and his other friends would pass this test as well.

Teddy continued

“I can still remember the abundant sounds of the forest that evening as the crickets chirped and the katydids sang their vibrant song. The comforting sound of the cooing field doves soothed my soul.”

Teddy began piling the dry wood he gathered earlier in the day, opened

the official Animal Scouts “Always Dry” canister of matches and began a roaring fire with his final match. He was already out of hot dogs and the marshmallows had lost their appeal, but Teddy had smuggled some baloney into several pairs of socks in his knapsack. The scoutmaster hadn’t discovered his hidden contraband delicacy during the pre-campout inspection. He skewered them on a small tree branch and began roasting them over the open flickering flames.

“Nothing quite satisfies a man’s soul like wood-fired fried baloney, one of life’s special pleasures,” he said to himself.

Even though he was not supposed to have anything extra with him on this outing, he knew he could not do without baloney for two straight days of serious “living off the land” type Courage and Bravery level camping.

The Night falls

Night’s ebony curtain descended upon the young and restless one, having never felt so alone in all his moose life. Teddy could not remember a night so dark and air so still. Thank God for the chirping crickets. They were his sole company. Only the flickering flames of his roaring campfire broke the shroud of darkness. Heat from the flames warmed him, and the baloney would be ready to consume any minute. Teddy settled into the last phase of his Animal Scout’s challenge facing his fears, ready to overcome all obstacles.

Suddenly, the nighttime’s normal forest sounds turned to eerie silence. Then the hair on the back of Teddy’s neck stood on end as he instinctively sensed a marked change in the atmosphere surrounding his campsite. Teddy’s antlers also began to vibrate slightly, an innate warning sign most moose experience when danger is near.

A Suddenly occurs

His heart began pounding so hard he felt it throbbing in his stomach. Then from out of nowhere, a brilliant light flashed and radiated from behind him. At first he thought someone turned on one of those brilliant revolving spotlights they had at grand openings of theatres or a new car dealership. The light was so bright that his fire dimmed in comparison. As he turned around to identify the source of the light, Teddy’s first thought was, “Oh no, they found out about my illegal baloney. They have come to disqualify me from garnering my Courage and Bravery badge.”

When Teddy Moose turned around, there before him stood a giant angel, brilliant in his countenance. He held an extraordinarily large sword whose glistening blade seemed capable of dividing time from eternity. He was dressed most peculiarly. He wore a brilliant white letter sweater with a heavenly blue colored “B” on it.

Never more terrified in his life, Teddy tried screaming, but at first nothing came out. Finally, he made some highly inarticulate kind of terror stricken guttural sounds. Once he caught his breath, he screamed for real at the top of his lungs, took two desperate lunging steps forward and dove headlong, antlers first, through the evergreen branches of his homemade lean-to and under the blue tarp. He scratched and clawed his way forward under his “Goes Down To Zero” brand sleeping bag. (It was the special model that actually had an antler shaped zippered enclosure to warm the heads of scouts who needed such.)

Teddy shook uncontrollably.

“Surely this has nothing to do with contraband baloney,” he thought.

The Angel Speaks

“Theodore Conquest Moose!”

41

commanded the angel. “Come out and stand before me.”

Although scared half to death, Teddy found himself crawling out from under the sleeping bag. There he was on all fours, looking straight at the kneecap of a twelve-foot angel. Teddy felt abnormally weak, unable to stand to face this dread being.

“Arise young moose!” spoke the angel.

Although Teddy had no strength of his own, he found himself rising and standing before this awesome being. His knees knocked together like two Mexican castanets. He trembled so much that his antlers began to vibrate, making a high-pitched whirring sound, sort of like a hummingbird’s wings do while feeding.

Then the angel said in the most majestic comforting tone, “Do not be afraid, young Theodore, for the Lord has sent me to tell you His grand purpose for your life. You are called to preach the everlasting good news of the grace of God to many people in many places. As you proclaim the grand message of Christ Jesus, supernatural occurrences shall follow and healings will be multiplied. You shall influence a great number of young people as they find new life in the Lord Himself.”

Teddy retreats

Whereupon young Theodore Conquest Moose once again dove antlers first, burrowing under the lean-to and hollering for all he was worth, ignoring completely the angel’s suggestion to not be afraid. The mighty angel reached down, grabbed Teddy by the ankle, and pulled him out of the lean-to. Teddy hung upside down, high in the air staring intently into the angel’s face. Then the angel flipped him effortlessly around in midair and he slowly descended, light as a feather, until he landed on his feet before him.

