Dear Saints and Friends:

I was getting ready to put my comments on the board about various topic until I saw this Word in my email from Apostle Jana Alcorn. It really ministered to my spirit and hit the core of my being. I wanted to share this Word with you all and I pray it will greatly affect you like it did me!!!!

Striving to be more like HIM! Lori Phil. 1:20-21

The Dangers of Premature Promotion= The Alcorn Report The Alcorn Report - Jana Alcorn Mar 17, 2004

Welcome To....THE ALCORN REPORT

March 17, 2004

Inspiration and Information from Jana Alcorn and various leadership resources to assist today's Christian servant in the Move of God!

Proverbs 15:22 NIV -- Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

A WORD FROM JANA ALCORN

THE DANGERS OF PREMATURE PROMOTION

Leaders, I have discovered that it is just as difficult to hold some back as it is to thrust others forward.

Oh that we would realize the benefits of God stretching us back, holding us in tension, until He gets ready to release us! Just as David's slingshot,pulled and stretch back, created the exact amount of tension and pressure, to give the right amount of momentum in order for the stone to reach its intended "destiny", so we must allow the "holding back" from the Hand of the Lord in order to reach ultimate victory.

Let's take a look at some biblical principles.

1. JESUS AVOIDED PREMATURE PROMOTION

John 6:15 - When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

Jesus knew that His season had not yet come. The Wisdom of God avoided premature promotion.

2. PREMATURE PROMOTION CAN BE COSTLY.

When Uzzah touched the ark to steady it, he died. Why was he standing there? Who put him in that position? I think we need to honestly ask these questions. If someone in our realm of influence is wrongly positioned, and costly effects follow, leadership must accept responsibility and make further commitments to listen more closely and to follow the voice of the Lord more fully.

God wanted the love and submission of the Israelites and He had clearly stated that the ark was to be carried on the shoulders of the priests. God's work must be done in God's way and in God's timing. Putting people in positions wrongly can be costly. See 2 Samuel 6.

3. PREMATURE PROMOTION CAN HAVE LASTING DETRIMENTAL LONG TERM EFFECTS.

Let the butterfly be the case in point. Nature teaches us about God and His ways. If the butterfly is prematurely assisted in getting out of its restricting cacoon, its wings will be damaged and it will never fly.

Instead, it will crawl around the rest of its life. Sometimes the restrictions are exactly what we need. "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength." Isaiah 40:31

INSIDE THE SEED

"Let the weak say, I am strong." Joel 3:10 Out of weakness, comes strength.

LEADERSHIP LINES

Leaders are prepared in the wilderness.

Leaders are edifiers, not entertainers.

Never let others dictate your agenda.

Refuse to be distracted from your mission.

Leaders bring transformation, not just information.

Humility empowers.

Find your place in the Spirit.

PROPHETIC WORD

This is My hour of release. I have held you back to form My will in you. I have held you back in order to teach you many things. There are ways of My Spirit that you only thought that you knew. I had to restrain you in order to bring out My fragrance in your life. There is a breaking of the will that must come to those who I desire to use in untold magnitudes. The ordination upon your life is great. Therefore, My process must be more severe and much longer in order to more fully work My plan in your life.

Now that you have submitted to Me through brokenness, My wisdom is going to shine forth in you and you will begin to understand the beauty and the wisdom of My ways. You will praise Me in the beauty of the Holiness of My Mind and Ways. You are being harnessed for greater power, says the Lord.

********************************************************** If you have enjoyed THE ALCORN REPORT, please pass our subscription information along to your friends in leadership. You may subscribe from our websites.

Also, your email is important to us. It is our desire to strengthen the Body of Christ and your comments are always welcome. God is raising up a voice that will be heralded in the power of the Holy Spirit. He is empowering His people.

The Alcorn Report is e-published by Jana Alcorn. Pastor Alcorn is Founding Pastor of Harvest Church in Albertville, Alabama.

You may contact Pastor Alcorn at: Jana Alcorn, Post Office Box 205, Albertville, Alabama 35950, USA -- Office Phone 256-891-1650 Fax 256-891-1755

Email: info@MinistryOfExcellence.com

Visit our International Websites:

www.MinistryOfExcellence.Com Pursuing Excellence for His Glory

www.harvestinc.org Harvest Church -- The Local Church With A Global Vision!

-- Anonymous, March 20, 2004

Answers

Minister Crawford -

How have you been? Good to see you back on the AME Today BB. I, for one, miss your evangelical fervor. While I don't need any "healing oil" right now at least I know you probably have a good supply up there in Charlotte, NC. QED

-- Anonymous, March 22, 2004

Hey Bill!!!

Well I've been moving! I am now sitting pretty in hot ole Arizona!!! It's an average hi of 90-97 degrees EVERYDAY but God is still blessing!! Nice to hear from you.....I am sharpening up my sword so I can answer some of these questions...hehe!

God Bless Lori

-- Anonymous, March 24, 2004

Well given your current location, I'm sure you have an ample supply of "fire & brimstone" sermons to keep your parishoners thinking about the wages of sin............:-) QED

-- Anonymous, March 25, 2004

Bill.....I Know I GOT to stay saved....it's HHHHOOOTTT out here!!! And if Phoenix is burning in MARCH, I aint trying to go to hell it'll be hotter than that!!! LOL

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2004