Olympic Story

courtesy of Tish
Some people understand life better, And they call some of these people "retarded"...At the Seattle Special Olympics, nine contestants, all physically or mentally disabled, assembled at the starting line for the 100-yard dash.At the gun, they all started out, not exactly in a dash, but with a relish to run the race to the finish and win. All, that is, except one little boy who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of times, and began to cry. The other eight heard the boy cry. They slowed down and looked back. Then they all turned around and went back......every one of them. One girl with Down's Syndrome bent down and kissed him and said,"This will make it better." Then all nine linked arms and walked together to the finish line. Everyone in the stadium stood, the cheering went on for several minutes. People who were there are still telling the story... Why? Because deep down we know this one thing: What matters in this life is more than winning for ourselves. What matters in this life is helping others win, even if it means slowing down and changing our course. If you pass this on, we may be able to change our hearts as well as someone else's. "A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle"

boiler rooms

v.6 The Practice of Learning and Discipleship· All Boiler Rooms are learning communities committed to mutual discipleship, study and the ongoing spiritual formation of the community as a whole as well as its individual members. Some Boiler Rooms are recognised by 24-7 as Training Centres, thus benefiting from a regular influx of trainees. · Within the core team at the heart of every Boiler Room community, we expect there to be a climate of relational accountability and mutual submission. An abbot or abbess is appointed to lead this team lovingly and with recognised authority, accountable ultimately to God and temporarily to 24-7 alongside locally appointed structures. · Whenever Boiler Rooms multiply we would expect the sending community to offer strong initial support and oversight to these new communities they have planted (see later).

Excerpts from Gary Weins for contemplation

I spoke from Psalm 50 about the Lord "shining forth" from Zion, perfect in beauty. The words there refer to God's self-disclosure, His unveiling of His own beauty and character. We then went to Hebrews 4:16 and spoke about the Bride's response of coming "boldly" into His presence because of what Jesus has done. The boldness in that passage is the same concept of self-disclosure, coming to the Lord exactly as we are because He has embraced us in our weakness. God says to us "Here I am as I am," and desires us to say to Him "Here I am as I am." It's a lovely reality, and there was tender and gracious ministry afterwards

This morning I spoke from Ephesians 3 about being filled with all the fullness of God, the stunning reality that awaits us as the Bride of Jesus. It was not a normal "preach;" rather, I simply spoke as I felt moved in the moment about the destiny that each of us longs for - to feel significant, to know power and authority, to stand shame-free and know the fullness of what God had in mind when He created each of us.

. . . Jeremiah 33 about God's invitation to uncommon grace. What will it be like when we have the fear of the Lord over His determination to do good to us? Perhaps then we will know the Spirit of prayer, and will touch those things that God calls "great and mighty things." The observation came to me in the moment that Job 26 calls the sustaining of the universe "the mere edges of His ways." If that is so, what in heaven's name would God call "great and mighty things?" Wow!!

IHOP Indianapolis' Value Statement

I. INTERCESSIONa. Night and day prayer is a literal reality taught in scripture and it is a prerequisite for full scale revival. This is based upon the worship patterns of the Tabernacle of David, Jewish worship under Ezra and Nehemiah, worship around the throne of God (Rev 4), the Parable of the Persistent Widow (Lk 18), and the Lord's Prayer (Mt 6). b. We value solitude and quiet contemplation with Christ. It is the foundation of healthy community We believe in gazing upon the beauty of the Lord through nature (Ps 19), through the written word of God, and through quiet communion with the Holy Spirit within (II Cor 3:17, Eph 3:16). Solid and vibrant relationships with others are dependant upon a healthy and vibrant personal communion with Christ.c. The Bible prayers are our model for prayer Prayer is agreement with God. We know we are in agreement with Him when we are praying the prayers He wrote. The whole body of Christ can unify around the Bible prayers.d. Worship and prayer are two currents within one flow of the Fathers heart In heaven, the prayers of the saints are mingled with the music of God and the songs of the saints (Rev 4 & 5). In the heavenly model, the elders have a harp worship and a bowl prayer. Jesus prayed that the kingdom would come to earth as it is in heaven (Jn 17).II. HOLINESSa. First commandment first - We believe the first commandment, to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, must have first priority in our hearts, affecting how we spend our time and our money. b. Friendship with Jesus - the one necessary thing. We believe the inward satisfaction of a vibrant and intimate relationship with Christ is the fountain from which fruitful and lasting ministry spring forth.c. Lovers outwork workers - Without the flames of Divine romance awakening and fascinating our hearts, the work of ministry will burn us out. d. Superior Pleasures - The pleasures of sin can only be resisted when the greater pleasure of Gods love is satisfying the heart (Psalm 37). Our goal must be to make God our delight, He will complete the work of bringing forth our righteousness. - "Sin is what we do when our hearts arent satisfied in God" John Pipere. Our Beauty to God - In our immaturity, weakness and sin, we are lovely to God and he delights in us. Immaturity is different than rebellion. Immaturity says yes to God but struggles in carrying out the yes. God delights and enjoys the immature believer who has a willing spirit but weak flesh.f. Authenticity We can only export or reproduce what we are. We can only give away what we own. We must be sure that the things we are trying to reproduce are the things we have become. Our stated values must be our actual values. g. Unity of Believers - We can only see a complete picture of Gods love with all the saints Full revelation and full blessing will only occur in the context of full unity under the banner of Jesus. (Eph 3:18, Ps 133).III. OFFERINGS TO THE POORa. Simple lifestyles - We believe in living materially modest and simple lifestyles, and that everything over and above what we truly need is to be radically given to the poor and for the advancement of the gospel in the earthb. We embrace a fasted lifestyle - We believe that the routine forsaking of fleshly pleasures positions us to receive all that God freely and joyfully offers us, and it frees up more resource to give to the poor and to missions.IV. PROPHETICa. Divine strategy for ministry to people flows out of a lifestyle of ministry to the Lord - David entered the tabernacle as a worshipping priest. Inside, surrounded by musicians, songwriters, and singers ministering to the Lord day and night, David received divine revelation and instruction. He then went out from the tabernacle as a King, and with that divine information, defeated all the enemies of the Lord. b. The great commission will be accomplished through the Great Commandment - We will be only partially effective in evangelism and discipleship until we are consumed with love and adoration for our God.c. The Fullness of God. We will persistently contend for the fullness of God in our midst and in our city.