Teddy was staring wide-eyed at the heavenly being wearing the sparkling letter sweater with the marvelous blue letter “B.”

The Angel continued

“Furthermore young moose, I hereby commit you to the word of the Eternal God’s great grace. Now, kneel before me to receive your calling!” Teddy kneeled as commanded.

The angel extended the massive silver shining sword touching young Teddy first on one shoulder, then the other shoulder, and finally, the top of his head. Then the awesome heavenly creature smiled the most marvelous loving smile, walked over into the campfire and disappeared upwards in a spiral of smoke.

Teddy fainted.

mystic muses

“The next morning I woke up exactly where I had fallen,” Mystic Moose added. “At first, I was unsure if the events of the prior evening actually happened or if I dreamed them. I had difficulty thinking clearly.

“The whole experience seemed unreal. I vacillated between wondering if an angel did visit me or if I had some kind of strange dream. My mind raced from event to event as I tried to remember the angel’s words. Could it be true that a moose like me could be authorized to see people healed by the power of what the angel called the “everlasting good news of the grace of God?” What did the angel mean that supernatural occurrences would follow?”

me, a Preacher?

Teddy was not really interested in being a preacher. So far, his experiences with church were boring and confusing.

He did not know any preacher that had any kind of fun on a regular basis. He wanted to be a musician, form a band with Skunk Larry, Livingstone Pigeon, and that new kid in town, Allie Gator. Allie already had a bass guitar. He had been telling them about the band his brother was in and how much fun they had traveling and playing. Besides, a lot of the good-looking girls at the high school had a real attraction for the guys in Allie’s brother’s band. They were called the “Moon Dogs.” None of them were dogs, but names of bands needed to be cool, not accurate.

Livingstone, Larry, and Teddy already earned their musical merit badges in the Braver Than Normal Animal Scouts. They planned to form a band when they could afford some instruments. They were convinced they would hit the big time when they got into high school, could pool their resources, buy a bus once they got their driver’s licenses, and hit the road playing music every weekend.

Teddy already had a guitar, and could play seven chords pretty well and another four on occasion. Livingstone was taking piano lessons from Nelson Spivey’s mom, the local music teacher from the high school. Skunk Larry was a whale of a drummer, but neither of them had their own instruments yet. Larry took drumsticks with him everywhere he went and beat on everything not nailed down. He got in trouble in school twice for beating on his desk, once in shop class and another time in French class. He was a tapping fanatic. He would beat his sticks on the walls and lockers at school as they walked from class to class, on his friends heads in front of him as he walked, and on the table in the cafeteria when they ate. Larry was almost out of control, but he was dedicated and he had rhythm. All of them had the vision to be a band.


Now as Teddy fully awoke, he realized he was not in his sleeping bag but on the ground covered with dew near the now cold campfire. He lay exactly where he fell when he fainted the night before. His damaged lean-to truly confirmed the angelic visitation of the night before. The memory of two panic driven dives through it was quite real, but he had never heard of a moose having a divine call, never mind one his age. All he was trying to do was win his final merit badge in the B T N A Scouts.

The events of the previous evening involving the angelic visitation and the dubbing of the sword seemed surreal. Then Teddy noticed on his shoulder a gold colored dust. Looking on his other shoulder, he found some there too. A breeze began to blow and Teddy felt a strange sensation on the top of his head, like after visiting the barbershop when your new haircut feels different. So he reached up and touched the top of his head directly between his two young antlers. When he brought his hand down, he had some of his own hair in his hand, neatly and uniformly clipped as though cleanly cut by a very sharp blade. He had his very first “flat top.” Teddy remembered the shining blade of the sword the marvelous angel had wielded. He remembered its sharpness and that it seemed as though it could divide time from eternity. Teddy concluded then that he had been literally

visited by an angelic messenger from God. His head was filled with wonder. His heart began to feel a strange new sensation. He could only describe it in later life as a mixture of resolve and faith. He knew that his future had a divine destiny and that it was imperative for him to follow it.

His first Short Prayer

He prayed for the first time in his young life, “Lord, if You want me to do the stuff that angel told me, then I will do so with all of my heart. Let me know what You want me to do and when You want me to do it, and I will give it my best shot.”

Teddy’s conclusion

“When I finally concluded that the angel really had come, I knew I was keeping this bizarre episode a secret. Who would believe me anyway! I had some great friends, but I was seriously hesitant to tell them about the angel and what happened that night in the woods.

“Time to pack up,” Teddy said aloud to no one in particular. With that he rolled up his sleeping bag, gobbled down his last remaining marshmallow, and waited for Col. J. Hickman Dumpford to pick him up and confirm that he won his badge of honor.

