Lightning from Heaven in KC

escape velocity...

2009-06-17T22:52:00.004-05:00

NASA scientists often talk about something called "escape velocity"- In layman's terms it is the speed an object needs to be traveling at to overcome the force of gravity. If we can make an object go fast enough, (without causing it to burn up due to heat friction), it can escape the influence of gravity on the earth.

Now what does this have to do with following Jesus- Well are you tired of certain besetting sins in your life? We "psyche ourselves up" to escape from a pattern of sin (let's pretend it is anger- something I don't struggle with...or am I adding deception as another problem ugghhh). We use lots of energy to avoid sinning with anger. The heat and pressure increases on our life...and then... uggghhhh; we the "gravity" or craving of sin gets to us and we crash- and we are still stuck in the same base problem. (Sort of frustrating... and I am now really angry about it.)

So what's the issue? The problem is not about trying harder, but its about recieving more! Assuming that we are exerting emotional and psychological energy (our human will) to resist sin, The issue becomes receiving God's grace. Grace is the free gift of power from God. It is grace that gives us the ability to go faster and escape the "gravity of sin".

In general, the power is manifested in the inner man to handle life with joy and victory. 2 Peter 1:3-4 tells us, His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them, you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. However, the same paradigm also works for manifesting God's grace in the physical realm (prophecy, miraculous healings, and other miracles in the natural realm).

In this passage is a promise from heaven that God will empower us to escape the grip of sin- as we set our hearts to love Jesus and His righteousness. Things such as fasting, prayer, serving, giving, avoiding offense (a grace killer) and pursuing righteousness position our life to recieve more of God's grace safely-without "burning up". When a whole community practices this out of a heart of love for Jesus, a corporate grace is released that transcends anything we could do individually.

Q: Are you ready to launch out for righteousness and escape the gravity of sin?

Israel Mandate conference...

2009-05-22T14:45:00.002-05:00

The Israel Mandate Conference is coming up June 5th-7th.

This is critical for IHOP-KC's overall ministry mandate. The other day God showed me that the Israel mandate is critical to making all of the other IHOP-KC mandates to work well.

Jesus clearly told all of us that He will not return to earth in Matthew 22:37-39 until Israel cries out, "Blessed is he (Anyone) who comes in the name of the LORD." Generally, Orthodox Jews are very hostile to the idea of Jesus Christ of Nazareth being the Messiah. Many of them view anyone who turns to Jesus like this as committing "high treason". Meanwhile, secular Israel is suffering from an identity crisis in which they would rather be like everyone else who is deeply prosperous.

It will take extreme trouble and pressure along with an undeniable apostolic witness by the entire Gentile Church (confirmed by widespread signs and wonders; wisdom that is mind-boggling, love that is stronger than death along with apostolic conviction) to provoke Israel to jealousy and then salvation.

God is raising up a worldwide prayer movement centered on the final inbreaking of His Kingdom (i.e. the 2nd coming of Jesus). Jesus will only come back when the whole Church from every nation is ready and invites Him. (Matthew 24:14; Revelation 5:9-10; 22:17.)

Are you ready?

IHOP 10 year anniversary

2009-05-06T11:44:00.002-05:00

Tommorrow is IHOP-KC's 10 year anniversary and there is a special program at FSM.

It is going to be quite a rush to get to the meeting because there are 2,500+ people in the IHOP community and the building holds roughly 1,500 people.

IHOP-KC opened on May 7th, 1999. I remember that week pretty well as it was on that day (a Thursday) when the revival at Bethel College (where I was attending school) began breaking forth as a few hundred students gathered to pray- something unusual for that school at that time.

Jess

the glory of the 1st commandment

2009-05-02T17:00:00.002-05:00

Over the last few weeks, I have been reviewing some of my most strategic prayer assignments that I have been involved in related to IHOP-KC.

All of them have "Onething" in common: They were all deeply rooted in a tangible expression of the 1st commandment.

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. This is the first and the greatest commandment. (Matthew 22:37-39)

In all of the special prayer assignment cases, God gave me an opportunity to love Jesus in a physical, tangible way in terms of time, money, physical strength etc. In every situation, God made his pleasure known after He empowered me to walk this out.

Q: What happens if a small group of people walk this out fully in a deep way? The world wants to find out!

Jess Gjerstad

Newsworthy updates...

2009-04-29T19:22:00.003-05:00

Here are some important newsworthy updates...

1. I've been studying the breakthrough anointing. I also know that with this anointing comes an extra measure of problems... (oooyyy...I wish I knew everything I knew now about this anointing in early 2008; it would have really saved me from some serious problems!)

2. Wanted in Myanmar: 100 apostolic church planters that can rapidly make disciples of Jesus. Must be firmly rooted and grounded in the love of Jesus, radically love Jesus, love people, and be prepared for hardships, opposition, and have a martyr spirit (i.e. "I'm ready to pour out my 'steaming blood' in this place for Jesus...")

3. May 7th 2009 is the 10 year anniversary for IHOP-KC. We were all asked as staff and IHOP family to share our memories and honor people. I had to pick on the "AA" association from my pastoral care days.

4. Reading a new book, "Healing the Tongue" by Derek Prince. It seems like my tongue needs healing and my pocketbook needs a prolonged "restoration" process (thanks to IRS).

It seems after a long period of lots of nothing happening...that something is happening again.

storm spotter training.

2009-04-17T14:56:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, I went to the final session on storm spotting in Peculiar MO. Before coming to IHOP, I have always had a fascination with weather and storm. Here is what I really want to see:

1. A relatively calm storm season nation-wide until...

On a very strategic day...

A sharp negative-tilt trough punching in from the Northwest with height falls in excess of 200 Mb; A rapidly deepening surface low tracking from central Kansas to central Iowa between 18z and 06z with a central pressure of less than 995 mb falling to less than 980mb; LLJ from SSW at 60+kts; 500mb jet from the SW at 100+ kts; 300 mb Polar Jet and Subtropical jet blowing 120 kts+ interacting with strong divergence; several days of rich gulf moisture advecting northward; surface temps into the low 80’s and dew temps in the upper 60’s in the warm sector across eastern Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Eastern Texas, Eastern Oklahoma, Illinois, Indiana, and into the south east; overtopped by lapse rates of 8 degrees Celsius/km; with rain/snow on the back side of the mid-latitude cyclone (temperature contrast of 50 degrees or so).

For any meteorologists out there, lets root/pray for a set up like this...

Writing on and on...

2009-04-15T16:22:00.002-05:00

Well, it appears that there may be some hidden open doors forming related to my writing. This next Wednesday Meeting will be really interesting as it is a potential opportunity to "sell" my writing.

I guess I have 3 different books on my heart-

1.) Spiritual warfare at the End of the Age; This one is in the works. More on this one later.

2.) Governing prophetic people- the heart of the matter; Prophetic people can either cause a breakthrough or a breakdown depending on the humility level of the prophetic people AND the rest of the team. Bottom line- HUMILITY IS REQUIRED!

3.) Something on Israel and practically why it is necessary to pray for Israel. (Most of the wildest prayer stories I have are related to Israel.)

60th birthday party

2009-04-08T21:25:00.002-05:00

This last weekend, I briefly "snuck up" north to celebrate my dad's (Kerry Gjerstad) 60th birthday. It was sort of an interesting weekend because I ended up staying with a relative who's values do not match mine.

However, seeing my dad's face in reaction to seeing me was worth the trip.

Scripture tells us that we need to honor our father and mother (that it may go well and your days may be long on the earth). If you have two parents who actually love each other and love you, you are one of the declining percentage of youth or children who are extremely blessed. Divorce is a pandemic in the Church and fatherlessness is an epidemic. This has led to all sorts of problems including a really distorted image on who God the Father is.

No one on earth has a perfect earthly dad-sorry, they simply don't exist (Mine might be next to perfect though). However, it is really clear that in raising me that my Dad did a lot of things right for which I am really grateful.

things looking really interesting suddenly...

2009-04-02T11:52:00.002-05:00

Well, things suddenly look and feel very interesting in walk with Jesus. A few pieces of evidence in the last week suggest a major season shift is underway. It may be the start of the shift from a winter season to spring.

For those of you who follow this, Spring is a time to plow and to plant. It is time to sow righteousness at a deeper level than previously happened in the winter.

Also finished a study on presumption...(Ouch) It is good to get rid of this now. Some significant fasts were called in the past based on some hidden wrong assumptions that have now come to light. (In God's wisdom and grace, it did not diminish the impact of the fast on my life or on many others. However, hidden false assumptions at the heart level gave the enemy a target for counter-attack.)

Will be working on how to get rid of false assumptions.

Entering into the Rest of the LORD part 1

2009-03-31T13:07:00.003-05:00

The IHOP-KC Barbecue- awaken to the sweet smell of sinful nature being "barbecued" every day!

I woke up this morning and...OUCH! That hurt so good

I was gently reminded by reading an article about the need to learn to rest in the LORD. It goes way beyond just taking off one day a week to go to Church in observing "The Lord's Day".

This morning the LORD let me know that one of the reasons why God suddenly pulled the anointing of the Spirit off my life (where a certain dimension has generally gone dorment) in January 2008 was because I didn't know how to use rest as a weapon of Spiritual warfare.

Who I am before Jesus is WAY more important than anything I can ever do with or for Him. Resting in this truth is absolutely critical!

SPIRITUAL WARFARE ALERT!

2009-03-27T08:13:00.002-05:00

This week the trial of George Tiller started in Topeka.

For those who do not know who he is, he is a doctor who performed numerous late-term abortions in Kansas. The state is putting him on trial because of reports of illegal abortions (related to the 3rd trimester).

President Obama has recently repealed the ban on partial birth abortion.

This is a critical trial to determine the sanctity of life in the United States. As such, demonic hordes related to the spirit of death have gone to war over this.

We need LIFE!!!!

prophetic dreams and visions.

2009-03-19T14:26:00.002-05:00

Long time since I've posted...

Anyway, I am currently taking the Prophetic dreams and visions class. I have had more than a few dreams and visions from God in my lifetime so I have a different objective in taking the class than what is normal.

The primary reason why I am taking the course as an audit is because I want to learn how the primary leaders on the IHOP-KC base carry their hearts (assuming that they regularly get visions and dreams) and avoid self-centered conceit in the midst of either being put on a pedestal or mistreated. God has made it clear that this is critical for the season that I am coming into.

Life is precious...

2009-03-07T00:41:00.002-06:00

Well, today, I just about lost it- referring to my life.

I was making a right turn on a road and suddenly a car swerved around me. Turns out that if the other guy had been going faster and hit me driver-side at 40+ MPH, I would probably not be here writing this.

After this, I asked the LORD, "What was THAT all about?!" The still small voice came, "See, I've got your back!"

Later this evening, Lou Engle preached on Psalm 139 at the passion for Jesus conference- mainly he told stories related to Joseph...and his ups and downs.

Up: Joseph has a dream of being great
Down: His brothers want to kill him for having a dream, Joseph is put in a pit and sold to Egypt.
Up: Joseph becomes trustworthy in Potipher's eyes
Down: Potipher's wife betrays Joseph and he gets thrown in prison (another pit)
Up: Joseph interprets the cupbearers dream (believing it to be his ticket out of jail and into favor)
Down: The Cupbearer forgets about Joseph, Joseph is still in prison without hope
Up: Pharaoh has a dream, Joseph interprets and is made ruler over many.

One of the most prophetic points he made was that if you trace Joseph's ups and downs in God's life script, it makes a crown!

Father, make my life a fitting crown for Jesus, the Worthy Lamb who was slain!

SAVE SOULS!

2009-02-24T11:21:00.003-06:00

This past week, the reality of eternity has deeply been pressed into my spirit. My Grandpa passed away this last Friday, February 20th. In addition, I have had a number of prophetic encounters about signs and wonders in recent weeks. It's all about eternity breaking into space and time. Are we ready for it?

One thing I really appreciate about the Baptist theological stream is their burning desire for evangelism and soul-winning. I went to Bethel College and Seminary for a season and one of their strengths is the emphasis on personal evangelism.

On a personal level, the only thing that is equally glorious to a fiery heart for Jesus is a fire starter who sets other people on fire with love for Jesus.

Valentine's day

2009-02-14T19:52:00.002-06:00

Since personal ads are sort of funny and cute; Here's mine:

Wanted: Relatively young woman who radically loves Jesus and is pursuing the prophetic spirit. Loves to live out the Sermon on the Mount Lifestyle. Preferrably able to lead worship. Loves God's purpose in the nations of the earth. Knows that she will most likely suffer and even be martyred for preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom.

Prophetic training lesson 1: RECIEVE MORE!!!

2009-02-14T12:54:00.003-06:00

This morning we had a healing and prophetic training with IHOP-KC.

God interrupted our training to send a wave of refreshing. People were out laughing under the anointing of the Spirit.

I guess the lesson of this morning:

Step 1 to effective prophetic and healing ministry: RECIEVE MORE!!!!
(My stomach hurts from the whole joy thing...hee hee...ha...ha...)

By the way, the REVIVAL WATCH for IHOP-KC is now in effect!

The Fear of the LORD part 3

2009-02-11T15:37:00.002-06:00

The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever. I am so thankful to Jesus that I will be standing in awe of God's goodness and mercy forever. Even today, God has begun to reveal the deep things of wisdom on why I went through such a painful ordeal in 2008. God's leadership is magnificent!

In writing a book I hope (by the grace of God) to publish, I was recalling an prophetic encounter I received in 2004 about the nation of Israel. God gave me a specific commission and I was terrified!

It was not a terrifying thing that if I failed, I would burn in hell forever. It was terrifying to me because 1.) I was in awe of God's kindness and goodness and 2.) God had asked me to do something that really meant something important to Him. I was trembling with the fear of the LORD.

It was a similar feeling to a novice violin player being handed a Stradivarius violin and being asked to play a piece. However, it was something far more precious- God was sharing with me part of His dream for Israel and he was telling me to carry it in prayer!

I was terrified because I know my own propensity to sin and "veer off" into error. Meanwhile, God was sharing something precious with me that he wanted me to serve Him in. I was "terrified" because I might fail the One I love so deeply. I was trembling under the Fear of the LORD where perfect love and perfect fear met and kissed each other.

My prayer is that many would be found worthy and invited into loving Jesus by handling with Him what is deeply sacred.

The Fear of the LORD part 2

2009-02-08T19:52:00.003-06:00

Last post began to I talk about the Fear of the LORD. At its beginning level it's being afraid of sinning against the LORD because otherwise something bad might happen to us. As little children, we hopefully learn what it means to "fear our parents" like this because we don't want to encounter something painful.

However, there are deeper dimensions of the Fear of the LORD. To "fear" something also means to stand in awe of something or in this case someone. Isaiah was one who was consumed by the Fear of the LORD because of who He encountered- the Holy One of Israel.

Meditation on what God did to save us should cause the Fear of God to rise up within us. What he did for us is awe-inspiring in its severity and beauty. It takes a pursuit of 100% obedience and love for Jesus to begin to understand His pursuit and love for us. God's love is awe-inspiring and terribly awesome. Therefore I fear the LORD.