God's Jealous Love -SJ HILL

Over the years, many people—Christian and non—have stumbled over God’s anger and wrath. His judgments have been both misunderstood and maligned. What so many have failed to comprehend is the fact that the Lord has always burned with pure passion for the undivided love and devotion of His people. As the Hero and Husband in the love story called the Bible, the Lord has always been jealous for the affections of His bride. Although the Bible is full of references regarding the Lord’s attributes, such as love, mercy and kindness, it’s really eye-opening to discover how much it also has to say about His jealousy:
• “Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” (Exodus 34:14)• “For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.” (Deuteronomy 4:24) • “They angered him with their high places; they aroused his jealousy with their idols.” (Psalm 78:58)But exactly what does the Bible mean when it speaks of God’s jealousy? How can He be the epitome of love and be jealous at the same time? To say that the Lord is jealous most certainly does not mean He is suspicious because of some insecurity on His part. Ungodly jealousy is the byproduct of wanting to control and possess what does not belong to us. It is always demanding and cares very little about the alleged object of its love. In contrast, holy jealousy is at the very core of who God is. Within the depths of His being burns an inextinguishable fire of love called jealousy. His jealousy is a blazing passion to protect a love relationship that is eternally precious to Him and to defend it when it is broken. The severity of God’s jealous anger is in direct proportion to the depths of His love for those who belong to Him. His anger is never irrational and unpredictable. God’s love for Israel was the source of His controllable anger and wrath. It was because He infinitely cared for His bride that He burned with holy anger against her. This is passionately portrayed through the language of Jeremiah: “I will pronounce my judgments on my people because of their wickedness in forsaking me, in burning incense to other gods and in worshiping what their hands have made” (Jeremiah 1:16). God’s anger and mercy are not opposites of each other; in fact, they are actually related. This is why the prophet Habakkuk prayed: “In wrath remember mercy” (Habakkuk 3:2). It is inconceivable that the Lord’s love would ever end. This is why the psalmist asked: “Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?” (Psalm 77:9). The message of God’s anger included a call to His adulterous wife to return to Him and be saved. He promised her that if she changed her behavior, His anger would subside. The call of anger was actually a call to cancel anger. It was not an expression of irrational behavior but a deliberate response on God’s part to deal with what was evil. To understand God’s anger is to understand His care. In Scripture, God’s anger is always described as something temporary rather than something that lasts indefinitely. The psalmist David contrasted the difference between the Lord’s anger and His enduring love: “For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5). This Scripture vividly demonstrates that anger is not an emotion in which God delights. His anger, instead, is a tragic necessity. It was compassion that transcended the most intense, holy anger; it was a love that remained steadfast in the face of human sin and weakness. And this is the splendor of God’s love and concern that was revealed through the prophets. The greatest example of God’s unfailing love, despite human sin, was His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus epitomized the jealous love of God because of His sacrificial love and devotion for His people. In Matthew 10:37, He made a statement that clearly illustrated His jealous passion for His bride: “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” Jesus could just as easily have said, “I don’t mind you loving your father and mother or your son and daughter. In fact, I insist on it. But you can’t love them more than Me. You can’t love anyone or anything more than Me. I must be first place in your affections!” Jesus is emphatically telling us that He will not tolerate any rivals who try to steal our affections. The fire of His love will consume everything that tries to threaten our relationship with Him. This is why it is imperative we understand that “conviction” is really a manifestation of His burning jealousy for us, as He continually warns us of things that would seduce our hearts away from Him and destroy our lives. The Lord longs for our love and loyalty to such a degree that He will stop at nothing to keep us for Himself! May we all continue to grow in our understanding of just how spirited the Lord’s jealous love is for us. Let us renew our minds and free ourselves from attempting to serve God out of fear of punishment, and let us learn to live a life of obedience in response to His incredible love. S.J. Hill is a speaker and the author of Enjoying God and Burning Desire, available from Relevant Books.