I wrote Mystic MooseTales, my own personal vehicle of imagination, to provide meaning to the supernatural life of the Christian in a creative way. In the first three chapters that have been presented in The MorningStar Journal, you have tasted a little of the allegorical life of Mystic Moose as he lives in my imagination. Ninety-five percent of the stories literally happened, either to me or someone I know personally. It is my deepest desire and sincerest prayer that you will encounter the living Lord Jesus in ways that will transform, inspire, and equip you to live a life of supernatural power. Thus far you have encountered but the tip of the iceberg. ~Robin McMillan

43

“ “Robin McMillan, born and raised in the Reformed Presbyterian tradition of his forefathers, has been a believer since his salvation encounter with Christ Jesus during the Jesus Movement of the late 1960’s. He has planted two churches and pastored four over the past twenty-five years. Currently, he is the Senior Pastor of Queen City Church in downtown Charlotte, N.C.

For fourteen years he functioned in several capacities with MorningStar Ministries, three years as Director of MorningStar Fellowship of Ministries and Churches, and eleven years as Senior Pastor of the church. He wrote for The MorningStar Journal, taught in the school of ministry, and spoke in their many conferences.

His passion is to awaken the church to the power of the Holy Spirit to touch the world, to equip believers to discover how they can access the realm of the heavens, enjoy the presence and power of God, and be empowered to live supernatural lives. Outpourings of the Holy Spirit, outbreaks of joy, and demonstrations of power and healing often accompany his ministry.

Robin and Donna, his wife of thirty-six years, have four children and four grandchildren.

43

In the allegorical tradition of John Bunyan and C. S. Lewis comes Mystic MooseTales by Robin McMillan. Drawing on his own extensive walk with the Lord, McMillan has created a talking moose with a lot more to share than Balaam’s donkey. Readers who spend time with Mystic Moose will be entertained, challenged, encouraged, and inspired.

Endorsement for Mystic MooseTales: Redefining Wildlife

Robert WhitlowBest-selling author

Order the book and discover the rich deposit of God that is revealed in the life of one Theodore Conquest Mystic Moose.


InsideEducation / Happenings / Ministry / Travel / Worship

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24).

MorningStar


INSIDE MINISTRY

https://www.facebook.com/morningstarmin?fref=ts

47

“The goal of our instruction is love, from a pure heart and a sincere faith” (I Timothy 1:5).

48 The MorningStar Journal / march 2013WW

MINISTRIESMorningStar

INSIDE MINISTRY

Wellington BooneBishopGUEST SpEAKER

You and I are called to satisfy God only.“ “

49WW

od is moving in a special way in these days. At the same time that the prophet looked at the sons of Jesse for God’s anointed, the Lord secretly cultivated a man to be king. David was not prepared by a school of education but by God alone. We must cultivate intimacy

on our own in a closet of total surrender. Wellington shares how important holiness is to our walk with God.

GUEST SPEAKERwww.wellingtonboone.com

G

2013The God Journey

http://www.wellingtonboone.com

http://www.morningstartv.com/ejournal/god-journey


everal years ago, I was telling Don Potter how much the early MorningStar music impacted my life, and he said that one of the beautiful things about those albums was the sound of friendship and trust that was on them. I have never forgotten that, and I

believe that this album also carries that sound. I am honored and privileged to be able to make this music with my friends that I love. ~ Molly Williams

WORShIPMorningStar

S

INSIDE WORSHIP

Available on iTunes also! Click HERE !

INsIdE oF Us

For More Information,visit us at morningstarministries.org

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/inside-of-us/id572958359

http://www.morningstarministries.org/store/worship-music/new-cd-inside-us?utm_source=JanMSJ&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=InsideUs_MSJ_1.12

http://www.morningstarministries.org

51

“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when God’s people dwell together in unity!”

(Psalm 133:1)

51


The Comenius School for Creative Leadership (CSCL) is a Christian K-12 school located on the grounds of Heritage International Ministries and operating under the auspices of MorningStar Ministries. Named after Jon Amos Comenius, a seventeenth century educator who has been called the Father of Modern Education, CSCL shares in Comenius’ belief that education is more than an academic exercise. It’s a total sensory experience, engaging both teacher and learner.

CSCL seeks to raise up the next generation of leaders with the cooperative effort of each family, the church at large, and the staff at school. We provide an atmosphere that

encourages worship of the Creator, a love for learning, a desire for excellence, and the development of each student’s gifts, talents, and leadership skills. Because of our distinctive approach to education, each student is equipped spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically in order to fulfill God’s call for their life and to be a positive influence in society.