The Fear of the LORD part 1

2009-02-04T17:29:00.006-06:00

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. (Proverbs 1:7)

The fear of the LORD is one of the least talked about things in the Church. How could a God of love want us to fear Him? Meanwhile, we wonder why sin is running rampant in the Church (let alone the world). Is there something we are missing? I think so!

At the elementary levels, the Fear of the LORD is about punishment. The worst "punishment" the LORD can give us is to let us have our self-centered way without restraints. If we track the progression of sin in Genesis 3-6; It begins with self-centeredness at the expense of God and others. Self-centeredness and selfish conceit invariably lead to bitterness. Bitterness invariably leads to hatred which is the seedbed for murder.

Once murder is in the heart, it erupts through words (character assassination) and actions. Cain murdered his brother Abel. Lamech murdered, and then justified doing it to other people who "hurt us" (psychologically, emotionally, or physically). Genesis 6 gives us a picture of a world filled with hatred, violence, and murder in the days of Noah.

We need the judgments of God in our midst! When the judgments of God are in our midst, at least people are afraid to openly do wrong (and it gives us more time for God to change the heart). I don't know how many times the fear of God's eternal judgment has stopped me from doing things that are really foolish. We need the Fear of the LORD deep in our lives and society.

The beginning of the fear of the LORD is self-centered and that we don't want to experience the judgment of God for our sin. However, there is much more available!

Another GBF and Revival watch coming for KC

2009-02-03T10:17:00.004-06:00

I'm sitting here writing in the midst of another Global Bridegroom Fast.

So far the prayer meetings have primarily focused on the release of apostolic power with miraculous signs and wonders confirming the Gospel. The prophetic evidence is mounting in my own life and another REVIVAL WATCH will likely be "issued" this summer.

Recently, the Holy Spirit has been increasing the prayer burden related to Psalm 28. That I now understand the connection of this passage with the healing anointing is a sign to me.

We need a voice!

2009-01-27T13:07:00.002-06:00

Well, President Obama has now taken office and one of the first things he does is to try an ram a stimulus package that "stimulates" planned parenthood and the pro-death (choice) forces. Is there any answer?

It's quite obvious that Lou Engle is in distress over this. On the surface it appears that 5 years of work to end abortion in America has been wiped out by our new presidents pen. Now what?!

Out of this has come a cry that God would raise up an Isaiah 62:1/ Isaiah 40:1-3 voice (that Lou Engle does not currently have) that would shake this nation to its core and confront America with the bloodguilt in the land and prepare the way of the LORD. This is America's only hope.

Meanwhile, God has been speaking to me about this... (I will be releasing a special bulletin on this soon...)

The significance of 08-08-08

2009-01-23T23:35:00.004-06:00

I think that I have pieced the whole 8-8-8 thing together.

Last year, IHOP-KC and Morningstar ministries went on a 40 day fast ending on 8-8-08. God had given Lou Engle the word out of Exodus 32, "Show me your glory!" Meanwhile, Mike Bickle was given a word about the necessity to wrap our face in the mantle of His name. We were hoping for 1 Million on the Mall for TheCALL DC II and an overt demonstration of His power. (It didn't happen the way we wanted it.)

Meanwhile, in a recent bulletin, Rick Joyner said that the End-time Church was birthed at 08-08-08, a statement sure to get a whole lot of controversy! Continuing on, he wrote that there are 8 churches in the book of Revelation; the first 7 of Revelation 2-3 and the Bride of Revelation 19.

It was about that time of year that I learned that I had misinterpreted a key prophetic word (that I have posted on this blog). All the crazy stuff was about the last phrase of the prophecy...
Who I am before God is much more important than anything God does through me.

Putting it all together...
The last-days church will be the greatest Church. God has saved the best wine for last. The prayer of Jesus in John 17:15-20 will surely be answered. We will be in whole-hearted unity with God (even as Father, Spirit, and Son are one) and in whole hearted unity with each other, all with radiant love in the darkest times.

The only way unity at this level comes is through extraordinary humility. It is only through understanding our greatness before God is in the fact we radically love Jesus (when so many do not), not at what mighty works God does through us (or decides not to do through us) by His Spirit.

In Matthew 4:1-10, satan tempted Jesus using the phrase, "If you are the Son of God..." Three times he struck, two of them striking at his identity...and then the temptation to misuse his identity. In every case, Jesus said "NO" for the sake of love. Loving the Father rightly was His identity, no matter what the cost.

The End-time Church will have their primary identity in who they are before God...as those who Love him with an unstoppable, ever lasting love. Some will be before multitudes with many talents, others will simply be before God with one talent. Most will be somewhere in between.

What will prevent bitter envy and jealousy from taking root in the End-Time Church is that their greatness and glory will all about loving the Father and Son with an unstoppable, fiery love accompanied by infectous joy, unshakable peace, and awesome acts of power. One generation will serve and help the next generation go farther in God and so on until we all obtain mature understanding of the ways of God. It will be our finest hour!

That was interesting...

2009-01-19T19:49:00.002-06:00

This morning's 10-12 set was sort of interesting.

The whole set focused on the issue of power on our words (James 3). "What goes up, must come down! For you move at the sound of our voice." We were praying for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Kansas City.

In the midst of this whole thing, I saw a vision of an angel (with significant authority) standing above IHOP-KC with it's sword drawn. I saw on the blade of the sword was inscribed "The Fear of the LORD." I was trembling because I was thinking, "What if its true...that our words carry that weight of authority (including words when we are outside the prayer room) and cause things to happen -both good or bad?!

Being before Doing...

2009-01-15T23:09:00.009-06:00

John 13:1-3 "It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of His love. The evening meal was being served and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, Son of Simon to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God"

This passage contains VITAL truth that I need deeply at the core of being. In context, John 13-20 talk about the greatest act of apostolic love and humility that has ever been seen. Beyond "sinless perfection", the excellencies of Jesus Christ in what he did FOR US cannot be touched. However, the verses above describe some of the internal reality of Jesus Christ the God-Man.

Prophetic story...

In 2006, the LORD gave me the following prophetic download. Since then, everything listed in this prophetic word has either come or is coming to pass before my eyes.

2007 is when it begins. In 2007 I will begin sending you to the nations. I am sending you in power. I will send you to Kenya. I will send you to Korea. You will go in My power
You must humble yourself. I say YOU MUST humble yourself as a great shaking will hit your life if you don’t. If you embrace humility, my shaking will only solidify you in what you know…in who you are.
I am going to shift and shake the structures around you. I am going to shift the international dept. There will be a shifting and restructuring. I am bringing in and placing new leaders. Have I not said that My house shall be a house of prayer for all nations? I am releasing many new leaders that must be set in place.
I will release the finances. I will release the key connections. As you humble yourself, I will make broken places a place of glory, the crooked places straight. You will see My glory upon your life first in the wisdom in how I shift things. You will then see My glory in power.

J.(edited out).... is to be a key friend to you. (edited out about J.) You are to raise up an army together who do not love your lives unto death.

I shall release the finances. I shall cause this work to flourish. There are many that must be equipped with humility, apostolic love as a weapon of war. I am bringing together the Mary of Bethany, the Deborah, and the Daniel anointing together.

I have ordained a massive solemn assembly in Korea this year (for 2007). There shall be a massive shaking in Korea this year. Do you hear the sound? I shall shift the foundation of this nation through intercession. I am bringing you back to your land to accomplish a shift in the spirit. It shall be a quake heard around the world. Look even to the ring of fire as I shall shift the plates in the Pacific.

Jess, I want you to set apart some time. If I send you with the power that I intend to in your current situation, you will be destroyed. I want to rewrite some of your emotional DNA. Who you are to Me is much more important than anything you can do for Me.

In 2007 and 2008, I have seen every part of this prophecy get fulfilled or begin coming into fulfillment. The year 2007 was incredible ministry-wise, culminating with seeing South Korea's elections (and a key Muslim Nation) literally shift through prayer and fasting.

In the midst of the incredible ministry, things started shifting in 2007 and then the whole International department shifted in 2008 (where I was in leadership). This and a few other things ugly discoveries caused a significant amount of pain in 2008. Why did God do (or allow)this? The last phrase (which I thought was a minor point at the time) is actually the key point of the whole prophecy.
Who you are to Me is much more important than anything you can do for Me.

Last summer in 2008, a 40-day fast was called by Lou Engle and Mike Bickle around Exodus 33:18 and wrapping our face in the mantle of God's name. The whole fast was about this critical truth...highlighted in John 13:1-3. It also explains why God suddenly ended my fast on 7/16/2008 and the Spirit of God broke in at the 8-10am set...and let me know what was happening (it was perhaps the hour where God released breakthrough in the heavenlies for the nation of Myanmar).

What ever my eventual position or ministry function(s) before people, this truth is CRITICAL for me to be deeply rooted and grounded in. It is the secret glory (that I don't understand well at all) behind the Cross!

Who I am before God (as a friend, a son, the Bride, a priest etc.-sealed with unquenchable, unstoppable fiery love for Jesus) is more important than what I end up "doing" for God in the natural (Whether taking a nap or raising the dead).

On Jill Austin and the prophetic...

2009-01-11T16:22:00.002-06:00

I'm sad to report that Jill Austin went home to be with Jesus on Friday Night at 9:48pm. (Of course, Jill Austin would probably say, "What are you so sad about?) However, I will definitely miss her until the day Jesus returns! Now what?

In 2003, Derek Prince, (Truly a "Prince" in the kingdom of God) went to His heavenly reward. He was a key intercessor for Israel and he shook nations through intercession as the result. He wrote the international best seller, Shaping History through prayer and fasting. A life sown into the ground as a prayer will reap a harvest. As the result, many ministries on the earth are beginning to focus on the nation of Israel in writing as of 2009.

It was in 2003 that I was starting to pray for Israel as part of IHOP-KC. I believe God allowed me to "catch" part of his mantle in praying for Israel. God has allowed me to be part of some astounding apostolic projects that have touched the nation of Israel. (Hint: When all of Israel gets saved...guess what happens according to Matthew 23:37-39?)

I believe that God will do the same with Jill Austin's life of faithfulness of standing for the prophetic and glory realm. I look forward to seeing the increase in the prophetic ministry!

Please pray for Jill Austin and the prophetic...

2009-01-09T18:54:00.002-06:00

Please pray for Jill Austin!
She is in critical condition because of complications regarding intestinal problems. details can be found at http://www.masterpotter.com/ She is a spiritual mother in the spirit to many and God desires to use her in a very strategic way on the earth in training and mentoring many to hear the voice of the Lord and operate in the anointing of the Spirit.

HUNGER FOR THE PROPHETIC...
At Onething '08 I was part of the prophetic ministry team. We purposely did not emphasize personal prophetic ministry at the conference because the focus was preparing for the ultimate prophetic event: the return of Jesus! However, our "hiding" of this blessing ministry didn't stop people from finding it!

In the midst of ministering encouragement, exhortation, and comfort to people hungry for Jesus, I was watching the lines. Many people were turned away from receiving prophetic ministry because there simply wasn't time to accommodate all the people. At times, there were not enough people on prophetic teams to minister so some of the leaders drew from other IHOP-KC staff who had some prophetic gifting and willingness. We still weren't able minister to everyone who desired it.

I must add that the prophetic ministry teams I am a part of are not "highly skilled and highly anointed". We simply love Jesus with all of our hearts and sometimes hearing or see things from God for other people through a veil. I would guess our skill level is maybe a 2 or 3 on a scale of 1-10...and yet many think that we are always hearing "directly from God".

NEEDED: PROPHETIC LEADERS TO MENTOR THE NEXT GENERATION.
What happens when the prophetic anointing on people goes to a 5 (numerous "scary accurate, specific, detailed prophecy), or a 7 ( when the "scary accurate" prophetic is accompanined by widespread signs and wonders) or even a 10? With a little bit of success in the prophetic ministry comes A LOT of notoriety and pressure from people, demons, systems, and other difficult dynamics. Of the few who consistently moved in "high-end" prophecy almost all have gotten snared by the enemy and "badly injured" in the battle. However, we as the Church will need many more to move in these deeper realms of the Holy Spirit to survive the End-time glory and trouble.

Jill Austin is one who has moved in serious prophetic anointing for decades and has a call to help train many who will practically operate in the prophetic anointing (including miracles) like has not yet been seen in a company of people. It will take the apostolic/prophetic ministry operating in signs and wonders to bring in the harvest.

So what does the enemy do? (We all know now...)

Needless to say, this is potentially involving strategic-level spiritual warfare.

Ist day of Great Big-- I mean, Global Bridegroom Fast

2009-01-05T12:21:00.002-06:00

It is the first day of the Global Bridegroom fast, a 3 day solemn assembly of prayer and fasting for the breaking in of the power of God in Revival, the great harvest, the salvation of Israel, the raising up of houses of prayer, the turning of laws unto righteousness, and the release of apostolic messengers among other things.

I am becoming more convinced than ever that this is the year for the breakthrough for signs and wonders. Healing was purchased for us at the cross of Jesus. Widespread signs and wonders are a tool (a means to the end) to fill the houses of prayer, and alert people to the coming events surrounding the Return of Jesus the King. I am also aware of many of the traps associated with operating in widespread signs and wonders. (There is still one trap at the heart level I do not have an answer for...but that will change!)

2009-The year of the cross

2009-01-02T17:16:00.003-06:00

Happy New Year everyone!

I am entitling 2009, the Year of the cross. I believe God has spoken clearly on this emphasis for this year.

The story…
You probably know by now that IHOP-KC has a real emphasis on understanding the End-Time plans of God culminating in the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ. However, God gave us a prophetic surprise on December 26th 2008. That evening, Misty Edwards was leading worship and Mike Bickle was prayer leading. In the midst of the worship set, God gave Mike Bickle a prophetic word around Jeremiah 23:18-20 concerning an invitation to stand in the council of the LORD and know his heart:

But which of them has stood in the council of the LORD to see or to hear his word? Who has listened and heard his word? See the storm of the LORD will burst out in wrath, a whirlwind swirling down on the heads of the wicked. The anger of the LORD will not turn back until he fully accomplishes the purposes of his heart. In the days to come, you will understand it clearly.

In the midst of this powerful prophetic word, I began to wonder if God would confirm this word with a sign- even as Isaiah 44 talks about:

I am the LORD…who carries out the words of his servants and fulfills the predictions of his messengers. (Isaiah 44:24-26)

Sure enough, I got awakened at around 4:30am the next morning. Suddenly the winds picked up to a howling pitch. It sounded like the windows were going to burst inward. The severe squall line ended up producing tornadoes in Missouri and Illinois, ripping a roof of an apartment building nearby, toppling trees, and cutting power to thousands, while producing freezing rain behind the cold front in December! NBC action news has a special article on the atmospheric mayhem of that morning. http://www.nbcactionnews.com/news/local/story/Power-Restored-After-Weekend-Storm/TmgdW9IQlk-mlo_7eAKXBQ.cspx

An invitation to take up our cross and follow Jesus at a whole new level:
The cross of Jesus is at the core of our relationship with God. In the midst of the shaking in 2008, I lost sight of the cross because I was blinded by the “heady wine” of 2007. All this wreaked havoc on my relationship with God. Without the cross of Jesus, we would be stuck in sin as enemies of God without hope. What Jesus did for us at the cross for me means everything!
Equally glorious for us about the cross is exploring why Jesus went to the cross for us. The glorious answer to “why” will be answered by God for all of eternity. Paul prayed that the believers in Ephesus would know the width, the depth, the height, and the breadth of the love of Christ in Ephesians 3. The on-going dedication of Jesus towards me means everything!
With elementary understanding of the cross comes a cry of justice out of gratitude for what Jesus has done. The Moravian missionaries had a rallying cry based out of Revelation 5:12; “Win for the Lamb the reward of His suffering!” He is worthy to be crowned by our love.
Jesus has given us an invitation on how we are to do this on an individual level: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. (Matthew 16:24-25). It is only through entering into the difficulty and pain of “taking up our cross” daily in allegiance to Jesus that we can begin to understand the extent of God’s love.