Love Dream

I had a dream a few weeks ago that left a deep impression on me regarding a move of God in/on the Church. In short, "Love" invaded the Church. In the dream, I was dressed in white (as was everyone else) and lying down on the left, front pew of an old wooden church, talking with my sister. We were doing something that represented old, worldly comforts. I was a little bored. I looked around and realized that although the Church was gently illuminated (like candles in a dark room), the light came from each of the people in the building. There was a man behind me (second pew)that was, in reality, my Christianity Professor in College. He was illumined as well and covered lavishly in soft garments, but he had a stoic face - not happy, nor un-happy mmm . . . maybe slightly sad. I knew that Harry (his name) was jaded by the his experiences in life - particularly his experiences with the Church. Suddenly a Knight with beautiful flowing gold hair rode into the Church, up the aisle, circled behind the preacher and stopped- facing the congregation just to the left of the preacher. He was full of light and I immediately loved Him. He was "Love". I turned to Harry and said, "He is my gift to you Harry." The preacher's voice became audible and I realized that it was Charles Spurgeon (an 18th Century Preacher) speaking about "Love". I looked at Harry and knew that "Love" was being restored to the forefront for Him, myself, and the Church. "Love" captured my attention and I was no longer interested in old, worldly comforts. Suddenly a strong wind began to circle the Church and shake it violently. I spoke to my sister and said "We need to get to the lowest point possible." We ran down the stairs, out to a tunnel near the Church and got very low. I didn't want to go too far into the tunnel, but we did stay low and waited out the storm. The storm passed. When we peeked up through a rabbit hole, the sun was shining, the sky was sweetly blue and the grass was a wonderful green. The "mighty" wind had shaken the boards on the church off in some places, but the Church itself was intact and the people had not left, despite the storm. When I woke up I understood enough about the dream to know that "if we have not love . . ." applied and it was in God's heart to bring "Love" to the forefront. It's the balm for broken and jaded hearts. Getting to the lowest point, I think, refers to humility. I wonder, if "Love" is actually the hallmark of true revival and the hoped for move of God.

Pete Grieg- The Vision 24-7

Words of the Vision
'THE VISION'
So this guy comes up to me and says "what's the vision? What's the big idea?" I open my mouth and words come out like this… The vision?
The vision is JESUS – obsessively, dangerously, undeniably Jesus.
The vision is an army of young people.
You see bones? I see an army. And they are FREE from materialism.
They laugh at 9-5 little prisons.They could eat caviar on Monday and crusts on Tuesday.They wouldn't even notice.They know the meaning of the Matrix, the way the west was won.They are mobile like the wind, they belong to the nations. They need no passport.. People write their addresses in pencil and wonder at their strange existence.They are free yet they are slaves of the hurting and dirty and dying.What is the vision ?The vision is holiness that hurts the eyes. It makes children laugh and adults angry. It gave up the game of minimum integrity long ago to reach for the stars. It scorns the good and strains for the best. It is dangerously pure.
Light flickers from every secret motive, every private conversation.It loves people away from their suicide leaps, their Satan games. This is an army that will lay down its life for the cause.A million times a day its soldiers
choose to loosethat they might one day winthe great 'Well done' of faithful sons and daughters.
Such heroes are as radical on Monday morning as Sunday night. They don't need fame from names. Instead they grin quietly upwards and hear the crowds chanting again and again: "COME ON!"
And this is the sound of the undergroundThe whisper of history in the makingFoundations shakingRevolutionaries dreaming once againMystery is scheming in whispersConspiracy is breathing…This is the sound of the underground
And the army is discipl(in)ed.
Young people who beat their bodies into submission.
Every soldier would take a bullet for his comrade at arms. The tattoo on their back boasts "for me to live is Christ and to die is gain".
Sacrifice fuels the fire of victory in their upward eyes. Winners. Martyrs. Who can stop them ? Can hormones hold them back?Can failure succeed? Can fear scare them or death kill them ?
And the generation prays
like a dying manwith groans beyond talking,with warrior cries, sulphuric tears andwith great barrow loads of laughter!Waiting. Watching: 24 – 7 – 365.
Whatever it takes they will give: Breaking the rules. Shaking mediocrity from its cosy little hide. Laying down their rights and their precious little wrongs, laughing at labels, fasting essentials. The advertisers cannot mould them. Hollywood cannot hold them. Peer-pressure is powerless to shake their resolve at late night parties before the cockerel cries.
They are incredibly cool, dangerously attractive
inside.
On the outside? They hardly care. They wear clothes like costumes to communicate and celebrate but never to hide. Would they surrender their image or their popularity? They would lay down their very lives - swap seats with the man on death row - guilty as hell. A throne for an electric chair.
With blood and sweat and many tears, with sleepless nights and fruitless days,
they pray as if it all depends on God and live as if it all depends on them.
Their DNA chooses JESUS. (He breathes out, they breathe in.)Their subconscious sings. They had a blood transfusion with Jesus. Their words make demons scream in shopping centres.Don't you hear them coming? Herald the weirdo's! Summon the losers and the freaks. Here come the frightened and forgotten with fire in their eyes. They walk tall and trees applaud, skyscrapers bow, mountains are dwarfed by these children of another dimension. Their prayers summon the hounds of heaven and invoke the ancient dream of Eden.
And this vision will be. It will come to pass; it will come easily; it will come soon.How do I know? Because this is the longing of creation itself, the groaning of the Spirit, the very dream of God. My tomorrow is his today. My distant hope is his 3D. And my feeble, whispered, faithless prayer invokes a thunderous, resounding, bone-shaking great 'Amen!' from countless angels, from hero's of the faith, from Christ himself. And he is the original dreamer, the ultimate winner.
Guaranteed.