Unique Features of CSCL• Four-day weekly classes are held

Monday through Thursday. Fridays are free so that students may supplement their education by taking classes at nearby colleges, interning or apprenticing at local ministries or businesses, work at jobs, further develop artistic and musical skills, etc.

• No homework ever! Our philosophy is that the best way to prepare students to take charge of their education is to allow them the freedom to give attention to other pursuits, leaving them time to spend with family, take part in sports, hold jobs, develop hobbies, and even do independent research.

At the Comenius School for Creative Leadership, education is more than academics, it’s a jour-ney of self-discovery and divine destiny.

“The proper education of the young does not consist in stuffing their heads with a mass of words, sentences, and ideas dragged together out of various authors, but in opening their understanding to the outer world, so that a living stream may flow from their minds, just as leaves, flowers, and fruit spring forth from the bud on a tree.” -Jon Amos Comenius (1592-1660)

INSIDE EDUCATION

53

Comenius School for Creative Leadership8160 Regent Pkwy, Fort Mill, SC 29715 Phone: (803) 547-3223 Fax: (803) 547-7810

email: [email protected]

• Middle and high-school students and CSCL staff start each day with worship and prayer in a corporate setting.

• Intensive scheduling is the key to concentrated study and the release of creativity and Holy Spirit inspiration within the classroom. Grades six through twelve study only two courses per marking period, concentrating on developing mastery in each subject.

• Classes are small in size, yet innovative in their approach to instruction, with an emphasis on broadening higher-level thinking skills and generating student-produced projects in all grades.

Academic Achievements• Average SAT scores for CSCL Class of

2011: 1584 (National average of 1509; South Carolina -1447)

• Two students awarded the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship in 2011

• 18 students awarded the President’s Award for Academic Excellence in 2011

• 4 Life Scholarships• 1 National Merit Scholarship • Total academic achievement

scholarships—$498,998 ■

53

For enrollment information, please visit www.comeniusschool.com

mailto:cscladmin%40morningstarministries.org%20?subject=CSCL%20email


http://comeniusschool.com/

https://www.facebook.com/comeniusknights


INSIDE EDUCATION

http://www.morningstartv.com/ejournal/morningstar-university-0

55

School of Theology and DoctrineStudents can graduate with a Associate’s Degree in Theology after the completion of the First Year Program

(additional tuition and fees required). The School of Theology and Doctrine teaches fundamental truths of the faith in a fresh and dynamic way that prepares students to disciple the world in Spirit and Truth.

Did You Hear the Good News? MSU has partnered with the North Carolina College of Theology (NCCT), based in Wilmington, N.C.,

and we are now able to offer accredited theology degrees from the associate’s level all the way through the doctoral level. First year students who elect to work through these courses will receive an associate’s degree.

Those who elect to continue these courses through the second year will receive a bachelor’s degree. In short, after completing two years of school at MSU, you could receive an accredited Bachelor of Biblical Studies degree through NCCT, in addition to an Associate’s Degree in Christian Ministry. We also offer masters and doctoral programs for those who have already completed a degree elsewhere. You may contact [email protected] for more information and fees for the theology degrees.

mailto:msutheology%40morningstarministries.org?subject=MSU%20THEOLOGY%20


Accreditation MSU Theology provides Bachelor’s, Masters and

Doctoral Degrees in connection with North Carolina College of Theology. These degrees are Christian Accredited, meaning that their accreditation may not be universally accepted at other educational institutions, but are recognized at many Christian educational organizations. Those students seeking employment in Christian organizations should have no problem getting hired. Prior students have gained employment in their fields with these accredited degrees. MSU also offers associates degrees to those who graduate from the Second Year Program.

The University of North Carolina - Charlotte Board of Governors recognizes these associates degrees, however they are not accredited degrees.

School of Leadership & MissionsThe School of Leadership and Missions is dedicated to training the world’s future

leaders to impact every area of culture.

Special Forces MissionsSpecial Forces (SP) Missions is a program offered

within MorningStar University. It is an intense training program based on a biblical worldview designed to prepare individuals physically, mentally, and emotionally with purpose and exposure to real world situations.

SF Missions prepares participants for every kind of leadership challenge. Teamwork is emphasized throughout, including skill development and group coaching on how to be optimally effective in teams. Over a period of nine months, participants are taken through various training elements such as physical fitness, team building, communication skills, cultural awareness, and leadership. Students are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities abroad during each trimester. We believe in bringing kingdom transformation into every sphere of influence.

