REAL REVIVAL!

COMPETION OR COOPERATION? WHICH SHALL IT BE......

2012-02-01T07:00:00.002-05:00

Plain and simple, there is absolutely no place for competitiveness in ministry! In over 12 years of walking the road of Real Revival and desiring to see it come to pass we have encountered so much ministry jealousy to the point where we had to leave churches and gatherings as the gift and anointing Holy Spirit had placed within us just did not have room in those venues. Certainly this verse from Proverbs did not apply: "A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men." (Proverbs 18:16) So much territorial grand standing that if it is not of a certain denomination or bent then their certainly was no place for you. How did we ever arrive at this ungodly destination. Pride, arrogance, and deep seeded wounds. Jesus' one unanswered prayers from John 17 was that we would be one as He was one with his Father. If you look at all the negative roadblocks to Real Revival competition among the brethren has to rank at the top. It is way past time for us as believers to lay aside the petty issues that so easily divide us and look at that which eternally brings us together. I think when we arrive in heaven some are going to be unpleasantly surprised to find that what they dug their heals into that hindered Real Revival did not matter in light of eternity. Our challenge for you in this coming year of what has been prophetically spoken of as a year of major shift and realignment that we would truly align ourselves with what Holy Spirit is truly desiring of us as His Church. Life is to be lived vertically before the Lord, not horizontally. When we worry about the activity of others, we acknowledge our lack of faith in the One who called us.

PARADIGM SHIFT!

2012-01-01T07:00:00.003-05:00

As we begin a new year Karen and I want to share what we sense is going to be a major "paradigm shift" in not only Stonegate Ministries but also His church. Since 1999 we have felt and sensed a strong call and passion for intercessory prayer. After having read Fresh Wind-Fresh Fire by Pastor Jim Cymbala of the Brooklyn Tabernancle Brooklyn, New York we were forever changed from the ordinary. In 12 years we have attempted to awaken His church to its secret weapon. As in the parable of the seed some fell on good ground, some not so good. At times we wondered why we continued to batter our heads against a strong religious climate who believed prayer was not as important as we felt it was. As I , James, inch closer to retirement age this coming May, Karen and I began to reassess what we felt Holy Spirit was leading us beyond this monumental moment in our lives. Of course we know we never retire from His service so with that in mind our hearts began to me stirred with a new zeal for prayer but in a totally different spectrum. The Paradigm Shift for us and the church in this new year of 2012 is that we both are not bricks and mortar for we are the church triumphant where ever we go. Our desire is to take two to three weeks a month and travel in a supernaturally provided motor home to encourage, empower, and intercede for those we are led by Holy Spirit to minister to. Already we have experienced strong promptings along with what we have sensed are divine Macedonian Calls (Acts 16:1-12). As we launch out into this new year our prayer would be that you would seek the Lord for your own Paradigm Shift. That you would be truly willing to take up the cross and follow Him wherever He would lead you. Let's just not "do" church but Be The Church!

UNITY, THE KEY TO WORLDWIDE REVIVAL?

2011-12-01T05:53:00.000-05:00

For many years I have heard the John 17 message preached over and over in the church regarding Jesus' one un-answered prayer: that we would be one as He was one with the Father. The late Dr. Martin Luther King said it best during a speech at Western Michigan University in 1963 when speaking on social justice and the emerging new age in regards to the Christian church and unity: We must face the fact that in America, the church is still the most segregated major institution in America. At 11:00 on Sunday morning when we stand and sing "and Christ has no east or west," we stand at the most segregated hour in this nation. This is tragic. Nobody of honesty can overlook this. Fast forward nearly 50 years and not much has changed. We are no further in cultivating a culture of unity than in Dr. King's day. How Holy Spirit must weep over the church for it's stubborn unwillingness to unify. If unity is truly the key to worldwide revival why have be willfully disobeyed the cry of God's heart to be as one? Where their has been a laying down of tradition, religious ritual, theological differences, and true heartfelt repentance of being the cause of disunity, God has moved mightily. I leave you with this thought from Psalm 133:1: How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along!

THE ONE AND ONLY STATUS SYMBOL

2011-11-01T05:16:00.000-04:00

In thinking of what I could say regarding revival this month I came across a powerful article by the late A.W. Tozer a man whose writings are as relevant today as they when they were first penned. One of the things most so-called revivals have lacked is a genuine, not contrived, non manipulated, not stirred up presence of the Almighty God. Yes we have status symbols in our churches but we are missing the most important one!
Here then are the words of Tozer...

“Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lamp stands One like the Son of Man.... “Revelation 1:12-13

In our time we have all kinds of status symbols in the Christian
church--membership, attendance, pastoral staff, missionary offerings.
But there is only one status symbol that should make a Christian
congregation genuinely glad. That is to know that our Lord is present,
walking in our midst!...

No matter the size of the assembly or its other attributes, our Lord
wants it to be known by His presence in the midst. I would rather have
His presence in the church than anything else in all the wide world.

Hearing the proud manner in which some speak of the high dollar cost
of their sanctuaries must lead people to suppose that spirituality can
be purchased. But the secret of true spiritual worship is to discern
and know the presence of the living Christ in our midst....

The Christian church dares not settle for anything less than the
illumination of the Holy Spirit and the presence of our divine
Prophet, Priest and King in our midst. Let us never be led into the
mistake that so many are making--sighing and saying, 'Oh, if we only
had bigger, wiser men in our pulpits! Oh, if we only had more important
men in places of Christian leadership!'
Jesus Is Victor!, 59-60,63.

"Lord, I pray that I might never deviate from that significant thought:
'I would rather have His presence in the church than anything else in
all the wide world.' May that be my prayer this morning. Amen."

THE CHURCH AND REVIVAL

2011-10-01T04:17:00.000-04:00

In almost over 11 years of believing and praying for atmospheric-transformational revival in His church in the Western Michigan area of which we reside Karen and I have yet to truly experience what we know to be a true move of Holy Spirit. Sure we can find the right creative team, musicians, and speakers, and we can make a weak attempt at manipulating what we consider to be a Holy Spirit led revival but it comes no where near what Yahweh wants to do for the Bride He is returning for. The sad fact is that without making a conscious choice to depend on the Holy Spirit we can still do a lot in our own flesh. But think of what truly could be done if only we would allow Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and direct when it comes to reviving His church? Several years ago we viewed a series of revival dvd's produced by the Sentinel Group which in one segment shared the fact that we can have everything in place according to what we feel will generate revival, yet Holy Spirit comes in the back door with a completely different approach and we miss it! Oh how are hearts have ached when visiting a church where the Holy Spirit wants to do something special and yet is quenched by agenda, and format, and time constraints. If Holy Spirit does not work without our 60-90 minute time continuum then we have no patience to wait and are on our way to our favorite restaurant to indulge ourselves. When the church was birthed it was birthed in a prayer meeting where the gathered were waiting for the promised Holy Spirit. They were patient knowing that what Jesus promised them would come to pass. How can we His church not be patient enough to wait until His Spirit comes into our services to accomplish the revival work He wants to do and then spread that fire from place to place. Let it be our prayer that we allow you Holy Spirit to work in your time and in your place. May we never guilty of grieving or quenching you. May it be said we allowed you to burn out everything that was not of you and only leave behind the fire of your presence so that we as your fire carriers would bring revival to anyone and everyone we engage with. Hallelujah to the Lamb of God!

REVIVAL IS RISKY BUSINESS

2011-09-01T05:19:00.000-04:00

Some years ago their was a popular movie entitled: "Risky Business" which got me thinking about another type of real life "risky business" and that is in the area of true revival. Karen and I have been walking this journey for nearly 11 years and yet we have not experienced or seen that for which we have been longing for. Whether believing for revival or anything else in life it involves a faith walk that in turn demands R.I.S.K. When the priests carried the ark into the Jordan River at flood stage there was a risk they could lose the ark to the Jordan River. However that is not what happened. "As soon as the priests who carry the ark of the Lord--the Lord of all the earth-- set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap." God changed the entire environment and made it possible to walk without the pressure of wading through the powerful water only when they took the first step. Risk means that there is a potential for loss. However, when God leads us to take a risk, then He is there whether we succeed or fail. The only true failure is when we fail to take the risk when God is leading us to do so. Sometimes the fear of failure is the greater obstacle than the risk itself. Let me end with this challenge for both you and me: Has God called you to step out in an area that requires some type of "risky business?" This could be the place He wants you to move. Ask Jesus to give you the courage to step out!

ON GETTING REFUELED

2011-08-01T06:09:00.000-04:00

"Very early in the morning , while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went to a solitary place , where He prayed!" Mark 1:35-36. It seems that in a fast paced world, even in the church we seem to be on a fast track which eventually leads to burnout and fatigue. When our automobiles run out of fuel, and I had that happen just recently, what do we do? You got it, we simply drop by the local filling station to get more fuel. When our bodies are hungry we feed them. But what happens when our spiritual lives need refueling? If Jesus is to be our heavenly model for earthly living getting away to a solitary place with the Word and prayer is a no brainer. However most type "A" personalities find it difficult to even stop for a moment. We charge you with Psalm 46:10 this day: "Be Still & Know That I am God". If being still is not a part of your daily experience, why not start now with a few minutes of focused time of reading and prayer. You will be encouraged with the new spiritual focus you will have by making this a priority.

GOING DARK

2011-07-01T06:16:00.000-04:00

"Going Dark" is a phrase used in the theater industry to indicate a time when, after the
completion of one season, their is a break in between until the new season begins when not a single thing is going on in the theater in other words completely dark! I was thinking about this fact as Karen and I were searching in our own hometown of Holland, MI to find a new place and space for her to continue her counseling ministry. The church she had been ministering decided to no longer offer her their facilities for use. Interesting fact is that this and most nation wide churches out of 1080 minutes a week only utilize their buildings 180 minutes or 2%. What does that have to do with revival? Plenty! If we expect atmospheric-transformational revival how can we expect to see that if what is supposed to be a Holy Ghost hospital for the weary and the wounded is only opened that short amount of time. Imagine with me if your local hospital was only open as little time as our churches? It is time for us to take a long hard look at what we as the church are not doing to be His hands and feet. We need a fresh infusion of Holy Spirit to bring fire to burn out everything that is not of God and replace it with Spirit led, Spirit filled ministry that effectively builds His Kingdom and not ours. Has your church gone dark?

A REPORT CARD ON THE WESTERN CHURCH

2011-06-01T04:44:00.000-04:00

In 11 years of attending and visiting various denominational and independent churches we felt it was more than time to send home a report card on the Western Church. All told it would be failure on most fronts. Failure to be the church He is coming back for. Failure to allow the true moving of Holy Spirit confining him to a 11AM to 12 noon time slot if that. Failure to worship the great God of the universe in Spirit and in truth. Far be it from us to fear, be in awe, and downright joyful and excited about Him who deserves our highest praise. But wait till Friday night at the football game! Failure to follow through on Jesus' last command before leaving planet earth to be one as He is one with His Father. Unity is out of the question in most circles. It is about our church, us four and no more! Failure to speak the truth in love. Fear about offending someone or something. Failure to welcome others into our midst that don't act, look, feel, or smell like we do. In other words, bottom line we as His Bride are a complete and utter failure. It is time to take a serious corporate and personal inventory of just who we are or think we are as His church. I guess it just gets back to the basics of what His church was intended to be first and foremost. I guess He said it best: "My House will be a House of Prayer For All Nations!" Go figure. When God's people pray everything else will fall into its intended place.

CAN A CITY BE TRANSFORMED?

2011-05-01T06:55:00.002-04:00

In a recent TGIF2 devotional from Os Hillman the question was raised: "Can A City Be Transformed?" Yes it can! Os listed four ingredients but I would like to also add an all important fifth. First and foremost Prayer. In every city in which transformation has taken place, believers have come together to pray for their city. Humility: God uses men and women who recognize that they need each other and who do not seek glory for their work. Unity: Jesus said: "May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." (John 17:23) Knowledge Of God's Ways: Sometimes leaders can move in presumption instead of in a faith that is rooted in the knowledge of God's ways. And finally my addition: Repentance: Revival calls for a complete turn from sin-forsaking our wicked ways. God cannot do His mighty works while wickedness prevails within. Our heart cry at Stonegate Ministries comes from Psalm 139:6-7 "Wilt thou not revive us again: that Thy people may rejoice in Thee? Show us Thy mercy, O Lord, and grant us thy salvation!"

THE KEY TO SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION

2011-04-01T05:22:00.000-04:00

It has been nearly 11 years since we began our journey of faith in a ministry where we had been warned often that it would be a "tough nut to crack". Little did we realize how true those words would be when we first ventured out into the deep, going to a place we had never been before. Today, April 1st, the traditional "April Fools Day" we begin a transition of Stonegate into a new season, no foolin! It begins with the dropping of our middle name to now become Stonegate Ministries a name which more defines our multi-faceted nature of what we have been anointed and appointed for. And we launch today a brand new, state of the art web site to better communicate our mission and vision. With all that in mind what then is the key to a successful transition from where we were to where we want to go? It is simply this: we have set up a clear path led by Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth. Yes, we will experience "bumps" along they way but this only strengthens us to endure the journey and finish the race with excellence. And when that journey concludes may it be said of us by our heavenly Father: "Well done James & Karen, good and faithful servants!"

REPENTANCE VERSUS REMORSE

2011-03-01T08:38:00.000-05:00

One of the key components of revival from the often used passage on same from II Chronicles 7:14 is "repentance." As Karen and I have so discovered in recent years repentance is not something the church preaches about. Most modern thought is that repentance is "old testament." This could not be farther from the truth. But that is a topic for another blog posting. Let's look at what repentance means versus remorse. Here is the scenario: I have just spoken harshly to my spouse, I say: " I am sorry for speaking to you so harshly." But the Holy Spirit prompts me to add a second and most important part of my admission: "Will you forgive me?" Without this request I have only partially repented of my sin. It is important to humble myself before those I have sinned against. This is repentance. If I only say I am sorry I am only stating remorse for my actions. Jesus modeled this in the Lords prayer: "Forgive us or sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us" (Luke 11:4). What better instruction on true repentance than from our Rabbi! Go and do likewise.

IF REVIVAL IS TO BE.....IT IS UP TO ME!

2011-02-01T12:36:00.002-05:00

For many years Karen and I have had a passion to see His bride experience revival. However in recent days we have discovered that if true atmospheric, transformational revival is to take place it has to begin with me. Here are some personal revival points:

1) Get thoroughly dissatisfied with yourself. Complacency is the deadly enemy of spiritual progress. The contented soul is a stagnant soul. 2) Set your face like a flint toward a sweeping transformation of your life. Timid experiments are tagged for failure before they start. We must throw our whole soul into our desire for God.
3) Put yourself in the way of blessing. It’s a mistake to expect God’s help to come as a windfall apart from conditions known and met. To desire revival, and at the same time to neglect prayer and devotion, is to wish one way and walk another.
4) Do a thorough job of repenting. Hasty repentance means a shallow spiritual experience. Let godly sorrow do her healing work. It is our wretched habit of toleration sin that keeps us in our half-dead condition.
5) Make restitution wherever possible. If you owe a debt pay it. If you have quarreled with anyone, go as far as you can to achieve reconciliation. As fully as possible, make the crooked straight.
6) Bring your life into accord with the Sermon on the Mount and other such New Testament Scriptures as are designed to instruct in the way of righteousness. An honest man with an open Bible and a pad and pencil is sure to find out what’s wrong with him quickly.
7) Be serious minded. The people of the world used to go to the movies to escape serious thinking about God and religion. There must be a radical change in your habits, or there will not be any permanent improvement in your interior life.
8) Deliberately narrow your interests. Too many projects use up time and energy without bringing us nearer to God. The mansions of the heart will become larger when the doors are thrown open to Christ and closed against the world and sin.
9) Begin to witness. Find something to do for God, and your fellowman. Make yourself available. Do anything you are asked to do. Learn to obey.
10) Have faith in God. Begin to expect. Look up toward the throne. All heaven is on your side. God will not disappoint you.
These suggestions constitute a formula for personal revival. When personal revival is experienced, there is no knowing how far it may spread. The Church is in desperate need of a spiritual resurrection and it can only come through the revived individual.

If Revival Is To Be...It is up to ME!

THE FINAL BATTLE

2011-01-01T12:17:00.001-05:00

As Karen and I begin the new year of 2011 the battle for men's heart's and souls continues. The signs of the times make evident the ever closer return of the King of Kings and Lord of Lord's. But their will come a time when the final battle will be waged and time will be no more. That is why we so sense the urgency in our spirit's to spread the word of Humility, Prayer, Repentance, Renewal, & Revival! Our life on this planet is just a mere blink on the scale of time. Whatever hardships and battles we have faced on earth will pale in comparison to the glory that is to be revealed when the marriage of the Bride of Christ takes place on that final day. And so we speak the following into your life as well as ours: Be Faithful, Stand Firm, & See The Glory of the Lord!

CRUISE SHIP OR BATTLESHIP?

2010-12-04T04:25:00.001-05:00

Cruise ship or Battleship? That is a no brainer! Cruise ship for sure! Seriously, in a recent Os Hillman devotional the title was "Avoiding the Escape Mentality." It appears that today's modern day church is content to sit on its "blessed assurance" and await the return of Jesus. Too often we have had a "cruise ship" mentality versus a "battle ship" mentality" in the church of Jesus Christ. Our army is often ill equipped to know how to take the land that God has provided through His son. That is why believers in the modern everyday workplace must see their work and calling as an assignment from God to demonstrate His power in all of society in order to restore His rule upon the earth. That is the key reason Jesus died on the cross--to restore that which was lost (Luke 19:10.) The line has been drawn, we either cross over to the unknown and uncertain with eternities values in view, or be content to stay behind the lines and shirk back from the call to bring the message of revival to a dry and thirsty land. As for me and my house we choose to serve the Lord!

WAKE UP!!!!

2010-11-04T15:26:00.002-04:00

Karen and I were recently going over some of our journal entries regarding what we were sensing from Holy Spirit. The overwhelming theme was: "Wake Up!, I am coming soon!" No clearer message or clarion call than that to not only wake up physically but more importantly spiritually. We as His church have fallen into such lethargy and stagnation that we don't message the blood, hell, and sin for fear of "offending." When is the last time you heard an old fashioned hell, fire, and brimstone message from your pastor that awakened the fear of just where you, your family, your friends, your work associates, your neighbors, and strangers you meet in everyday life would spend eternity? The time is short, the need is great, the workers are few. Oh Lord, of the harvest WAKE UP your church to be the church you are coming back for. WAKE UP oh church the day is done, the night has come, and the return of the Great I Am is near. Wake Up Your Church oh God to the command of II Chronicles 7: 13 & 14! Humility, Prayer, Repentance, Renewal, & Revival!

I WILL.....

2010-10-15T01:37:00.003-04:00

It is early Friday morning the 15th of October. One week from today I will be ending my brief employment at our local Burger King as a senior store manger trainee. It was another place of training for reigning and now the next chapter begins. Karen and I have been commanded to: "Step Out By Faith & Watch God Show Up!" But is this easy when you have no visible means of support, health insurance to contend with and all the other unanswered questions about the future. While traveling home from work I heard an interview with an author who wrote a book of devotions on hymns of the church. He "just happened" to mention How Firm A Foundation and that it was taken from Isaiah 41:10. Arriving home I immediately went to the Word and found such comfort and encouragement. Redpath comments on Isaiah 41 as the great "I Will Chapter in the Bible." No fewer than fourteen times in the scope of these verses does God reinforce His authority with the promise, 'I will'! May these "I Wills" bless and encourage you this day that as we trust in Him He will surely bring all good things to pass! Hallelujah!