A Prayer of Barenness

A Prayer of Barrenness

My heart aches. I love Him, yes, but faintly.
I desire Him, yes, but weakly.
I want Him, true, but waveringly.
Even the pain that lies within
I recognize to be such faint pain,
A mere discomfort next to the heart-wrenching anguish
That grips true lovers
My knowledge is nothing. My wisdom, infancy.
I see nothing as it truly is.
Eternity what is light. This life of earth what is dark.
Stories remain stories. Not sinking deep within my soul,
And scarring me with Divine invasion
Your cross is a picture, Your Heaven a fantasy.
Tears are sweet emotions, moved by Your sacrifice.
But not the tears of sharing in Your sufferings.
I say Your name so sweetly but do not know its Face.
All I am is far. So distant, so removed.
But You beckon me come.
Yet, my Lord, I am nothing. I have nothing. I know nothing.
When I thought I had something,
It dissolved before Your beauty,
And I was left naked. Possessing nothing.
Poor for words. Empty of all. Needy and alone.
Even so, my Love, call me.
Yes, do not leave me here but beckon me come.
Though I have nothing, though I am only poor,
I cast myself on your unfailing love
Where else would I go?
Whom have I but You?
By Dana Candler

Becoming a person of One Thing

Becoming a Person of "One Thing" by Mike Bickle

Preoccupied with Intimacy

For most of us, life presents dozens of options for career and lifestyle, passions and hobbies. In our pursuit of pleasure and meaning we run here and there, trying one job or recreational activity after another, collecting experiences but never devoting ourselves to one direction. Christians do this in their spiritual lives and ministries as well, bouncing from one teaching or church to another, trying on ministries like they try on clothes. But today, the call of God to the church is to dismiss ourselves from hither-and-thither chasings and cultivate a heart of unwavering devotion. He wants us to love Him, first and foremost, with all of our hearts. He wants us to be a people of one thing.

As you gaze upon the heart of God and begin to grasp that His emotions toward you are of gladness and burning passion for intimacy, nothing in the world will suffice. What you enjoy and desire narrows down to one thing. You begin to want to pour out your life in extravagant devotion upon the feet of Jesus. When your heart is conquered by the One who is fascinating, then no other captivation will satisfy. You will refuse to dwell anywhere but in this position of waiting on Him. You'll pursue Him alone, not allowing yourself to be distracted by anything less. Your hunger will be fixed on a single Source. There will be no going back to what used to bring satisfaction. Secondary pleasures will fade away.

This way of living, while exhilarating, disturbs and provokes people who are still living for many things. They ask, "Why waste your time on that? Why this extreme devotion? What's going on here? You've got to diversify, be more well-rounded, cultivate other interests. You're putting all your eggs in one basket." They don't understand the extravagance of being single-mindedly His. They feel blamed because their lifestyle is not focused on one thing. They might conclude that the person of one thing is mentally off or caught up in religious fanaticism, or has gone too far and will eventually swing back to normal.

Asking the Right Question

But they misunderstand what's on the heart of God. The first commandment, the primary thing God is concerned with, is, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul and mind." That is precisely what the Holy Spirit is saying to the church world-wide. He is cultivating hearts that are unreserved. He is promoting the kind of single-minded devotion the world is frightened of. Many in the church will reject it, and many will embrace it, but when the transformation is complete we will no longer ask, "What is the minimum that is required of me? What can I get by with?" Rather, we'll ask, "What is the very most I can give? I want to give it all!" When you discover the pleasure of living for one thing, you become ruined for anything less.

