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!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
back in KC
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!
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!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
The million dollar question
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?
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?
Monday, December 15, 2008
PEACE AND SAFETY...
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?
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?
Friday, December 12, 2008
Doctrinal debates and the spirit of Truth.
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!
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!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Sorcery and Justice
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.
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.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Embracing the stigma of the anointing...
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!
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!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
SPIRITUAL WARFARE ALERT!
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)