· I will strengthen you. (Isaiah 41:10)

· I will help you. (Isaiah 41:10, 13, and 14)

· I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

· I will make you into a new threshing sledge with sharp teeth. (Isaiah 41:15)

· I will open rivers in desolate heights. (Isaiah 41:18)

· I will make the wilderness a pool of water. (Isaiah 41:18)

· I will plant in the wilderness the cedar and the acacia tree. (Isaiah 41:19)

· I will set in the desert the cypress tree. (Isaiah 41:19)

· I will give to Jerusalem one who brings good tidings. (Isaiah 41:27)

THE DANGER OF MINISTRY PRIDE

2010-10-09T05:19:00.000-04:00

A continuing journey through the book of II Kings has certainly illumined Karen and I to a blue print for effective and impacting ministry leadership. However as we know all too well their are the proverbial pitfalls and such was evident in II Kings 20 with then King of Judah Hezekiah. Here then are some points to ponder:

Hezekiah faced – and failed under – a temptation common to many, especially those in ministry – the temptation of success. Many men who stand strong against the temptations of failure and weakness fail under the temptations of success and strength. Think about the extent of Hezekiah’s success:

·       He was godly
·       He was victorious
·       He was healed
·       He had experienced a miracle
·       He had been promised a long life
·       He had connection to a great prophet
·       He had seen a remarkable sign
·       He was wealthy
·       He was famous
·       He was praised and honored
·       He was honored by God

Nevertheless, he sinned greatly after this great gift of fifteen more years of life and the deliverance of Jerusalem. We might say that Hezekiah sinned in at least five ways:

·       Pride, in that he was proud of the honors the Babylonians brought.
·       Ingratitude, in that he took honor to himself that really belonged to God.
·       Abusing the gifts given to him, where he took the gifts and favors to his own honor and gratification of his lusts (2 Chronicles 32:25-26).
·       Carnal confidence, in that he trusted in the league he had made with the King of Babylon.
·       Missing opportunity, in that he had a great opportunity to testify to the Babylonian envoys about the greatness of God and the Lord’s blessing on Judah. Instead, he glorified himself..

TOOLS, TECHNIQUES, & PRINCIPLES

2010-10-05T10:31:00.000-04:00

II Kings 16: 10-11 gives an account of King Ahaz and the perverting of worship at the temple. II Chronicles 28:23 explains why King Ahaz was attracted to the pagan worship style he experienced in Damascus: "For he sacrficed to the gods of Damascus which had defeated him , saying, "Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, I will sacrifice to them that they may help me." Problem is that they were the ruin of him and all of Israel.
This explains why many churches today put their trust in the tools, techniques, and principles of worldly success: they think the gods of Damascus will give them victory. “This introduction of the altar of a heathen shrine into the holy temple of Jerusalem reminds us the many rights in modern religious observances which have been borrowed from paganism, and warns us that the Church has no right to go to the world for its methods and principles.” (Meyer)

REPENTANCE, THE KEY TO REVIVAL!

2010-10-03T04:54:00.002-04:00

"God has always sought a humble people.He can use no other...There is
always much need of heart preparation, in humility and separation before God can consistently come.The depth of any revival will be determined exactly by the spirit of repentance that is obtained. In fact this is key to every true revival born of God." -Frank Bartleman
In my ongoing study of II Kings the key to world wide revival again came down to one simple task: REPENTANCE! Something most of our churches today fail to message. Why? Because most feel it is "Old Testament". They preach a message of the love of God rather than the judgment since that is too "harsh" on their congregants. From chapter 13: 5-9 King Jehoahaz has just pleaded with God to spare Israel from the oppression of the King of Syria. God did listen, but did Israel make the change? Here is a powerful quote from Spurgeon: "“Israel’s repentance was only half-hearted; they repented because they suffered. They repented because of the suffering rather than because of the sin. They went back to the sin after they escaped from the sorrow.” As Solomon once said their is nothing new under the sun and so it is with us as the body of Christ today. Our repentance is half-hearted. We repent only to escape the suffering, and then when we have had our suffering lifted, we return to our sin without any shame or remorse. Oh that we would truly get on our faces before an Almighty God, pray and repent. Then we shall truly see the renewal and revival we have so longed to experience.

PITCH THE ALARM CLOCK AND INTIMACY WITH GOD

2010-09-28T19:40:00.000-04:00

How often have you bothered God in prayer with the trivial things of life? In a recent devotional by Os Hillman he shared an incident where he had to attend an important business meeting the next day and needed to be awake by 5:30AM. His wife told him not to worry but to ask the Lord to awaken him at the needed hour. Os felt more comfortable and secure with setting the alarm to which his wife replied: "Okay ye of little faith, But just to prove my point I am going to ask the Lord to wake us both up before 5:30AM." And sure enough both were awakened at 5:15AM! I have and you have sometimes wrongfully viewed God as someone we go to for only the "big things." The idea of bothering God for such trivial matters verges on foolishness on our part. But if God, being God, knows about the amount of hair I have on my head, feeds the sparrow (the least of the bird family) and thinks about me more than the sands of our own Lake Michigan shore here in Holland, then who am I to say what is and what is not important to the heavenly Father. Oh that I may have a child like faith along with developing a deep intimacy with my Abba Father that I can approach his throne with true boldness and freedom at my daily routine levels. At this very moment go to God with matters that you might consider mundane and trivial and would normally avoid bringing Him. Then asked God to increase your level of intimacy with Him. You may even be able to pitch that alarm clock. Glory!!!!

THOUGHT FROM II KINGS 2

2010-09-23T01:14:00.000-04:00

A pastor friend of mine from Florida just the other day reminded me of the fact that I had not posted on either one of my blogs in some time. Reason? I have had my own personal struggle of where God has wanted me. Right now, working for a local Burger King as a senior store manager trainee is not where I thought I would be at this point of my life. Sure I know their are lessons to be learned but I have questioned why God here, and why God now. Recently in the book of II King's chapter two God revealed to me a pretty strong word regarding who get's the glory when it comes to being an agent of repentance, prayer, renewal, and revival. God has been testing my own loyalty to Him in the every day routine of BK. Here then is the on-line Enduring Word Commentary on verses 4-7:

(4-7) The awareness of Elijah’s departure at Jericho and the Jordan.

Then Elijah said to him, “Elisha, stay here, please, for the Lord has sent me on to Jericho.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!” So they came to Jericho. Now the sons of the prophets who were at Jericho came to Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that the Lord will take away your master from over you today?” So he answered, “Yes, I know; keep silent!” Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here, please, for the Lord has sent me on to the Jordan.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!” So the two of them went on. And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went and stood facing them at a distance, while the two of them stood by the Jordan.

Elisha, stay here, please, for the Lord has sent me on to Jericho: Elijah continued to test the devotion of Elisha, and Elisha continued to stay with his mentor until his anticipated unusual departure.

Elijah knew that God had a dramatic plan for the end of his earthly life, yet he was perfectly willing to allow it all to take place privately, without anyone else knowing. “The prophet’s evident desire to die alone shames us, when we remember how eager we are to tell men, by every available medium, of what we are doing for the Lord.” (Meyer)

THE CRUCIFIED LIFE

2010-07-31T06:02:00.000-04:00

As I awoke early this Saturday morning and entered the kitchen of our Holland condo my wife's daily Kay Arthur calendar was sitting on the counter with a hand written caption: "I guess we are doing more dying!" Here is the thought: "A crucified life cannot help but change things....and people. But Father God, I thought we had done all the dying we needed to do over these last 11 years of walking our journey of faith. The accompanying devotional scripture verse was a verse that was given to Melody Green on the day of Keith's tragic death along with the home going of her two children which was John 12:24: "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of what falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." And just look at the fruit of Keith's ministry even today! Though dead he yet lives again. Again in my wife's words " it looks like we are doing more dying." It is once again time to take up our daily cross and follow Him. Dying anyone?

HAS THE GLORY OF THE LORD DEPARTED YOUR CHURCH OR MINISTRY?

2010-07-06T16:40:00.009-04:00

Been thinking about strange names of the Bible and one came to mind the other day: "Ichabod." Now Johnny Cash may well have objected to this name vs the song he sang about "A Boy Named Sue." Back in the Old Testament 98 year old grandfather Eli, in 1 Samuel 4, is awaiting news of the age old battle between the Philistines and the Israelites. Hearing an outcry he asks what's the meaning of this uproar. A Benjamite,, running from the battle line, tells Eli that his two sons are dead and the ark of God has been captured. Eli fall's backwards off his chair, breaks his neck and dies. Then his pregnant daughter-in-law, upon hearing all the tragic news of losing her husband, a brother and father-in-law and the captured ark, goes into premature labor. Near death she names the child "Ichabod" which means; "The Glory has departed from Israel."
Had the glory of God truly departed? In one sense, yes. The glory left when Israel stopped repenting and trusting God and started superstitiously trusting in the ark itself. “The glory of God had indeed departed, but not because the ark of God had been captured; the ark had been captured because the glory had already departed.”

Tragically, the same could be said of many churches, many ministries, and many individual Christian lives: the glory has departed. There are still priests, there is still a tabernacle, but God is not enthroned in glory among them. There is the form of godliness, without the power (2 Timothy 3:5). You could write Ichabod across many churches, many ministries, many individual Christian lives! How Holy Spirit must grieve to see His bride stained and soiled! Unless we truly repent and put our full trust in Yahweh, He will never bless, and judgment of the severest kind will be met out! God forbid this ever takes place for where the Spirit of Yahweh is not, whatever is tried for the Kingdom will be of no avail. May we never have the name "Ichabod" written over our church or ministry. Pray for repentance, prayer, renewal, revival and regeneration. May Holy Spirit reign down on us with fresh wind and fresh fire!
LET HIS GLORY FALL!

LAUNCHING OUT

2010-07-05T15:26:00.000-04:00

As with the launching of a space craft so to with a new season of ministry it comes with a mighty roar of unprecedented power. Karen and I are believing for a mighty out pouring of Holy Spirit power on our ministry very very soon. The Lion Of Judah has roared very clearly to us and has downloaded some pretty intensive blue prints for the future that without the clarity of His people praying for us in agreement we will not venture out in ignorance. His Word says that His people perish for a lack of knowledge and that is just not where we want to find ourselves, perishing! It has long been demonstrated that wherever Karen and I travel over this great land their always seems to be people that God places into our path for supernatural encounters of the divine kind. Whether it is in a restaurant, a Walmart, a church service and the like. Our passion of course for His church is to see it on fire and prepared for the Bridegrooms return. But what does that physically look like? Up to this point we at times have struggled to see the forest from the trees. But just recently Karen, after hearing a true life story on Moody radio on selling all and following Jesus ,was super downloaded strategy after strategy and blueprint of a plan that unless God was truly in it would never ever come to pass. Just a week ago Tuesday we met ministry partners Mike and Shannon Bowen for an afternoon of catching up on all that God had been doing in all four of our lives since our last encounter with them a year ago. What came out of that 3 hour confab was a confirmation of those strategies and blueprints. We now await the Father's go ahead to launch out into the deep to somewhere where we have never gone. So would you join us in prayerful agreement that we would know beyond a shadow of a doubt this is the way walk in it?

ON FOCUS, ON TASK.....

2010-06-07T16:06:00.001-04:00

Focus: The concentration of attention on something. Task: A function to be performed, an objective. Recently I heard a message that riveted home the underlying mission the Father has had us on for more than 10 years. At times Karen and I wanted to give up the whole repentance, prayer, renewal, and revival gig since the message never seemed to gain neither steam nor momentum. For most of our journey it has not met with a lot of interest or passion among church leadership let alone those they serve. What is a person to do when you have known in your knower that what you have been destined to simply is not coming to pass? The tendency in the flesh is to give it up, throw in the proverbial towel and go back to the lukewarm, pew sitting, spectator sport known as the Sunday morning worship service at our local bricks and mortar church. But then when you been touched by Holy Spirit and a fire has been ignited in your bones as Jeremiah experienced you simply cannot let go. It has to be a commitment as the message clearly stated: Jim and Karen...STAY ON FOCUS, & ON TASK. Period!!!!

JOSHUA, RAHAB, & JERICHO

2010-06-05T14:13:00.001-04:00

Almost sounds like a name for a good law firm doesn't it? That aside it is always interesting when you are going through a season of drought in your personal or ministry life and are searching for a fresh word from the Father, just how He seems to supernaturally send it from somewhere you least expected. Case in point Karen and I are eating our special Saturday morning breakfast together when our thoughts are turned to our TV where it is broadcasting a Biblical cartoon on the story of Joshua, Rahab, & Jericho. What we heard was: "Do not give up Jim and Karen as the battle is the Lord's. Your ministry for the future will not look like you thought it was going to look like." His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts higher than ours. Amen and Amen!!!!

SURVIVING YOUR WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE

2010-05-30T22:56:00.001-04:00

It has been all of 48 hours since Karen and I returned from our ministry sabbatical to Kentucky and Tennessee. We have both felt the weight of our current wilderness experience even greater than ever. Instead of being refreshed, re-fired, and re-energized we have been reduced to a heap of emotional ashes. It has been hard to pray, hard to be joyful, hard to even think of giving out to anyone as we are so dry and thirsty ourselves. But God!!!! An encouraging email from fellow desert disciples along with a right now Rhema Word from evangelist Perry Stone broadcasting direct from the actual wilderness side of Engedi, gave us total clarity to our current season. Perry spoke from Daniel 7:23-25. This passage speaks of a forthcoming "oppressing (to weigh heavily on the mind) and persecution of the saints." Online web Enduring Word Commentaries shared the following insights: "Shall persecute the saints of the Most High": This speaks of a cruel and systematic pressure coming from the world "to wear away" or to "wear out," as friction wears down clothes or shoes. To wear out the saints means to harass them continually so that life becomes a wretched existence. Such continual and protracted pressure far more effectively breaks the human spirit than the single moment of crisis that calls for a heroic decision. It is easier to die for the Lord than to live for him under constant harassment and strain. The Bible predicts no peace loving world ruler for the last days. We can expect nothing more than greedy commercialism and political imperialism under the most beastly and barbaric type of warfare. Whoa! I guess that says it all. It puts feet to the feelings we have experienced. Knowing where we are in all of this attempt by the enemy to wear us down and then out gives us the courage and endurance to continue to spread the word of Repentance, Prayer, Renewal, and Revival even more to the Bride of Christ. We will not give up nor compromise the vision the Father has given us. We continue to press on in Jesus' Mighty Name, Amen & Amen!!!!
(Please check out Perry Stones full message on Surviving Your Wilderness Experience at this link: http://voe.sermon.net/sermonid/2413820)

ON BEING 60

2010-05-30T07:07:00.001-04:00

As I write this blog posting on the 60th year of my life on this earth I need a personal revival! Sure I have repented for my sins, I have been promoted to a life of unprecedented intercessory prayer, know the surge of His renewal in my daily walk with Him, but after all is said and done I need a fresh wind-fresh-fire revival in my life. After returning from a 10 day ministry sabbatical that spanned two states: Kentucky and then Tennessee I had expected to have an answer to my more than 20 months of being un-gainfully employed. Back in December of '09 both Karen and I had been "pitched" an opportunity to utilize our God given anointing's to work with clergy and church leadership along with their spouses in a setting of secluded beauty and quietness. It was something we both had dreamed and visioned for. But Tuesday May 25, 2010 that all changed. It seemed like both the dream and vision had evaporated in a mere 2 hour period. We were blindsided. How could this be? Had we missed it? Had we both not heard from God, even though we were certain it was His still small voice in our times in His presence with our journal notebooks writing down His very words to us. Now what? Here I am at age 60, no job to earn a decent living with, no visible means of support and no visible vocational ministry for the future. What's a fella to do? On being 60: depressed, discouraged, disillusioned , defeated, deflated, and now down right dormant. Then an encouraging email from a fellow brother and sister in the Lord who are experiencing the very same issues. His word to me was a true personal revival birthday gift. "Keep heart and never let go of the Father. We don't understand our situation either and seems so many things just evaporate. As hard as it is I am starting to sense that the Holy Spirit is removing projects from His people and calling for just relationship. Scary, hard, uncertain and the earthly ramifications of simply surviving this way are huge we know. We do believe that there will come a time where all His people set apart will be called back at the appointed time. Discouragement is understandable and the Father understands but believe and know He calls us to wait and not depend on projects. It's the only way we will be usable when the hard times come to this world ...And they are coming soon. I really believe this and also is what you are experiencing. " On being 60: I may not know about the future but I know Him who holds my future in His powerful right hand and in that hand I am safely abiding. Amen? Amen! 60 by the way is the new 40! Hallelujah!!!!

EMBARKING ON A SABBATICAL

2010-05-16T08:56:00.000-04:00

It is less than twenty four hours before Karen and I embark on our personal and ministry sabbatical to Mary's Place in Bowling Green, Kentucky. What do you have in store for us Lord? "Great things Jim and Karen far above what you can even ask, think, or imagine!" Thank you Abba Father Daddy, we come expecting. "You better! Eye has not seen, nor ear heard what I have planned for the both of you! Those who know me intimately in the secret place will do great exploits. Amen and Amen Selah." So with this right now word from Father we leave for Kentucky from May 17th through the 23rd then Pentecost Sunday for Tennessee with great hope for our future. As we have trusted in the Lord with all our heart and leaned not unto our own understanding, we have acknowledged Him in all our ways and He is now directing our path. Hallelujah!!!!

WHEN YOU HAVE RUN OUT OF OPTIONS

2010-05-03T14:00:00.001-04:00

As with football the "game" of life is filled with option plays some very successful some not so stellar. But what if you, after 11 years of walking a journey of faith, believing for repentance, prayer, renewal, and revival discover that you have simply run out of options? That is the place Karen and I find ourselves on this first Monday in May. Yet have we really? In conversing with a ministry mentor of ours from Florida he simply stated to us that if, at the end of the day, we have been obedient to all God has called us to (and we strongly had confirmation to that effect a week ago at a home gathering in Hudsonville, MI) then we can abide and rest in that knowledge and await the next prophetic word for divine direction the Father sends our way. That too came along at that Tuesday night gathering when, during a time Karen and I were prayed over, a couple of re-occurring prophetic words "just happened" to surface: "Transition & Shift". Since a year ago May when we made the first of three excursions to Florida and then Tennessee we both had sensed in our spirits a literal "transition & shift" in our ministry. But in recent days again we had felt that every option to fulfill that quickening in our spirit had evaporated. But God! So now we immerse ourselves in rest knowing that our current season of ministry has been completed and the new wine about to be poured out through us to His church is just about ready to be launched. So when you have run out of options in ministry or in life rest assured He is not finished with you yet. The best is yet to come!

ENEMIES OF REVIVAL/ALAN CARR

2010-05-01T12:15:00.000-04:00

2 Chronicles 7:14

THE ENEMIES OF REVIVAL

Intro: This is a well known passage that is often used by preachers to talk about the subject of revival. It is a revival verse. This word was spoken to King Solomon at the dedication of the temple. He is told by God that disobedience and rebellion will result in judgment upon the nation of Israel. This verse is God’s promise that those who turn from their sins; call on Him and walk in His ways will experience a revival of the presence and blessing of the Lord. Now, this is a verse to Israel, but it speaks to every generation as well. Those who meet the conditions detailed in this verse will experience the promises mentioned in this verse.

Folks, we need revival! We Baptists love our meetings; but we need more than a meeting, we need a revival. We need something that we cannot produce by our own efforts. Revival is a supernatural event. It comes only by the sovereign decree of the Lord. We can have a meeting this week, but we cannot have a revival unless the Lord gives it. While we cannot produce a revival, we can meet the requirements set forth in these verses, and that will make revival much more likely.

The Chronicler speaks of the possibility and the problems associated with revival. While telling what we can have, he also tells us about what can prevent revival. I would to point out The Enemies of Revival today. There are four problems mentioned in this verse that can sabotage and prevent revival from taking place. We need to listen closely to what the Bible has to say about this matter and do whatever we need to do to see that these enemies of revival do not hinder us from getting what we need from the Lord. Let’s look into this passage together and talk about The Enemies Of Revival.

(Note: This verse is directed to God’s people. He says, “If My people, which are called by My name…” This is not a verse to lost people. Lost people do not need revival, they need to be saved! If you are not saved, you need to come to Jesus Christ, confess your sins and call on Him for your soul’s salvation. If you do know the Lord today, then God has something to say to you from this verse. He will help us, if we will allow Him to. Here are the enemies of revival.)

I. PRIDE IS THE ENEMY OF REVIVAL

A. “Will humble themselves” – This phrase deals with the area of our pride. The word translated “pride” in the Old Testament means “to rise or to swell up.” It refers to the rising of the waves of the sea. It speaks of men thinking more of themselves and their abilities than they do of God. Pride says, “I do not need God, I can make my own way. I know best. I call the shots in my life.”

Friends, we are eaten up with pride in our modern churches! We have adopted the Laodicean mentality, Rev. 3:17a. We have learned how to function without the help of the Lord and it has destroyed the power of the church! When we compare ourselves the to the world, we are looking pretty good; but when we lay the modern church alongside the early church, Acts 2:42-47; it is easy to see that we are in sad shape!

God hates pride! Ill. Pro. 6:16-19. Each sin mentioned in that list is a result of pride! Here is God’s Word on pride: Pro. 8:13; 11:2; 16:5; 18-19.