A Costly Offering

The Bible gives compelling illustrations of extravagant devotion we can use as models for becoming people of one thing. The first picture is in 2 Samuel 23 when three of David's mighty men performed an amazing feat on behalf of their king. "Then three of the thirty chief men ...came to David at the cave of Adullum...and David said with a longing, oh, that someone would give me a drink from the water which is from the well of Bethlehem which is by the gate (2 Sam. 23:13-17)."

At this time, David had been anointed king, but he was not yet king. Jealous King Saul was chasing him from cave to cave. In fleeing this evil pursuit, David wandered in the wilderness for about seven years as three thousand or so men searched for him to kill him. About six hundred men joined David and they made their main headquarters the cave of Adullum. The Philistines were defeating the nation of Israel and had just captured David's hometown, Bethlehem. It was probably late one night, and David was likely bemoaning the fact that the Philistines were moving in and taking so much of the land. I imagine him and his men around the fire, the firelight and shadows dancing across their faces, and David saying with longing, "Oh, that someone would give me a drink of the water from the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!"

Some of the mighty warriors of David's army were at the front of the cave, no doubt guarding it from attack. Hearing David's longing, they got together and said, "Let's go get him some of that water." They knew it might cost them their lives, but they loved David with extravagance, and it thrilled their hearts to answer his request. They were a picture of the passionate loyalty we should have to Christ Jesus. They went far beyond the call of duty to answer the longing in their king's heart.

These three mighty men gathered their swords and spears and went out. Undoubtedly as they approached the Philistine front line, they saw hundreds of enemy soldiers. Perhaps they were afraid for a moment, but that fear was overcome by the anticipation of that moment when they would bring their king what he desired, and so David's mighty men broke through the Philistine camp and went all the way through the front line. I picture them working their way to the well and fighting for every inch of ground. Two of them probably fought while one scooped up the water. Once they retrieved it, they started back through the enemy line toward the cave of Adullum. I imagine them hissing to each other, "Don't spill that water, whatever you do! It's precious stuff." When they got back to the cave, they presented the water to David and proudly proclaimed, "We have the very water from the well of Bethlehem."

David's eyes probably grew wide. I can imagine the appreciation, the thirst, the amazement he was feeling. But he would not drink the water he so desired because of its preciousness. He said, "Far be it from me, oh Lord, that I should do this! Is this not the blood of the men who went in jeopardy of their lives (v. 17)?" He recognized that the water could have cost his men everything. He might have looked them square in the eye and said, "Your children could have been orphans. Your wives could have been widowed. You could have lost everything to get me this water. It's too holy for a man to drink because it represents your entire life." So David took the water and went before the Lord. The water was one of the most holy gifts that had ever been given to him, and he poured it out to the Lord and worshiped God with words that probably expressed this idea: "Father, only You are worthy of this water."

Of all the stories that could have been told of David and his men, this story became famous as one of the most extravagant acts of devotion toward the king. There were 1.3 million soldiers in David's army at the peak of his military career. From that number, God highlighted only three examples of exceptional valor and commitment to David. It's important to pay attention to them. For us, this becomes a picture of devotion to King Jesus. It's a pattern for becoming people of one thing, with hearts after God's.

Hearts of Passionate Extravagance

What made those men risk their lives for a few drinks of water? Was it boredom? Bluster? Misplaced bravery? Desire for fame? Desire for promotion? Did they want a pay raise from David, or an easier schedule, or some time off to spend with their families? I don't think so. I believe the courage of David's mighty men came from one thing: their absolute, to-the-death devotion to him. Their boldness and perseverance which spurred them to unusual feats of bravery sprang from sold-out commitment to David, representing for us the Lord Jesus. I imagine them answering to David for sneaking off to get the water. I can almost hear them say, "David, we didn't care about losing our lives. Don't you see? We lost our lives when we joined you." David was a symbol of their salvation. When these mighty men came to him, they were distressed, discontented and in debt and David became their captain. The crowd that gathered to him in the cave of Adullum was the most motley youth group in the history of Israel. David redeemed them from worthless lives. When they had nothing to live for, he gave them a vision and a cause. He trained them and made them an army and a family. He shared his heart with them, and their hearts were ennobled and encouraged. They saw the beauty of who David was, his godliness and the favor of God upon him. They became men of one thing, willing to live courageously because of their burning love for him. It illustrates exactly the kind of abandonment God wants us to give to Christ Jesus.

Beloved, the only way we will have the courage to do extravagant acts of valor is if our hearts are enraptured by our God. The Lord desires people who go beyond the minimum requirements. He searches for lives of lavish commitment. Our goal should be to stand before Him on the last day and offer ourselves to Him like these three men offered the water to David at expense of their lives. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:28 that on the last day Jesus will gather all of these sweet things called the devotion of His people and place them at His Father's feet. Then He will kneel down and offer Himself to His Father so that His Father will be all in all. In that moment we will be Jesus' gift back to His Father. We will be the sweet water He offers. This prophetic picture will be complete. He will take us like David did and pour us out to God the Father.