Judgment activities: An invitation to discern the heart of Jesus the Judge through the cross.
God’s zeal against sin and love for broken people meet at the cross. It is only through the cross that we can understand His jealous love for us and his wrath against sin. It is out of His great mercy and wisdom that his destructive judgments are released on earth before His Son’s return.
Consider the prophetic word confirmed by a freak storm as a divine invitation. We have been officially invited to draw near to God by the cross. The door is open for us to press in and stand in the counsel of the LORD through prayer, fasting, embracing meekness, and delighting in righteousness. We have the opportunity to enter into the deeper levels of the spirit of prophecy which is the testimony of Jesus. The invitation has been given to know the heart of Lamb of God who is also the righteous judge. Who will to take up their cross so that they can stand in the counsel of God?

God's timing is perfect

2008-12-31T14:42:00.002-06:00

Well, 2008 is just about over (thank God!) and 2009 is almost here.

Last night was a very strange and powerful night for me in God which gave me significant amounts of encouragement. I somehow found a seat in the front-left section (where IHOP-KC staff and families sit) even though the whole room was full.

Mike Bickle then read Isaiah 19 after worship, the prophecy about Egypt, Israel, and Assyria coming together as an international family of affection under the leadership of Jesus and he then called up all of those who were Arab or Jewish who follow Jesus. Mike then asked all of the Asians to come up and pray for these believers. The symbolism was clear: The Church in Asia is going to be catalytic in finishing the Great Commission in the Middle East, preparing for the 2nd coming of Jesus, resulting in the fulfillment of Isaiah 19. I found myself right in front.

Afterwords, the LORD spoke to me and said, " If you will walk faithfully with me, I guarantee you will be in the the middle of and operating in the midst of My Strategic purposes...You will be in the right place at the right time."

Later on, Lou Engle preached out of Luke 1:6-9 and other passages, talking about the how Zechariah and Elizabeth were upright, yet were barren (Barrenness in that culture was a stigma and typically a sign of some sort of curse). By chance, Zechariah's division of priests were chosen to be on duty to serve in the temple. Then by lot (i.e "chance") Zechariah was chosen to offer incense (symbolic of prayers) in the most holy place. We all know the end of that story.

All this brought such great encouragment to me in a year where it seemed like I got totally miss-placed in terms of functioning in the anointing, position, some relationships, and a few other things. I look forward to 2009 which promises to hold some wonderful surprises in God!

back in KC

2008-12-26T16:31:00.003-06:00

I am back in KC after an interesting week in Minnesota with family.

Now there is a need to get ready for the Onething conference. Before leaving for Onething conference, I was excited for this conference like I have only been a few other times such as the Urbana mission conference in 1996, Holy Spirit Conference 1998, Holy Spirit Conference 2002, Onething 2002, Onething 2006. All these conferences have something special in common: God met me in a powerful way.

Needless to say, I am quite expectant for what Jesus has planned for this conference!

The million dollar question

2008-12-24T10:31:00.005-06:00

This last week while in Minneapolis, I have been attending a few prayer meetings in the Twin Cities, spending time with family, fixing my car situation (and creating a whole bunch of new problems), and basically doing nothing...before things get busy at Onething Conference.

Recently, there was a massive fire in a large apartment building (Burncliff Apartments) 64 family units lost everything they owned. The fire was a spectacle that filled the evening news and caused others on a nearby highway to stop and gawk. Most of the victims were left speechless in their loss to even comment on TV.

A relief fund was set up for victims and the same news that was announcing the devastation of the fire announced that an anonymous donor gave $1 million to the victims of this disaster. The same victims were still speechless as their tears of loss were turned to tears of gratitude and joy.

We don't know who the donor was, but what type of witness for Jesus would we as the Church be if we were known for generosity like this both locally and around the world?

PEACE AND SAFETY...

2008-12-15T10:28:00.002-06:00

While people a re saying "Peace and safety", destruction will come on them suddenly as a labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. (1 Thessalonians 5:3)

We had quite the cold front with strong north winds come through Kansas City yesterday. The temperature was about 60 degrees F yesterday at about 10 AM. This morning it was about 2 degrees with a windchill factor of about -15. SURPRISE! Many on the base were not prepared for the sudden cold front and were commenting about the cold. Those who were left unprepared yesterday faced the prospect of becoming "the Frozen Chosen" as the temperature dropped about 30 degrees in a matter of 2 hours.

Those who were unprepared faced a cold walk (or a cold drive) home to get warmer clothes. I mention this because a much stronger "cold front" with strong "north winds" of adversity are coming to a planet near you- its called the End-Times drama and many are not prepared.

Many in our day are saying "peace and safety" is coming and can be achieved without insisting on moral absolutes that Jesus proclaims in the Bible. However, that is the equivalent of going out around Kansas City yesterday morning in shorts and t-shirt without any understanding or planning of what was going to happen later in the day.

Yesterday was a practice run. Are we ready for the Eschatological "North Wind" that is meant to prepare the Church for Her finest hour?

Doctrinal debates and the spirit of Truth.

2008-12-12T09:56:00.003-06:00

With the Onething conference focusing on the End-Times, this is a subject sure to provide for much controversy as there are currently many disagreements in the evangelical world concerning the end-time events. In our discussions of end-time doctrine and events, we will inevitably end up swallowing gnats (really annoying things). What we want to avoid is swallowing "camels" (promoting things that are destructive either in our belief systems or carrying on debates that are destructive to fellowship)

I would propose 4 levels of "truth" in discussing the end-times:

1. FULLY GROWN CAMELS
These are basic doctrines that are fully part of orthodox, evangelical Christianity across all streams fully supported by scripture. There is no debate. Denying these doctrines calls into question of whether or not we are actually following Jesus Christ of the Bible.

Some Examples:
- The literal, physical return of Jesus Christ to earth
- The reality of heaven and hell
- The reality of Jesus as judge and that we all will give account before Him.

2. BABY CAMELS
These are doctrines that are very important doctrines that are strongly supported by scripture but where there are still debates based on interpretation among evangelical streams. These are doctrinal positions where clarity will grow and the Church will come to greater understanding as we get closer to the events(baby camels that will "grow up"). We see denying these doctrines as very destructive to following of Jesus Christ radically-especially as we get near the end-times.

Some Examples:
- The nature and role of Israel in the end-times. (note: I believe replacement theology is a very destructive heresy.)
- Understanding the timing of the rapture associated with the 2nd coming. (I also believe that the popular pre-tribulation position is dangerous in it leaves us unprepared and set up for deep bitterness towards God when He doesn't do something many were deeply hoping for.)
- Understanding/avoiding the Mark of the beast (assuming we are still here...placed here due to our current lack of clarity on this- eventually this will "grow up" and get into the first category above.)
-Understanding the essential role of worship and prayer in the End-Times.

It is our "camel" doctrines that we cannot be wrong on during the End-time events.

3. GIANT GNATS:
These are positions that are deeply helpful in preparing ourselves for the End-times. There is some scriptural evidence along with other prophetic activity. Here is where we can make mistakes as some GIANT GNATS look like a Baby camel...especially if we try to get into specifics where the Bible doesn't tell us.

Some examples:
-The role of the United States fit in End-Time prophecy
-Understanding the identity of the 144,000 Jewish evangelists in Revelation 7 and the two witnesses in Revelation 11 are.
- Understanding where the Anti-Christ comes from.

4. SMALL GNATS
These are opinions that are not supported (or denied) by scripture. This gets into "the book of speculations" more than understanding end-time prophecy.

Let the End-time discussion begin!

Sorcery and Justice

2008-12-07T11:34:00.002-06:00

Discerning the leadership of Jesus in my own life and the IHOP-KC community is fascinating. It is clear that God is provoking significant transition and spiritual warfare.

The primary spiritual attack that I forsee coming is in the area of sorcery/witchcraft. I went through a very stormy time in the first 3 months in 2008. I have since learned that it was high-end sorcery that caused much of the trouble.

The opposite spirit of the demonic spirit of sorcery is the prophetic spirit- the supernatural activity of the Holy Spirit. The intense prophetic activity experienced in April and early May this year was Holy Spirit retribution for sorcery that had really done some damage in February and March.

God has been preparing IHOP for the increase of the Holy Spirit activity for some time. It appears that God is provoking an increased demonic attack (likely through Onething Conference this year) in order to bring justice and release increased activity of the Holy Spirit (prophecy, signs and wonders etc.) to equip us.

DEFENSE AGAINST SORCERY
Sorcery is basically actions and particularly words done to produce "supernatural" change in the natural. It is the opposite of anointed prayer in that it is in agreement with forces of darkness and demons instead of agreement with the Holy Spirit. The effects of sorcery are real. On a national scale, it has produced destruction, bloodshed, and poverty. Scripture condemns sorcery as idolatry and rebellion against God which brings a curse.

We have authority over sorcery in the name of Jesus. However, we are vulnerable to sorcery in any area of our lives that is not submitted under the leadership of Jesus Christ-particularly in the area of our speech.

Mike Bickle always talks about a dynamic element that happens when we hit the level of sincerity of seeking after 100% obedience (actively declaring and fighting against all known sin in our lives through the grace of God). I believe the dynamic is found in 2 Corinthians 10:5-6 and 1 John 1:7

We demolish arguments and every pretnesion that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience once your obedience is complete. (1 Corinthians 10:5-6)

If we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son, purifies us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)

When we hit 100-fold obedience (declaring and sincerely fighting against all known darkness in our lives with the grace of God) we can begin asking for the justice of God to break in without fear of something real negative happening to us. When the devil strikes at us unjustly (through witchcraft or direct demonic barbed arrows), we can ask God for punitive justice against spiritual enemy without fear because the blood of Jesus covers us. Not only has the enemy touched us negatively, He has touched Jesus in a negative way as we are His beloved Bride.

The ultimate justice we are crying out for is that the Lamb of God who was slain would recieve JUSTICE. He will not recieve justice until the 2nd coming and Jesus rules the earth forever.

Embracing the stigma of the anointing...

2008-12-05T07:44:00.002-06:00

I believe 10 years from now (If I didn't get martyred), I will look back and say that December 4th, 2008 was a VERY IMPORTANT breakthrough day.

If you have been following this blog, I have written a few times about the stigma of the anointing. I've had Asperger's syndrome and I have asked before that God would remove it. (because of the painful negative effects...)The real issue is bearing the stigma of the anointing without the honor of success.

(WARNING: HERE COMES A RANT...)

Growing up in school, I endured much ridicule and teasing from peers because of the gift. The bullying and teasing was bad, but there was something much worse. I knew I had a special gift (which I am only now beginning to understand)related to Asperger's syndrome.

It was not only the stigma (of not being physically and socially coordinated) that bothered me. It was the lack of honor, opportunity, etc. that were not given to me. In addition...in relating to most leaders growing up, they would take credit for my "breakthrough" success and I would get blamed by the leader when our team lost or failed.

Problem is that I do this to someone else much worse than it has ever been done to me. The Man I do this SO often to...is JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH!!!!

Then...(what shocked me) Jesus as leader, instead of blaming me, willingly took the stigma, blame, and negative impact of MY failures (at the cross) and He gives the credit to me (eternal rewards)when we do something positive together by HIS POWER.

WHO IS THIS GOD? GIVE HIM THE REWARD OF HIS SUFFERING!

SPIRITUAL WARFARE ALERT!

2008-12-02T17:51:00.002-06:00

Immediate broadcast requested...

The Gjerstad spiritual warfare center has issued a spiritual warfare alert for the entire IHOP-KC community for the month of January based on the following premises:

1.) Satan is selfish. His top priority is to avoid going to prison/ the lake of the fire. He doesn't like it when people get saved, but he's infinitely more concerned with staying out of prison.

2.) Satan's last stand is at the Battle of Jerusalem-when Jesus comes to take over forever. This battle is the culmination of the End-Times as described in the Book of Revelation, Daniel, Other Old Testament scriptures and the New Testament Great hope.

3.) IHOP-KC Onething conference 2008 is focusing on recruiting and raising up forerunners (leaders for the battle of Jerusalem) in the spirit of John the Baptist who will actively prepare the Church for these great events.

4.) This event will go off without any resistance as satan ignores the whole thing. (Yeah... and this blog is not named "Lightning from Heaven in KC")

This is a potentially dangerous situation with extreme spiritual warfare possible. Please go into your Psalm 91 shelter immediately.

Things I'm thankful for...

2008-11-28T15:12:00.003-06:00

Ah, Thanksgiving!

Here's a very small list of things I'm thankful for

1. God is faithful
2. God is very kind and merciful
3. The IHOP community; a whole bunch of generally like-minded people
4. God's provision. (I don't have lots of extra $$$ but I don't have lack)
5. The Spirit of Revelation (Ephesians 1:17)
6. Friends with the initials of BMV, KYV, JFE, RRP, JMA, JPT, PKM, JF? etc.(you know who you are)
7. What will happen AFTER the current wilderness season ends.
8. 2 Corinthians 12:9 weakness (This is a projection...I believe this will be my conclusion when all the data and votes are in.)
9. Ministry partners who together have touched more people for the Kingdom of God than I can really understand at this point.
10. That I'm still alive!

Jess Gjerstad

More end-times studies...

2008-11-24T15:32:00.004-06:00

It's sort of scary when it feels like God is giving me my life-long prayer mandate topics:

ON-GOING:
+ Righteousness and justice in our government (abortion, human trafficking)
+ Outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Church to purify, strengthen etc.
+ Increase of the Spirit of Prophesy (supernatural activity of the Holy Spirit)
+ Conviction and salvation of the lost.

END-TIME GLOBAL PRAYER SEQUENCE SET 1:
+ The calling, training, and raising up of forerunner messengers (indviduals and communities)
+The raising up of houses of prayer/prayer movement
+The raising up of a God-centered, alternative economic system

SET 2:
+TRANSITION POINT: Global extended fast for the release of the judgment of God (similar to the 7-7-7 fast at a whole different level) on the baal economic system (to be replaced by Babylonian economic system)
+For the Gospel of the Kingdom to go all nations and great harvest of souls
+Strength for enduring persecution, trial, and hardship
+The rise of cities and regions of refuge (particularly in Asia)
+Aliyah- global return of the Jewish people to the land of Israel

SET 3: TRANSITION POINT-
+Global extended fast out of Revelation 5:9-10 for Jesus to take the scroll.
+ The book of revelation is now our prayer manual ending in Revelation 22:17
'The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come!"'