How can you tell if you have a pride problem? Here are the evidences of pride in a life:

1. Pride refuses to listen, it always interrupts others.

2. Pride likes to talk about itself all the time.

3. Pride has an intense desire to be noticed.

4. Pride believes that it deserves everything it gets.

5. Pride is not thankful.

6. Pride cannot be corrected.

7. Pride does not like to follow instructions.

8. Pride exalts itself in the presence of others; it brags.

9. Pride criticizes and tries to makes itself look better by putting others down.

10. Pride thinks of its own needs first.

(Ill. Muhammad Ali furnishes a good example of pride at work. He was on an airplane once and he was standing up in the aisle, talking and laughing and entertaining the passengers. Finally, the stewardess came back to him and said, "Mr. Ali, you'll have to take a seat and fasten your seat belt because the plane is about to take off." Well, Mohammed Ali looked at her with a snarl, and said, "Honey, superman don't need no seat belt." She looked at him and said, "Yeah, and superman don't need no airplane either. Now sit down and buckle up.")

B. God has a better plan! He calls on His people to “humble themselves”. The word “humble” means “to bend the knee; to bring down; to place self under another.” Pride will not allow the prideful person to bow their knee to the Lord!

God desires His people to take whatever steps are necessary to bring themselves under His authority. He wants us to know that we cannot do it. He wants us to know that we are dependent upon Him for everything we have. He wants us to bend the knee to His authority in our lives.

C. We need to take the steps Jesus laid out for the church in Laodicea, Rev. 3:17b-18. When Jonah entered Nineveh and preached his message of impending judgment, the king of that city proclaimed a fast and all the people humbled themselves under God’s mighty hand, Jonah 3:1-8a.

That is what the church needs to do today. God’s people need to realize that we were nothing when He found us; we would be nothing without Him and that we can accomplish nothing apart from His power in our lives, John 15:5.

D. If we are going to have revival, then pride, the enemy of revival, must be dealt with forever!

II. PRAYERLESSNESS IS THE ENEMY OF REVIVAL

A. The people of God are challenged to “pray”. Prayerlessness is the first cousin to pride. Prayerlessness says, “I do not need to call on the Lord, I can make it just fine without His aid.” Prayerlessness does not say, “He is all I need”; but “I am all I need.” Prayerlessness relies on self and the resources self can produce and refuses to lean on Jesus alone. Prayerlessness is the enemy of revival!

B. It is a fact that we can prayer and not have revival; but we will never have a revival apart from prayer! Prayer is the ultimate statement of inability. Prayer looks to God and says, “I can’t, but you can!” Prayer acknowledges personal, profound dependence upon the Lord. We do not have revival because we do not pray! And, we do not have revival because we do not pray as we should, Ill. James 4:2-3! Charles Finney said, “Prayer is the essential link in the chain of events that leads to revival!”

We have lost the art of waiting before the Lord in prayer! Too much of our praying is anemic, antiseptic, formal, repetitious and long-winded. We pray around issues and never really get down to trusting God by faith. Our prayers leave our mouths, but they do not move God in Heaven.

(Ill. Dwight L. Moody, a famous evangelist from Chicago went on vacation to England. He wasn’t planning to do any preaching; he was on a sabbatical. But he met a preacher there who said, "Mr. Moody you’re so well known, would you come and speak at our church?" So he went to preach the next Sunday morning.

That afternoon Moody wrote in his journal that they were the deadest crowd he had ever seen and that the only thing worse than preaching to those people was that he had promised to go back that night and preach again. But he went back that night, and about halfway through the sermon something happened.

The people started to come to life, and he felt compelled to ask if anyone there would like to become a Christian and a lot of people stood up. He didn’t know what to do. So he said, "Maybe you don’t understand what I am asking. So when we are dismissed if you want to become a Christian come over to this little room and meet with me." When the service was over, he went to the room and it was packed. Moody said to the minister, "What does this mean?" He said, "I don’t know. But I think you need to preach again tomorrow night."

The next day Moody got on a train and went to Ireland to continue his vacation. But when he got off the train there was a memo that said, "Come back. Revival has broken out." So Moody got back on the train, went back to that church and preached 10 straight nights. And 400 responded to the invitation.

Moody couldn’t understand. Those people were dead, and something changed it. What happened was that an 80 some year old invalid widow named Mary Ann Adelard had read one of his sermons in the newspaper and had started praying every day that God would bring D. L. Moody to her church. That is revival praying.)

C. We pray for a few minutes and think we are ready for meeting. We recite our lists to the Lord and make our requests for our fleshly, material desires and we think God is going to move in mighty revival power. Well, it is not going to happen! We have to come to the place where we sacrifice our pride on God’s altar; declare our utter helplessness; and cling to Him until He moves in power in our lives and church. Leonard Ravenhill said, “The church is dying on its feet because it is not living on its knees!”

D. When Jonah’s message came to Nineveh, the people humbled themselves and they began to pray, Jonah 3:8b. When they did, God moved in power and sent a revival! Another example of revival praying can be found in Neh. 9:1-2. When we call on God from a pure, humble heart, we will see revival follow! How is your prayer life?

III. PRIORITIES ARE THE ENEMY OF REVIVAL

A. God’s people are told to “seek His face”. The word “seek” means “to search out by any method; especially by worship and prayer.” The word “face” refers to “the countenance; to turn toward His direction.” This little phrase is a call for God’s people to stop looking for help and purpose in every other thing in life. They are called upon to make God their primary focus and their first priority.

You see, revival does not come to people who seek revival; but to people who seek God! Far too many people are caught up in what God can do for them. But, seeking His face means that we hunger for Him more than for what He can do. He wants us to love Him for Who He is! The essence of genuine revival is falling in love with Jesus all over again, Ill. Rev. 2:1-7. Seeking Him will bring revival to His church, James 4:8; Isa. 55:6.

B. If you had to be really honest today, what is the number one priority in your life? Is it your job? Is it your bank accounts or retirement? Is it your family? Is it your church? Is it your spouse? Is it your hobby? Or, is it the Lord? When anything but God is the number one priority in your life, you are out of balance and you are not a candidate for revival.

When God is our first priority, the things He cares about are the things we will care about. When we are seeking His face, we will be able to see what has His attention. And, what has His attention is to be that which has our attention. He wants us to love what He loves, hate what He hates and do what He does. He wants us to develop that attitude Jesus adopted while He was here on earth, John 5:19-20.

C. If you really want to know what your priorities are today then ask yourself three questions: 1.) On what activity do you spend most of your time? 2.) On what do you spend the bulk of your money? 3.) On what do you focus your thoughts?

Look at where you go; what you do and where you spend your money. Do that and you will have a good idea of your priorities in life. Where does God fit in the equation of your life? Is He in first place? If He isn’t than you are not a candidate for revival!

D. Misplaced priorities are the enemy of real revival. The priorities of Nineveh were all messed up. Then, Jonah came to town with his message of doom and destruction. The people of Nineveh, from the king on down, got their priorities fixed up and they began to seek the Lord, Jonah 3:8. They got interested in the things that interested the Lord. Things like prayer, holiness, worship, etc became a priority and God sent them a revival. He can and will do the same for us, when our priorities are what they ought to be.

IV. PRESUMPTION IS THE ENEMY OF REVIVAL

A. Finally, God’s people are told to “turn from their wicked ways.” That is, they are to forsake their sins and embrace holiness. The problem in Israel is that they were guilty of presuming upon the grace and goodness of the Lord. The same trend is evident in the church.

We say, “I am saved and some of the things I do don’t matter!” Yes they do! Sin keeps us out of the presence of the Lord, Isa. 59:2. Sin closes the Lord’s ears to our prayers, Psa. 66:18; Pro. 15:8, 29; Pro. 28:9.

B. It is easy to see the hypocrisy and sin in our nation. We need more money for schools, so we legalize and promote gambling. We need to stop teen pregnancy, so we give out condoms and open abortion clinics. We want to balance the budget, so we raise taxes. We want to stop the spread of AIDS, so we practice “safe sex.” It’s no wonder God won’t send revival to America!

What about the church? Why aren’t we having revival? We are just as bad! We do not have revival because we are just as guilty as the world! Church people sin! They drink, they steal, they lie, they cheat; they commit adultery; they engage in sexual activity outside of marriage; they carry hate in their heart; they walk in pride; they walk in hypocrisy; they drag the precious name of Jesus through the mud and He cannot and will not bless a mess like that! We are saved by grace, but grace is never a license to sin!

What we need is a season of repentance. We are good with our excuses; and we are quick to rationalize our behavior; but we are slow to fall before the Lord and confess our sins and receive His forgiveness. But, He will never bless us with revival until we do! We must come clean about our sins, before He can bless us, Pro. 28:13; 1 John 1:9.

C. James 5:16b says, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” The key word in that verse is “righteous”. The word refers to a person who is “holy, upright and keeps the commandments of the Lord.” Does that describe you? Are you a righteous man or woman? Can God hear your prayers, and could you be an instrument of revival in His hands?

D. We need revival, but revival will not come to a presumptuous people. It will only come to those who get honest about their sin; who confess them; forsake them and turn to God with all their hearts, “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart,” Jer. 29:13. Revival will come when God’s people adopt the attitude that gripped the hearts of the people of Nineveh. They dealt with their sin problem and God moved in a great revival, Jonah 3:8-10.

Conc: Yes, there are some enemies that must be defeated. They can be, and if they are, we can experience God’s power. He promised

Israel

that He would “I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” That is a description of revival: God hearing; God cleansing and God working. The word “heal” means “to stitch back together; to repair thoroughly.” That is what we need today!

Are you a candidate for revival? Here is the invitation:

1.) Are you “His people”? If not, you need to be saved. You need to come today!

2.) Are the enemies of revival, pride, prayerlessness, misplaced priorities and presumption active in your life? If they are, you need to come today.

3.) Would you like to see God send us a real revival? It can happen, but we must meet His conditions.

THE DANGER OF MINISTRY FLATTERY

2010-04-26T09:55:00.001-04:00

Webster's dictionary defines "Flattery" as: insincere praise. While studying the book of Acts I came across chapter 24 where Paul is tried before Felix. In verses 2-4 Tertullus introduces his accusation against Paul with flattery towards Felix. This was plain lying
flattery. In reality he (Felix) had put down several insurrections with such barbarous brutality that he earned for himself the horror, not the thanks, of the Jewish population. How aware are we of the danger of flattery? Romans 16:18 speaks to of us who do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. Jude 1:16 speaks of those whose mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage. Four different times, the book of Proverbs connects flattery with the sin of sexual immorality. How many people have been seduced into immorality through simple flattery? Proverbs 20: 19 says, He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; there for do not associate with one who flatters with his lips. We aren't to make flatterers our close friends! Psalm 78:36 says we can even flatter God: Nevertheless they flattered Him with their mouth and the lied to Him with their tongue. When you give God insincere praise, it is flattery, and God doesn't want it! Bottom line is this, the person who flatters your ministry today is the very same person that tomorrow will accuse you behind your back. Not that flattery is wrong but we must be aware that all the glory must go to God first and foremost as He will not share His glory with no one! Then ask the Father for wisdom and discernment of those who would flatter you and the ministry to which He has called you. What are their intentions and motives. Having walked through such an experience in the past we know of what we speak. The one and only true approval and recognition we need is from the heavenly Father. To Him be all the glory and honor!

LESS IS MORE

2010-04-05T14:51:00.000-04:00

Every now and then someone writes something better than I could do it myself. This is the case with our mutual friend Ted Kallman who faciliates the weekly "W" at Mars Hill in nearby Grandville, Michigan a place where people experience the power and authority of intercession. Here then is an excellent literary piece on how to experience more powerful results in your prayer life!

Less is More/Ted Kallman

We all have religious habits and practices that we perform as a result of the particular tribe or religious culture that we grew up in or find ourselves in today. Most of us go to church on Sunday and sing similar songs all facing the front just before the trained expositor delivers the text for the day. We then all go home just do it all over again next week. Some of these habits or traditions have nothing to do with how Christians in the early church acted or interacted, many of them are not Biblical, some are even rooted in Pagan rituals, but it is how we experience the church today.

One of the practices, steeped in tradition, is how we pray.

If someone comes for prayer for healing many times we will launch into long, eloquent prayers that are sincere and heart-felt intending to move God’s heart to bring healing to the person. It is how we have been taught to pray and how we have observed other people in the church praying but is that how the early church ministered healing?

In Acts 3:6 Peter spoke 9 words and the crippled man was healed. In Matthew 8:3 Jesus spoke 5 words and the leper was healed. In 8:15 he touched Peter’s Mother-in-law’s hand and the fever left her. He never spoke a word. In 9:28 again 9 words and the blind men were healed. Over and over we see short statements or simple acting in belief and the result was healing. Even raising the dead only took three words. The paralytic man in Luke 5 required 13 words to be healed. Are we really more effective when we pray lengthy prayers or is it just the way we have always done it? We want to stay comfortable and so we repeat what we have seen and practiced over the years.

More words does not equate to more power. Apparently, if we follow the text, few words were needed and few words were used.

Less was more.

Ask God to show you how to pray. Ask the Spirit to direct you in how to speak to the disease and then only speak what He says!

SPIRITUAL ROAD MARKERS

2010-03-06T08:41:00.000-05:00

In a recent Os Hillman TGIF (Today God Is First) devotional a quote seemed to literally leap out at me which so summed up Karen and my ten year journey of faith. "The depth and width of your faith experiences are directly proportional to your calling." What does that mean? It describes the process of preparation that Yahweh takes each of his leaders through when he plans to use them in significant ways. A "faith experience" is an event or spiritual road marker in your life about what you can say: "That is where I saw God moving in my life." It is an unmistakable event in which God personally showed himself to you. We have come to the place in our life that we now realize that if God has plans of using us in the lives of many others that He is going to allow certain faith experiences to come into our life in order to build a foundation that will be solid. That foundation is what we both can look back on to keep us faithful as we are going through our times of testing. Easy? Absolutely not! Days of wanting to give it all up and throw in the proverbial towel? You bet! But these personal faith experiences must come in order that we may move in faith to whatever God calls us to do for His Kingdom purposes. Do you need a personal faith experience in your life right now? Our prayer is that for us and you that God would reveal himself to you this day. You know, He delights in doing that!

FAITH LIKE POTATOES

2010-02-22T03:26:00.000-05:00

It is almost five hours before Karen and I go on air on our local Moody radio station, WGNB 89.3 FM to share the mission of Stonegate Sabbatical Ministries. Last night we viewed a DVD movie that she had purchased for me for Valentines day. She "just knew" we both needed to watch this. "Faith Like Potatoes" is the real life inspiring story of a farmer who found faith, radical faith! Angus Buchan moves his family to South Africa and suffers a series of seemingly insurmountable losses. Karen and I can surely relate to that in 10 years of walking this journey of faith of our own. Angus, through unlikely friendships and much needed divine intervention, discovers his life's true purpose and it sustains his unwavering belief in the power of faith. A moving journey who, like his potatoes, grows his faith, unseen until harvest. Bottom line Karen and I want to have the radical unwavering faith of a Angus Buchan that no matter how strong the storms of life may surround the mission and vision God has called us to that we would press on until the harvest is brought in! II 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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." Repentance, Prayer, Renewal, Revival!

LIVE LIKE WERE DYING

2010-02-05T10:18:00.002-05:00

Came across this song today and I will let the lyrics speak for themselves. The artist is Kris Allen.

Sometimes we fall down and can’t get back up
We’re hiding behind skin that’s too tough
How come we don’t say I love you enough
Till it’s too late, it’s not too late
Our hearts are hungry for a food that won’t come
We could make a feast from these crumbs
And we’re all staring down the barrel of a gun
So if your life flashed before you, what would you wish you would’ve done
[Chorus]
Yeah, gotta start
Looking at the hand of the time we’ve been given here
This is all we got and we gotta start thinkin’ it
Every second counts on a clock that’s tickin’
Gotta live like we’re dying
We only got 86 400 seconds in a day
To turn it all around or throw it all away
We gotta tell ‘em that we love ‘em while we got the chance to say,
Gotta live like we’re dying
And if your plane fell out of the skies
Who would you call with your last goodbyes
Should be so careful who we live out of our lives
So when we long for absolution, there’ll be no one on the line
(Chorus)
Like we’re dying (x4)
(Chorus)
You never know a good thing until it’s gone
you never see a crash until its head on
All these people right when we’re dead wrong,
You never know a good thing till it’s gone
(Chorus)
Like we’re dying (x4)
(Chorus)

DEEP WATER

2010-01-27T09:38:00.000-05:00

"The greater the calling, the deeper the water." These words from a TGIF (Today God Is First) devotional by author Os Hillman hit me right between the eyes this morning. Karen and I in more than 10 years of walking the path of Repentance, Prayer, Renewal & Revival have endured some pretty deep water experiences. Sometimes God takes us into such deep waters that we lose control of the situation, and we have no choice but to fully trust in His care for us. This is doing business in great waters. It is in these great waters that we truly see the greater works of God..
The Scriptures tell us that the disciples testified of what they saw and heard. It was the power behind the gospel, not the words themselves, which changed the world. The power wasn't seen until circumstances got to the point that there were no alternatives but God. Sometimes God has to take us into the deep water in order to give us the privilege to see His works. Our prayer for you and for us is that even in the midst of the deep waters we would trust in His knowledge that these deep waters are preparation to see the greater works of God in our life. Amen and Amen!

TO START A FIRE!

2010-01-22T06:14:00.002-05:00

Several years ago when I was in community with friends Mike and Shannon, Mike and I personally became what he called: "Brothers of the Fire". He was known simply as "Fire" I, "Rock-Fire." In my devotional passage reading for this Friday morning I discovered a interesting passage from Luke 12 that intrigued me from The Message adaptation of verses 49-53. It was simply stated as "To Start A Fire." Read it, and make this your prayer today: "Lord let me as a radical for Jesus begin to start fires of revival where I live, work, and play. May I not worry about my reputation and what others think of me be it friends, family, or work associates. Give me this day courage and boldness to stand up uncompromising for what is right and holy and pure. Amen!"

^49-53"I've come to start a fire on this earth—how I wish it were blazing right now! I've come to change everything, turn everything rightside up—how I long for it to be finished! Do you think I came to smooth things over and make everything nice? Not so. I've come to disrupt and confront! From now on, when you find five in a house, it will be—

   Three against two,
      and two against three;
   Father against son,
      and son against father;
   Mother against daughter,
      and daughter against mother;
   Mother-in-law against bride,
      and bride against mother-in-law."

THE GIFT TO LIVE SLOWLY

2010-01-14T06:03:00.000-05:00

Why is it that being still is such an un-American activity? I ask because Karen and I struggle each day to make time to "Be Still And Know That He is God" (Psalm 46:10). In revival the problem is that we tend to stir up and manufacture what we perceive to be the next great move of God in our churches and community all the while our Daddy just sits back and laughs at our man made plans and says: "when your finished doing what you think is necessary for my power and authority to bring atmospheric transformational revival then just sit in my presence, yielded, quiet, & still to hear what I have to say to the church. John Piper says that as he approaches the word of God , he prays for the gift of reading slowly to truly heard God in His word. That is Karen and my desire, but we would both go one step further and pray that God would give us the gift to live life slowly. We want to hear God not just in sections of our day marked "Time Alone With God," but when He decides to speak in unexpected times and unique ways. We want our soul and spirit not to be racing around all over the place but instead be in a place of continual stillness so that we might drink deeply of what He has prepared to show us.

Will you take the challenge to "Be still and know that I am God?" Will you take some time to sit and quiet your soul before the Lord? Ask God how He wants to meet you in His presence. Meditate on these "be still" verses.

Be still and see the salvation of the Lord. Exodus 14:13-14

Be still by the side of the Lord. Exodus 33:21

Be still so you won't miss the great things God is doing. 1 Samuel 12:16, Job 37:14

Stand still and see the deliverance of the Lord. 2 Chronicles 20:17

Be still. It's the antidote to fretting. Psalm 37:7

Be still and know He is God. Psalm 46:10

Be still before the Lord. Zechariah 2:13a

Let Jesus rebuke your storms, "Peace, be still." Mark 4:39

GOD"S GPS

2010-01-09T13:56:00.001-05:00

Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained.” They can’t focus, can’t reach their goal, can’t follow their dream. An older translation says, “Without vision, the people perish.” I’ve seen it with my own eyes - without vision, people lose the vitality that makes them feel alive. -Bill Hybels, Courageous Leadership, page 31

Ten years of believing and praying for transformational revival not only in West Michigan where we live and minister, but world wide , Karen and I have sometimes lost our way due to discouragement, despair, and generally getting off course with enemy attack. Someone recently posted on Facebook a modernized version of Proverbs 29:18 with these words:: "Without a map (graph, plan, or vision) people get lost!" I then replied:: "how about GPS? God's Positioning Service." When the vision I feel God has called me to has been lost, or temporarily delayed and the map I was following seems to have gotten me to nowhere is it not just like God to land me on my knees and back into the greatest road atlas ever, His Word to set me back on course? Thank you Abba Father their is no better guidance under the sun than your Holy Spirit. Send forth your anointed GPS and keep me from getting lost in things that do not really matter in life. I await the moving of the cloud!