Jesus' Humanity

Hans Urs von Balthasar in his book, Prayer,describes this joy. "The contemplative's gaze continually returns with great attention to the humanity of Jesus. It is the inexhaustible treasure entrusted to us by the heavenly Father. In a true sense He has 'despoiled himself' (Jn. 3:16) of Him to whom He is always pointing: ipsum audite (Mt. 17:5). The Son is no floating interstellar body; He is the fruit of the earth and its history; He comes from Mary (who is the exponent of the Old Covenant and of all humanity) just as He comes from the Father. He is grace ascending just as much as grace descending; He is just as much creation's highest response to the Father as He is the Father's Word to creation. He is no God in disguise, acting 'as if', simply to give us an example. . . No. He is the apex of the world in its strivings toward God, and He cuts a path for all of us, gathering up all men's efforts into Himself, the pioneer, the spearhead. He can do this only by being 'In every respect tempted as we are, yet without sinning' (Heb. 4:15), by bearing our burdens as the scapegoat (Heb. 13:11), the Lamb brought to the slaughter, slain from the foundation of the world (Rev. 13:8). Thus, He stands at the summit of heaven and earth."

"Gone" by Gary Weins

The following is the poem "Gone":
Though dawn is distant, I wake again, to sit in Your Presence, to wonder at you.

You've ruined me, You know, for anything else. Longing for one vocation fills my soul:

To consider You, to feel You, to worship You, To find words (O, vain and futile task!) that capture what's burning in my heart.

Your gaze presses in upon me - warm, yet weighty, on the edge between tender and terrible;

And the oldest truth I know comes back again in plain yet haunting tones: You love me. I matter to You, and you are never not there.

My heart swells with yearning, quickened to what the Shulamite knew, so long ago, Your image gazing through the lattice, Your touch upon the door. Her pounding heart sets the tempo for mine as desire mounts - To be loved, purely and completely, O, wonder beyond wonder! I will follow after You, lovesick, for all my days.

You draw me upward, expanding my heart like a balloon over fire, And I am carried on Spirit-wings to regions only dreams have known 'til now. You cause all thoughts of place and power to become as nothing, Vapors with no reality, for nothing matters but to be with You.

I want nothing from You now, save this one thing: Let me live forever in a place like this - with You, just with You. Only touch my eyes. Please, Lord - I want to see.

I prayed last night for words that would declare Your Beauty, And now You answer my longing with joy that strips my tongue of speech, And renders me helpless, hopelessly in love, trembling my only choice.

This is the manner of man, is it not? To be before You, listening to Your heart, To feel Your love, to know without a doubt the oldest story is true. I sing with teary voice. I'm gone. You've taken me, O Lord. Do not put me back.

I believe You now. Such wondrous things in store! Words will come, and other ears will hear, and other hearts will be inflamed, And You will crown Your Church with Beauty, and She, With all who come and all who've gone before, Will gaze on You, and every moment fall fresh in love, and be Your Bride.
Copyright 2001 Gary Wiens

"The Weeping Room - Pathway to Strategy"

"The Weeping Room - Pathway to Strategy"
By Jennifer Miller

One day as I was in prayer the Lord began to open up my eyes to a spiritual encounter. I saw myself being taken up to heaven. Before me I saw a huge house with many rooms. I knew instantly that this was the 'Father's House'. I could feel the love of the father drawing me in, so I began to run as fast as I could to enter the house. As I entered, the Lord walked with me through many rooms, each one packed with spiritual meaning.

He quietly invited me to follow Him into the most beautiful room in the whole house - the intimacy room. It was absolutely extravagant and beautiful. Upon entering the room, I was overwhelmed with love and wanted to stay there forever. In the Spirit I could hear other people (other believers) in all the different rooms of the house. Some were studying books in the library; others were becoming intoxicated in the spiritual wine cellar. I was somewhat surprised that everyone wasn't in the intimacy room since it was the most beautiful room in the whole house.

The Weeping Room

As I was admiring this intimacy chamber, I noticed a little wooden hatch door on the floor adjacent to the bed. It seemed really odd to me, because it wasn't fancy and hardly seemed to fit with the rest of the room. I asked the Lord why it was there, and He told me that it led down to another room in the house. I asked Him why He would put this door so close to the most beautiful thing in the whole room, the bed. He responded, "I keep it here, because down there is where I spend most of my time". Instantly my curiosity was stirred so I asked what was down there. He said it was called the "Weeping Room".

Although it hardly sounded like a room I wanted to be in, there was a cry in my heart that said that if that is where the Lord spends His time, then that is where I want to go. I asked Him if I could go down there with Him, and He responded "Very few will choose to go down there, it's not extravagant like this room, it's lonely, it's not comfortable, and you have to get very low to fit through the door." I told Him that I didn't care what the conditions would be like; I just really wanted to be wherever He was.