(It's the end of the age as we know it!)
Jess Gjerstad

studying the End-Times.

2008-11-18T10:33:00.003-06:00

I feel there is some Holy Spirit energy on attempting to bring intimacy and End-Times together. Most Christians I talk with want deeper intimacy with God. However, (just like me 5 years ago) the whole concept of the End-Times locks many hearts in fear.

("Were off to see Our Maker, the wonderful Maker of all..." near the end of the "yellow brick road" of human history are "seals, trumpets, and bowls oh my!, seals and trumpets and bowls oh my!")

I want to remove the barrier by splicing together MB's notes of intimacy, end-times, and few things I have found in the journey. In reality, understanding the end-times is supposed to enhance our intimacy with Jesus and our intimacy with Jesus is supposed to enhance our excitement for understanding the end-times.

In floating the idea out to a number of people, there are large number of people who want to get over this road block. Look for a 2009 E-12 group on this coming to mission base near you.

I'm back

2008-11-13T08:31:00.002-06:00

It's been a LONG time since I've said anything on my blog as I have been warned by a certain someone about suffering the great "blogging away" which would result in being blotted out from my friend's book of blogs. Anyway...

Barack Obama is now our president Elect.

Some points on how to pray for this new public servant and his staff:

He ran on a platform of change. He grew up in a black church that emphasizes liberation theology. He grew up in the 1960's during the civil rights era where African Americans were often treated as second-class citizen (an ugly blot on American history) This gives me a powerful inference:

Barack Obama shares God's heart in that he HATES oppression and injustice!!!!

This gives me great clues on how to pray for him:

1.) Pray for God to overwhelm him and his family with His kindness. Pray for Psalm 91 protection for His family. It is SATAN that desires to kill him-probably through someone who is decieved into thinking they are offering God a service. Scripture clearly tells us no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

2.) Pray that God would open his eyes to see the most innocent, oppressed people group on the earth- a baby in the mother's womb that is suffering the "oppression" of experiencing an abortion.

3.)Pray that God would open the His eyes to see Israel as one of the most oppressed people groups on the earth from a historical perspective.

4.) Pray that God would give Obama prophetic understanding that it is SIN (including all forms of sexual immorality (homosexual and hetrosexual) that is the great oppressor; not white evangelical doctrine. (Some would say that this last paragraph is considered "hate speech".

5.) Economically- there has much sin through greedy people that has gotten us into this economic mess as a nation. Pray that God would give Barack Obama wisdom to promote economic servant leadership without stiffling economic initative.

On the road in MN.

2008-08-12T16:23:00.002-05:00

This last week I was at the Holy Spirit Conference. I had a marvelous time getting reaquainted with friends in the Minneapolis area. God did some marvelous things at the conference. I saw God heal someone of tendonitis, someone else of back problems, and someone with an ankle issue right in front of my eyes in answer to prayer. God also released internal healing and prophesy. I also had a few observations:

1. Compared to what is coming, (and what I touched in 2007) the anointing level was "low". The reason God indicated (concerning LR and ARC) was because he was emphasizing strengthening of relationships at the conference. I don't know if ARC is ready as a network to deal with the intense pressures,(and pastoral issues) should God raise up "sovereign vessels" with widespread signs and wonders in the network like a Bill Johnson, John Arnott, or Randy Clark.

2. Two big holes absent in many who we ministered to (who were really hurting) were that a.) they had no like-minded friends to stand with them when attacked and criticized for renewal(which caused a "me against the world" dynamic to emerge) and b.) a lack of Sermon on the Mount Lifestyle- and taking their spirituality on whether or not they "feel" the Holy Spirit on them.

God is doing a work related to ARC and Lutheran Renewal...It will be exciting to see what it looks like! Pray for these two ministries as they have a redemptive gift in the area of bringing forth a new reformation related to priestly ministry.

Jess

The gospel to the poor of the earth...

2008-07-27T16:41:00.004-05:00

Last time, I wrote about my disillusionment with the worldly systems of thinking. Basically, our natural tendency is to learn how to "play the game" of the worldly system of thinking. The worldly ways of thinking produce a "survival of the fittest" mentality that go completely opposite of Heavenly wisdom.

However, God has given us an "out" from this type of thinking. Many well-known (and lesser known) Christian saints have talked about the value of detachment from the world. The quickest way to do this as followers of Jesus, is to spend ourselves on behalf of the poor of the earth (who cannot possibly return the favor in the natural).

God gives some incredible promises to those who will spend themselves for the sake of bringing the Gospel to the poor. Isaiah 58 links spending ourselves on behalf of the poor to the revelation of God's glory and healing. Luke 4:18-19 and other passages directly ties the anointing to spending ourselves for the poor.

Other passages such as James 2, 2 Corinthians 8-9 and Hebrews 11 talk about spending ourselves on the poor related building and exercising prevailing faith. Most of all, radically giving ourselves like this deeply touches God's heart.

A love-hate relationship...

2008-07-17T09:07:00.002-05:00

The last few days have been really painful and difficult for me. A large amount of anger has been coming up towards various people, things etc. - I've been asking God, where it was all coming from.

The answer I got surprised me: "The cause of your bitterness towards Me is worldly thinking and love of worldly systems."

James 4:4-5 "You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend with the world becomes an enemy of God."

How does the worldly system of thinking work?

1.) Those who are the most talented, the most beautiful, the most intellectually gifted, the strongest, the fasted, that have special "gifts", have the most wealth, political power, and the most charismatic, are the most important people (VIP's or 'very important people'). Everyone else is just common.

2.) The criteria is corporately as humanity, we value those we can gain the most from. Meanwhile, everyone else is irrelevent. As long as we can gain from these "special people", they are valuable.

3.) When we can no longer corporately gain happiness or something else from them, we will dispose of them and find someone else to please us.

4.) For those in power: "I WILL FIGHT TO THE DEATH to stay in power, wealth, and honor (If there is a way for me to stay in power, honor, wealth). The moral laws of humanity no longer apply to me because staying at the top is the most important (even if it means breaking the rules)." This includes a willingness to consult with illegal spiritual activity (occult, demonic, religious activity) if I can get an advantage.

5. For those without power: "I will fight my way to the top (or survive) at others expense if need be." This includes a willingness to consult with illegal spiritual activity (religious activity, occult, demonic)if I can get an advantage. This also includes a willingness to trample or change the righteousness standards to go forward!

Unfortunately, this system of thinking has infiltrated the Body of Christ. We put those who are the most charismatic leaders, supernaturally gifted, and naturally talented on platforms (and give them much money, honor, political power and influence) while not appreciating others like this who are not on the platform. Then we wonder why people on platforms fall into scandelous sin.

This is the worldly way of thinking that justifies:
1.) Billions of people in grinding poverty or under oppressive governments (or both).
2.) The Genocide in Darfur.
3.) The ruling Junta Generals who have closed Myanmar off from others who wish to help because they are afraid they may lose their ability to oppress others.
4.) Kim Jung Il's mistreatment of millions in North Korea.
5.) A Hindu Caste system in India that treats hundreds of millions of people like trash.
6.) Even for "the winners" of this worldly system, emptiness and pain as reported from the testimony of a friend ministering in Hollywood.
7.) Hostility to the Gospel of the Kingdom in Jesus Christ all over the earth putting billions at risk of perishing in the fires of hell forever?

Why is there still ANY love in me for a system of thinking that justifies stuff like this?

"GOD HELP!"

long time since I've written.

2008-07-15T23:06:00.004-05:00

Well, it is day 16 of the 40 days of fasting and consecration at IHOP-KC. Recently, I have been gathering together all of my experiential knowledge related to the prophetic gift and ministry. I have experiences mostly at level 1 and level 2 (and some experience at level 3) but I need that breakthrough in God to begin walking out level 3 or greater in a sustained manner.

Anyway, the fast so far has been about wrapping our face in the mantle of God's name. In layman's terms, its about rooting our identity, our self-worth, our honor, and value who God says about you. This is key to breaking the spirit of confucianism in Asia and releasing the forerunner spirit that will finish the great commission and bring the gospel back to Jerusalem.

Other than the fast, the season is probably TOO EASY in terms of lack of demands on my life. However, there are DIFFICULT circumstances to deal with:

1. The death of Teresa Olson, a personal friend key intercessor at BPLC and in the Twin Cities area.
2. I'm out of position service-wise to walk out my destiny in terms of service position that justifies strategic-level spiritual warfare actions.
3. Dealing with the confucian backlash... yuk! (Possible backlash after a powerful time serving a group from Egypt with some breakthrough reported.)

Underlying the whole thing, God is challenging me over the whole issue of humility. I wrote last blog that God is requiring EXTRAORDINARY humility on my life...the type that is not attainable by living a sustained Sermon on the Mount Lifestyle alone. UGGGHHH.

40 Day fast

2008-06-29T10:14:00.003-05:00

Well, we are at it again. Here comes another 40 day fast!

The scriptures this fast are based out of are Ezekiel 33:17; 1 Kings 19; Revelation 2:17 and Revelation 3:12. This is the time to "wrap our face in the mantle of God's name."

I am also very aware that this fast is about a breakthrough into Asia. Confuscianism has a massive grip on areas of China, Japan, and Korea with influences in the rest of Asia such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, and other areas. In Confuscian philosophy, societal worth is deeply connected with position of authority or age. Many Asian cultures are deeply rooted in shame/honor dynamics. "Saving face" is really important because the whole concept of internal personal honor is so critical.

It is clear that God has some major plans for Asia in terms of finishing the great commission. It is clear that it will take young, apostolic missionaries to go on the front lines who are willing to risk everything. (Generally, the older people get, the harder it is for them to go into situations where they are willing to risk everything.) However, to unleash the youth of Asia into the harvest field, it will mean the shifting and changing of many in positions of honor within the Church.

Without a heavenly identity, many in Asia will deeply resist such changes if it means a demotion of personal honor. This whole fast is about going deep into knowing who we are to God and wrapping our identity around how valued we are to Him. (Jesus didn't consider coming from heaven to earth to the cross for us to be too high of a price.)

Jess's prophetic history part 5 humility required.

2008-06-24T08:48:00.004-05:00

In the last 4 sessions I have shared some of the prophetic things that God has spoken over my life in quite astounding ways. Now I want and need to share with you the key to unlocking all of these promises.

Many years ago, God clearly let me know, "I am requiring EXTRAORDINARY humility upon your life." Someone pointed out that it seems that the statement contradicts itself...until we throw some scriptures into the mix:

1. James 4:6- "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble".

2. 2 Corinthians 12:8 "Three times, I pleaded with the LORD to take it {a thorn in the flesh} away from me. But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' "

3. Matthew 5:5 "Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth."

In otherwords, it will require extraordinary humility to recieve extraordinary grace from God to do extraordinary things in God.

In choosing humility, there is a voluntary dimension based on living out the Sermon on the Mount Lifestyle of Matthew 5-7. In fasting/prayer, giving extravagently, serving without demanding repayment, practicing righteousness, and blessing enemies (avoiding bitterness like its the plague). If you think about it, this is what you DON"T DO if you want to be come powerful and rich upon the earth unless there is a God.

There is also an involuntary dimension of choosing humility- (When you get to visit heaven, ask Paul about it...ha ha) it's spelled T-R-O-U-B-L-E. This is the part I don't like. In most Christian circles, people walk in a measure of humility because they don't want trouble. However, because of 2 Corinthians 12:7; Paul (who definitely chose humility, calling himself the chief of sinners except for God's grace) catalogs all of his trouble and difficulty in 2 Corinthians 11:23-29.

STORY; July-August 2004

Julie Meyer goes to Mike Bickle after having a visitation from the LORD related to IHOP's stock going way up; a 5x5 rock crashing through the ceiling, and a period of 30 days of silence before the LORD; followed by a simple key that will unlock the End-Times. Julie gets the scripture Daniel 12:3-4 to give to Mike. Unknown to her, Mike has been meditating on Daniel 12:3-4. As the result IHOP-KC goes on a corporate 30-day fast.

Daniel 12:3-4 "Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. But you Daniel, close up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end."

I start on this fast...but am really frustrated. I'm hoping for significant personal breakthrough and not much happens for the first 10 days. I'm pretty much out of money and this whole thing of living as an intercessory missionary is not practically working. I can't even fast right! After saying "no" for 10 days in the middle, God's spirit convinces me to pick it up again for the last 10 days.

On a typical Friday in the prayer room, God suddenly connects a whole bunch of scriptures. He gives me James 3:13-18 which connects to Isaiah 14:12-15; Philippians 2:1-14; Revelation 13:18; and Daniel 12:3-4! What all these scriptures are about are the wisdom of God vs. the wisdom of satan.

After this whirlwind of revelation, I sat there stunned. God had given me some prophetic revelation that a 30 day fast had been called over. I also was in horror as I saw WAY TOO MUCH of the wisdom of satan operating in my life and WAY TOO LITTLE of the wisdom of God operating in my life.

The next day, staggered and put in fear by this understanding, I went to a contemplative prayer group at the Doria's home group. I asked for prayer from the children after the prayer meeting. They prayed and God gave me a few visions related to some healing God would do in my life.

The encounter continued to escalate as I was then caught up into a trance (where I was aware of what was going on in the room, yet clearly also somewhere else). I then saw Jesus walking towards me with tears in His eyes, that I could tell were tears of joy. He told me in this trance, "Jess, do you realize what you have been asking for? I have longed to give this to My Church this for ages! I will help you recieve this."

SUMMARY:
God has given me tremendous prophetic promises related to Israel, apostolic power, and revival upon my individual life. To walk in these prophetic promises in this age, will require extraordinary humility (both voluntarily choosing humility and involuntary trouble that forces humility for survival).

Jess's prophetic history part 4

2008-06-23T08:39:00.003-05:00

In the last sessions of my prophetic history, I have shared significant parts of my prophetic story- in otherwords, the positive things that God has dynamically spoken that have shaped my walk with Jesus. So we need to ask a broader question: What's the point of all this? (Is it just for me to have a little bit of excitement?)

Over the last several years, God has clearly connected my heart to the nation of Israel, particularly the Messianic Jewish people. Hebraic worship music had a large part in bringing me to Jesus Christ at the first Bible camp I attended. I picked Israel in doing a year-long news watch in 9th grade.

I now understand that revival in the nation of Israel and the rising up of an apostolic Messianic Jewish Church is the key to unlocking to the release of widespread signs and wonders, the transfer of wealth into the hands of the righteous,the shifting of national political governments, the final global harvest of more than 1 Billion souls ablaze for Jesus (particularly in Muslim nations), and the 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ! In order to win the Jewish people to Yeshua in large numbers, God is going to raise up an apostolic witness in power to the all the Gentile nations to make Israel desire Yeshua once again. On IHOP Prophetic History CD #7; When Mike had the chariot experience where his clock said 2:15; it was more than Joel 2:15. Let's look at some scriptures first and then I'll tell two stories.

Romans 11:14-15 Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I make much of my ministry in hope that I may arouse my own (Jewish) people to jealousy and save some of them. For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?

Ephesians 2:15 His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of two (Jew and Gentile), thus making peace and in this one body to reconcile both of them to god through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.