THE DESERT

2010-01-07T05:16:00.000-05:00

Someone once said: " God uses enlarged trials to produce enlarged saints so he can put them in enlarged places." And where do you think that God does His greatest, deepest work? You guessed it by the picture on the left: THE DESERT! In nearly 10 years of walking this journey of faith for Repentance, Prayer, Renewal, & Revival Karen and I have been in that parched place more times than we would like to recount. Has it been easy? You think? Choice: the desert or an oasis, which would you chose? Flesh says oasis, God says desert! Think about this: if you had a very important message to convey to someone what is the best means of conveying the message through. With all of this worlds distractions keeping us from hearing that message, where do you think would be a place where their would be an opportunity to get that message through to you and having the messenger giving it having your undivided attention? Again THE DESERT! Ouch! Lord, could you have not chosen a little bit better place? I don't think so! Here in the desert like Paul, David, Moses, and others God can remove all things that hinder us from being all that He intended us to be. And you know what the great thing is that the desert is only a season in our life. When He has accomplished all what He wants in our lives in that desert, He will bring us out! Hallelujah! So Karen and I this day fear not the desert for it is here that we will hear God's voice like never before.

DEAD DREAM S & GOD'S MEGAPHONE

2010-01-02T09:01:00.002-05:00

Ever have the feeling that your dreams and visions of what God has called you to for revival have died? Karen and I can surely attest to that. In nearly10 years of walking this journey of faith their have been seasons and times that we have wondered: "God did we miss it?" So often we have believed the Stonegate dream had died. Everything appeared to be against us. During these times God has done his deepest behind-the scenes work. During these times God is performing a deeper work in each and everyone of us--a work that is not visible. One of the heavenly Father's methods for directing His kids steps is through drying up resources: a job loss, a career change, or a disaster. In these times we are more apt and willing to listen more intently , and to seek God in ways we would not normally do. The great writer C.S. Lewis once wrote: " God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world!" Thank you Father this day for the pains that awaken us to your still small voice. May each one of us hear you loud and clear this day with no obstructions!

NEW YEAR, NEW RESOLUTIONS AND WEIGHT LOSS!

2010-01-01T11:17:00.000-05:00

Been thinking about the fact that it is a new year, with new resolutions. And is it not like every January where we are bombarded with "weight loss" commercials enticing us to make one of those resolutions losing excess pounds? It was so clear as I sat at my devotional desk this first day of 2010 that Holy Spirit spoke to me about spiritual weight loss for the new year. My resolution comes today from Hebrews 12: 1-3 NKJV: " let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. And finally the same passage from The Message:
"Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls! " Word of God speak! Happy New Year to one an all!

A YEAR END MESSAGE FROM JAMES & KAREN

2009-12-31T05:37:00.001-05:00

And His name will be the hope of all the world."
As Karen and I take this window of time between Christmas and the New Year to reflect on 2009 and prepare for 2010, our minds gravitate to Matthew 12:21, "And His name will be the hope of all the world."

Hope. It's the oxygen of our souls, yet everywhere we turn—with the downfall of the economy, tragedies and broken relationships – many feel very hopeless.

Because of the birth of Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross, we have hope. And when we as Christians actually live like Christians, we give hope to others.
That's why Stonegate Sabbatical Ministries exist — to empower, mobilize and encourage Christians to surrender and experience a relationship with God that brings life, restoration, and hope. This next year presents some of the most exciting times ever for Stonegate. We're taking steps of faith like never before as we launch "A TASTE OF ENGEDI" ministry sabbatical in April.

God has opened incredible doors to give hope to many worldwide. But we cannot realistically step through these doors without your partnership.

Thank you for your continued sacrifice and generosity. It is a unique privilege to build God's Kingdom and equip people to experience hope and the supernatural life of becoming truly His Bride.
Making a Difference Together in 2010,
James & Karen

James & Karen Kingma
Stonegate Sabbatical Ministries
11280 Kingfisher Ct.
Holland, MI 49424-8711
(616) 748-1167 (OFFICE)
web: www.stonegateministries.org
blog: www.ifmypeoplewillpray.blogspot.com
blog: www.theywereavastarmy.blogspot.com

INTERCESSORY WORSHIP

2009-12-30T07:59:00.000-05:00

Intercessory Worship

Do you feel that God promised you something, and it has been too long in coming? Maybe you are feeling desperate and even despairing. Hope deferred makes the heart sick when it is set on our expectations in our time frame. You've asked "Why, Lord? Where is it? What's going on? Why are You silent? When will You fulfill Your promises?" You have examined your heart to see if there is sin in your life. It seems that God is far away, and the heavens are brass. You've bargained and pleaded, maybe even pouted a little.

David knew that taking up his harp in the midst of pain connected him with God in a special deep way. In Psalm 42 and 43, ten times he asked "Why?" Two times he asked "Where?" and once he asked "When?" He described abandonment, oppression, betrayal, and accusation at the hands of wicked and deceitful men. In the course of two short psalms, he recorded a range of intense conflicting emotions: thirst and satisfaction, fear and courage, doubt and faith, dejection and hope, despair and assurance of blessing, disturbance and peace, impatience and resolve, pouting and praise, tears and singing, accusation and vindication, rejection and confidence, weakness and strength, darkness and light, oppression and deliverance, mourning and joy.

Amid all that, David heard God's songs in the night and sang tephillahs, prayer hymns or prayers set to music. Four times in 16 verses, he broke into praise and thanksgiving. "I will praise You with the harp, O God, my God. I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God." The word yet means continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more, all life long. David was saying that regardless of his circumstances, he was devoted to praising the Lord. In another place, he said that his heart was fixed and steadfast, making music and praising God for His great love, which never changes.

As we come into His presence with sacrifices of worship, we come before Him in spirit and in truth. In the presence of the King of glory, we enjoy His matchless power and care, and He brings to mind others that He wants us to present before Him. The real heart of intercessory worship is seeking His Face, then seeking His heart, not His hand.

Intercessory worship employs the name of God to attract the presence and power of God into a time and place for particular people. I have seen God do amazing things in response to praise and worship obedience, where I simply exalted Him as God by faith and let Him be God. Intercessory worship is faith in action. We don't see the answer, but we know the character of the One who is faithful. Intercessory worship is as simple as singing "He is Lord," which declares the authority of the rule of Jesus in all things.

Intercessory worship praises God even when the situation doesn't change immediately, because He places His presence in our hearts in His promises, His vision, and His purposes. And we will yet praise Him for His answer that He will bring forth in His appointed time.

Sylvia Gunter/Prayer Essentials For Living In His Presence Volume 2 Pages 116-117
Available at: www.thefathersbusiness.com

DOLLAR SIGNS OR.....

2009-12-27T07:44:00.004-05:00

In a recent TGIF (Today God Is First) devotional author Os Hillman shared an ongoing rub of mine in today's church community. That of the long standing division of clergy and laity. Revelation 5:10 declares: "And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth." Kings equating to rulers and priests being religious leaders. Too often than not pastors have viewed workplace believers as the picture on this posting indicates dollar signs! Sadly they see them as an ends to a mean basically as a source of funding their ministries instead of equipping them to use their God given gifts and talents to impact the workplace believers mission field-their workplace. However workplace believers are not exempt from their own grievous sin in the body of Christ. They have tried to get pastors to operate their churches like businesses, and have used their worldly ways for spiritual purposes. They often view the pastor as the primary ministry worker instead of taking on the responsibility themselves to do the work of the ministry. Again here, as in revival, the key is REPENTANCE on both sides of the aisle. Unless we recognize this, we will never see the reality of revival that God wants to bring to the business community, and pastors will fail to gain an ally to fully complete the work of the Church in their community.

Are you a pastor who has failed to see the calling that workplace believers have received to the workplace? If so, ask God to forgive you for viewing your workplace believers as those to be used for your own purposes.

Are you a workplace believer who sees your church as another business to be run based on worldly measurements? Do you see the pastor's role as one who is primarily responsible for the work of the ministry? If so, you must repent and ask God to forgive you of this unbiblical view. God has called both of you to fulfill His purposes together through your gifts and talents.

James Kingma/Os Hillman

WHY WE DO NOT SEE REVIVAL.....

2009-12-26T05:47:00.001-05:00

All kinds of stuff has been written about why we do not see revival in America and here is one brief diatribe on that subject and my sense of why we are not seeing atmospheric, transformational revival. At the top of the t-shirt on the left is the key clue. REPENTANCE! We have all too often seen what I call "cheap" repentance the kind that says, "sorry I got caught in sin but loving Jesus will forgive me" and I go merrily on my way only to repeat that same sin moments or days later. It is what author Neil Anderson describes as the "sin-confess. sin-confess" cycle. Let me be educational for a moment. Websters New World Dictionary describes the word REPENTANCE as follows: "to feel such regret over ( an action, intentions, etc.) as to change one's mind." Here is the simple formula, no mind change, no man change. Today's modern day revivalist quote often II Chronicles 7:14 but they fail to read the verse just before it. " ¹³ "When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people." Guess what? God says without repentance I will bring judgment! But, 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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. We in the church have been suffering from revival insanity! Can we continue doing the same thing over and over again and expect to have different results? I don't think so! So America do you truly desire revival? THEN REPENT!!!!

MOUNTAIN OR GOD STRENGTH?

2009-12-25T09:31:00.005-05:00

May 2001 Karen and I had returned to the Pigeon Forge area of Tennessee to seek the Father's heart in working for a "ministry" that ministered to pastors and spouses at a venue called Deer Path Vacations. Although this opportunity never materialized it became the foundation of what would become Stonegate Sabbatical Ministries. One day while preparing for the evening meal in our mountain getaway cabin at Deerpath I "just happened" to put on a cd by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir in which one of the songs was titled: "My Help Cometh" (From the Lord.) The lyrics were based on Psalm 121. Little did we know that over the years both this song and the scripture it was based upon would encourage and empower us to press on . We have come to realize when we have been in the majestic Smoky Mountains of Tennessee it reminds us that our help and strength does not come from such but that it comes from the Lord the God of the angel armies. And so on this Christmas day 2009 Psalm 121 "just happened" again to appear in a email devotional. May it bless and encourage you as it did us. " I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains? No, my strength comes from God, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains. He won't let you stumble, your Guardian God won't fall asleep. Not on your life! Israel's Guardian will never doze or sleep. God's your Guardian, right at your side to protect you— Shielding you from sunstroke, sheltering you from moonstroke. God guards you from every evil, he guards your very life. He guards you when you leave and when you return, he guards you now, he guards you always."

ALL IN GOOD TIME

2009-12-24T11:17:00.000-05:00

A posting on Facebook by one of my favorite Christian artists Byran Duncan got me to thinking about this past year of 2009 and the continuing journey of faith for Karen and I with Stonegate Sabbatical Ministries Duncan was discussing getting back in touch with his original Sweet Comfort band for a new collaboration. Here then is a quote from that posting: "got a start on a new song with my Sweet C buddies, Rick Thomson and Randy Thomas. after a few hours on the phone, and a great borrowed lick from Ricky B., came up with: "all in good time"..makes you smile and cry at the same time! lookin back doesn't have to be sad when you have a future! it's a reaffirmation of a long term faith. Yes it is "all in good time." To set it in spiritual context it is all in God's good timing that all things come to pass. And truly looking back on all Karen and I have experienced in the past year does not have to be sad since we have a hope and a future in that what He has started in us He is going to complete! It is just more and more reaffirmation of our long term faith in His promises. If we could have written a book on our adventures it surely would have had author Eugene Peterson's title: "A Long Obedience In The Same Direction." And so on this Christmas Eve 2009 we remember the past but look forward and forge ahead steadily to live out Philippians's 3: 12-14 from the Message: " I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.

SUDDEN ELEVATION

2009-12-17T12:20:00.000-05:00

Joseph's greatest temptation was not his temptation to be bitter against his brothers. It was not the sexual temptation that came inside Potiphar's house. It wasn't the years of discouragement and despair of years of false imprisonment for being wrongfully accused. It was the temptation of prosperity and ownership. Once he was elevated, he was given choices that he never had before. It was totally up to him as to which choice he would make. Stewardship reveals what we believe about God and ourselves. Not every man or woman can carry a full cup. Sudden elevation frequently leads to pride and a fall. The most exacting test of all to survive is prosperity (Oswald Chambers) I must ask myself this day do I have a proper understanding of who I am? Do I truly understand that it is God who has given me the ability to work and achieve? He is the true source of all good things! God, does my life model this belief? Os Hillman/TGIF "Elevated From The Pasture"

FULL CIRCLE

2009-12-15T18:14:00.000-05:00

On our recent trip to Pigeon Forge Tennessee December 6 through the 12th Karen and I on several occasions mentioned the fact Stonegate Sabbatical Ministries had come "FULL CIRCLE," Merriam-Websters dictionary defines "full circle" as follows: through a series of developments that lead back to the original source, position, or situation or to a complete reversal of the original position--usually used in the phrase come full circle. Full circle for us meaning that back in May 2001 during a vacation to the same area we had birthed in our hearts a passion of ministry sabbaticals for pastors and their spouses. Little did we know that that those series of developments that occurred during that one week would lead us back to the original source of that fire in our hearts for His shepherds. The people, places, and things that at the time seemed remotely scattered where now becoming part of a greater mosaic the Father was putting together piece by piece with some new added ones to complete the picture. Just today we again heard from Pastor Ken Pritt, CEO of Smoky Mountain Christian Village who left a voice mail message regarding the fact he wanted to talk with us further regarding our two proposals we had emailed him this past Friday the 11th. The light is green, with no red or yellow in sight at this moment. When the door begins to open, the green light for go is on, we press through until it fully opens or fully closes His will to be done. We ask for your prayers as tomorrow (Wednesday) we will be returning that call and share with him what we have sensed since our return to Holland, Michigan. Although excited Karen and I would be leaving her 95 & 92 year old father and mother respectively, along with our daughter and son-in-law and two precious grand daughters 8 & 5: Allysa Grace & Abigail Joy. Sometimes we have thought: "I cannot do that for the Lord: my first obligation is to my family. However we are careful that we do not put our family above God. "Truly I say unto you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times as much as this time and in the age to come, eternal life!" (Luke 18:29-30) In Jesus Name we press on!!!!

LESSON LEARNED

2009-12-13T10:16:00.000-05:00

I awoke this Sunday morning, after a 11 and a half hour trip back home to Holland Saturday, with the a two word phrase from the movie Polar Express. Maybe it was because as I was channel surfing last night to find something to watch I "just happened" to see that Polar Express was being shown on my local ABC station. Or maybe it was Holy Spirit who was trying to impart and earthy message with a heavenly application. No matter what here is the phrase: " LESSON LEARNED." You remember the very mouthy kid character who always seems to know everything about everything. As all the children are about to make the return trip home from the North Pole and hop aboard the Polar Express this kid starts a new rambling which the conductor immediately puts a stop to and simply says: "LESSON LEARNED."

Karen and I left Holland Friday November 27th and returned Saturday December 12th. Lessons learned? You bet! To leave the past vision of Stonegate Sabbatical Ministries behind, for now, and allow God to fulfill His latest vision for us to be carried out and implemented. To not get so lost in what we feel the vision has to look like and allow God to make it happen as He sees it in His perfect timing . To not trust in chariots and horses( people , places, things), but trust in the Name of the Lord (Psalm 20:7) We feel the cloud has moved but in a direction we had never even thought of. And is that not just like God to change our sometimes man made plans and completely overturn them into something even greater than we could ever imagine? Hallelujah! The adventure continues.

We want to again take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you corporately for standing with us in intercession during our extended 16 day ministry journey. Karen and I could not have accomplished this Kingdom mandate without your prayer support. But do not stop now. Please PRAY ON!!!!!

FINALLY FRIDAY, KAY ARTHUR, TGIF, BUBBA & LORIA

2009-12-12T06:56:00.000-05:00

Welcome to cold weather once again. Karen and I awoke to a 12 degree sun shiny Tennessee morning. Finally Friday! It has been some week. My devotional time with the Father released what I felt were two right now words for us. Kay Arthur’s daily devotional calendar stated the following: “There’s so much noise—so many people pulling on us—that being alone and being alone and quiet before the Lord can be a battle. But if, like Jesus we want to be able to say that we have glorified God on earth and finished the work He’s given us to do, the battle must be won.” Enough said. Then TGIF (Today God Is First) Os Hillman daily email devotional shared the Apostle Paul’s mission statement that Karen and I have adopted as our daily focus. First that we would know Christ, second to know and experience His power, and finally to identify with His sufferings.

Our final lunch date was spent with long time friends Chan “Bubba” and Lori Mullinax. For nearly two hours we shared back and forth our journey’s that have brought us to this place for such a time as this. We believe that Chan and Lori will be an integral part of the ministry of sabbatical here in Pigeon Forge. Chan with his comedy with a character he is developing: Pastor Bubba, and Lori with her anointing for being an awesome praise and worship leader and vocalist extraordinaire. We four were just amazed at how our Father has so orchestrated our mutual paths over 10 years and now is bringing us full circle.
We now await the Spirit’s leading in all our endeavors. Won’t move till the cloud does!

Earlier Friday morning I emailed our two ministry proposals to Pastor Ken Pritt CEO of Smoky Mountain Christian Village. Here is his email reply:

Jim & Karen
Just a quick note to say that I have received the two proposals and read each. I am reserving any comment, giving time to digest and pray. I am confident that we will be able to iron out a working relationship to further the cause of Christ and to the glory of the Lord at SMCV. Please join in praying for God’s path, pace, and purity. I am claiming Romans 12:1-2 concerning God’s perfect will for this effort. Thank you for the time and effort put forth in the timely submission of the proposals. I look forward to talking to you again in the near future. May the Lord bless you and keep you!

I had further conversation with Pastor Pritt while in the office taking care of the payment for our final night of stay at our mountain chalet. He mentioned that he had already forwarded the two proposals along with comments to Randy the owner of SMCV in Georgia. Obviously they intend to let no moss grow under their feet choosing rather to move somewhat quickly on what we have proposed. We prayerfully await the Spirit’s call.

After our lunch with the Mullinaxes we did some Christmas shopping then a trip out to Wears Valley located just outside of Pigeon Forge where for years we rented a cabin on Hatcher Mountain. It brought back so many great memories of the times we would come down to the Smokies with a desperate need for direction from the Father. One answer we received in particular occurred within a twenty four hour period three times! It was there is no plan B. That has again reminded us to not go to the left or right but to keep our eyes focused on what has been mandated for us as Kingdom impact and purpose.

Today (Saturday) we reluctantly leave for home knowing the weather here is going to be around 40 degrees plus. Our traveling time should be around 11 hours which will put us in Holland approximately 6PM tonight. Thank you for interceding on our behalf for traveling safety. We have so felt your prayers daily. We leave Tennessee with this assurance from Kay Arthur’s devotional calendar for today: “Rest dear ones, in His presence, in His promises. God, and God alone, holds your life and well-being in His loving and kind hands. Jer. 17:7-8. PRAY ON!!!!

SMCV CONTIINUES, CHANGE OF PLANS, BUBBA THE RED NECK RANGER

2009-12-11T12:28:00.000-05:00

What a difference a day makes! Wednesday, high wind conditions yet 61 degrees and sunny. Thursday we awake to 24 degrees with a high for the day of 38. Even Tennessee has its own weather shift patterns.