So we opened the little hatch door and began to slowly climb down a dark staircase until we came upon the tiny room. I had to get on my knees to fit through the door because it was so small. As we entered the room it was very simple. All it consisted of was a small wooden chair. One of the walls had a small window in it. The Lord took His seat on the chair and turned His face to look out the window. Instantly I became aware of why this room was called the weeping room.

You Could Hear Every Cry

As you looked out the window - you could see and hear every single cry coming from people on the earth. You could see every single act of injustice all at the same time. Every starving child crying out to God, every woman being raped, every moan of the rejected ... you could hear every prayer, every cry all at the same time. The Lord sat in His chair and watched and heard it all.

At once I was overwhelmed with intercession and began to weep. I wept for hours. I wept for those who were hurting, but even more - I was undone by this beautiful King who would choose to spend His time in this place; This King who paid such attention to every cry and who was so full of compassion. As I sat and wept with the Lord, I began to 'feel' His heart-and all my selfish ambition began to fade away

While we were in that place I noticed that there was another door in the weeping room. I asked the Lord what was behind that door and He told me that was where the 'Strategy Room' was. As He said those words, instantly in my spirit I knew in that room divine strategy for end-time revival was available. Although the door was still closed, I recognized that Wisdom and Revelation where in there.

Divine Strategy Room

Heavenly blueprints were laid out to see the fulfillment of His kingdom coming to earth from that room. It was like the hidden room that everybody searches for. Everyone longs to have divine strategy. I immediately asked if I could go in there and the Lord soberly told me that I didn't 'fit through the door'. I instantly understood that I had to spend time in the weeping room. As I began to really apprehend the heart of God for the poor and the broken, then issues of my soulish nature would be stripped away until I would become small enough to fit through the door.

At that moment everything became clear. This was the only way to access divine strategy. From the place of intimacy God invites us in to a deeper level - He beckons us into the weeping room-a place where we choose to see what He sees and feel what He feels. And as we spend time getting the heart of God, things of our flesh begin to be stripped away until we are small enough to fit through the door that leads to the strategy room.

I had this encounter over two years ago but I believe that God is now moving many in the church from the place of intimacy into weeping. This will lead them into the strategy room. In actuality, you never have to leave the intimacy room; you just discover the deeper levels. Many have already surrendered themselves to the weeping room and extravagantly pursued the heart of God for the broken- they are now being invited into the strategy room.

Invitation to Divine Strategy

I had another encounter a little over a year ago in which I heard a loud voice say, "It's Time!" and in the Spirit I saw the strategy room door swing open. God is inviting us into divine strategy that will release a global harvest of souls, and establish the revelation of His kingdom on earth through overcoming saints.

I believe that as we enter the "strategy room," we will be compelled and moved by what we have seen and felt in the weeping room. I have a sense that some have gone before us into the strategy room. Unfortunately, most quickly forgot what the strategy was for and used it to build their own kingdom. (Haggai 1:3-7) God is in the process of raising up a whole company of believers who are repulsed at the idea of building their own kingdom. This company will have their hearts truly branded with passion and compassion. These are the ones that God is looking to release into the strategy room. "It's Time!"

Notorious Sinners- Mike Yaconneli

..............
I was reading this afternoon and ran across this passage. I thought "Thank You Father. You planted me sweetly within the midst of "Notorious Sinners."
.............
You might say Christianity has a tradition of messy spirituality. Messy
prophets, messy kings, messy disciples, messy apostles. From God’s people
getting in one mess after another in the Old Testament to most of the New
Te s t a me n t ’s being written to straighten out messes in the church, the Bible presents
a glorious story of a very messy faith. Sounds like you and I are in good company.
..............
A few years ago, I was introduced to a group of uncouth Christians who call
themselves “the Notorious Sinners.” These are men from all walks of life
who meet once a year to openly share their messy spirituality with each other.
The title Notorious Sinners refers to the scandalous category of forgiven sinners
whose reputations and ongoing flaws didn’t seem to keep Jesus away. In fact,
Jesus had a habit of collecting disreputables; he called them disciples. He still
does. I like people who openly admit their notoriousness—people who
unabashedly confess they are hopelessly flawed and hopelessly forgiven.
Graciously, these men invited me to be a part of their group.
The Notorious Sinners meet yearly at spiritual-retreat centers, where from
the moment we arrive, we find ourselves in trouble with the centers’ leadership.
We don’ t act like most contemplatives who come to spiritual-retreat centers—
reserved, quiet, silently seeking the voice of God. We’re a different kind of contemplative—
earthy, boisterous, noisy, and rowdy, tromping around our souls,
seeking God, hanging out with a rambunctious Jesus who is looking for a good
time in our hearts. A number of us smoke cigars, about half are recovering alcoholics,
and a couple of the men could embarrass a sailor with their language. Two o f t h e Notorious Sinners show up on their Harleys, complete with leather pants and leather jackets.
I admit I run with a rough crowd—Christians whose discipleship is blatantly real and carelessly passionate, characterized by a brazen godliness.Unafraid to admit their flaws, unintimidated by Christians who deny their own messiness, these guys sometimes look like pagans and other times look like Jesus. They are spiritual troublemakers, really, which is why they look like Jesus (who
was always causing trouble himself ). They are full of mischief, laughter, and
boisterous behavior, which is why they look like pagans. Truly messy disciples.
The Notorious Sinners are definitely a bizarre mix of the good, the bad, and the
ugly, living a spirituality which defies simple definitions. Oh, and they are some of the most spiritual men I know.