Worship ProgramIn the Worship Studies Elective Program, our focus is to develop leaders who first and

foremost have a deep love relationship with Jesus. We believe that all ministry, especially the worship ministry, flows out of this relationship. We want to encourage worship leaders, singers, musicians, and artists to grow in every aspect of worship arts—e.g. songwriting, flowing with a band, working as a team, and leadership skills.

57

Each year hundreds of students apply to MorningStarUniversity and our staff prayerfully reviews each application.If you or someone you know would like to apply to MSU, please click here or you may request an application by e-mailing [email protected]

ApplICATION REqUIREmENT

Graduates of MorningStar University

Graduates of MSU are well-prepared to lead, equip, and train future leaders, pursuing their own interests and making a godly impact in the global marketplace.

School of The Spirit The School of the Spirit utilizes intensive

training that guides and equips students to have a supernatural walk and lifestyle of the Spirit.

Developing Innovative Leaders

The MorningStar University program is about innovative leadership, supernatural abilities, and diverse collaboration with one another. Leaders and staff work with students to achieve their destinies. As vision for the future begins to open up, it postures them to walk in their callings. With excellent education and high- impact curriculum, students are prepared for positions of significant leadership in church, business, government, and other professions.

HOW CAN YOU HElp mSU?❶ Pray for MSU alumni, students, and staff❷ Be an MSU Representative in your area❸ Recruit Students❹ Donate Academic Scholarships

For more information, please contact our office at

[email protected]

MSU Office375 STAR LIGHT DR.FORT MILL, SC, 29715

www.MorningStarUniversity.Com

57

http://www.morningstarministries.org/schools/morningstar-university/campus-application

mailto:MSUoffice%40morningstarministries.org?subject=Morning%20Star%20University

mailto:MSUoffice%40morningstarministries.org?subject=Morning%20Star%20University

http://www.MorningStarUniversity.Com

https://www.facebook.com/morningstaruniversity


MISSIONS

INSIDE MISSIONS

MM and MorningStar have merged forces for this strategic time to unite our hearts for the nations. John 17 is coming to pass, as we become one

in hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit. Heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force. Your prayers united with other frontline faith warriors across the seas will transform nations.

As we align our hearts with the Father’s heart, submitted and committed to kingdom purposes, amazing grace and favor increases our faith. We serve the God of the impossible and He gives us perfect love.

C

CM

the Moravian Falls Missions Base

Click Here to visit @ www.eaglemissions.org

Come, let’s join together, strengthening our relationships and sharing resources to make us people of substance and lasting, eternal change agents. We need spies like Joshua and Caleb to bring the faith reports from lands that God gives us for our inheritance when we ask.

We need advance teams, pioneer teams, and planting teams to follow through to nurture the harvest as we co-labor with the Lord in His vineyards of the earth. We shall see Revelation 22:2 come to pass. “The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” Drink (of Jesus) and release life.

http://www.eaglemissions.org

http://www.eaglemissions.org

https://www.facebook.com/morningstarmissions

59

The Miracle Baby!

Listen to the amazing testimony of Javier Santo Domingo from the Dominican Republic.

CMThe Greatest Adventure

GIVE GET INVOLVEDMISSION BASEUPCOMING TRIPSSPONSOR A CHILDTHEOLOGY SCHOOLZAO ZAo is now providing clean drinking water to

over 75,000 people in developing nations!

Jorge ParrottJorge has been president of Christ’s Mandate for Missions since 1998. In 2009 CMM joined forces with MorningStar Ministries, founded and led by Rick Joyner.

Missions Director

http://dr.eaglemissions.org/2013/02/25/javier-and-jacqueline/

60 The MorningStar Journal / march 2013Rick Joyner

PARTNERSMorningStar

INSIDE PARTNERS

orningStar Publications and Ministries was built on the devotion to raise up an army of those who hear the prophetic word of the Lord and obey Him. As a ministry, we have had a part in teaching and training thousands who have authentic prophetic gifts from God.

The most powerful spiritual force since the first century is mobilizing. We are now looking at the greatest potential impact for the gospel that we have ever seen. We need partners who will join with us to help raise up and send out those who have the potential to be the most high-impact ministries in church history.

We invite you to join with us to help equip the body of Christ through our schools, conferences, television shows, and publications. Your contributions will be used to help train and equip all ages in their prophetic gifting. You can become a MorningStar Partner for a regular contribution of any amount. We only ask that you contribute to the ministry on a regular basis, whether it is once a month or once a year.