STORY: Oratorio Terezin.
In February-March 2004, I went on a significant fast over Israel mandate and the revival going on in New Zealand at the time with YWAM and Impact World Tour.God opened my understanding to His purpose for Israel. In the midst of the fast, I got connected to Pamela and Ruth Fazal at the innaugural Israel mandate conference.

Ruth shared about how God touched her heart for the Jewish people when someone handed her a book of poems called "I never saw another butterfly" from children who were imprisoned (and later, most were killed) in Terezin. The LORD challenged Ruth to weave the poetry together with orchestral music into an Oratorio to comfort the Jewish people...that the nation could reconsider the goodness of God.

I felt I was being given a deep invitation by God to be part of this project-and His larger purposes for Israel. I was aware that Hitler had used Martin Luther's writings to justify the holocaust. As someone with a Lutheran heritage, I felt that perhaps God would use another Lutheran to be part of the healing process. I also knew that I had suffered serious brokeness emotionally and I knew that God often used weaknesses to show His power.

In June 2004, I was formally invited into this when in the midst of worship, I was caught up in an open vision. Jesus appeared to me wearing a Jewish prayer shawl and he handed me a piece of Jewelry shaped like a musical note. However, in place of the "note" indicating what pitch it was, there was a heart. Jesus asked me, "Will you take this to Jerusalem for Me?" I took it saying, "I can't...unless you take me by my right hand..." and I realized I was directly quoting Isaiah 45:1-3!

With an opportunity to love Jesus radically like that, this was the time for me to go "All in" (using Texas Hold'm terminology). The resulting season in April-May 2005 was one of highest-level prayer assignments that I had ever had- and one of the most thrilling ever as well.

One New Man 2007
It was early February 2007 and I knew that 2007 was going to be a very important year in the grace of God. I had been on another significant fast. I was in the prayer room as Bill Johnson was speaking at the signs and wonders conference and there was no room for anyone at the conference. The prayer meeting was focused on ending the evil of human trafficking.

I was caught up in a vision and I was seeing the Revelation 4-5 throne of God and His strategy to end this evil. I also became acutely aware that I was part of the problem, not the solution because of some subtle compromise with lust. I was brokenhearted over this reality as I knew flesh could only give birth to flesh. I then took communion.

Jesus then came to me and showed me a greeting card and said, "Will you carry this for me?" He then showed me a greeting card and opened it. On the inside was a picture of His broken heart. I knew his heart was broken over the state of “the One New Man”…the reality talked about in Ephesians 2:11-22. I also knew that the “One New Man reality” would release the final End-Time harvest of more than 1 Billion souls.

Overwhelmed, I then asked Jesus about the harvest in Taiwan because I had promised to pray for Jaeson Ma. He looked at me but I could sense he said, "You don't realize how much more I want to bring in this harvest." How can I say 'No'?"

The whole prophetic visitation was later confirmed in a number of significant ways. The most significant was on the last night, I found out that God used Jaeson in an astounding miracle in Taiwan that was shown all over the island of 5 million people on television.

Jess's prophetic history part 3

2008-06-22T16:37:00.002-05:00

I have dated very few women in my lifetime, partly because of the call of God upon my life. However, if I were to put out a personal ad, it would probably go something like this:

WANTED: Relatively young Proverbs 31 woman who is an intercessor and a worshipper of God (preferably a worship leader). Has experience in confronting principalities and powers in Christ with the healed-up wounds to prove it. Knows that they will likely suffer, be imprisioned, and martyred for the Gospel. Preferrably knows several languages, likes to travel, and likes intense situations. CALL I- Ha,Ha,Ha,-He he.

Goofing off and personal ads aside, Here are some scriptures:

Isaiah 6:8- Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?

Matthew 28:19-20 "Go therefore into all world and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit; teaching them to obey all I have commanded you. And I am with you always, even unto the End of the age."

1 Corinthians 4:13 When we are slandered, we answer kindly. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.

STORIES:
During a time of overt mistreatment by an older roommate in 2006 God directly gave me the bottom scripture (when I didn't know about this passage) as a prophetic word in describing why he allowed so much pain and difficulty during my elementary school days where I was literally treated as "the scum of the earth". This was not the first (or last) time I had been given a prophetic word like this.

Holy Spirit Conference 2003 story.

I knew that this was my last Holy Spirit conference before I would go to IHOP-KC. R.T. Kendel had spoken about overcoming offense and I went forward, though I was not consciously aware that I was holding offense against someone. Earlier in the day, God spoke to me a little bit about why He was sending me to Kansas City.

I got prayer from Bob and his partner who were captains of the altar ministry team. They begin praying over me and Bob strongly gets the prophetic word, "Apostle". (Oh great...maybe he knows God is sending me to KC.) His partner gets a vision of me in the middle of a parade, leading it along the street with large crowds on the side. Add this to IHOP history CD #7 and what God had spoken earlier in the day and I was trembling with the fear of God.

The next day, I didn't want anything to do with the conference but I came back for the evening session. I got prayer from my friends in my Church Bill and Teresa. Bill prayed something like this:

"Oh Lord, bless Jess as he goes to Kansas City...and make Him a leader, and let Him touch millions and millions of people."

This 2-day incident had confirmed 2 other major prophetic encounters I had experienced in the last year:

1. August 10th, 2002- Open vision where I saw the flags of the nations of the earth rotating around the earth, me preaching in power to fields of people as far as the eye could see. God gives me Matthew 28:18-20.

2. February 21st, 2003- Another open vision where I saw the floods of glory, judgment, mercy, and grace filling the earth. God gave me Ephesians 5:25-27. It was about the call of God upon my life.

September 16th 2006- I was sitting at the front when I was asked to move. It turns out that someone had forgotten to reserve 2 spots for some key Cyrus partners. Mike was staring at me in the midst of this whole awkward drama.

All this was going as Mike Bickle was reviewing the parade experience (in CD #7). I was sitting near the front. He mentions in sharing the story, "Those whom God calls to this type of ministry will be known for their meekness, for their identity will be in who they are before God, not what they are doing before people."

What's the ultimate purpose of this individual ministry call? Tune in tommorrow...

Jess Gjerstad

Jess's prophetic history part 2

2008-06-21T14:41:00.003-05:00

In this series, I am putting parts of my prophetic history on-line. This is the second installment. First, I want to share a scriptures...

Acts 4:29-30 "Now Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak you word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus."

The context of this prayer was that God had just released a notable miracle when the lame man at the temple gate was healed. It caused a massive stir in the city to where the religious leaders arrested John and Peter, beat them, and threatened them further. Meanwhile, the number of disciples multiplied as the result of that miracle in Jerusalem.

The apostles knew that if God answered their prayer for miracles. persecution and trouble would greatly multiply. (This is in deep contrast to hidden motive on why many ask for power today...seeing the wealth and honor that also comes with this type of anointing)However, the apostles also knew if God answered their prayer, multitudes would turn and follow Jesus. To the apostles, the trade-off of greater trouble and pain for more souls being saved was a GREAT deal because they loved Jesus and his people so much.

STORIES

Miraculous signs and wonders are part of the Church's birth right. My first encounter with the prophetic/supernatural dimensions of God came immediately after I gave my life to Jesus on July 16th, 1990. Later than evening, Grant prophesied that God wanted to do some powerful things the next night (July 17th).

The next night, Greg Berglund preached on the baptism of the Holy Spirit, Not having a clue what this was about (Who's the Holy's Spirit?), I was the only kid to go up front for a little bit of an experiment. They prayed for me (expecting me to speak in tongues or something...) nothing happened. I then prayed for a lady who's arms were unequal by 5 inches because of a serious shoulder injury (not having a clue what I was doing). In front of everyone at the camp, her arm suddenly grew out by God's power, causing Holy hyperactivity to burst forth. Over the next 2 years, between 100-200+ students came to Christ in these youth groups of the 4 churches present at the camp.

MAY 2004...
I was pacing back and forth in the back of the prayer room. I sensed the tender presence of the Holy Spirit. I felt the Holy Spirit whisper to me: "This summer, I will begin to release the flood of signs, wonders, and miracles in your life. Like a small stream growing into a mighty river, so shall My Glory come like a flood. Watch the river as I flood it with mercy and grace. Even as the river will flood in the natural, so I will flood your life with My Glory"

That evening I had an INTENSE prophetic dream. (While I was aware there was thunder and lightning outside.)
I dreamt that Many Warner(someone on the worship team I was on at that time) was heavily anointed by God. She went over to Rick and prayed for Him. He went down under the power sobbing. Then someone laid their hands on my back three separate times. Once on my lower back, once on my the middle of my back, and once on the upper back/ back of my head. Each time, fiery pain shot through my body, the most intense being the third time. The third time affected my manhood identity and other things. In the midst of the third time, I was worshipping God.

Suddenly, God picked me out in the midst of darkness and I felt a strong wind right in my face. God was blowing on my face! I was immediately caught up in the Spirit. The voice said, “Feel the wind of the Spirit. I am taking you higher and higher.” I then said something like, “My first priority is to share this with others right?” He then turned and with a majestic, still, small kind voice said, “Your first priority is ME. As a gift, I am giving you this prophetic dream.”

The next morning I go into the 5:30 AM briefing and Mandy warner is all excited telling all of us about her dream. She talked about me in this dream and I was writhing in pain as if I was having back surgery. (I didn't share the dream I had.)

Later that afternoon, I took a friend to the airport. On returning home, I was going down Red Bridge about to cross over the Blue River. To my surprise, the road was closed because of flood waters. Over 5 inches of rain had fallen upstream in the river basin. I later heard that one of the IHOP-KC staff almost got swept away in her vehicle because the water rose so dramatically!

April 2008;
On March 31st, God gave me an open vision experience in the midst of praying in tongues. In it the Spirit said loudly, "You have not yet touched the Spirit of Grace and supplication I am willing to give this generation." I wrote about it in an earlier blog entry this last month. Scriptures associated with this experience were Zechariah 12:10-12; Luke 22:43-44; and others. This was to set up another encounter with God a few weeks later:

April 17th, 2008 I have a very vivid dream where I was at Redeeming Love Church decorating the wall. the Holy Spirit visited me and says, "I am Jehovah Rapha, no disease known to man will stand before me. Some other things happen in this dream and the Holy Spirit gives me a mantle saying, "You must not lose this mantle." This is in context to the priestly function of the people being their primary identity; not apostle, prophet, or a so called "title". The next day, (April 18th), Todd Bentley prophesies about the healing anointing/widespread signs and wonders coming to Kansas City next!

So far, I have only seen a trickle of the miraculous power of God in both healing miracles and other answers to prayer. However, I believe God intends to send a flood of miraculous signs and wonders in the days ahead.

Jess's prophetic history part 1

2008-06-20T08:28:00.005-05:00

In the next several entries, I am going to put parts of my prophetic story online.

You may be wondering why I named my blog lightning from heaven- it originated from an incredible story. However, I have a few scriptures I want to share first.

Matthew 23:37- "Love the Lord your God will all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind."

Song of Songs 8:6-7 Set me as a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm, for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. it burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away. if one were to give all the wealth of his house for love, it would be utterly scorned.

Luke 10:18 "I saw satan fall like lightning from heaven."

Story:
It was July 26th, 2003 and it was in the middle of my first fast in excess of 7 days. I was on the computer looking at Jill Austin's word about the pearl of great price and the lightning storm. Meanwhile, I was also simultaneously listening to IHOP prophetic history CD #9 where Noel Alexander prophesied related to Matthew 23:37 and lightning struck the building. The same CD had John Wimber's story about the earthquake.

In the midst of all this activity, I hear the Spirit of God tell whisper to me, "That is you, ask Me to send lightning on the day you arrive- and you can pick the date." With a total lack of faith, I said to God, "August 26th".

I'm a weather watcher and I knew there was no rain forecasted for Kansas City on August 26th. The forecast was hot (100-105F)and no rain forecasted through Labor Day!
As I start driving, the KTIS Focus on the Family program is talking about Revelation 4-5, living in the "God Zone" and the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ (normally they talk about how to deal with problems in the family but today they were talking about this?!). The program thundered as I passed Downtown Minneapolis, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Meanwhile the Holy Spirit told me that my time in Minneapolis was over.

When I arrived in Kansas City, the sky was lit up with lightning ALL NIGHT LONG!

Thorny revelation...

2008-06-18T15:58:00.002-05:00

Well, it's been a while since I have written! I've gone back to Minnesota and started a new service position here in Kansas City in the meantime. God shared (or re-affirmed) some thorny truth.

Through my whole life, I have had problems with Asperger's syndrome- a mild form of autism that only affects the emotional parts of the brain. What it causes in real life is increased sensitivity emotionally- the equivalent of my emotions "screaming on the mic" (for those of you who have been to prayer room at IHOP-KC) ALL THE TIME in regards to decision making processes. The net effect is that it has caused great problems emotionally, socially, and relationally which has negatively affected other things. I have asked God to take it away (with some long fasts) and basically, God has said "no" giving me 2 Corinthians 12:6-9. (Uggghh...Why God?)

2 Corinthians 12:9 (Jesus said to Paul) "My Grace is sufficient for you and My power is made perfect in weakness."

James 4:6 "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

God has also made it clear to me (both before coming to IHOP and now beyond) that He is requiring EXTRAORDINARY humility upon my life. This last weekend, "connected the dots" related to this:

1. God has given me (and may of you) invitations to do great exploits with Him in Kansas City and beyond.
2. The great exploits God has called me to partner with Him in are going to require extraordinary grace.
3. Extraordinary grace requires extraordinary humility (James 4:6; 2 Corinthians
12:9)
4. In terms of weakness and humility, I believe there is the voluntary weakness/choosing humility dimension through living out the Sermon on the Mount Lifestyle (Serving, giving, fasting/prayer, choosing righteousness, and avoiding bitterness like the plague/blessing enemies). I also believe there is an involuntary dimension through difficulty.

It's interesting to me that God increased the pain associated with asperger's syndrome (where it now often affects me physically with severe headaches) right after the first 40-day fast that I had ever called in 2005 related to the release of the prophetic promises over my life. I now realize what probably happened and how God answered my prayer(See 2 Corinthians 12:7-8...uggh).

I believe that this is the season where I need to begin sharing more of my prophetic testimony on my life. I would so much rather do it WITHOUT the thorn of aspergers, but what if it is the only way to walk in the prophetic promises without becoming conceited?

(Groaning forward) but grateful to Jesus goodness

Jess

Disaster relief mission in Myanmar

2008-05-28T08:09:00.003-05:00

As many of you know, massive disasters have touched both China and Myanmar. Well over 100,000 are dead in Myanmar and one report indicated over 80,000 are dead in China. China continues to get most of the press. However, international relief is getting into China, and the Chinese government is far more able to handle the scope of the disaster.

This is not the case in Myanmar where things are far worse. Over 1.4 million people in the Irrawaddy river delta region are in acute long-term danger death from disease, and starvation. International aid has been kept out because of the self-centeredness of the government. Myanmar does not have the infrastructure China does in terms of getting aid to the most needy quickly.

Daniel and Levi Lim are coordinating a relief mission to Myanmar. Levi is a citizen from Myanmar with ties to some key leadership in the nation.