Yesterday (Thursday) we had a major shift in plans. Originally we had made time in our busy schedule for our Southern Mom & Dad who live one hour away from Pigeon Forge, but Pastor Ken who is the executive director for the Smokey Mountain Christian Village last minute had asked to meet with us once again. What we thought was going to be a simple 15 minute confab turned into 90 minutes. This shifted ahead our final get together with our other friends Mark and Sandy for lunch which did not allow for much else for the remainder of the afternoon. As we departed the meeting with Pastor Ken our cell phone rang. It was Bubba our favorite red necked ranger(real name Chan Mullinax). Chan was calling us to ask us if we wanted to see the Christmas “Country Tonight” show in which he performs as Bubba. Of course we accepted his invitation. Following lunch with Mark and Sandy Karen and I went to the local Walmart to pick up some gloves and hats for the trip home. Then on to the Spencer Williams gallery to visit one of our favorite Tennessee artists who has a strong anointing for painting Biblical pictures. On our way out of his gallery Spencer held hands with Karen and I and prayed for our future in ministry. It was so encouraging. Then off to the Miracle Theater to say our final goodbye’s to Sandy Inbody and to pray with her for what we felt God wanted us to pray for her. We hugged knowing it will not be two years again before we see each other. Home to begin the process of putting the two proposals together for the Smokey Mountain Christian Village which Pastor Ken had requested in our first meeting with him on Wednesday. Following dinner it was off to Country Tonight to enjoy our fourth and final show here in the Smokies. We never laughed so hard. Bubba, (Chan), was over the top funny. We met in the lobby afterwards and briefly caught up. Karen and I had planned to go out for coffee with Chan but that would have left out his wife Lori who we also wanted to see. Chan gave us an alternative which we took him up on which is lunch tomorrow at a local restaurant in nearby Sevierville where Lori will also be able to join us. Chan and Lori have been friends of ours for over ten years since meeting them by divine appointment at the Country Tonight Theater. God is soooo good!

Oh, by the way, we are not going home Friday! Can you believe it? Our winter storm back home is still raging and is not conducive to returning safely so we have made the decision to stay one more night here in our mountain chalet. The more we stay the more we want to stay. God knows the future and we leave it in His hands.

Today (Friday) will be for the most part a rest filled day except for the lunch with the Mullinaxes and then to pack for our official departure day on Saturday morning. Again please pray for our safety as we have no idea what to expect on our trip home. What a week we have had! Certainly had no idea of what Holy Spirit had in store but we are so excited about our future ministry opportunities here. God is truly expanding our territory from Michigan to North Carolina, to Florida, to Tennessee. Thank you for your ongoing prayers on our behalf. We could not do this without you! PRAY ON!!!!

EXTENDING THE STAY & WIND OF HOLY SPIRIT

2009-12-10T12:23:00.000-05:00

Karen and I awoke to the most amazing weather pattern on Wednesday morning. Not only was there an awesome sunrise, the first since we arrived on Sunday night since it has been cool- cloudy- rainy weather every day, but also a mighty mild wind which we sensed was The Wind Of Holy Spirit blowing fresh vision and encouragement into us for the journey ahead. While we were enjoying the balmy weather in Pigeon Forge, back home in Holland, Michigan is a raging Winter storm which has extended our stay by one more day with prayerful departure at the latest Friday morning. After a morning time of praise and worship and intercession we headed down the steep, winding roads, of Smokey Mountain Christian Village to meet up with Pastor Ken Pritt executive director for a power lunch meeting. Along with his SMCV responsibilities he teaches in real time on the internet for Appalachian Bible College his former employer. A pretty busy man to say the least, so it was divine that the current snow storm back home delayed our leaving prematurely so that we could personally meet with him. If we would have left on our original schedule of Wednesday morning, this meeting would have never taken place as his Tuesday schedule was full up! Praise the Lord for storm intervention!

Our meeting with Pastor Pritt resulted in a proposal being asked for as to what the ministry of sabbatical would look like at SMCV. We praise the Lord for this open door! Mid afternoon we were blessed to attend Exalt, a Christian concert, at the Miracle Theater. It was a time of worshipping the Father in Spirit and in truth. Karen and I were able after the show to minister to two of the participants, Rebecca and Josh, and share with them how we had been so blessed which they in turn related how we had blessed and encouraged them. Although the audience was small in numbers we reminded them that they served an audience of one. Later we rejoined our friends Mark and Sandy Inbody to travel to nearby Seymour, Tennessee to experience their weekly Wednesday evening home church. We were able to share several issues regarding home church along with praying over several for emotional and physical healing. We left humbled and blessed to have been the hands and feet of Jesus.

Today (Thursday) we are kicking back somewhat to relax, meet our friends Mark and Sandy for one more time at lunch as they have a private party to attend this evening, and get ready to depart for home Friday morning. This afternoon at 2PM Karen and I will be in nearby Maryville, Tennessee to minister to our “Southern” Mom and Dad who we met over 10 years ago on our first visit to Pigeon Forge who as of late have not been physically doing well. They had so wanted us to come to pray over them but in our original arrival and departure schedule that would have not been possible. When asked by several of our ministry partners when we would be leaving Pigeon Forge, we had shared that our prayer was that we would leave when released by Holy Spirit. We now sense that release is for Friday morning. Pray for our safety in our travels, and for a unity of spirit as we ponder all that has taken place these two weeks in Florida and Tennessee. PRAY ON!

SNOW STORM, UNIT 7, MIRACLE & COMEDY

2009-12-09T10:24:00.000-05:00

In a conversation with our daughter Jenny on Monday night Karen and I made a decision to stay in the Pigeon Forge area for one more day due to the forthcoming major snow storm back home in Holland. This has now allowed us more time to tour the property and meet with Pastor Ken who manages Smokey Mountain Christian Village today (Wednesday) at 11:15AM. Yesterday we scheduled a tour of the property late morning with Broc who is here to head up the soon to be launched wilderness camp next year. Our final building we toured was unit 7 the perfect number and the perfect accommodations we discovered for the ministry sabbatical retreats we intend to launch next year here in Tennessee. Praise the Lord for this open door.

Our friends Mark and Sandy Inbody were gracious to get us complimentary tickets for two diverse performance shows on Tuesday. First was our return to the Miracle Theater and the powerful production of The Miracle which we had seen two years ago when we were last in Pigeon Forge. It was certainly uplifting and empowering for our current journey of faith. Later we joined both Mark and Sandy as all four of us attended a laugh filled Christmas show at The Comedy Barn and laughed still our sides hurt. As it is written: “A cheerful heart is good medicine!” Proverbs 17:22 Amen to that!

Karen and I are so blessed to be back in the Smokey’s one of our all time favorite destination points and where Stonegate Sabbatical Ministries began with a divine appointment in factory outlet shoe store. We truly believe God has taken us full circle. We now watch, wait , and pray into what God has for us here in Tennessee. Thank you for your ongoing intercession for us. We have surely felt your prayers. PRAY ON!!!!

MAINTENANCE MIKE & PASTOR WAYNE

2009-12-08T13:17:00.000-05:00

It was Monday morning the 7th around 10:15AM. I had my devotions earlier and Karen needed her time with the Father, so I decided to head down the Smokey Mountain Christian Village office to find where they might have wireless on site. I was informed that the conference center just down from our chalet was where I could log on and all I had to do was walk in as the doors would be open. Arriving I tried both entrance doors finding them both locked. Returned to my car to attempt to secure wireless internet there. I was on line when someone pulled up to my car with a large truck. He asked me what I was doing there. Shared with Mike who introduced himself as: "Maintenance Mike" who I was. Long story short Mike is originally from Grand Rapids up until 4 years ago when his construction job downsized and he felt the Lord leading him and his wife to SMCV. I shared our heart and what we were thinking of using SMCV for a potential location for an ongoing ministry sabbatical. He was so excited! Seems the days we are looking at are when they are the slowest. We see a real opening here! Praise the Lord! Later in the day I was introduced by our friend Sandy Inbody to Pastor Wayne who heads up the community outreach for The Miracle Theater here In Pigeon Forge. Was able to briefly share our ministry focus and gave him two of our brochures, one on prayer the other on our newest launch The Taste Of Engedi ministry sabbaticals. His promise to me was to get back in touch as he has great influence not only locally but nationally with many members of the clergy across denominational walls. Doors are beginning to open! Thank you for your prayers on our behalf. PRAY ON!

THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS AND WAITING

2009-12-07T14:13:00.000-05:00

It took Karen and I all of twelve, count them twelve hours to arrive in Pigeon Forge. Little did we know that we would have to travel through the Smokey Mountains which had just experienced ice and snow fall! 37 miles of winding roads had us praying up a storm! Hallelujah! We arrived just after 7:30PM and met our friends Mark and Sandy Inbody who took us quickly up to our mountain top chalet! Wow! It even had a Christmas tree in the living room along with gas fired log fireplace to warm us as the temperatures here were radically different than Florida for sure. We thank our heavenly Father for this awesome gift from His hand. He truly gives us the desires of our heart!

As Karen and I were in transit Sunday we recounted the week past. One overwhelming theme Holy Spirit impressed upon twice within a twenty four hour period was WAIT! Back in September during our two week stay Karen and I were on a morning prayer walk when I saw a woman with two dogs at a street corner shouting out: "WAIT", "CROSS!" I felt at the time it was a right now Word. Little did I know that just within just two months I be walking that same stretch of walkway this time minus Karen and that same woman, with those same dogs, said the very same thing! Then John Waller's song from the movie Fireproof "While I'm Waiting" "just happened" to be played on two separate media outlets the same day. Do you think Holy Spirit was trying to get our attention? You think? So as we start this first day off in Tennessee we Wait, and then we cross!

Here the are those powerful lyrics from John Waller

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

DISAPPOINTMENT

2009-12-06T07:32:00.000-05:00

How much disappointment does quarterback Tim Tebow feel this morning after his Florida Gators team decidedly lost to rival Alabama Saturday night after both coming into the game with a perfect 12-0 record? About as much as we felt yesterday as we went through our final day in Sarasota. Disappointment in the fact that what we had sensed was going to occur here in the way of employment and ministry just did not manifest itself. However God used His servant Levi, an associate pastor we had met Monday evening at Christian Retreat who hails from Jamaica, to so encourage us. Karen and I returned to Christian Retreat late Saturday afternoon to video tape some of the grounds to share with family and ministry partners of just where The Taste of Engedi, the soon to be launched ministry sabbatical would be taking place tentatively in April 2010. While walking to the Miracle Manor hotel complex we "just happened" to run into Levi who had a right now Rhema Word from the Father for us. On Monday evening when we first met during dinner Levi had quoted to us the entire chapter of Hebrews 11. Little did we know how significant that passage would be. Levi shared with us yesterday that He was not quoting that chapter just for the sake of basically showing off that he had memorized God's word but that for us it was simple Word of encouragement: BY FAITH! In fact Levi mentioned to us that he was just about ready to call us to share this very Word but of course our Abba Father had plans to run us directly into him so that we heard it face to face. So it is BY FAITH we continue this journey of faith to whatever God calls us to in the future for Florida, Tennessee or to the uttermost parts of the earth. Finally we share with you today's TGIF from Os Hillman that drives the disappointment theme home. Shortly we leave for Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and whatever He has for us there or anywhere for that matter we walk by faith and not by site!

Disappointments
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Sunday, December 06 2009

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. - Proverbs 13:12

Life is filled with disappointments. Many of God's greatest servants experienced deep disappointment in their journeys of faithfulness to God. Joseph, after spending years as a slave and in jail for crimes that he did not commit, revealed deep disappointment when he was forgotten another two years in prison. John the Baptist, when awaiting execution, doubted whether Jesus was, in fact, the Christ because he was sitting there awaiting his death. Elijah, losing all hope and despondent to the point of death, asked God to take his life in the desert; and Peter, who left his fishing business and invested three years of his life only to watch his Savior crucified, wondered whether the purpose of those three years could be justified.

When life doesn't add up, it leaves the heart sick. When we have done all we know to do and the formula has not worked, it leaves us questioning. These are times that try the very souls of men. There is no human sense to be made of it. We are left with a choice: to cling or not to cling. There are times when holding on to our Master's robe is all that we can do. It is all that He wants us to do.

The heights by great men reached and kept

Were not obtained by sudden flight;

But they, while their companions slept,

Were toiling upward in the night.

Standing on what too long we bore,

With shoulders bent and downcast eyes,

We may discern-unseen before-

A path to higher destinies!

~Longfellow

There is only one answer to life's disappointments. Like the psalmist, we must "Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken" (Ps. 62:5-6).

BELIEF OR UNBELIEF

2009-12-05T11:44:00.000-05:00

It is a very rainy start to our final day here in Sarasota. Looking back at the last 7 days here in the Bradenton/Sarasota area they have been froth with emotion. Although we have had some answers to our Florida questions their are still some areas that remain unclear. Belief or unbelief? Each day brings its own opportunities to go in either direction. However we want to be people who know their God and will do great exploits. It always seems that when we are in an area of uncertainty and ask the Father for direction a right now Rhema Word comes that puts us back on course. Such is today's TGIF from Os Hillman below.

Karen and I leave early Sunday morning for our final leg of our journey to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee to spend time with longtime ministry friends and partners Mark and Sandy Inbody and to continue to inquire of the Lord for His leading in other sabbatical ministry venues i.e. Smokey Mountain Christian Village. Thank you for your ongoing prayerful support. We have needed it now more than ever!

PRAY ON!!!!

Belief or Unbelief
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Saturday, December 05 2009

"...Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." - Romans 4:3
You can be a believer yet act as though there is no God. Whenever you fret over life circumstances, you immediately demonstrate unbelief. Whenever you move out of fear or anxiety, you believe a lie about God's nature.

Each day your actions affirm or convict you of your belief system. It reveals who the central focus of your life really is - you or God. It reveals who you place your ultimate trust in - you or God. It is one of the great paradoxes for believers. One day we can believe Him to move mountains. The next day we can question His very existence.

Peter believed God and walked on water.
A sick woman touched the hem of His garment and was healed.
A Canaanite woman believed and freed her daughter from demon-possession.

In what circumstances do you act as an "unbeliever"? Ask God to increase your level of trust so that your actions match up with one who believes every day.

THE PURPOSE OF ELEVATON

2009-12-04T07:15:00.000-05:00

Sometimes someone other than yourself articulates so much better a spiritual journey you have been on. Such is the case with Os Hillman whom we have come to love and appreciate. This year we were radically changed by his book: The Upside Of Adversity a literary work based on the life of Joseph. As with Joseph, Karen and I have had our own series of adversities that have gotten us to where we are today. In 1999 we had no idea of what was to come when we read Fresh Wind Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala which literally ignited a fire within us for prayer. 2000 we travel to Cymbala's church to experience their legendary Tuesday night prayer meeting. December 1, 2001 a Saturday morning newspaper article on a property on Lake Michigan, Stonegate, becomes the seed in our hearts for a ministry sabbatical. At each point we felt that we were ready to do what we felt was the heart of God. However we were nowhere even close to being mature enough to handle what the Father had in store. Our "sudden" elevation has taken us nearly 10 years to complete and even yet we feel we have so much more to learn. Yet yesterday at a restaurant in Bradenton, Florida the culmination of our dream and vision has become a reality. We officially have solidified a date to launch our first of what we hope to be many 5 day sabbaticals across this country beginning in April 2010. All thanks be to God for His blessing on His ministry to His shepherds, their spouses and families. As so we share with you today a right now Rhema Word from Os....

The Purpose of Elevation
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Friday, December 04 2009

And the Lord said to Joshua, "This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. (Josh 3:7-8).

Joshua had been a faithful number two man under Moses for 80 years. Can you imagine serving one man for 80 years? Now that is faithfulness!

Even so, when the time came to pass the mantel to Joshua, God knew he needed to be elevated in the eyes of the people in order for Joshua to accomplish his purpose. That is the purpose of elevation - so that you and I can fulfill our purpose and our mission.

We are not called to elevate ourselves. If we elevate ourselves before our time we will short circuit God's plans for our lives. We will not have the same level of grace as we would have if it were in God's perfect timing. Moving into a job or responsibility before we are ready is a formula for failure. We may not be mature enough. We may not have the proper skill set.

Let God elevate you in His timing and you will be successful in the thing He created you to be and do.

FUNDING WITHOUT BURDEN

2009-12-03T08:20:00.000-05:00

It was an anti-climatic day Wednesday after just having spent time with on-fire pastors and leadership for 24 hours. However one bright spot came just before noon as I had a return cell call from Jim Jaeger, a chaplain who works for Corporate Chaplains of America based out of North Carolina. Although Jim did not offer me much in the way of a career opportunity with CCA, he did encourage both Karen and I with a powerful set of scriptures for our ministry on the topic of "Funding Without Burden." The passage of scripture he shared was from Isaiah 45:2 & 3: I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, who summons you by name." WOW! Our greatest desire as a ministry to the Bride of Christ is that we would be able to do what we do without hindrance in the financial arena. Jim feels as we do that their needs to be a shift in the mindset of His people to sow into good ministry ground for Kingdom purpose and advancement. A recent message by Phil Derstine of Christian Retreat spoke on vision and resources. His take was that God gives each of us a vision which is Spirit and the faith to believe that what He has called us to He will provide for. However what happens is that we lose faith somehow in believing God can do what He says to provide the provision for the vision and we tend to focus on the resource portion which is the flesh. When vision and resources intersect you end up having what we see so much of today as institutional churches and ministries who focus more on money than the message. Faith is somehow all lost in the process. Our prayer is that Karen and I would have the faith to move mountains along with keeping our eyes focused straight ahead to the vision He has called us to and depending on Him to supply not just some but all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19) Some trust in chariots and horses but we trust in the Name of the Lord! (Psalm 20:7) And so the vision for Stonegate Sabbatical Ministries continues for without vision the people perish! (Proverbs 29:19)

SPECIAL CALLINGS

2009-12-02T10:32:00.000-05:00

"Nevertheless, each one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him." 1 Corinthians 7:17a - 1 Thessalonians 5:24 Each one of us are called into a special relationship with God through Jesus Christ. That outward physical expression of that relationship is immediate radical obedience to a vocational calling which is not as an end to itself. As the aforementioned verse commanded us Karen and I are feeling ever stronger that the place in life that the Lord has assigned us and called us to is the Bradenton/Sarasota area of Florida. The past two days spending time at the Burning Hearts pastor and leadership prayer gathering at Christian Retreat in Bradenton was just one more confirmation and indication of Holy Spirits leading and guiding. Meeting many hurting men and women solidified the urgent need for the sabbatical portion of our ministry. Furthermore we also sensed that their are other places where Stonegate Sabbatical Ministries is going to minister to the Bride of Christ not just the Bradenton/Sarasota area. Our next stop, Pigeon, Forge Tennessee , we feel will offer its own unique opportunities. So we pray, watch, and wait for Holy Spirit to lead guide and direct. Amen!!!!

OBEDIENCE BASED DECISIONS

2009-12-01T07:48:00.000-05:00

Wanted to share this devotional from Monday the 30th as it was so much a right now Word for Karen and I. Our allowing ourselves to be immediately, radically obedient to Holy Spirit promptings has so changed our way of doing ministry. Last night as we began our 24 hours with more than 120 pastors and leaders from the Bradenton/Sarasota area who are truly hungry for revival, we encountered one divine encounter and Kingdom connection after another. The awesome thing was they came to us, we did not have to chase after them but allowed the true promptings of Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and direct. Hallelujah! Thank you for your ongoing intercession on our behalf.

Obedience-Based Decisions
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Monday, November 30 2009

"We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him." - Acts 5:32
So often we as a society equate numbers with success. The larger the conference, the more successful we deem it. The larger a church, the more we believe that God is blessing. And so on. I recall planning a conference one time. Registrations were not where I felt they needed to be a few weeks before the date of the event. It wasn't long before I began to get "under the pile" about the level of attendance. My friend, who was organizing this conference with me, called and asked how I was doing. I had to confess where I was. He immediately reminded me of my own teaching in this area. We are all called to be led by the Spirit, not by outcomes. "If God called us to put on this conference, then the outcome is up to Him if we have done our part." He went on to explain how he learned this lesson in a similar way a few years earlier.

He and a friend were led to host a Bible study group. His friend was to speak. It was nine o'clock and they were the only two people there. His friend was discouraged and was ready to leave.

"No," said my friend. "We have done what the Holy Spirit directed." He then stood up and began to welcome people as though there were many in the room. (No one was in the room.) He introduced his friend and they began the meeting. A few minutes later, people began to straggle in. By the time the meeting was over, ten had shown up, and one man in particular was impacted by the meeting.

Being led by the Spirit often means we must not use the world's standard for success as our measuring stick. You never know what an act of obedience will yield at the time. We must leave results to God. Our role is to obey. His role is to bring results from our obedience.