As a MorningStar Partner, I will be sending you a monthly newsletter filled with updates on the ministry and reports on how your investment in the kingdom is being spent. In these updates I will be giving you personal and prophetic insights, reports, and stories about members of our leadership team, and the reasons behind what we are doing. You also have the opportunity to connect with us and each other online in our Partner’s Area and here at H.I.M. in our Partner’s Hospitality Suite, which you can visit at any conference.

Thank you for helping us equip the saints for the work of the ministry.

M

61

PARTNERSYour partnership reflects the true essence of

being co-laborers with us in all that we are doing.

Our team of over 500 missionary leaders, some having hundreds of pastors under them, are advancing the kingdom of God and being a vital part of fulfilling The Great Commission. Our Partners are part of a movement bringing hope and transformation in over 50 nations.

More than 120 countries are able to view our conferences and services through MorningStarTV, which is also one of our missions. Last year, our Partners’ support allowed us to share critical teaching videos to nearly 2.3 million people from around the world.

Partners have helped make all of this possible and are responsible for bringing transformation to thousands of lives. As a Partner, you will have access to all that the Lord is pouring out on us, in us, and through us.

Click Here to Join Today

Or Call 1-800-542-0278

61

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/partners/morningstar-partners%23.UQr5s6Vk62Q

http://www.morningstarministries.org/contributions/giving-options/donate-online-or-call-1-800-542-0278

62 The MorningStar Journal / march 2013For reservations and information, call 1-800-542-0278 Visit us online at: www.HeritageConferenceCenter.org375 Star Light Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29715

fter extensive renovations, The Heritage Grand Hotel and Conference Center is once again becoming one of the premier gathering places for Christians from around the world. One television news reporter called it “a resurrection,” and it has already become a symbol of the

power of restoration and redemption.

Whether you are hosting a conference for two thousand, a seminar for two dozen, a wedding, leadership team meeting, or benefit luncheon, Heritage offers venues of different sizes, and a full array of services to assist you in hosting a successful event. Our facility features more than 50,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, including our 10,000 square foot Atrium Sanctuary.

Over 360 rooms, suites, and apartments are now available for those attending the weekly services of MorningStar Fellowship Church, conference, or just seeking a personal retreat with the Lord. During your stay, you will likely meet other Christians from different nations and denominations who are in serious pursuit of a closer walk with God.

All of our rates are set to be the best available for comparable facilities and service anywhere. Special rates are available for extended stays and for groups. The comfortable atmosphere is especially conducive to study, writing, prayer, worship, and fellowship.

Heritage International Ministriesconference center

A

Heritage International Ministries

INSIDE TRAVEL

http://www.heritageconferencecenter.org

63

For reservations and information, call 1-800-542-0278 Visit us online at: www.HeritageConferenceCenter.org375 Star Light Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29715

Scenes around Heritage International

http://www.heritageconferencecenter.org


INSIDE HAPPENINGS


http://www.morningstarministries.org/other-events/kba-destiny-weekend-0

http://www.morningstarministries.org/events/morningstar-conferences/shine-morningstar-womens-conference

6565

http://www.morningstarministries.org/events/morningstar-conferences/shine-morningstar-womens-conference


INSIDE CONTRIBUTORS

Behind the ScenesWhat is The Beauty of Trust?

This month we asked some MorningStar creative minds ...

I think the beauty of trust is freedom in Christ—freedom to make friends, freedom to create, freedom to believe, and also freedom to live.

When I trust someone, I am free to let my guard down and reveal the deep places of my heart. I can share things I don’t share with everyone, like what I hold close, what makes me who I am, and what I’m unsure of. Trust is beautiful, because truth is beautiful.

Trust is the steel and concrete that holds relationships together. The stronger the trust, the stronger the relationship. Whether you are talking about friends, business associates, or some other type of relationship, the principle is the same. Love may be unconditional, but trust must be earned.

eunjoo JunMorningStar Journal Graphic Designer

Bren eifler Trevor TiessenMorningStar Web AdministratorMorningStar Special Projects Director

https://www.facebook.com/morningstarmin

67

What have you learned about the power of giving?What About You? We would love to hear your answers.

The beauty of trust is fearless living. When my trust is rightfully placed, I have the freedom to pas-sionately pursue my dreams. Trust enables me to resist adversity and shake off rejection. Trust allows for constant change, and yet the one I trust never changes.

Submit your answer in twenty-five words or less

Our favorite responses will be published in an upcoming issue of The MorningStar Journal.

To fall into the sweet, healing em-brace of the Holy Spirit is a fulfilling experience. The next time you come to Him, talking like it is one big self-help session, stop what you are doing and say to Him, “It’s not my job to fix it, so I let it go.” Then let the Holy Spirit move.

