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!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Stuck!
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!
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!
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Prophetic dream and interpretation...
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
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
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