Check out their website.

http://ilovemyanmar.org/index.html

If you are looking for a place to bring both physical and natural relief, I strongly encourage everyone to give towards this mission. I have traveled with them to Myanmar in August 2006. Daniel and Levi are top quality leaders for the cause of Christ.

REVIVAL WATCH FOR IHOP-KC PART 2

2008-05-20T12:25:00.003-05:00

Well this morning is real interesting...

At the 6am prayer time, the presence of the LORD broke into the meeting a little bit as Allen prayed on the mic. A number of people were touched by the anointing of God. Allen Hood has obviously had some sort of a visitation from the LORD over the last few days.

Then during the 10am set, a token of "presence worship" broke in as the tangible presence came forth. It was obvious to me that this morning was about restoring hope. God gave Bob Sorge Philippians 3:13 "Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead..."

It's obvious that spiritual hunger around the base is increasing for an outbreak of the Spirit of God in a serious way. On Sunday at the FCF service, people went forward after Daniel Lim preached. The main focus was that people were hungry for the outpouring of the Spirit.

I now want to turn to reasons why I sense this wave of the Spirit is coming to Kansas City- What does God desire to accomplish in the heart of His people (besides, the release of salvation, healing, and deliverance).

1. God wants to release the fear of the LORD to the nation. Psalm 119:38 tells us that God fulfills his promises (good or bad) that He may be feared.

2. Teach those who would lead in this and subsequent moves of the Spirit how to go in and out before the people (while maintaining the One thing being first)in the midst of honor, influence, pressure, wealth, controversy, and persecution.

3.Begin proclaiming to the earth about God's end-time agenda...particularly concerning the worship/prayer movement based on intimacy.

This is a significant wave of the Spirit that is coming but it is not "THE BIG ONE" (though it will feel like it!). With that being said, now is the time to position ourselves to catch this significant wave of the Spirit. However, we need to keep the "One thing" as the only thing that matters or else we will be "blown off course".

Jess Gjerstad

REVIVAL WATCH FOR IHOP-KC

2008-05-18T19:41:00.003-05:00

Okay, I am now convinced. I now believe an outbreak of revival activity in Kansas City is imminent. I just got back from Israel where God released the spirit of revelation concerning the movement of the Holy Spirit that is coming.

Over the last 7 weeks or so, I have had numerous prophetic encounters regarding topics such as prayer, the glory of the secret place of abiding in Christ, along with other information. ALl of this information is critical in correctly stewarding the wave of the Spirit that is coming quickly to Kansas City so that a visitation can become a permenant habitation or resting place.

In Israel, God made it really clear that there is a glory in the secret place of ministering directly to God that is available that is greater both qualitatively and quantitatively than any glory that is available that comes from ministering before the people (even if it is millions).

Sometimes, ministry to God and ministry to people will overlap making decision-making processes easy. However, in the midst of the coming revival, there will clearly be times when God calls us to draw away from the people so that we can minister to Him. Jesus did so!

Some scriptures to study on the glory of this secret place are Psalm 91, Exodus 33; Revelation 4-5; 2 Corinthians 3-4; and John 17:20-26.

The key question in Kansas City is when the whirlwind of activity erupts surrounding a wave of revival activity (that is clearly coming), will we maintain the glory of the secret place?

It is the understanding of the the glory of God's spirit resting upon us as individuals (without being quenched or grieved) that will release a corporate Psalm 132 resting place for the glory of God in a geographical location, which will be replicated all over the earth, which will then result in the greatest manifestation of God's glory(direct manifestations of His glory, along with its effects...salvation, miracles, deliverance etc.) that the earth has ever seen!

Jess Gjerstad

A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD

2008-05-05T09:17:00.002-05:00

God has been re-arranging my life. We all hear about the wisdom of spending time in the secret place of prayer/fasting and worship. I have heard numerous stories about the power of God breaking out in various places such as Illinois, North Carolina, and Florida. This is what I have been praying for.

Praise God! Things are breaking out. Ugh, Now what?

Like spending time in the prayer room for a worship set, it is exciting at first. After the 100th time, people get used to it and it so often gets "routine". Why do I think that seeing the power of God breaking out on people will have any different of a dynamic? When God's glory comes to KC, what makes me think the dynamics will be any different? Meanwhile, prophetic promises over KC indicate that when God comes in power to KC, it will never end.

God has been indicating from Exodus 33:18; Psalm 27:4; and Philippians 3:7-11 that there is a greater glory accessable to any believer (that is NOT routine) who will whole-heartedly give themselves to it...related to worship and intercession in the secret place.

I'm off to Israel at this point. Stay tuned to future updates from this blog from Israel.

Spirit of Grace and Supplication.

2008-04-11T15:55:00.005-05:00

Spirit of Grace and Supplication

A few weeks ago, I heard a still, small voice in my ear that said, “You don’t really know how to pray”. At first, I just ignored the voice. I have seen God do many astounding things in response to anointed worship and intercession.

However, this voice came back and said, “You don’t really know how to pray”. At this point, I was getting quite irritated with this persistent thought that was coming from outside my experience. I responded to this voice, “I rebuke you satan!” thinking that this would be the end of this strange irritation.

The voice continued to irritate me and I thought to myself, “Oh great, I must be dealing with a MAJOR strongman that is opposing me.” (Actually I was right on this one; at least sort of- see James 4:6). I tried every possible tactic I knew concerning spiritual warfare but this “strongman” would not budge. Perplexed, I asked God, What the H-E-double hockey sticks is going on? This last week, I feel I have gotten a small part of the answer.

A prophetic encounter

Over the last year or so, IHOP-KC has started times of “preparation for intercession” prior to corporate intercession meetings. These small group meetings serve two purposes: 1.) To prepare the people (both the participants and others) for an increased anointing in corporate intercession times. 2.) To train people in stirring up their inner man through praying in tongues (since we generally do not speak in tongues on the microphone anymore). On a recent Monday afternoon, I went to the preparation for intercession rooms.

In the midst of doing the praying in tongues thing, the Holy Spirit clearly spoke to me, “You have not yet touched the Spirit of Grace and Supplication I am willing to give this generation.”
I was then in a vision and I was watching Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane violently travailing in prayer. Jesus was praying John 17. The scene was that from Luke 22:43-44. In the midst of watching this glorious, agonizing scene; The Holy Spirit said once again, "You have not yet touched the Spirit of Grace and Supplication I am willing to give this generation."

The scene changed again, and I was in a prayer room that I didn’t recognize. The carpet was stained with blood and tears. The blood on the carpet was not because of a terrorist attack (like you may see on the news), but because God had even sent angels and empowered the people of God to pray with supernatural intensity.

It is this level of the spirit of prayer on a people that God speaks of in Zechariah 12:10-13 that creates a community where God’s Spirit can rest in glory like in Psalm 132 and Acts 2. The result is a fountain of revival and salvation for multitudes (millions and millions) described in Zechariah 13:1-2.

What does God mean by this for daily life?

Immediately after this intense encounter, the LORD also highlighted that 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 and Ezekiel 44:15-16. I felt the Holy Spirit indicate that these two verses are a key to entering into the spirit of grace and supplication that God is willing to release in this generation. In the days following, the LORD clearly let me know that the other 2 keys are overcoming the spirit of murder and the spirit of manipulation at the heart level.

Recently, Mike Bickle got a prophetic word about immorality in the Church. As the result IHOP-KC has invited Jesus to come and release an increased measure of judgment (the sword of the LORD) for those who do no repent, while an increased measure of glory for those who do.

The Spirit of prayer at this level comes from knowing Jesus in a deep and profound way. God is very zealous over the secret issue of immorality within believers because it destroys our intimacy and communion with Jesus. Paul said in Philippians 3:10-11; I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings becoming like him in his death, and so somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Nothing else (including worldwide honor, fame, and power) will satisfy our heart short of knowing Jesus.

WHERE THERE IS SMOKE, THERE IS FIRE!

2008-03-10T12:04:00.003-05:00

At the International House of Prayer I often tell visitors, "Welcome to the Kansas City BBQ". People come here and smell the pleasing aroma of worship and intercession arising to God 24-7. Guests often also comment on how in depth the teaching (singing and prophesying) from the meat of the Word of God is. A lot of people then want to come and move here. They do and experience the great smelling aroma, eating the meat of the word, and the feast of godly fellowship among believers. The Aroma of cooking smells great, but many then begin asking the question, "Why is eating this BBQ often so painful? The flames seem to be a little bit more active right now".

Then they look down on the grill and AAAUUUUURRRGGGHHHH! OOOWWWWEEEE! The thing that is being barbecued is none other than their fleshly, soulish, sin nature!

Recently, the flames on the Kansas City BBQ seem to be a bit more active. There is much smoke which makes clear personal vision from the LORD much more difficult to articulate. (Why in the world did I come here again? Oh yeah...God pretty much mandated me to come. Those scrape marks on I-35 before they resurfaced the road were my finger nails as soulish nature said nooooooo!)

God has strategic prophetic assignments he is preparing us for. God promised that he would refine the priesthood to get them ready. Therefore, God is turning up the heat of refining fire to get us ready. Where there is smoke, there is fire. (Where there is MORE smoke, there is MORE fire.) Many people right now are having difficulties seeing clearly (in terms of purpose and vision) in the midst of the smoke (which stings the eyes) as there is much transition occuring right now.

In my last post (yesterday), I wrote why God is turning up the heat- God is jealous for us to have only one affection as the fulfillment of our highest purpose and pleasure. So even as the heat of his refining fire is on us, enjoy the Kansas City BBQ!

THE STATE OF THE UNION: IS THERE ANY HOPE?

2008-03-09T22:02:00.002-05:00

So far, 2008 has turned into a very difficult year for many in America. The United States Economy faces the threats of severe inflation, a housing market falling like a rock, a credit crunch, the loss of jobs, and a massive recession. The War on Terror in Iraq and Afghanistan continues without a clear victory in sight. Now Terrorism has struck Israel again and threatens the stability of the region. Even the winter has been difficult with unusual severe weather patterns, extreme cold temperatures, and record snowfalls in some cases. There have been incidents of people snapping and going on a killing spree. All of this has left society asking the question: Is there any hope?

Meanwhile, Bill 777 has passed in California which encourages immorality (and homosexuality) in the public school system of California. Mike Huckabee has now conceded the Republican nomination to John McCain, leaving no explicit pro-life candidates running for President in America. Meanwhile, there hasn’t been much in the way of clear prophetic direction. It’s been 9 months since the 40-day fast last June and July and we have yet to see a massive spiritual awakening in America. All of this though many people have spent many days in fasting, praying, and weeping before God. Much of the Church is asking the same question: Is there any hope? Is this fasting, weeping, and mourning thing really the wisdom of God?

The real hope of America…
Let me say this: The answer is in your tears. The fact that so many of you are deeply discouraged, in mourning, and their hearts are full of pain is a sign that God has not given up on America. Your tears in themselves are a sign that there is still hope for America. There is still hope for your children, your families, your churches, your workplaces, and your cities. If you are yet moved with tears of compassion, mercy, and righteous indignation against wickedness over the headlines, there is still hope for this nation. Where do you think the yearnings for righteousness, justice, and compassion originate from? If you are moved to tears of compassion, and indignation over wickedness and unrighteousness, how much more is God Almighty who delights in showing mercy and takes pleasure in pouring out kindness in righteousness and truth?

We serve the God who holds the hearts of the kings and rulers of the nations in the palm of His hand. The nations are but nothing before Him. History is filled with instances where God intervened with supernatural acts on heaven and the earth in response to sustained fasting and prayer. For example, God used a leader who was involved in Freemasonry at the highest levels (Freemasonry is a secret society that gives its allegiance to Lucifer through odd rituals and oaths) to be instrumental in birthing the nation of Israel (a prophetic sign of God’s final breaking in and driving Lucifer’s influence off the planet).

All this started from a movement of extended fasting and prayer that was birthed out of San Diego in 1946. Franklin Hall wrote a book called Atomic Power with God through Prayer and Fasting. Inspired by this book, thousands of God’s people went on extended fasts (21+ days) and God answered from heaven with signs and wonders. Most of all, against all odds, the Jewish State was born to the glory of God. This was about the same time when the United States became recognized as a global superpower.

What does God want most?
God is jealous for our affections and desires. His Jealous affections are like a Mother Grizzly Bear who diligently watches over her cubs. In training her cubs for the wild, she will sometimes hide herself as her cubs search for food or play. All the while, her cubs remain within her guarded sight. Anything that threatens her cubs brings an immediate response and wrath. Should you get in between a Mother Grizzly bear and her cubs, start saying your prayers!

If a mere Grizzly bear is burning with desire for her cubs, how much more does our great Bridegroom God burn with zealous desire for us to be fully his as a Bride? Jesus’ eyes are a flaming fire, full of passion and delight over you and me. Woe to anything that we wrongly put in front of our Bridegroom God as the object of our highest affections! It is better to get in between a Mother Grizzly bear and her cubs than to put something in between a passionate Bridegroom God and the one He loves- the Bride of Christ. I somewhat experienced this first-hand (cringe).

As many of you know, in November and December, I was part of an apostolic team that traveled to Malaysia and Korea. I saw great and astounding things where God shifted the political landscape of nations. The shifting of the nations was accompanied by shifts in the literal Pacific plates as earthquakes rocked Alaska, New Zealand, and Indonesia. There was only one HUGE problem. All of this, along with a few other astounding answers to prayer in those months caused something to get in front of the burning zeal and desire of Jesus and my passions. It was called spiritual pride. The emotional sustenance that made me feel important (especially in the eyes of people) began to shift from the pure love of Jesus (knowing in my emotions that God likes me) to the great and awesome things God had done through me in intercession.

The shift began subtly, but within 2 months, the self-centered conceit and pride in my heart led to feelings of entitlement (I am the great man of God, I deserve _{fill in the blank} ) When I didn’t get _{fill in the blank} from people, I began getting angry with God (as if _{fill in the blank} could really satisfy the deepest desire of my heart?). All of my relationships ended up suffering from the bitterness I had with God. Other problems listed in Romans 1:18-32 began to appear as well. This was a horrible season, where I was stuck in oppression and the spirit of murder began knocking at the door. It was only within this last week or so that I feel that God in his grace got me “un-stuck”.

Who (or what) are we looking at for America’s salvation?
It was in 1 Samuel 8 where the people of Israel were crying out for a king like all the other nations had. The LORD responded brokenheartedly, “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected Me as King.” This was the same great God (who gave instructions concerning a king in Deuteronomy 18:14-20) who said with burning, passionate love, Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever. (Deuteronomy 5:29).

Samuel continued to plead with the people of Israel about the trouble that would come with a king and yet the people persisted in their rejection of God and desiring a human leader. In 1 Samuel 12:16-18 we read, Now then, stand still and see this great thing that the LORD is about to do before your eyes! Is it not the wheat harvest now? I will call upon the LORD to send thunder and rain. And you will realize what an evil thing you did in the eyes of the LORD when you asked for a king. Then Samuel called upon the LORD, and the same day, the LORD sent thunder and rain.

I completely agree with the need for godly leadership in civil government. If we do not end abortion, God will- and the result will be a very, very tragic and sad day for America. These elections are very, very important. However, the President is only human. Neither Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Libertarians, nor anyone else is able to save America. With this, I need to ask a really painful and thorny question: In the perceptions of many Christians, did Mike Huckabee wrongly get in between the Bridegroom God and our highest affections much like my self-centered pride did (in a negative way) with my little story above?