God loved us first, even though we were like babies and couldn’t give love back. We learn to trust Him by throwing down our toy rat-tles, crawling out of the crib, and falling into His arms. Our trust deepens as we hold onto His love and let His strength carry us.

craig Palmer MorningStar Lead Sound Engineer

Kandi evansMorningStar Graphic Designer

Susan WatersMorningStar Journal Proofreader

hERE

mailto:thorton%40morningstarministries.org?subject=POWER%20OF%20GIVING%20


INSIDE READER’S FAVORITES

Reader’s Favorites

Epic battles are now raging on every front. Jesus has promised us that the gates of hell will not prevail against the church, but heroic battles must first be fought and won. Epic Battles of the Last Days is a trumpet call to further mobilize the church to battle against some of the greatest strongholds of our time.

For years, readers have collected their favorite books, CDs, and DVDs, including the five below.

Get inspired and start sharing your thoughts with us today!

It was in the Garden of Eden that the Creator first communicated with His creation. Since that time, generations of men have forgotten that God is a talking God, and as a result, many live in a vacuum of spiritual silence. Thus, the age-old question: Could the Creator really be speaking today? And if so, how do we per-ceive the sound of His voice? Spirit Talk is a valuable guide into the realm of spiritual communication and explores the lost art of hearing from heaven. It is full of personal stories and rich insight that will open your heart to the extraordinary ways God converses with mankind today. The Bible declares in Revelation 2:7, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Please visit us at morningstarministries.org to purchase these titles and more!

by Rick Joyner

by Larry Randolph

SpiRiT Talk

EpiC BaTTlES oF ThE laST DayS

http://www.morningstarministries.org/store/books

mailto:thorton%40morningstarministries.org?subject=readers%20favorites

http://www.morningstarministries.org/store/books/larry-randolph/spirit-talk-0

http://www.morningstarministries.org/store/books/rick-joyner/epic-battles-last-days%3Futm_source%3DMSJ%26utm_medium%3Dbook%26utm_campaign%3DEpicBtl_MarchMSJ

http://www.morningstarministries.org/store/books/rick-joyner/epic-battles-last-days?utm_source=MSJ&utm_medium=book&utm_campaign=EpicBtl_MarchMSJ

69

Much has been written on the Near East controversy, but we seldom find such an unerring, spiritual/theological/historical analysis of the situation as in this book by Marcel Rebiai. Ultimately, the whole political controversy between Muslims, Jews, and Christians is a matter of just one thing: God’s inheritance and election.

I have never heard more people call a book the best they have ever read as I have God Meant It for Good. It is more than an extraordinary book—it is a true classic, and I’m sure it will continue to help multitudes of Christians in a powerful way until the King Himself returns. —Rick Joyner If I could have only one book with the exception of the Bible, I would choose God Meant it for Good by R.T. Kendall . . . If you are going through something you don’t understand, perhaps your dreams have been shattered or you have been falsely accused, this book is “must” reading. —Jim Bakker

by Marcel Rebiai

by R.T. Kendall

69

GoD MEanT iT FoR GooD

iSlaM, iSRaEl, anD ThE ChuRCh

69

http://www.morningstarministries.org/store/books/rt-kendall/god-meant-it-good-1?utm_source=MSJ&utm_medium=book&utm_campaign=GMFG_MarchMSJ

http://www.morningstarministries.org/store/books/marcel-rebiai/islam-israel-and-church-0?utm_source=MSJ&utm_medium=book&utm_campaign=IIC_MarchMSJ


MorningStar Fellowship of Ministries (MFM)

DIRECTORYClick the links below to states or countries for information about churches in your area.

Canada

United State americaalabamaarizonaarkansasCaliforniaConnecticutFlorida GeorgiaIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraska

MexicoBelize

New JerseyNew YorkNorth CarolinaOhioOklahomapennsylvaniaSouth CarolinatennesseetexasUtahVirginiaWashingtonWest Virginia