Do you make decisions based on the potential outcome or by the direction of the Holy Spirit in your life? Do you overly evaluate the pros and cons without consideration to what the Holy Spirit might be saying deep inside? We are all prone to make decisions based on reasoning alone. Ask God to give you a willingness and ability to hear the Holy Spirit and to obey His promptings.

I GO TO THE ROCK

2009-11-30T10:57:00.000-05:00

Where do I go When there's nobody else to turn to Who do I talk to When no one wants to listen Who do I lean on When there's no foundation stable I go to the Rock I know He's able I go to the Rock. CHORUS: I go to the Rock of my Salvation I go to the Stone that the builders rejected I run to the mountain and the mountain stands by me When the earth all around me is sinking sand On Christ, the solid rock I stand When I need a shelter, When I need a friend, I go to the Rock . And so it was on Sunday the 29^th we returned to the Rock Church in nearby Palmetto, Florida to hear Pastor Tad Matthews share the upcoming pastors prayer gathering for Monday and Tuesday the 30^th and first of December. He is a pastor who truly gets what it takes for revival. Unity among the clergy, repentance among His people! It left us so encouraged to know that God is truly moving here in the Bradenton/Sarasota area. Hallelujah

A HEAVENLY PLANNING SESSION

2009-11-29T06:17:00.000-05:00

It is 3:17AM on Sunday morning and it was nearly a hour ago that Karen woke up to let me know that she had been "chilled" three times during the night. I heated up her Cherry Pit-Pac beads and she is off to sleep while I intercede on her behalf for total restoration of healing of her body. The following devotional was in my inbox and I simply had to share it with our Stonegate Sabbatical Ministry partners. May it bless, encourage, and empower you to do the greater works for a God who is truly worth of our praise, adoration, and undying loyalty to the vision he places within each of us to accomplish on this earth!

A Heavenly Strategic Planning Session
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Sunday, November 29 2009

"And the Lord said, 'Who will entice Ahab into attacking Ramoth Gilead and going to his death there?' One suggested this, and another that. - 1 Kings 22:20

There are few times we get a glimpse of what goes on in Heaven. Here is one instance when the angels were conferring with the Lord about the judgment of King Ahab for his sin and who was going to set up Ahab for this judgment.

If God wanted to use you to impact your world for Jesus Christ, what circumstances would have to be created in order for you to respond to His call? Would prospering you materially encourage you to this end? Would a major change in what you are presently doing be necessary? What would your response be should God and the angels conclude that the only way to move you into a position of fulfilling God's purposes was to remove some things that might be very dear to you? Would you agree with their plan if you knew this would be the only way you would achieve the purposes for which God made you? Hard questions, aren't they?

This is the very thing God does in many who have been called for a special mission. Moses had to be stripped of his royal position in the family of Egypt and sit in the desert for 40 years. The apostle Paul had to be knocked off his horse, blinded, and receive a personal visitation from Jesus. The 12 disciples had to leave their jobs for three years to follow Christ. Imagine what kind of disruption this had on their lives. There are many examples of God bringing major upheaval in the lives of those He called for His purposes. Why?

The reason is that we do not seek God with a whole heart in times of prosperity and comfort. Prosperity and comfort tend to breed complacency and satisfaction. It is rare to find the man or woman who seeks God with a whole heart who does so simply from a grateful heart. We often must have pain or crisis to motivate us. Eventually, that crisis bridges us to a new calling, and we embrace that calling if we are open to the Holy Spirit's work in us. We can actually thank God for the change that was required to get us to this place, but it is not without anguish of heart.

Would you be willing to sit in the strategic planning session for your life and agree with the plans God has for your life? Could you give God complete freedom to implement that plan, no matter the cost? Ask God to give you the grace and trust in His love for you to say "yes."

THE JOURNEY BEGINS

2009-11-27T08:59:00.000-05:00

It was a brisk morning with a light dusting of snow that greeted me on my daily prayer walk with Abba Father. This day after Thanksgiving on the Friday the 27th sets us on our way to our mission for the future. We depart around 7AM with our destination for our first day of Marietta, Georgia. Expectation? Yes and no. We are allowing Holy Spirit complete control over our coming in and going out. The adventure begins! Below is the official announcement of the pastors gathering we will be attending. Please again pray for safety in our vehicle, unity in Spirit for Karen and I, open doors that no man can close, and Kingdom Konnections! Pray on!

Pastor's Prayer Gathering - November 30 - December 1

We're seeking God for spiritual awakening in the Manatee / Sarasota area, and actually a 7 county area, that represents the Original Manatee County (OMC). Christian Retreat is offering everything free to an estimated 120 pastors and leaders from our local area for this historic event. The first gathering happened at Wolf Ridge Resort, in North Carolina, September 15-18, with around 20 pastors. PLEASE PRAY FOR US AS WE SEEK GOD TOGETHER. America needs a spiritual awakening. The church needs a spiritual awakening. And II Chronicles 7:14 says that it starts with us, the people of God.

IN PREPARTION FOR FLORIDA/TENNESSEE

2009-11-26T11:27:00.000-05:00

It is less than 24 hours before we leave for our ministry excursion to Florida/Tennessee. As I write this on Thanksgiving day the 27th we have received these two strong right now prophetic words on Facebook from Cindy Jacobs: "Provision is on the way for the vision God has given you. I feel this very strongly that you are not to back up or par down what the Lord has shown you as your road map and destiny." " I am up praying. The Holy Spirit has been speaking to me that it is a time of re-alignment and transition. Some people will move, others shift alignments to go to a new level. Many others will get right aligned with God." We receive these in Jesus' Might Name! Just more confirmation of our faith journey.

COMMAN YE ME?

2009-10-23T17:44:00.000-04:00

Command Ye Me?

{Isa.45:11} Thus saith Jehovah, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker: Ask me of the things that are to come; concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands, command ye me.

Primarily we do not command God but secondarily we do. When we command a thing in obedience to Him, like the disciples commanded healings, deliverances, provisions and miracles, it is God that performs them. {Mk.11:23} Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he saith cometh to pass; he shall have it. Some in false humility would argue with Jesus here and beg God to do these things for them instead of command them done as He commanded us to do. When we in obedience command, "thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven," God is the one who does it. In effect; we are commanding Him. However, we command what he has told us to command and given us the gift of faith to command. This is what He means by "concerning the work of My hands command ye me."

Even though Jesus was cut off in the flesh, He never ceased His ministry. Instead it became greater for He ministered in His corporate body, as He planned, in order to reach the New Testament, world wide, corporate body. He continued His ministry in His disciples. He said, “concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands, command ye me.” The Lord’s sons do the work of His hands because they are His hands in the earth. (Isa.53:10) Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin (cut off), he shall see [his] seed (His disciples), he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. Notice that Jesus saw “[his] seed” and “prolonged his days” after His death. There are no “days” in eternity where Jesus went. Therefore He “prolonged his days” in his seed as He said He would (Jn.17:21,22; 1 Cor.12:12; Mt.10:40). His name, Immanuel, means “God with us,” and of course He has never left us. Jesus in verse one was called “the arm of the Lord.” Like as our relationship to Jesus, without the arm the hand is nothing. The arm gives strength to the hand, which was and still is His disciples. “he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.” As the hands of our Lord we do all things in accordance with the mind of the Lord and just as He did them when He was physically on earth.

Jesus' disciples always commanded healings, deliverances, provisions and miracles when ministering the gifts of God to others. They prayed for God to do these things in their personal prayer life but not when ministering for they had been given authority to act in Jesus name. {Acts 3:6} But Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but what I have, that give I thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk. {9:34} And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ healeth thee: arise and make thy bed. And straightway he arose. {9:40} But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down and prayed; and turning to the body, he said, Tabitha, arise. {13:11} And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. {14:9} The same heard Paul speaking, who, fastening eyes upon him, and seeing that he had faith to be made whole, {14:10} said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped up and walked. {Josh.10:12} Then spake Joshua to Jehovah in the day when Jehovah delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel; and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; And thou, Moon, in the valley of Aijalon. {10:13} And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, Until the nation had avenged themselves of their enemies. Authority is the right to use power and in this case the command to use power. It would have been disobedience to ask God to do what He had commanded them to do. He said, “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons: freely ye received, freely give.” He also said, "As the Father hath sent me, so send I you." As Jesus sows the seed of His own life and ministry in His disciples today, it is He that is commanding “thy kingdom come” in them for now they are the Body of Christ in the earth commanding as He did.

THE HOLY SPIRIT AND FIRE BY DR. JACK HYLES

2009-09-28T23:58:00.000-04:00

So often in the Bible the Holy Spirit is associated with fire. This was so concerning John the Baptist. Luke 3:16, "John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I cometh, the latchet of Whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire." The Holy Spirit was likened unto fire at Pentecost. Acts 2:3, "And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them." The cleansing power of the Holy Spirit was symbolized by fire in Isaiah 6:6,7, "Then flew one of the seraphim's unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: and he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged." We find that His ministers are made a flame of fire. Hebrews 1:7, "And the angels He saith, Who maketh His angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire." The Word of God was as fire in the bones of Jeremiah. Jeremiah 20:99, "Then I said, I will not make mention of Him, nor speak any more of His name. But His Word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay." David said that while he was musing, the fire burned. Psalm 39:3, "My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue."

Obviously then, the Holy Spirit appears by fire. When God accepted a sacrifice, He showed His pleasure by sending fire to consume the sacrifice. I Chronicles 21:26, "And David built there and altar unto the Lord, and offered burnt-offering and peace-offerings, and called upon the Lord; and He answered him from Heaven by fire upon the altar of burnt-offering." This is what happened to Cain and Abel. They knew that God accepted Abel's sacrifice because He consume it by fire. This why Elijah prayed for fire to consume the sacrifice on Mt. Carmel. This is no doubt the way that God showed His acceptance of the sacrifice on the day of atonement.

There was another fire in the Bible. This fire was provided by God. Leviticus 6:12, "And the fire upon the altar shall be burning in it; it shall not be put out: and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt-offering in order upon it; and he shall burn thereon the fat of the peace-offering in order upon it; and he shall burn thereon the fat of the peace-offering." It was the fire upon the altar in the courtyard of the tabernacle. It was always to burn. Leviticus 6:13, "The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out."

Coals from this fire were taken to the altar of incense. Leviticus 16:12, 13, "And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the Lord, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the vial: and he shall put the incense upon the fire before the Lord, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that is upon the testimony, that he die not." The altar of incense was the last piece of furniture in the tabernacle before entering though the veil to the holy of holies. This incense sending its fragrance heavenward was a beautiful symbol of the prayer life of the child of God. Notice that this symbol of prayer must come from the burning coals of the altar where the lamb was slain. God is telling us that there is no way to come to Himself, even in prayer, unless we come through the Lamb of God, even Jesus, Who shed His blood for our sins.

There were two men in the Bible, Nadab and Abihu, who offered other fire on the altar of incense. Leviticus 10:1,2, "And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the Lord, which He commanded them not." Now why was their fire unacceptable? It was unacceptable because it did not come from the brazen altar where the lamb was slain. There is no real fire unless the fire comes from the cross of Calvary and from our Lamb Who gave His life on that cross. Only bloody coals are allowed by God to send up fragrance to the throne of grace.

Bear in mind that the fire is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Any work that the Holy Spirit does must be based on the vicarious sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. The Holy Spirit did not even come in the manner that He works in this age until Jesus had been crucified and raised from the dead. Any kind of work the Holy Spirit does He does only for those who have been to Calvary, those who have been washed in the blood. Any other fire is false fire; any other so-called gifts of the Spirit are false gifts of the Spirit. There are those today all across America who claim to have the gifts of the Spirit, who believe in the apocrypha books, who pray to Mary, who believe in purgatory, and there are those who even do not believe in the vicarious death of Christ who claim to have gifts of the Spirit. This is foolishness and unscriptural. Nobody can have the real fire (Holy Spirit power) unless that fire comes from the cross of Calvary and is sprinkled by the precious blood of Jesus, our Saviour.

Because it is the Holy Spirit Who has been rejected by this age, He will be given the executioner's role in the tribulation period. So many of the judgments are made by fire. For example, look at Revelation 8:1-6, "And when He had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in Heaven about the space of half and hour. And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets. And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand. And the angel took the censor, and filled it with fire and the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightening's, and an earthquake. And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound." Notice in the following verses that one third of the trees will be burned with fire. All green grass will be burned with fire. There is a mountain burning with fire. There is a burning fire that makes one-third of the water bitter. One-third of the sun is darkened.

Then it is perfectly Scriptural to speak of one who is filled with the Holy Spirit as being "on fire for God." It certainly was in order when the Emmaus disciples spoke of their hearts burning when Jesus spoke with them. Luke 24:32, "And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the Scriptures?" John Wesley used to say, "I just set myself on fire and folks come to watch me as I burn."

Fire is chosen to symbolize the Holy Spirit, no doubt, because of what it does. Fire burns out the dross. Fire gives light. Fire gives warmth. Oh, to be on fire for God! May the fire fall for us as it did in Elijah's day! May people who hear us have burning hearts! May we be baptized with the Holy Ghost and with fire! May the Word of God burn in our hearts like unto fire!

HAVE YOU LOST YOUR AXE HEAD?

2009-09-15T09:27:00.000-04:00

That’s a pretty interesting title don’t you think? It comes from a passage of scripture found in II Kings 6:1-7. In this story some sons of the prophets want to build a larger place to live. They recruit Elisha to help and begin felling trees to begin construction. One man loses the axe head from the handle in a body of water while he is working. This man becomes distraught because the axe was not his in the first place but was borrowed. The God of Elisha made the axe head float to the surface. At first glance that story seems to have very little to say to us today but we would be remise in that thinking.
In this story the axe head represents a couple of things for me. It represents the cutting edge or the power of God to make us effective in our work and a passion and love for God while we are working. Many people in the context of church work labor but that does not mean they are effective. Their axe heads have become dull or worse they have become loosened and fallen off the handle all together. The work may continue but God does not bless it.
Churches are busy. Maybe too busy. Axe handles are being swung but do we ever take time out to question how effective our labors are and how much of the power of God is on what we do? Are teachers anointed and seeing God use them to make a difference? Do they have passion to learn, train and instruct those pupils entrusted to them in small groups? How many people in the pews are merely going through the motions from Sunday to Sunday with little passion for God and little power of God on what they are doing?
Multitudes of people have lost their axe heads. They may still do and say all the right things on the outside. They may use the right religious jargon but hearts have become cold and calloused and the work of God suffers. We have programmed ourselves to death. Programs and technology are no substitute for the cutting edge of God’s power. We may work as hard as ever in the church today and yet see less fruit from our labors if God is not supernaturally enabling us.
How is the axe head in your life? Is it firmly secured and brought to a razor’s edge through the disciplines of prayer and scripture reading? These things may seem like old hat but if we ever hope to be effective in building the kingdom of God we must walk closely with God and beg him to sharpen us so we can be effective for Him. What does God want from us? Does He want us to be busy for Him without accomplishing much or does He want us to be effective. According to [John 15:8] God wants us to bear much fruit and thereby bring Him much glory.
Many people look committed and passionate from the outside. They are involved and serve in various capacities but if we were to really look at them from God’s perspective they might look like a person swinging away to chop down a tree with only the handle because they have lost their axe head. They are going through the motions but God’s anointing is not there. We may be an educated society and have technology at our finger tips but we desperately need God’s power to make a difference in our respective communities.
Perhaps you are one who has lost your axe head. Somewhere along the way you lost your passion to walk closely with the Lord and you lost your zeal, vigor, and God’s power in your life. If you are one of those people please read the conclusion of this story in II Kings 6. We discover that the man cried out in sorrow because the axe was not his to begin with but had been borrowed from someone else. In the same way your life is not your own if you have been saved and transformed by the grace of Jesus Christ. If you have come into relationship with Him your life is no longer your own. He owns us and we will give an accounting for our life and how we lived and served Him. [I Cor 3: 10-15]. We are stewards of our lives like the man was a steward of the axe. There is a day of reckoning. It should break our hearts if we find ourselves going through the motions with no cutting edge. The man in this story cried out in anguish. Is there any brokenness over the loss of our passion for God and His power at work through us? We must have integrity to stop the work and fall on our faces in repentance begging God to renew our hearts and revive His work in and through us.
Elisha asked the man where he lost the axe head. That is a great question for us as well. Where did you lose your love for God and your heart became cold and hard toward Him? At what point did you lose your vigor in serving Him and fall into the trap of mindlessly going through the rituals and routines of service for Him. Maybe you said yes to something you have said have said no to and as a result you are burned out. Maybe you disobeyed His leadership in leading you into ministry years ago and due to your rebellion you have not been the same since. If you lost your axe head you need to go back where you lost it. If you cannot find that place let me ask you to revisit the place you were first introduced to a saving life transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. Let the Lord rekindle that love and fire in your soul you once had in serving Him. Let Him make His grace boil over in your heart causing you to worship and serve Him out of humility and gratitude. Wherever you lost your axe head go back there spiritually and recover it.
God used Elisha to miraculously make that axe head float to the surface. It will take nothing short of a miracle to get the cutting edge of a new love for God and a fresh empowering to labor for Him in our lives as well. We need to cry out to God for this miracle. Then and only then will we be effective for Him.
Once the axe head floated to the surface, Elisha instructed the man to pick it up for himself. As we come to the conclusion of this story we are faced with a choice like we are so many times in the scriptures. Do we take responsibility to recover the axe head in our own lives by reaching down to pick up what God has made resurface or do we go on trying to live off the spiritual experiences of others. You cannot recover the lost axe head for my life and I cannot recover yours for your life. Each of us must bow in humility and take the lost axe head for ourselves. Once we do this spiritually it will be time to go back to work after we reattach the cutting edge to the handles of our lives. It is then and only then that we should go back to work. Until we recover the axe head of the cutting edge we should cease the work in brokenness.
So let me ask you, have you lost your axe head? You and God may be the only ones to know. Nobody around you may have discovered your secret of seldom ever meeting with God and rarely having fresh experiences with Him. Today you have a choice to make. Will you plead for God to do a miracle in your life to restore the cutting edge of passion and power or will you continue to fake it? O God, please restore the axe heads of our lives for your glory and the effectiveness of building your kingdom.

WHEN THE CLOUD MOVES

2009-08-10T16:17:00.000-04:00

On my morning prayer walk as I was gazing into the sky I saw a thin band of transparent clouds seeming to just zoom by right to left at a rapid pace. I sensed the Spirit of the Living God say to me: "the cloud is moving!" Since our return from our Florida ministry sabbatical May 17th 2009 we have diligently sought the Lord in prayer and fasting as to what our next move should be as we felt a major "shift" in our ministry. That "shift" was not one of vision but of geographical change.

May 18, 2008 Karen and I revised our Stonegate Sabbatical Ministries vision and concluded with this statement: "We will be lead in all our decisions by prayer and fasting leaving nothing to chance. Until we see the cloud move we will remain obedient to the leading of Holy Spirit in all matters of ministry." Exodus 13: 21-22 explains that cloud : And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to deal them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light that they may travel by day and by night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart before the people. Now that I have literally seen "the cloud" move what is our next step? We, like David will continue to inquire of the Lord!

REPENTANCE-RENEWAL-REVIVAL/Don Rogers

2009-07-28T23:28:00.000-04:00

It is apparent to those of us who do battle against the kingdom of darkness on a regular basis that there are a lot of strongholds that need to be pulled down. Ideally, this should be a combined effort of the body of Christ. Unfortunately, a large portion of God's people are not ready to join such an effort even if they wanted to. Their own spiritual lives would hinder them in doing so. A campaign to bring down demonic strongholds will not be accomplished with slogans, clever programs or even good spiritual techniques.

Time and again Christians have had good intentions, yet they have made little impact on our society to change it. In fact, this nation is becoming more and more ungodly. When it comes to the major issues of the day, the Christian voice is being ignored and even ridiculed. Christians are accused of being intolerant and unloving because we are advocating biblical values. There is an increasing anti-Christian sentiment that is trying to convey the message that Christians are the enemy. We are portrayed as extremists.

God has called us to go out into the world and bring about change. We are supposed to be change-makers; salt and light in a world of darkness. How have the majority of Christians responded? They have gone about business as usual. Satan has been very successful in diverting us from the path that God has laid out before us. God's people have become self-centered and self-indulgent in their lifestyles. Christ has called us to take up our cross daily, but his voice has been drowned out by the multitude of enticements that surround us. Many are satisfied to carry the name of Christ and live like the rest of the world. They are content with the world as it is and for others the task of changing the world is overwhelming. I'm glad the disciples did not think like that.