I find it interesting that on Super Tuesday, the worst outbreak of tornadoes for February in many decades struck the states that Mike Huckabee actually won! We’ve been crying out for God’s mercy and perhaps God is showing us mercy by preventing anything from getting wrongly in between God and the church that He so loves.

1 Samuel 8 also gives the reason why Israel wanted a King- the priesthood was unfaithful in their ministry before God! This brings us to another thorny question-especially for leaders in the Body of Christ like me: Have we been faithful as the Bride of Christ in our priestly ministry of worship and prayer as a lifestyle before God? OUCH!

As the result, we are at the end of our resources and hope. We are a broken Church in pain, the midst of a broken nation (that generally does not yet perceive of how much trouble we are now in). We are facing complex, and difficult problems that must be solved quickly; where there is simply no solution. This is a great spot for us to be in so that God can now win our hearts fully back to Him and dazzle us with His kindness.

Righteousness, Righteousness, Righteousness!

2008-02-25T01:19:00.004-06:00

In 2007, God released some prophetic words confirmed with signs and wonders. The most notable was a prophetic word released by Julie Meyer in February 2007 about the coming of late snows: (This is edited)

Prophetic word... with a sign:

From: Julie Meyer
Sent: Friday, February 23, 2007
To: Mike Bickle
Subject: dream

Mike,
I had a dream. I believe I have really encountered the Lords heart for the House of Prayer. He came as the most tender of Fathers but He came very, very firm, like an athletic coach that was determined that we win the race. Like He has so much passion for us to be all that He created us to be, that He is coming to us.I do not know if it was God talking or an angel of the Lord, but "The voice of the Father said, " He did not just say it, He declared it......It was a decree. He said,

"Do not get out your spring and summer clothes as of yet, for there is still more snow coming.. With every snowflake that falls, I want you to remember ....RIGHTEOUSNESS... ..RIGHTEOUSNESS... RIGHTEOUSNESS. With every snowflake that falls I want you to remember PURITY....PURITY… PURITY......

.He said, "IHOP You are not yet ready.....lest the power take you out.” But, His eyes were like eyes of a Father.......His eyes were like the eyes of a 'training coach' and it was like we were all at training camp. It was not an angry rebuke, it was a 'heads up' He said, "I am going to get you ready." I could see in the dream, that after the next season of snow there was going to come a season of intense rains. It was raining and raining; and with each drop the Lord kept saying......"Remember Grace".

The scripture that was highlighted to me was Hosea 6:1-3. I could see these eyes of the Father......they were also the eyes of the coach....and the Lord said, "I am going to help you." "The literal snow is coming as a reminder of righteousness; the rains are coming as a reminder that I am going to move the Host of Heaven on Your behalf because I want a pure and shining Bride.....If you will do your part......I am going to come along behind you and SHOVE you into victory."

The sign:
On April 13th, 2007 during the Israel Mandate conference, God sent a surprise snowstorm! Around 2 inches of snow fell on the assembly as we celebrated Passover at the Israel Mandate conference. The whole house was filled with a sobering joy over this event as God sent a sign in the weather patterns to confirm the message.

Later that year, God sent record flooding from Texas up to Missouri up- all during the Onething Jerusalem conference in Israel. Record floods also hit Jerusalem during the 40th anniversary of Jerusalem coming under Jewish control.

What does this mean?
God has yet to release apostolic power upon the western Church. It is literally divine authority to shift nations through prophetic and apostolic decrees. It is the Gospel of the Kingdom preached with widespread signs and wonders. In December 2007, God graciously gave me a small token of this divine authority. Other friends of mine have also experienced tokens of this coming power.

The prophetic word clearly indicated that righteousness is required or else the power will take us out. Unfortunately, I also experienced a small token of this (see my last blog entry..."STUCK!") dimension as well. It created a lot of turmoil for me in relating to God ( I acted like a brute beast before God at times...uugghh), and it may have done some damage to my other relationships as well. I believe there are 5 dimensions of righteousness God is calling us to embrace.

1. His righteous decrees and commands in scripture. These alone describe the glory of His wisdom. God is altogether right!

2. Righteousness at the heart level. Matthew 22:37-39 and Deuteronomy 6:4-6 describe righteousness in the inner parts. After what Jesus has for us, anything short of 100% devotion to Jesus is unrighteous!

3. Embracing His righteous leadership methodologies. In leading us to mature love in God, Jesus' methods of leadership seem very strange. (Assembling together to speak to someone I can't see? skipping lunch? giving sacrifically? serving regardless of payback? Blessing enemies?) His leadership is brilliant! For example, I listed 14 different general ways that Jesus built up the Church with the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) when taken as a whole. Song of Songs and other Biblical stories (especially Abraham, David, and the narrative accounts of Jesus) give us some glimpses into His righteous, brilliant, wise leadership.

4. Embracing His righteous choices of roles and assignments- God gives individuals and corporate people groups specific special roles. But, what if God gave someone else a role that I really wanted (because it is honored and esteemed by people)? NO FAIR!!! How can God's choices (beginning with Israel as a chosen nation) be right?

5. Embracing God's righteous design in the created order. This is the fun part, we get to make wrong things right even if it is naturally out of order.
Many have been asking God for a greater level of righteousness. I believe that the place we need to look the most at is category #4. I believe this is the hardest one to embrace because it violates our sense of fairness and justice.

In reality, we don't (or at least I don't) understand God's righteousness and justice very well at the heart level. My confidence in this righteousness is only through Jesus Christ.

All this to say, it will take far more than human zeal to walk out this righteousness. God, Help!

Stuck!

2008-02-10T17:51:00.000-06:00

Recently, I have been really frustrated at why God has allowed a form of autism called Asperger's syndrome to completely disrupt many things that I desire. I felt the Holy Spirit gently prompt me to go and do some biblical studies on arrogant, selfish pride from characters in the Bible. I will simply share a quick summary of what I found.

In Genesis 4, we all know that Cain killed Abel out of jealousy. What the Lord showed me was that Cain had a significant problem with self-centered pride even before they offered the sacrifices in verses 4-5. Cain’s self-centered pride was exposed in depression, and bitter envy. In Genesis 11, God confused their communication as a mercy strategy against self-centered arrogant pride on a corporate scale as they built the tower of Babel.

Going onward, Joseph stirred up bitter envy and strife among his brothers within his family after sharing his God-dream out of selfish ambition. Nebuchadnezzar was struck with insanity after boasting before heaven in Daniel 4:28-34. Incoherent thinking, double-mindedness and twisted thinking are other warning signs of the destructive influence of self-centered pride.

Looking at other passages of scripture, Sodom’s root sin was not homosexuality. Ezekiel 16 says that Sodom’s root sin was pride manifesting in being unconcerned and not helping the poor and needy (non-verbally saying before God, we are better than those other people). Romans 1:21 indicates that ingratitude (grumbling and complaining) or “entitlement spirit/greed” (“I deserve more”) is another sign of destructive pride. In addition, the proud are unable to forgive others and have no delight in showing mercy for those who have hurt them.

The trouble and pain I was in was due to my self-centered arrogance, not just because of Asperger’s syndrome. The only thing Asperger’s syndrome did was to amplify the emotional trouble associated with self-centered pride, so I would smash into my brokenness quicker. In other words, the Asperger’s syndrome was only serving to speed up and amplify the brokenness in my life. It sort of functions as a spiritual pride detector test!

The symptoms that I have highlighted in red are danger signs of self-centered pride that God pointed out were in me. If this is not dealt with through embracing humility before God and others at this stage through repentance and humility, the results are disastrous. Romans 1:18-32 indicates that self-centered arrogant pride is the first step that leads into idolatry, immorality, perversion, and destruction. In Genesis 4, Cain’s self-centered pride eventually brought him to the point of murder. Hebrews 12 talks about bitterness (another manifestation of pride) leads to immorality, and godlessness. It all results in death.

A few years ago, God let me know that He was going to require “extraordinary humility” on my life. God’s wisdom in humility is the beginning of righteousness and justice. Meanwhile, satan’s wisdom of self-centered pride is at the root of abortion, immorality, and greed that threaten the foundations of this nation. I eventually chose to repent and humble myself before God and people of what I know about. However, I cannot walk into God’s requirement of extraordinary humility by myself.

So here I am, stuck!

Prophetic dream and interpretation...

2008-02-03T23:32:00.000-06:00

A short time ago, I had a series of vivid dreams in one night.

In the first dream, I was was walking around my unfinished house with the fire marshall. There was no drywall up and it was dark inside the house. We were looking through the house with a flashlight. The fire marshall happened to be my friend, I knew that the house was being inspected. I woke up and it was 3:38 AM on my digital clock.

Instantly I kew that the scripture associated with 3:38 AM was Jeremiah 33:8

8 I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me.

I then had a second dream. This time, I dreamt that I was in the White House. I had been invited for a special Innaugural ball. The Maitre De brought out all sorts of different types of cake. I grabbed a large piece of chocolate cake (without cutting it). I then realized that I had taken the last piece of the chocolate cake. I offered to divide the cake up, but no one else wanted the cake. I ate the first bit of my Chocolate cake. I didn't want any more because it tasted weird. (I think I complained to the Maitre De but I am not sure) The Maitre De then said, "Eat this during transition" I then woke up.

Interpretation:
Many people around IHOP have been asking for God to release the flood of the Holy Spirit in power. I believe the house represents the house of prayer and individuals like me in it. God has called His Church to be a house of prayer for all nations (Isaiah 56:6-7). The reason why it was dark was because "the power" hasn't been turned on yet (We have not yet experienced the breakthrough of power yet in the Body of Christ in Kansas City).

The inspector represents Jesus Christ coming as a friend. (The friend who appeared in my dream is my friend who holds me accountable on a number of things.) The 338 am timing is about the purpose. Jesus isn't inspecting the house to disqualify people or the house. Instead, he is going to shine the light on what needs to be changed so that when the power is turned on, the whole house doesn't go up in flames. It was dark inside (and out) indicating the inspection was during a time of testing or difficulty (dark night of the soul).

In the second part of the dream, the white house represents governmental intercession or authority. We have been invited by God to participate in His government and influence or shift the governments of nations into His will. We are seated with Christ in heavenly places.

The term "Maitre' De" literally means, "master of the house" or "master of the hall"- Jesus is referred to as the Master of God's household (Hebrews 3:6). In scripture, cakes were often used as offerings before God, often associated with thanksgiving. In the Hebraic scriptures, people made and ate cakes for food. I was particularly struck with the story of Elijah.

5 Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, "Get up and eat." 6 He looked around, and there by his head was a cake of bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.
7 The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, "Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you."

APPLICATION:
OUCH! This has a personal application for me (i.e. I haven't been doing too well.)

1. There is a time of testing and transition coming that will be difficult.

2. God is inspecting the house (as thing will be revealed underneath the surface) that must be fixed before God can really turn the power "on" (the outpouring of the Spirit in power with signs and winders). However, this is not something that will disqualify anyone or the house from their calling...as long as people do not quit (leave the violations in place without doing anything about them).

3. The way to survive (or even thrive) the inspection with a heart alive is thanksgiving. The 1 Kings 19 passage implies that we cannot endure the test that is coming apart from this.

Thank God for His mercy!

Jess Gjerstad

Q & A concerning Israel in God's plan.

2008-01-28T15:01:00.000-06:00

Over a week ago, I released a bulletin about my prayer agenda for 2008. Israel is clearly at the center of it. Recently, a number of very highly respected evangelical leaders made a statement concerning peace in the Middle East. Their statement can be found at: www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/novemberweb-only/148-33.0.html?start=2. In addition, George W. Bush has made some stronger statements concerning the Israeli- Palestinian conflict. With the whole topic of Israel is a lot of confusion (and a lot of traps). Here is my attempt to bring a little bit of clarification.

Question #1: Does God’s choice of Israel mean that he loves Israel more than other people groups?

Answer: God loves all people equally and beyond anything we can imagine. (Galatians 3:28-29; 2 Peter 3:8-9 etc. etc.)

Explanation: God sent Jesus Christ through the Lineage of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (See Genesis 12:1-3) thus fulfilling the prophetic promise that all the families of the earth would be blessed. However, God has not yet fulfilled all of the promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In electing or “choosing” the Jewish people, God has given the Jewish people a special role on the earth. In many cultures, the oldest son has certain roles and responsibilities (the same is true with other sons and daughters), God has given the Jewish people as a whole (as God’s “firstborn” son) a special role and responsibility on the earth.

In Deuteronomy 28:1-14; we see that God has given the Jewish people the key role of being the chief blessing to all the nations. Paul picks up on this in Romans 9:1-4. Just as a good father assigned different responsibilities to different sons and daughters in the family, yet loves them all fully; so it is with our heavenly father. We can see this in a local Body of Christ. Some people will have more responsibility and talents than others. Jesus touched on this in the parable of the talents. Paul touches on this in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.

Question #2 The Jewish people and eternal salvation. Does God has a special “old covenant” arrangement to save the Jewish people so that they don’t need to receive Jesus?

Answer: Jesus is the Only Way, the truth, and the Life (John 14:6; John 5:24; etc. etc.) for the Jewish people (and us).

Explanation: The old covenant law (Mosaic law) could never save in itself, just as we cannot earn salvation today through works. Jesus came and fulfilled the Mosaic Law. Before Jesus came, only a remnant of people followed the Mosaic covenant by faith. Not all of the natural descendents of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were children of God (Romans 9:6-7). Before Jesus Christ came, the people demonstrated their faith through obeying the It was grace through faith (in God’s future saving action) alone back then. Faith was demonstrated by their actions in following the instructions in the Mosaic Covenant.

Today, it is grace through faith (in God’s past saving action through Jesus Christ and his future saving action in Jesus) alone. James 2 makes it clear we don’t have true faith in Jesus unless it is demonstrated in obedience to Him. Both Jew and Gentile must turn to Jesus for eternal salvation. There is no difference. Concerning the covenants, Jesus Christ is our covenant keeper on our behalf. However, in order to be God’s covenant people, Jew or Gentile, we MUST be born again (see John 3:1-8) in Christ Jesus.

As Gentile followers of Jesus, we have been “adopted” into the Jewish covenant promises as equals through Jesus Christ (See Ephesians 2:11-3:21). It is because of the 1st Church council in Acts 15 that we as Gentile believers do not need to adapt a Jewish cultural expression of following Jesus. Acts 15 does not exempt us from following Jesus by obeying his commandments.

Question #3: What about the Old Testament covenant promises for Israel- (Land, offspring, chief blessing of the nations, etc.) Are they still literally valid for Israel today?