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=ca&province=&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=All&province=ALABAMA&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=All&province=ARIZONA&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=All&province=ARKANSAS&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=All&province=CALIFORNIA&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=All&province=CONNECTICUT&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=All&province=Florida&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=All&province=Georgia&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=All&province=ILLINOIS&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=All&province=Indiana&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=All&province=Iowa&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=All&province=Kansas&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=All&province=Kentucky&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=All&province=Louisiana&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=All&province=Maine&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=All&province=Maryland&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=All&province=Massachusetts&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=All&province=MICHIGAN&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=All&province=Mississippi&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=All&province=Missouri&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=All&province=Montana&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=All&province=Nebraska&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=mx&province=&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=bz&province=&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=ca&province=&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=mx&province=&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=bz&province=&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=All&province=New+Jersey&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=All&province=NEW+YORK&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=All&province=North+Carolina&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=All&province=Ohio&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=All&province=Oklahoma&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=All&province=Pennsylvania&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=All&province=South+Carolina&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=All&province=Tennessee&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=All&province=Texas&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=All&province=Utah&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=All&province=Virginia&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=All&province=Washington&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=All&province=West+Virginia&title=

7171

The MorningStar Fellowship of Ministries (MFM) was established to equip, oversee, and support ministries that are devoted to seeing radical, biblical Christianity preached, established, and lived on the earth. If you are seeking fellowship with others who are committed to doing all things for the sake of the gospel, to stand against the great darkness of our time, refusing to retreat, and de-termined to advance for the sake of the light and truth that is found only in Jesus Christ, MFM may be for you.

MorningStar Fellowship of Ministries375 Star Light Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29715 / 803-802-5544 Ext. 256

Latvia

Netherlands

Germany

Switzerland

Italy

South Korea

India

KenyaMalaysia

australia

United Kingdom

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries/mfm#.UND6VKX3A18



http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=lv&province=&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=nl&province=&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=de&province=&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=ch&province=&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=it&province=&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=kr&province=&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=in&province=&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=ke&province=&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=my&province=&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=au&province=&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=uk&province=&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=lv&province=&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=nl&province=&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=de&province=&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=ch&province=&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=it&province=&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=kr&province=&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=in&province=&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=ke&province=&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=my&province=&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=au&province=&title=

http://www.morningstarministries.org/ministries/morningstar-fellowship-ministries-mfm/mfm-directory?country=uk&province=&title=


Be inspired“What’s meant to be will always find a way.”

Welcome to the New Issue

Travel can do wonders for the spirit. The uncertainty of what’s around the bend can be exhilarating. Our journey with God is like no other. Even a roadblock is a chance to trust the Holy Spirit, an opportunity to discover His wisdom, and every fork in the road can be a test of our hearts, a revelation of what is in our hearts, and a renewal of our hearts.

Our hope for The MorningStar Journal is intended to help provide spiritual food

for the sojourners who are in pursuit of following the King and doing His will. In each edition, we try to include a balanced meal with appetizers, meat, vegetables, dessert, aged refined wine, and new wine, all to help you make progress on the great adventure you’re on.

TRACY HORTONProduction / Layout Editor / Marketing Director

73

Special thanks to various photographers and interns whose work appears throughout this issue of The MorningStar Journal.Photography: T.J. and Rebekah Petrino, Jeanie Siegrist, Rachel May, Andy Dangler, Anthony Logan, Oksana Babko,

Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported, Gen. George Patton Photographer: Margaret Bourke-White

FOUNDER AND EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

RICK JOYNER

EDITORIALCOPY EDITOR Debbie Joyner

ASSISTANT COPY EDITOR Deb Williams PROOFREADER Susan Waters

ADMINISTRATIONDIGITAL SUPPORT Grace Jokela

CONTRIBUTING AUTHORSRick Joyner,

Mario Murillo, Jim Buchan, Randy Cutter, Robin McMillan,

PRODUCTIONLAYOUT EDITOR / MARKETING DIRECTORTracy Horton

ART & DESIGNGRAPHIC DESIGNER Eunjoo Jun

VIDEO EDITORJohn Babko

ASSISTANT VIDEO EDITORSJosh August, Bridgett Lemos

TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT Bren Eifler

FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SUBSCRIPTION QUESTIONSsuch as renewals, e-mail preferences, billing, and account status, go to

morningstarministries.org or write to The MorningStar Journal 375 Star Light Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29715

Copyright © 2013 MorningStar Ministries All rights reserved.

For inquires about The MorningStar Journal, contact: [email protected]

For reprint requests and permissions, please write to: [email protected]


mailto:thorton%40morningstarministries.org?subject=thorton

mailto:info%40morningstarministries.org?subject=info

74 The MorningStar Journal / march 2013 morningstarministries.org • call 800.542.0278

New look! New Articles & Videos! New Final Quest Series!

Introducing the ALL new MorningStar Journal !

1 Year for Only $10

SUBScriBe TodAY!


https://www.facebook.com/morningstarmin?fref=ts

the call - morningstar ministries · 2019-04-05 · rick joyner is the founder and executive...

Documents