REPENTANCE

Frankly, we will not make an impact for Christ in this world unless we change! This is foundational. God's people need to take an objective inventory of their lives and start repenting. Yes, we repented when we gave our hearts to God. But that was only the beginning of what should have become a life lived in an attitude of repentance. All of us need to open our eyes and recognize what we have become. We need to see how we have been grieving the Holy Spirit by the way we are living. We cannot think about change in our lives and hope our good intentions will be acceptable. There must be change that is radical if we are to be in God's will.

The Holy Spirit desires to work in our lives to bring about change and he needs the submission of our wills. We must be willing to yield to whatever change God desires to bring about. God has made it very clear what it will take to bring healing to our land.

"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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

If we want to see God move in our lives and in the lives of others, there must be repentance that starts with us. God's words to Israel through Ezekiel could just as well be addressed to the Church today.

"Therefore I will judge you. O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin." Ezekiel 18:30

Jesus' revelation to John includes some very sobering words to God's people. As he addressed the church in Ephesus and acknowledged some fruit to be good, a word of rebuke was also given accompanied by a warning.

"But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember then from what you have fallen; REPENT, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent." Revelation 2:4-5

God is already beginning to shake and sift and even bring temporal judgment upon the body of Christ (1 Peter 4:17). He will fulfill his eternal plan no matter what it takes. He will prepare a people to be the bride of Christ.

What is true repentance? It is being sorry for grieving God by the way you live. It is a desire to turn from your sins without any regrets and take a new path that pleases God. (2 Cor. 7:9-10) We cannot be praying as many married people pray, "Lord, change my spouse so that our marriage will be better." No, we must be praying, "Lord, start with me and change me." Change will rarely take place unless we are willing for it to begin with ourselves.

Satan will always seek to convince us that everything is fine in our lives. There is no need to be overly concerned about our condition because there are a lot of people who are in much worse spiritual shape than ourselves. This is how many rationalize away the need for repentance in their own lives. They permit pride and self-righteousness to take root. Lack of repentance has been the major reason why so many Christians have gone into bondage in one form or the other.

RENEWAL

If we are to impact our world for God we cannot be satisfied with only repentance. Repentance must be followed with renewal. There must be renewal in the way we think, what we desire and how we exercise our wills. Renewal is not something we wait for God alone to accomplish. It is a change we are personally accountable to pursue.

What I have been describing may be a little confusing to some Christians, because they only think of repentance in the context of salvation (Titus 3:5) and renewal in the context of the Holy Spirit's work on our behalf. But the scriptures also emphasize repentance and renewal in relation to godliness. God not only wants us to be saved but to be holy as well.

"You were taught to put away your former way of life, your old self, corrupt and deluded by its lusts, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to clothe yourselves with the new self, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." Ephesians 4:22-24

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God - what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:1-2

The renewal of the mind involves a repentant heart, the determination to pull down every stronghold that has been established in the thoughts and desires and the taking captive of all our thoughts and making them obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:3-5) The mind is the battlefield where we are confronted by the fiery darts of temptation. Prideful thoughts and self-righteousness or negative thoughts and self-accusation often have their source from our adversary. God wants us to be alert to the enemy's wiles and resist them. He gives us the grace to accomplish that to which he has called us. We work out our salvation cooperatively with him as he has sovereignly ordained (Philippians 2:12-13; Colossians 3:10). He continually calls us to personal responsibility to join his program of perfecting us.

Renewal is bringing our nature under the discipline of God's truth. It is not easy, but can be accomplished by relying upon the Holy Spirit. He guides us and enables us and transforms us as we cooperate with him. Repentance and renewal in relationship to godly living is where many Christians are failing miserably in their obedience to God. The reason Satan is having such a field day in Christian lives is because there is an overwhelming lack of repentance and renewal among believers. Many have not be taught that God's word commands us to pursue holiness.

"But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.' " (1 Peter 1:15-16)

If we do not obey this command, we will permit Satan to make legal claims upon areas of our lives because of our disobedience. Much of our prayer counseling deals with these elements of repentance and renewal. These are basic spiritual principles from which we must never move.

REVIVAL

When a community of people have a spirit of repentance and begin to participate in the renewal that God desires for their lives, they become open for revival. God looks favorably upon those who hunger and thirst after righteousness not only for themselves, but for others. Sadly, we must admit that we have been selfish in our desires for revival. We have been more concerned with what revival can mean for us than for others.

Christians today are basically very self-centered. Their basic interests are to get their needs met. Many move from one local church to another in pursuit of some particular fulfillment. Many do not want to commit to a local authority in the local church. They prefer to have the freedom to do what they want without anyone exercising any spiritual oversight over them. These people are quick to see the faults in others, but not themselves. They use the faults of others as an excuse for what they do. This kind of attitude is not conducive to the unity in the body of Christ or to revival. This is why issues of repentance and renewal are so vital. It almost seems as if repentance is a bad word to all but the humble.

We should not think of revival as a magic wand or cure-all for all that is wrong with our lives and circumstances. Many Christians are waiting on God to change their lives when he has called them to take responsibility for dealing with sin and relying upon his help. Although revival does make us conscious of our won sinfulness, its main purpose is to reach out and provide large numbers of people with a powerful manifestation of God's love and grace through the moving of God's Spirit upon the lives of unbelievers so they may be able to recognize their sinful state, respond to the gospel and be brought into the kingdom of God.

More and more Christians sense in their spirits that revival is imminent. I believe that God is now preparing the army that he wants in place when his Spirit moves. He is calling each of us to accountability regarding our spiritual condition. He wants holy vessels to pour out his Spirit and fill. He wants disciplined and prepared people to respond to the leading of his Spirit in any moment and do whatever he reveals. He wants His people to be sensitive to his voice and not reason away the thoughts and desires he is laying upon our hearts and minds.

This is the question we must ask. Are we ready for God's Spirit to work freely in our lives and do whatever needs to be done in order that God may be glorified and his will be accomplished? Do not say yes to this question until you have counted the cost.

The bottom line is that we will not be able to effectively attack Satan's kingdom and pull down spiritual strongholds unless we change. There has to be the desire to change and then there must be the step of faith to appropriate the change with God's help. Waiting for some mystical experience that will eradicate all the obstacles is a fantasy and not biblically sound. God calls each of us to responsibility to affect that change and to depend upon Him to complete that change.

QUOTES ABOUT REVIVAL

2009-07-16T00:37:00.000-04:00

Study the history of revival. God has always sent revival in the darkest days. Oh, for a mighty, sweeping revival today! - Adrian Rogers

Revivals begin with God's own people; the Holy Spirit touches their heart anew, and gives them new fervor and compassion, and zeal, new light and life, and when He has thus come to you, He next goes forth to the valley of dry bones…Oh, what responsibility this lays on the Church of God! If you grieve Him away from yourselves, or hinder His visit, then the poor perishing world suffers sorely! - Andrew Bonar

God's time for revival is the very darkest hour, when everything seems hopeless. It is always the Lord's way to go to the very worst cases to manifest His glory. - Andrew Gih

We often have a tinted view of revival as a time of glory and joy and swelling numbers queuing to enter the churches. That is only part of the story. Before the glory and joy, there is conviction; and that begins with the people of God. There are tears of godly sorrow. There are wrongs to put right, secret things...to be thrown out, and bad relationships, hidden for years, to be repaired openly. If we are not prepared for this, we had better not pray for revival. - Brian Edwards

Oh! men and brethren, what would this heart feel if I could but believe that there were some among you who would go home and pray for a revival - men whose faith is large enough, and their love fiery enough to lead them from this moment to exercise unceasing intercessions that God would appear among us and do wondrous things here, as in the times of former generations. - C.H. Spurgeon

Revival is a renewed conviction of sin and repentance, followed by an intense desire to live in obedience to God. It is giving up one's will to God in deep humility. - Charles Finney

A revival, then, really means days of heaven upon earth. Does it grieve you my friends, that the name of God is being taken in vain and desecrated? Does it grieve you that we are living in a godless age...But, we are living in such an age and the main reason we should be praying about revival is that we are anxious to see God's name vindicated and His glory manifested. We should be anxious to see something happening that will arrest the nations, all the peoples, and cause them to stop and to think again. - D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

True revival is that divine moment when God bursts upon the scene and displays his glory. Revival awakens in our hearts an increased awareness of the presence of God, a new love for God, a new hatred for sin, and a hunger for His Word.. The 'glory' comes when God takes over. He fills the church with His presence and power. When He takes over, all the credit goes to Him.. Revival is not just evangelism, excitement, or emotionalism. It is the extraordinary movement of the Holy Spirit! Revival, no matter how great or small in its ultimate scope, always begins with individual believers whose hearts are desperate for God, and who are willing to pay the price to meet Him.. God wants to avert judgment, and He's simply looking for one person who will pay the price in prayer and in faith and in commitment, whatever it takes, to get a hold of God and not let loose. Revival is the moving of God's Spirit, through the power of His Word, to the hearts of His children, that resurrects to new life those areas which have been lying stagnant, dormant, or out of balance, and that results in new love and obedience to Jesus Christ. If revival depended on you -- your prayers, your faith, your obedience -- would your church ever experience revival? Nothing short of an outpouring of God's Spirit will revitalize and empower an impotent and anemic church to display once again His glory to a lost world. - Del Fehsenfeld Jr.

A baptism of holiness, a demonstration of godly living is the crying need of our day. - Duncan Campbell

A revival almost always begins among the laity. The ecclesiastical leaders seldom welcome reformation. History repeats itself. The present leaders are too comfortably situated as a rule to desire innovation that might require sacrifice on their part. And God's fire only falls on sacrifice. An empty altar receives no fire! - Frank Bartleman

We cannot organize revival, but we can set our sails to catch the wind from Heaven when God chooses to blow upon His people once again. - G. Campbell Morgan

If revival is being withheld from us it is because some idol remains still enthroned; because we still insist in placing our reliance in human schemes; because we still refuse to face the unchangeable truth that, 'It is not by might, but by My Spirit.'. - Jonathan Goforth

I read of the revivals of the past, great sweeping revivals where thousands of men were swept into the Kingdom of God. I read about Charles G. Finney winning his thousands and his hundreds of thousands of souls to Christ. Then I picked up a book and read the messages of Charles G. Finney and the message of Jonathan Edwards on 'Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,' and I said, 'No wonder men trembled; no wonder they fell in the altars and cried out in repentance and sobbed their way to the throne of grace! Revival is when God gets so sick and tired of being misrepresented that He shows Himself. -Leonard Ravenhill

The spiritual disciplines of 2 Chronicles 7:14 are not just conditions for a true revival; they are the revival itself! nd- Lewis Drummond

In the Irish Revival of 1859, people became so weak that they could not get back to their homes. Men and women would fall by the wayside and would be found hours later pleading with God to save their souls. They felt that they were slipping into hell and that nothing else in life mattered but to get right with God... To them eternity meant everything. Nothing else was of any consequence. They felt that if God did not have mercy on them and save them, they were doomed for all time to come. - Oswald Smith

Revival is not the discovery of some new truth. It's the rediscovery of the grand old truth of God's power in and through the Cross. - Sammy Tippit

Whether it be in the personal life, or in the church life, or on the mission field, we need revival--we need revival urgently--we need revival desperately! Revival is the manifestation of the glory, power, and blessing of the Son of God among His people. Revival is ultimately Christ Himself, seen, felt, heard, living, active, moving in and through His body on earth. Revival is not some emotion or worked-up excitement; it is rather an invasion from heaven which brings to man a conscious awareness of God. Will you pray 'Revive me!' and then open your being to the Spirit of Revival? Do not rest until you have been restored to the fullness of the blessing that God is waiting to pour out in your life! Revival is that strange and sovereign work of God in which He visits His own people--restoring, reanimating, and releasing them into the fullness of His blessing. When God breaks into a life or a community, nothing else matters save the person of Jesus, the glory of Jesus, the name of Jesus. - Stephen Olford

Perhaps the greatest barrier to revival on a large scale is the fact that we are too interested in a great display. We want an exhibition; God is looking for a man who will throw himself entirely on God. Whenever self-effort, self-glory, self-seeking or self-promotion enters into the work of revival, then God leaves us to ourselves. - Ted Rendall

Revival is falling in love with Jesus all over again. - Vance Havner

God loves with a great love the man whose heart is bursting with a passion for the IMPOSSIBLE. - William Booth

Let Christians remember, that in a season of revival as well as in a season of coldness, the evidence of piety is to be sought in the fruits of the Spirit. And let sinners remember that no degree of attendance or means, no degree of fervor, can be substituted for repentance of sin and faith in the Savior… - William Sprague

A spiritual awakening is no more than God's people seeing God in His holiness, turning from their wicked ways, and being transformed into His likeness. An awakening is ready to burst on the dismal scene when Christians have a deep, profound Spirit of prayer for an awakening.

REVIVALIST DR. MARTYN LLOYD-JONES

2009-07-08T14:18:00.000-04:00

The quotes of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones....
1899-1981

"The people who are concerned about revival, in a true sense, are not just out for a little bit of excitement, or interest, or some happiness, or phenomena, or coming with an attitude of 'something marvelous is going to happen and we are going to have a great good time.' That is now how they think about it at all. And if you, my dear friends, are simply thinking about meetings, and excitement, and something wonderful, you have not begun to understand this matter."

"When the Holy Spirit of God begins to deal with any one of us, there will be this separation. It will not be paraded, it will not be the Pharisees' 'I am holier than thou' attitude. No, once a man begins to be burdened for the glory of God and the state of the Church, he immediately feels the call to consecration, he 'goes out' as it were.

Please, show me Your glory: Moses won a "yes" answer from God when he asked for the special presence of God to remain with Israel on the way to the Promised Land (Exodus 33:12-17). He also won a confirmation of the promise from God and an affirmation of close relationship. Yet he was still not satisfied. He wanted more in his personal relationship with God.

This hunger for more of God - for more of an experience with God - is a mark of true revival and restoration of relationship. Whatever Moses had experienced with God, he now wanted more."We may have been Christians for many years, but have we ever really longed for some person, direct knowledge and experience of God? Oh, I know, we pray for causes, we pray for the Church, we pray for missionaries, we pray for our own efforts that we organize, yes, but that is not what I am concerned about. We all ask for personal blessings, but how much do we know of this desire for God himself? That is what Moses asked for: 'Show me they glory. Take me yet a step nearer.' "

Show me Your glory: This was an interesting request. Moses already saw something of the glory of God (Exodus 16:10 and 24:16-17), yet he wanted more. He sensed that he had not seen anything yet. "In other words, by revival we do not mean the Church being blessed by God, and conscious of his presence, and enabled to do his work. Moses, in a sense, was already conscious of all that . . . But Moses was not satisfied. And revival, I repeat, is not the Church being blessed and being conscious of God's presence, and being enabled to do her work. Revival goes beyond all that."

WILLING BY SCOTT KRIPPAYNE

2009-07-02T16:42:00.000-04:00

WILLING/scott krippayne
dedicated to the memories of Tilmann Geske, Pastor Necati Aydin, and Ugur Yuskel, brutally murdered for their commitment to Christ and their service to the church in Turkey.

Many will worship in quiet, some are forced out of their homes, others will forsake their families and follow their Savior alone. Oh, could I count it a blessing like follower do’ cross the sea. Would I be ready to suffer, like my Jesus suffered for me.

Chorus
Am I willing to die for the things I believe in, would I stand strong if my life were at stake. Help me remember the many who put their lives on the line everyday. Am I willing to die for my faith?

Brothers will stare into danger, sisters will face threats of death, blessed are those who are persecuted the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Am I strong enough to take the torture would I be prepared for the pain. If I were faced with the question, would I trade my life for the sake of His Name?

Repeat Chorus

This is not just some land long ago, far away. All of these things still taking place Today....

Repeat Chorus

2007 Purple Honda Music/ASCAP

THE NAMES OF THE LORD

2009-07-01T13:41:00.000-04:00

"Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory [is] above the earth and heaven." Psa 148:13

In the Old Testament times, a name was not only identification, but an identity as well. Many times a special meaning was attached to the name. Names had, among other purposes, an explanatory purpose (e.g., Nabal, whose name means "fool," is the target of Abigail's explanation to David: "For as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him:" - 1Sa 25:25). Throughout Scripture God reveals Himself to us through His names. When we study these names that He reveals to us in the Bible, we will better understand who God really is. The meanings behind God's names reveal the central personality and nature of the One who bears them.

Who is God to you?

Is He your Most High God, All sufficient One, Master, Lord of Peace, the Lord Who Will Provide? Is He your Father? We must be careful not to make God into an "it" or a "thing" to which we pray. He is our Jehovah Raah, the Lord our Shepherd. God knows us by our name, shouldn't we know Him by His?

Hallowed be Your name?

To hallow a thing is to make it holy or to set it apart to be exalted as being worthy of absolute devotion. To hallow the name of God is to regard Him with complete devotion and loving admiration. God's name is of the utmost importance (Neh 9:5); therefore we ought reserve it a position of grave significance in our minds and hearts. We should never take His name lightly (Exd 20:7; Lev 22:32), but always rejoice in it and think deeply upon its true meaning.

El Shaddai (Lord God Almighty)
El Elyon (The Most High God)
Adonai (Lord, Master)
Yahweh (Lord, Jehovah)
Jehovah Nissi (The Lord My Banner)
Jehovah-Raah (The Lord My Shepherd)
Jehovah Rapha (The Lord That Heals)
Jehovah Shammah (The Lord Is There)
Jehovah Tsidkenu (The Lord Our Righteousness)
Jehovah Mekoddishkem (The Lord Who Sanctifies You)
El Olam (The Everlasting God)
Elohim (God)
Qanna (Jealous)
Jehovah Jireh (The Lord Will Provide)
Jehovah Shalom (The Lord Is Peace)
Jehovah Sabaoth (The Lord of Hosts)

WILD GOOSE CHASE

2009-06-12T07:15:00.001-04:00

May Karen and I suggest a book that will be life changing for all of you who want more of Holy Spirit?

The Book

Celtic Christians had a name for the Holy Spirit–An Geadh-Glas, or ‘the Wild Goose.’ The name hints at mystery. Much like a wild goose, the Spirit of God cannot be tracked or tamed. An element of danger, an air of unpredictability surround Him. And while the name may sound a little sacrilegious, I cannot think of a better description of what it’s like to follow the Spirit through life. I think the Celtic Christians were on to something…

Most of us will have no idea where we are going most of the time. And I know that is unsettling. But circumstantial uncertainty also goes by another name: Adventure.

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN GOD SAYS GO?

2009-06-03T06:55:00.000-04:00

We all want to hear the word "Go" from God, not wait or stop. We can look at a stoplight and picture the different colors going off when we hear from God. Usually we don't want to see the yellow signal come on, meaning to yield or wait. That just means we need to work on developing patience!

Some of us - do what many do in the natural. We see the yellow, yield, slow down signal come on when we're driving and we pretend we don't see it and race through before the red light comes on! (Don't raise your hand if you do this!)

When we want to do something, we usually want to do it right now - it doesn't matter if we aren't completely knowledgeable about something and ready to move forward, we just want to take action! But, it's not in our timing but God's timing! His plans always prosper us and are perfect!

And the bright RED signal that says STOP - we definitely don't want to hear that from God, (unless we really didn't want what we asked for), then it's good news!

But what happens when we've been praying and asking the Lord for guidance and hear and see the GREEN - all's OK - all's right - GO signal? The door is open and we can now walk through with confidence that this IS God's will for us.
What excitement! Our prayers have been answered and we can move forward knowing God will bless our actions.

Let's look at another scenario.
What if God tells you He wants you to do something and He says GO and you see the green light on but you hesitate because you haven't been praying for this or expecting this. It just seems to come somewhere out of left field.

We can look into Genesis 12:1-4 and see an example of obedience. God told Abram to leave his country and family and go into a new land that I will show you and I will bless you there.

The Bible said Abram left and he was 75 years old. We know the end of the story, Abram was blessed and his name was changed to Abraham, meaning: "Father of many nations" and those nations are blessed today because of his obedience to do what God told him to do.

Are we that quick to obey God, especially when exploring something new and going into new territory and doing this through faith? Or, do we hesitate: wanting to study everything on the subject before we take the big plunge, or make excuses before we move forward into the perfect will of God for our lives.

Let's look at Moses and his example when God used a burning bush to talk to him and told Moses to GO!

In Exodus 3:1, we begin reading the story of Moses at this time in his life. While tending his flock in Horeb, the mountain of God, he sees a burning bush (which was already odd, plus it was not being consumed, drew his attention) and then God begins speaking to him.