Answer: All the Hebraic Scriptural promises for Israel (land, offspring, special role etc.) are relevant for today through following Jesus Christ (the covenant mediator)

Explanation: God always keeps his covenant promises. The vast majority of the covenant promises are for all of God’s covenant people (both Jew and Gentile) in Jesus Christ. A few of God’s covenant promises regarding faithful Israel’s role (referring to the ethnic Jewish people who are faithful to Jesus) in the nations on the earth and the promise of geographic land with specific boundaries are specifically for the Jewish people. In any case, the promises all flow through Jesus Christ, the covenant-keeper for both Jew and Gentile. THERE IS NO OTHER WAY! God may speak prophetically to a Gentile believer through a spiritualization of certain old covenant promises. However, the original exegetical and hermeneutical meanings are still valid, referring to a literal land and a literal people (the Jewish people who follow Jesus). Unfortunately, much of the church embraces “replacement theology” (replacing faithful Ethnic Israel in Jesus with “spiritual Israel”- the predominantly Gentile church and consigning ethnic Israel as part of the Gentile church). The result is error and great confusion.

Question 4. Ethnic Israel and the Holy Land today- Is Israel is entitled to the Holy Land, regardless of what the nation does with God’s covenant responsibilities?

Answer : Corporate national obedience to the covenant (through obeying Jesus) brings blessing. National disobedience to the covenant (through disobeying Jesus) brings trouble (Deuteronomy 28).

Explanation: Today, Israel is a wicked nation (as are most Gentile nations) with much immorality, drunkenness, and idolatry. Very few ethnically Jewish people obey the covenant in Jesus Christ (Yeshua in Hebrew) Paul wrote of this sad condition in Romans 9:30-33.

Historically, when Israel strayed from the covenant, one of the ways God punished Israel was through bringing armies in to occupy Israel or even bringing the whole nation into captivity. The current Middle East conflict is the result of Israel’s stubborn refusal to enter into the covenant through Jesus Christ. The few times in history when Israel was whole-heartedly following the LORD (in weakness and immaturity) and an enemy attacked Israel were memorable stories in the Bible. (Woe to the nations found opposing Israel when the Jewish people are fully faithful to the covenant in Jesus Christ!)

Israel’s primary adversary is GOD (due to disobedience to the Gospel of the Kingdom in Jesus Christ) not the Muslim powers in the Middle East. Often when Israel was disobedient to God’s covenant, God allowed a foreign power to oppress and even bring Israel into captivity as a judgment. It was a judgment on national disobedience (Deuteronomy 28). However, history also shows that after using the foreign power to judge Israel, God would then bring severe judgment against that foreign power, destroying it.

As I write this concerning the Middle East. The current division of Israel’s land for peace (with terrorists) being orchestrated by the U.S. and the UN are a potential judgment of the LORD for covenant disobedience by the nation of Israel (not receiving Jesus as their Messiah). However, guess what THAT means for America! (God have mercy on America.)

Question 5: Israel and the 2nd coming of Jesus- What is the relationship between standing with Israel and finishing the great commission?

Answer: The only way to finish the Great commission is to embrace God's strategic role for Israel. God revealed to Paul that he would use the fullness of the Gentile believers into provoking Israel to salvation (Romans 11:11)

Explanation: Scripture is real clear that Jesus will return in the clouds at the last trumpet (1 Thessalonians 4:13) The last trumpet recorded in Scripture is the 7th trumpet judgment in Revelation 11:15-19. This is in contrast to our escapist theology that we could suddenly vanish at any moment. Matthew 24:10 and Matthew 23:37-39 provide the two conditions that must occur before Jesus will return to earth and inaugurate the Kingdom of God on the earth (the Millennial reign and then eternity). The gospel of the Kingdom must go to every ethnic group on earth (Mt 24:10) and the Jewish leadership of the nation of Israel must invite Jesus back to be their king (Matthew 23:37-39). It is not an accident that God placed many of the most un-reached people groups in bondage to the strongest expressions of the Anti-Christ spirit immediately around the nation of Israel. We cannot finish the great commission without embracing God’s strategic plan for Israel. (A spiritual warfare principle: We cannot overcome an enemy that we are compromising with in any small way) It is the quality of witness that is needed to reach these final resistant people groups that will provoke Israel into receiving their King. God promised that he would not be silent and set watchmen on the wall (Isaiah 62:1-7) until Jerusalem is established as a praise in the earth- people will honor God for what he did for Jerusalem. This certainly applies to Intercessors and worshippers in the houses of prayer that cry out to God for his salvation to break into Jerusalem. However, this also applies to Apostolic and prophetic messengers that call Israel to repentance and raise up the Gentile church in love, holiness, and power to provoke Israel into fullness of salvation (Romans 11:11).

These are some of the basic questions, Feel free to email any other questions as we are all still learning about God's end-time plans.

Under His mercy at the cross,

Jess

Jess's prophetic prayer agenda, PART 2

2008-01-27T00:00:00.000-06:00

God’s Mercy strategy: A global prayer movement of Joel 2 solemn assemblies.

Whenever there has been a crisis in a nation, God gave people a remedy. No matter how far a nation had strayed from the LORD. God offered a way of mercy. In Joel 2, God commanded the people to gather together to repent of their individual sins and the as representatives of the nation to repent of corporate wickedness, injustice and guilt. God declared in 2 Chronicles 7:14, If My people who are called by My Name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.
I’m amazed at the number of different ministries that are “sounding the alarm” to gather corporate solemn assemblies. Outside of IHOP-KC, Paradise’08 hopes to gather 100,000+ young adults in Kansas on May 26th for a solemn assembly in the heartland of America. On April 26th, 2008, a ministry network named Reign Down is calling for solemn assemblies at all of the state capital buildings along with the National Mall in Washington DC. We also all know about the national day of prayer this year which falls on May 1st.
The House of Prayer reality is meant to be a perpetual solemn assembly. Dubbed the Luke 18 project, God has given my friends Jaeson Ma, and Brian Kim a vision to raise up houses of prayer on college campuses all over America. Many others are in the process of building the house of prayer all over the United States and the nations of the earth. In 2007, it was reported that over 120 colleges and universities had 24-7 intercession on their campus.
Meanwhile, IHOP-KC is expected to get to the 500 full-time staff mark later this year. Some of you are aware of the Bob Jones prophecy (confirmed by a flood in Mississippi) that when the staff hits 500 full-time, it will suddenly explode to 5,000 overnight. Obviously, we know about The CALL which is traveling around the nation doing regional solemn assemblies (both in the United States and then Internationally). Lou Engle hopes to bring the youth of the nation to Washington DC this fall to repent, fast, worship, and pray. However, one particular CALL event stands out to me.

This Global prayer movement MUST stand with God’s purpose for the Jewish people to overcome the Spirit of Anti-Christ.

May 11th is the Global Day of Prayer. This year, GOD-TV will be airing the Global day of Prayer events from Jerusalem and other parts of the earth. Lou Engle hopes to gather the Messianic Jewish believers and others from around the nation for The Call Jerusalem on this day. I believe this is one of the most strategic events of the year from a global perspective in fulfilling the great commission.
Currently the main thing holding back the global prayer movement (with full-time singers, musicians and intercessors) is the lack of money. In Isaiah 62:6-7 God promised the Jewish people in Jerusalem that he would set watchmen on the walls of Jerusalem who would cry out day and night for their salvation.

In the part 1 of my prophetic prayer agenda, I mentioned some stunning answers to prayer I witnessed in 2007. In all of the cases, one key factor involved was overcoming the spirit of Anti-Christ through prayer, fasting, and standing with God’s purpose for Israel. In addition to the answered prayers, I heard stunning reports of many Muslims coming to Christ in Pakistan, Iran, Israel, and Turkey. In the Chauvez case, I learned that he had invited Benny Hinn to do a 3-day national miracle crusade in the days leading up to the election in Venezuela. In looking at his website, it’s clear that Benny Hinn stands with God’s promises for Israel and the mandate blessing the nation.

I am also sure that these articles will probably raise more questions than they answer. I hope to follow up with other posts to clarify this.

Under His Mercy at the cross,

Jess Gjerstad

Jess's prophetic prayer agenda PART 1

2008-01-25T11:27:00.000-06:00

Right about now, at the beginning of the New Year, everyone tries to make their prophetic predictions concerning what is coming for 2008. Who will win the presidential election? What notable events will happen in 2008? What about this and what about that?
Prophetically oriented believers like me are no exception. I’ve read a number of prophetic articles on what various Christian leaders and prophetic types are saying about 2008. This article isn’t to judge or discern what others are saying. Instead, in this article, I want to offer you what I see as my primary prayer agenda for 2008. I offer this article to you my readers and partners to discern for yourself what God is saying (if he is speaking) for 2008.
First, in order to understand my prayer agenda in 2008, we need to look at what God has been doing in 2007.
In 2007, we saw God release some stunning answers to prayer. In Taiwan, God shook the Island with signs and wonders. In Korea, God shifted the courts and declared that Lee Myung Bak was innocent of bribery and corruption charges. As the result, Korea now has a president that is a born-again believer. Meanwhile, in Venezuela, President Chauvez suffered his first electoral setback in his ruling history in attempting to change the constitution and become the eternal president. Meanwhile in an undisclosed Muslim nation, against all political odds, the court ruled against a Muslim ruler allowing an apostolic ministry center to remain open and release the gospel of the Kingdom into hard to access areas in Asia. Meanwhile in Kansas City, God released prime real estate property (worth millions of dollars) along US 71 IHOP-KC for free. All of these may seem very unrelated, but they all have a common link.

The United States and the nations of the earth are facing God’s judgment for the shedding of innocent blood.

During The Call Kansas City, Lou Engle laid out the scriptural foundations regarding the Judgment of God that comes upon a nation for shedding of innocent blood. The video is available at www.thecall.com When innocent blood is systematically shed by a national government, that nation comes under the judgment of God (2 Kings 21:16; 24:4). In the Old Testament, the only way to atone for premeditated shedding of innocent blood (murder) was for the one(s) who had murdered to be killed (Genesis 9:5-6 Numbers 35:33). God requires blood to be shed to satisfy the demand for justice when innocent blood has been shed. Jesus warned Israel’s leaders about the judgment that was coming on the specific generation for shedding of innocent blood and killing the prophets in Matthew 23:35-36.
Since ALL of the scripture is important for us today, we must consider the judgment of God for the shedding of innocent blood in the womb. We all know that 600,000 people died in the civil war. Abraham Lincoln believed that the civil war was a judgment from God for the issue of slavery. Slavery was justified by the Church as slaves were viewed as property, not human beings in the image of God. Abraham Lincoln said in his second Inaugural address in 1864, “Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet if God wills that it continue until all the wealth piled by the bondsman’s two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said, that the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.”
If the civil war was God’s judgment upon slavery (where many were killed in Trans-Atlantic travel aboard slave ships), what are we as a nation be facing if God brings judgment for 50 million babies who have been killed in the mother’s womb? What type of judgment are the nations of the earth facing when 50 Million babies are killed every year? Society justifies abortion by saying that a fetus in the mother’s womb is not a person (sound familiar?).
In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul instructs us to look at Israel’s history to gain understanding how God deals with the nations of the earth. Israel was greatly blessed when they turned to the LORD wholeheartedly. Meanwhile, when Israel went astray through bowing down to idols, and the associated sins of shedding of innocent blood and gross immorality, God sent discipline and judgment. The most severe judgments in Israel’s history were always associated with national captivity and foreign nations oppressing them. God always gives a people or a nation the desires of their heart. When a nation or people reject God, God gives them over to what they are choosing instead of Him resulting in base depravity (Romans 1:18-32).

The rising up of the spirit of Anti-Christ across the nations of the earth...
In looking across the nations of the earth at this time, it is clear to me that the spirit of Anti-Christ is arising. Revelation 13:9-10 indicates that God will raise up the final Anti-Christ oppressor in a specific generation as an instrument of divine justice and judgment upon the nations. The word “anti” in Greek means more than just being against something, it also implies replacing something. The spirit of Anti-Christ replaces the genuine (Jesus Christ, the anointed one), with something fake or false.
Currently the strongest expressions of the spirit of Anti-Christ on the global level is Communism (It replacing the apostolic life of the Church in Acts 4:32-36; Acts 6 a fake version with oppressive management vs. true apostolic leadership), and Islamic fundamentalism in terms of religious doctrine and apologetics.
(Note, I do not believe these expressions of the spirit of the Anti-Christ are the final form of this final global empire under THE Anti-Christ in Revelation 13. Even as Islam thrives on replacement theology, I believe Islam will be “replaced” from its current doctrine and expression.)
I just recently got an email from a friend in Kenya about the trouble occurring in this nation that it is likely partially being fueled Muslim extremism. Meanwhile there is much shaking in Pakistan after the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. (It’s was natural to believe that the current military government is responsible for this, but I we now know something else going on.) Communism in North Korea with its horrific inhuman treatment of its own citizens operates under the spirit of deception and Anti-Christ as I witnessed first hand while at the DMZ and visiting South Korea. President Chauvez continues to desire to make Venezuela and much of Central and South America communist.
In 2008, there will be a collision between two civil rights movements in the United States. It is the 40th anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination. Only one civil rights movement will prevail in America. Will it be the Anti-Christ “civil rights” movement (the legalization of open homosexual marriage and other sexual perversion) or will it be a godly civil rights movement (the right of babies in the mother’s womb to live)? I also believe radical Islam will infiltrate deeply into our government unless we pray. The destiny of the nation is at stake!

Is there a remedy for America? Is there a mercy strategy on the heart of God for the nation's of the earth? I believe the answer is clearly yes!

Under mercy through the Blood of Jesus,

Jess

First strike

2008-01-22T02:37:00.000-06:00

Praise the LORD for the first post! Let me introduce myself.

My name is Jess, I was born on August 25th 1976 in Busan, South Korea. I was found abandoned, but God had plans to release miracles in and through my life. I was adopted by a wonderful family in January 18th, 1977. (Had I not been flown to the USA at that time, it is most likely that I would have been dead within a week as I was becoming seriously ill).

I grew up in the Lutheran in the Twin Cities, yet I had an extremely violent temper. However, God spared my life yet again. In response to united prayer and fasting, I heard the audible voice of God in a dream that put the fear of God into my life (God-does still do this; see Job 33:14-30) This (eventually) led to me turning to Jesus. I dedicated my life to following Jesus no matter what on July 16th, 1990. One day later, God used this one-day old follower of Jesus to visibly someone's shoulder which touched off a significant revival.

Following these life-altering events, I grew up, hidden among God's people. I gradually grew in the character along with understanding in the prophetic, intercession, spiritual warfare, and worship. Meanwhile, I continued to have instances of hearing God's voice and seeing miraculous answers to prayer. In 2003, God CLEARLY let me know that I was to go to Kansas City.

Since coming to Kansas City, the frequency and intensity supernatural encounters (through His Word, verified through supernatural encounters) has increased. September 1st, 2007 marked 4 years with the International House of Prayer in Kansas City. As I commented to a ministry leader in the Charlotte concerning prayer, "I'm just getting started!"

To my parents Kerry, Carolyn; my sister Tina, and extended family in the Twin Cities, I am SO THANKFUL. Your love has made a miracle (and released many other miracles as well). I also want to send a special thank you to my ministry partners. Together, we are literally changing the nations of the earth!

It is my intention to use this blog to share important prayer alerts (with what prophetic insight I may have around the situation) and to share any major encounters I have from God that have a corporate message to the wider Body of Christ. I hope that this little blog is a great blessing to you as you carry on your ministry to God and to people.

Blessings from IHOP-KC
Jess