Now first of all, most of us do not hear an audible voice when God speaks to us. When He speaks to us we usually know it in our heart, or have the Word leap out at us and confirm something or someone else confirm something within us. Each of us learns to hear how God speaks in His own special way to us. We do not need to get three confirmations, or see signs and wonders in the sky! OK, sometimes we all may miss it - but God is faithful, He knows our heart and intentions and will bless us, and work things out and give us other opportunities to hear from Him.

Like Moses, do we bring up excuses to God why we just cannot do what He asks of us? Instead of walking through the green - Go light, we hesitate a bit turning the light to yield-yellow - just wait a minute here, while hoping to quickly reveal to God why He needs to put a STOP-red light to His request of us.

Continuing in Chapter 3 of Exodus God tells Moses that He has heard the cry of the Israelites. God says to Moses, GO NOW to Pharaoh and tell him you want to bring the Israelites out of Egypt."

Excuse #1, In verse 11 Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" God then assures him "I will be with you." This should have been enough for Moses and should be enough for us. Who better to be with us and on our side?

Some of us have that same lame excuse " Who am I?" Terror, inferiority or just plain laziness begins to engulf us and we try to "cop out." We begin looking at ourselves and not at Jesus and what He wants to do through us.
The Bible says, "All things are possible to him who believes." Or "Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world." We are in the world and must let our lights shine, not hide them.

Excuse #2, verse 13. What if they don't know whom the great "I AM" is, how do I explain? Some of us say "how can I tell others about Jesus?" God will give us the right words to say and a peace when we get out of our "comfort zone." We can't allow a fear of anything to stop us.

Once we say Ok to the green light and do something we will walk through the gate that actually has always been open for us and walk right out of our old comfort zones. (Philippians 4:13) - "I can do all things through Christ Jesus which strengthens me." The anointing is in us and empowers us to do what God has for us.

Excuse #3, Exodus 4:1. "What if they don't believe me or listen to me?" That's OK, the Holy Spirit won't be intimidated, and He'll love them and work with them, continuing to draw them towards Jesus. We may just be planting seeds into someone's life and someone else will do the watering and even someone else will do the harvesting.

Excuse #4, verse 10-14. Well you know Lord I don't speak very well! Please send someone else! Thank God that He is slow to anger with all of us when we bring up any excuse to try to get out of doing something. How many people have refused God and missed out on so many wonderful opportunities in life so God has had to ask 2, 3 or 4 more people to do something for Him until He found someone willing.

We need to remember that God will never leave us or forsake us. He is always there for us. We have the Holy Spirit to teach us and guide us. We have the same power in us that raised Jesus from the dead. We need to think on these things!

We may be the one asked by God to go into uncharted territory and pave the way for others. I have always found that what God asked us to do He will equip us to do it properly! God says that we must live by faith to please Him. What an awesome statement that really is when you think about it.

God created the universe by faith, we received Jesus as our Savior and Lord by faith, we receive wisdom by faith, we pray believing we have received something at the time we prayed by the prayer of faith and I could go on and on.

Every thing God does is by faith. He will never lie to us. He is always there for us. We become His child through a blood covenant with Jesus. Our trust-our belief-our faith should never waver or be in any one or any thing else.

So when God tells us to GO, whether its something we has asked for or He just plain wants us to do something for Him we should be willing to please Him and in faith know that He will direct us every step of the way.

WHEN HOLY SPIRIT VACATES THE BUILDING

2009-06-01T12:46:00.000-04:00

Karen and I were asked to visit a local Holland church that has been in transition for nearly 18 months. Reason being they had a pastor who left for a "greater" call and a much larger venue in another mid-western state. We were told to be there a little after 10AM to observe the coffee hour before service. That was a polarized gathering of clique groups young and old where we weaved ourselves through without one person even asking who we were. And we Christians are to be known by our love? Then it was into the sanctuary for the 10:30AM sharp service that we left at 11:45AM dull. Why? The Holy Spirit had vacated the building! People just sat or stood, when necessary to sing lackluster songs of which they had no clue what they entailed or were committed to. Prayer is nearly extinct except for a 6AM men's gathering weekly which, according to sources, is very poorly attended. Testimony time, which used to be a part of each service has been totally abolished. What was once two services, has now been combined to one. Instead of relying on Holy Spirit, they have relied on a professional search group for the "man of God" to be their next shepherd. They have their " list of qualification's" of which they have never shared with the congregation for the person they feel would "fit into" the church and it's accompanying school. If we were grieved, think about Holy Spirit. Even the one who ministered the message, who we were introduced to at the conclusion of the service and gave a word of exhortation too placated both of us and went on as if nothing was wrong. Oh Holy Spirit would you bring down your fire to burn out of our churches everything that is not of you. Sad to say I think this church is headed down a slippery slope of disaster to which their is no return. With agenda high on their priority list their is no room for Holy Spirit to even maneuver. Even on the Global Day of Prayer and Pentecost Sunday nothing was even mentioned. And we wonder why we are seeing no results of transformed lives? We have been so duped into depending on a pastor to lead our churches that when one leaves, voluntarily or involuntarily we crumble. Oh God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob, awaken your church to the fact that we are the church! Holy Spirit bring a downpour in the house of Yahweh! Fresh Wind and Fresh Fire!

AT AGE 59

2009-05-30T18:05:00.000-04:00

Today is my fifty ninth birthday on this earth. As I begin to look beyond this day into the future I need some revelation. And is it not uncanny that when we lack wisdom we can ask our Abba Father Daddy and He comes through at times loud and clear! Karen, while driving home from an errand run "just happens" to hear a song by Christian artist Third Day simply entitled "Revelation". Here now are those lyrics....

Third Day Lyrics - Revelation Song Words

Song Words by Artist / Band : Third Day Lyrics Title : Revelation
Available on Album : Revelation

My life has led me down the road that’s so uncertain And now I am left alone and I am broken,
Tryin’ to find my way, tryin’ to find the faith that’s gone. This time, I know that you are holding all the answers I’m tired of losing hope and taking chances, On roads that never seem, To be the ones that bring me home

Give me a revelation, Show me what to do Cause I’ve been tryin’ to find my way, I haven’t got a clue Tell me should I stay here, Or do I need to move Give me a revelation I’ve got nothing without You I’ve got nothing without You

My life has led me down this path that’s ever winding Through every twist and turn I’m always finding, That I am lost again (I am lost again) Tell me when this road will ever end.

I don’t know where I can turn Tell me when will I learn Won’t You show me where I need to go
Oh oh Let me follow Your lead, I know that it’s the only way that I can get back home.

Give me a revelation, Show me what to do Cause I’ve been trying to find my way, I haven’t got a clue Tell me should I stay here, Or do I need to move Give me a revelation I’ve got nothing without You I’ve got nothing without You

Oh, give me a revelation, I’ve got nothing without You, I’ve got nothing without You!

SHAKE OFF THE DUST!

2009-05-29T10:59:00.000-04:00

Shake the dust off your feet when you leave…

Memorial Day May 25, 2009 Karen, in her devotional time received a scripture from Luke 9:5 ( parallel passage found in Matthew 10:14) that has both of us praying into what this means. This then is a copy of a blog I "just happened" to find on this very subject that we know you will find impacting as we did....

Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave. As you enter the home, give it your greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgement than for this town. I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. (Matthew 10:11-16, NIV)

If there’s one thing I wish God would keep away from our free will it’d be selective reading. In the context of human behavior it seems to be that part of us that ignores all that causes discomfort or even change. It’s the stuff that’s most of the time is essential, yet we chose to not regard it as such. It’s what makes us almost Christians in the most important of times.For the past few weeks the words of Jesus from Matthew 10 can’t get out of my head. They’re like a mosquito bite - you’ve just thought it’s dealt with and then you accidentally touch it… There it goes again - itches for ages. I figured I must investigate deeper the question of Why do Christians seem to never give up trying to get people into heaven?

It’s a question not so much regarding the continuous carrying out of the mission of spreading the Gospel. It’s the issue of us not taking no as an answer. We go, tell people about Jesus and should we get a negative response, then we don’t move on but get stuck, doing everything possible to sneak the other person into heaven. Funny enough, this doesn’t seem to be our task. It’s not what we’re made for and it’s not what we’re responsible for. Our task is to get the message through as clearly and responsibly as possible - to plant the seed. It’s far beyond our job description to actually grow the plant and harvest the fruits.

As Jesus gives authority over demons to the twelve and notes some other tips for their journeys, He makes one thing sure: if they accept you, stay and be a blessing to them; if they reject you - leave and leave for good. The shaking off of dust is where the power of the message lays. While Israel was a holy land, the land of the Gentiles wasn’t. This is why Jews would shake the dust off their clothes and shoes on leaving a Gentile area. It was a symbol of disregarding any connection with the pagans. So what Jesus is actually saying to the twelve is: if they welcome you, get in and do well; if they don’t - get away and make sure you let them know you’re not coming back. Outrageous, isn’t it? Paul and Barnabas actually did it, just have a look at Acts 13:51.

Today we seem to be carrying the responsibility for everyone’s salvation. When, in fact, all we’re responsible for is telling them about it. With time the Christian message seems to fade and mingle with culture because we’re trying everything and anything to somehow get them to believe it. How much clearer would the Gospel be if it was proclaimed but not imposed? Because imposing is exactly what we seem to be doing most of the time - through material things, relationships, even through changing our own selves. We just sit there and wait till the dude finally gives in and prays the prayer, quits smoking and starts a home group.

If we only were able to let the seed grow in its own time. If only we were able to make it clear that people who don’t welcome God won’t be welcomed in heaven, but in hell. If only we were able to get out of out market mentality - picking out only the fruits that are sweet and flowers that smell nice. If only we were able to shake the dust off when necessary.

THE LORD HIMSELF GOES BEFORE YOU

2009-05-28T06:09:00.000-04:00

May this encourage you as it has encouraged us in the journey of faith to which each one of us is called.

THOSE WHO MAKE A COVENANT WITH GOD/Francis Frangipane

2009-03-31T03:44:00.000-04:00

The Covenant- Keeping God
Throughout the history of God's dealings with man, He has revealed Himself as a covenant-making God. The Almighty covenanted with Noah, Abraham, Moses and David; He renewed His Abrahamic covenant in His call to Isaac and Jacob. Each covenant initiated a new wave of redemptive power into the world and forever impacted the human condition.
The word covenant means "to fetter" or chain together. It was the highest form of commitment that two individuals could share. Any of several rituals were employed to express the covenant partners’ unity: A sword might be passed, signifying that the two would be united against the enemy as one. They might pass a sandal between themselves, which symbolized they would travel any distance to be at one another's side. Or, they might cut an animal in two and pass between its halves. Just as the two halves, though separated, were still one animal, so the two covenant partners would become as one individual.
When the Lord initiated His covenant with a man, He did so as an extension of His eternal purpose; the man was a component in a series of divine initiatives. Contained within the Lord's covenant was His divine intervention, His supernatural wisdom and strategies, and His provisions.
Thus, if we look at the Lord's call to Noah, we see that it was not the ark, but the covenant of God, that preserved Noah and his family during worldwide judgment. Noah was a component, a factor in a series of divine initiatives, which accomplished the Lord's predetermined plans. God established the covenant, designed the ark and brought the animals. The Lord even shut the door after Noah entered the ark.
When the Lord established His covenant with Abraham, twice a flaming torch passed through the halves of the animals Abraham offered in sacrifice. The two passes signified that God would keep His part of the covenant and He would keep Abraham's part of the covenant as well! Today, a restored Israel testifies to God's faithfulness in His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. And it is God's covenant with Abraham, not merely the Jewish military, which preserves Israel in our times.
When the Lord entered into covenant with man, God promised that the covenant conditions and possibilities would not only apply to His servant, but His servant's descendants as well. Noah and his family, Abraham and his seed, and David and his family were all united as beneficiaries of God's covenant relationship. Similarly, we are saved and sustained through life's battles by Christ's covenant with the Father.
Payment And Pattern
Our salvation has been secured, not only because Jesus died for our sins, but because His death was part of a covenant He had with the Father. The fact that Jesus suffered on my behalf is staggering, but His crucifixion was a component of an even more powerful reality: His covenant with the Father.
The terms of Christ's covenant were such that, if He would live His life blamelessly and offer that holy life upon the cross for sins, everyone who looked to the Son of God would be granted forgiveness. The Father would look to Christ's sacrifice and see justice; and sinners would look to Jesus and find mercy. Yet, as maturing disciples, we find in Christ's covenant-mission not only our peace, but also a pattern Christ calls us to follow. He told His disciples, "As the Father has sent Me, I also send you" (John 20:21). Having laid down His life in covenant surrender, He now bids us, "Take up [your] cross, and follow Me" (Matt. 16:24). Of course, our cross does not replace His cross nor do the sub-covenants we make with God supersede Christ's covenant. The truth is, our cross extends the power of Christ's cross into our world and times, and our sub-covenant with God finds its backing because of Christ's covenant with God.
Thus, the Lord calls us to follow Him in personal covenants for our homes, cities and nations. The covenant we embrace is nothing less than the expression of Christ's nature, revealed again through us for our families, cities and nation.
The Harvest and Covenant Power
To many Christians, the idea of making a special covenant with God is unfamiliar. Yet, I believe that many have already felt the Holy Spirit speaking, urging them to deepen their commitment to Christ. Even so, covenants and our obedience to them must come from our hearts in response to the Lord's initiative. You will know the extent of your covenant by the measure of vision and faith, which also come from God.
Especially in the last days, we need to become a people who know the truth given us through Christ's covenant. And, in following Him, we should also know the unique endowment of grace He brings in making special covenants with us.
Indeed, Daniel 11:28-32 warns that the last days will be a time of unprecedented deception and spiritual intrigue. According to this text, Satan's rage will be hurled uniquely against "the holy covenant"! (v. 28a). Yet, in this same chapter we read, "But the people who know their God will display strength and take action. And those who have insight among the people will give understanding to the many" (Dan. 11:32-33a).
The prophecy continues, "And those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever" (Dan. 12:3). In the midst of great deception there will be a time and a people who know their God, have great insight, do exploits and lead many to righteousness. They will receive a new and powerful endorsement of God's Spirit.
Additionally, if the enemy will be warring specifically against the holy covenant, we can assume there is something of unparalleled power that Christ's covenant provides against Satan! A new authority is coming to those who desire full conformity to Christ. For a great harvest is indeed prophesied for the end of this age, and those leading the way will be individuals who understand Christ's covenant and have themselves covenanted with God for their land.
God's Unalterable Commitment
It is right to pray for the Lord to bless our lives. However, praying for the blessing and provision of God is not the same as covenanting with Him. A covenant is an altar upon which the Lord and His covenant partner give themselves fully to each other. The quality of a covenant relationship with God does not cease once prayers have been answered. For, in covenant love we mature from simply being "believers" to becoming living sacrifices, given to God's highest plans. By so yielding, He creates within us a life that He can use extraordinarily in the process of divine redemption.
Covenant power is greater than that which comes through prayer alone. The effects of a covenant reach far beyond simple faith. Prayer and faith are essentials; they are prerequisites, but not substitutes, for covenant power. The covenant relationship is a lifelong pledge, an unbreakable oath that God Himself initiates and promises to sustain. Contained within His promise is His unalterable commitment, not only to satisfy His redemptive purposes, but also to supply grace and faith to His human counterpart. Together, the all-sufficient God and a believing man accomplish the impossible through their covenant relationship.
The Power Released in a Covenant
A covenant with God accomplishes two interconnected goals. It thrusts us beyond "subjective prayer" (prayer made primarily for our personal needs), and it brings us into a deeper commitment to God. Out of greater commitment comes greater grace to accomplish God's redemptive work in the world. An example of covenant power is seen in ancient Israel during the revival that occurred after Athaliah, an idolatrous Judean queen, was dethroned. Jehoiada, the high priest, looked to God in covenant prayer. We read, "Then Jehoiada made a covenant between the Lord and the king and the people, that they should be the Lord's people" (2 Kings 11:17).
The result of his covenant was that grace came upon the people and they cleansed the land of idolatry. We read, "So all the people of the land rejoiced and the city was quiet" (v. 20). Jehoiada's covenant brought the nation back to God and ended violence in Jerusalem!
Consider also the power released in Hezekiah's covenant with God. The nation of Judah had been fully corrupted by Ahaz, the preceding king. However, Hezekiah began his reign by seeking God's highest favor. He opened the doors of the temple and reconsecrated the priests.
Yet, the purification of priests and buildings by themselves would not have brought about revival had not Hezekiah taken one further step. He said, "Now it is in my heart to make a covenant with the Lord God of Israel, that His burning anger may turn away from us" (2 Chr. 29:10).
Just eight days after the king made a covenant with the Lord, we read, "Then Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced over what God had prepared for the people, because the thing came about suddenly" (v. 36). The difference between a long-term struggle and a speedy turning of the nation was, I believe, in the power that was released when the king covenanted with the Almighty.
It is vital that we who are Americans remember that our spiritual forefathers were people who knew and exercised principles of covenant sacrifice. When they came to this country, they knelt on its shores and covenanted with God for this land, dedicating the "new world" to Christ and His kingdom. It is unlikely that the revival of our nation will come without local and national church leaders covenanting together with God for their land.
Making A Covenant With God
A personal covenant with God is a serious commitment, worthy of extended prayer and focused waiting before God. I have covenanted with the Lord to see the body of Christ delivered of carnal divisions and racism; my covenant goal is that Christ's prayer of John 17 be answered.
I have also united my life and faith with the covenants of our Pilgrim forefathers. Together with other brethren, both locally and nationally, we have covenanted with God to see this land restored according to 2 Chronicles 7:14.
I believe there will be a time when this nation, like all nations, will become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ (Rev 11:15). Until then, whether revival comes quickly or we pass through the fires of divine judgments, our lives belong to Christ-not simply to be blessed or prosperous, but to see His highest purposes accomplished in our land.
However, not all of us will covenant with God for the nation. According to their faith, some will make covenants with Him for their families. Others will covenant to see abortion ended in their cities. While still others will covenant with God for the church--to see unity established in the citywide church in their cities.
Making a covenant with God takes us further into our goal of Christ likeness. It is the highest relationship we can enjoy with God and it is the most deeply surrendered. It is, in truth, that which brings Him the most pleasure. To those who covenant with God, He says, "Gather My godly ones to Me, those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice" (Ps 50:5). Today, as this nation stands at the threshold of two realities, let us take time in contemplative prayer and kneel before the Almighty Father. In Christlike, focused surrender, as Christ was a living sacrifice for our sins, so let us become living sacrifices to God for those we love. Let us embrace covenant oneness with God that His purpose and passions be fulfilled in our lives and in our times.
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THE VALLEY OF ESCHOL/MARK BATTERSON

2009-03-24T16:00:00.000-04:00

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

The Valley of Eshcol

In my daily Bible I came across this passage in Numbers 32: "They went as far as the valley of Eshcol." I think that is where many of our dreams die. It is the place where we lose heart or lose sight or lose focus. That is as far as the spies got. The promise was about to be fulfilled. It was at their fingertips, but instead they let it slip through their hands.

The valley of Eshcol is the place where we stop trying or stop believing. It is the place where we turn back. But here is what God put in my heart: turning your back on a God-given dream is turning your back on God himself. Obviously, the operative phrase is "God-given." You need to keep going after that dream. Why? Not so you can accomplishment something. Please! You need to go after that God-sized dream because it is the thing that will keep you on your knees living in raw dependence upon God. That is how we grow. And that is how we glorify God.

For those in the valley of Eshcol, here's one verse and one story.

Psalm 37 says, "Wait passionately for God." Most of us wait passively. The Psalmist says wait passionately. How do we wait passionately? One word: prayer.

I just got an email from Randall Brown, founder of Fusion Warehouse in Anderson, SC. I've never met him, but his story inspired me. He read the story in In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day about how we prayed for eight years for Ebenezers Coffeehouse and God miraculously gave us that piece of property. His story is so similar. Randall started doing prayer walks around an empty 70,000 sf Wal-Mart building. He prayed around it every day for three-and-a-half years until one day the Lord said today is the day to call them. They had 47 cents in their bank account. Today that building is home to an incredibly creative student center that is impacting its community!

I hope that encourages those who are in the valley of Eshcol. You may only have 47 cents in your account. You may have been praying for something for three-and-a-half years.

Don't lose heart. Don't lose sight. Don't lose focus.