In The Problem of Pain, C.S. Lewis 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." Through the pain in our lives, we learn to rest in God and nothing else

Mike Yaconelli

I was reading an interview with a man named Mike Yaconelli this afternoon and was O.J.'d by God (ask Danny what that means). I wanted to share a portion with you and say " I'm sorry for being too busy. You'll see what I mean and I love you. t

" . . . I’m one of these guys that when I read a book by somebody that really impresses me I call them up and ask them if I can come see them. Most of them tell me no. Nouwen said sure, come on. He pastored a group of 140 mentally challenged people. (He's refferring to Henri Nouwen.)

Q. Yeah.
A. So I went and spent a week with him. At the end of the week I discovered a word I had never know in all of my years as being a Christian, and that was the word “intimacy.” I had no clue that you could be intimate with God. And the person that taught me the real meaning of intimacy was not Henri Nouwen, this great teacher at Harvard and Yale and Notre Dame and all that. It was a little guy by the name of John Bloss, who was 40 years old, who had a hundred word vocabulary. And after a small group meeting where I had said I was too busy—because, you know, busy-ness is the biggest sin in America. It’s not pornography, it’s not abortion. It’s busy-ness. And I was wiped out and burned out and I told everybody that. And after it was over John comes up to me--and when you’re mentally challenged you have no sense of space. He’s right in my face and he goes, "Busy". And I go, "Well, yeah, John. Yeah, I am." I’m being very patronizing. I don’t expect anything from John, you know. He’s got a hundred word vocabulary. What can he teach me? And-and he goes, "Too busy." And I said "Well, John, you’re absolutely right. I am too busy." Again, I’m being very patronizing. And he got right up next to my face and he went, "Why?" And I started crying.

Q. Hm.
A. Because for the first time in my life I realized why. John was the only guy who could ask me that question. He wasn’t afraid to ask me the one question I couldn’t ask. And the reason I was busy is because I believed if I kept busy then God would love me. And it was at that point that the grace of God became so real to me and I began to realize that this isn’t about me following Jesus. You know, I mention in my book that I always have this dream that I’m going to be with a bunch of people following Jesus and he’s going to turn around and he’s-he’s going to look straight at me and he’s going to wave his hand to come up to him. And I’m going to start walking toward him and he goes, no, no, no, not you. The guy behind you. I’ve always had this sense that, you know, I just don’t make it. I don’t—

Q. Yeah.
A. --measure up. And-and John Bloss taught me that the grace of God is what
this is all about. And it’s extravagant. It’s wild, it’s dangerous, it’s unpredictable, it’s—you can’t put it in a category and that began this kind of wild ride with God.

Graham Cooke- Thoughts on Healing

Graham's Statement:
We all know how able the Father is to heal instantly. There are times for many of us when we are healed by power, and at other times through relationship with the Father. At times the Lord is developing our capacity to walk in power and authority. On these occasions, when under the guidance of His will, we pray the prayers of authority and faith and we see immediate results. At these times, too, our prayers are accompanied by a specific gift of faith, healing or miracles and we can be amazed at how heaven comes to earth in those moments. Still, there are other times when we enter a process of healing that seems to be in line with God's desire to redevelop our relationship with Him.

We are not ill because our relationship with God lacks depth. God Himself is not mean to us to deny healing for the sake of relationship building. Rather, it is that the Father simply uses what is available to touch and deepen us in difficult moments.

In certain situations, our ailments may be purely physical and require healing; other circumstances require us coming into wholeness because our human circumstances may be more complex.

In all our situations, the love of the Father is profound enough to upgrade our image of Him, that we may know His Nature and Lordship in a more realistic manner.

Healing through relationship is more of a process because the Lord is developing our patience, endurance and steadfast trust. It is the Keeping Power of God that increases our faith and brings us to a new level of perception and relationship. He nurtures us as we pray in faith and learn to abide in the shadow of His wings. He does not always deliver us from the valley, but He does always walk with us through it.

We learn to trust the Father as we actively listen to the One who ever lives to make intercession for us (Heb.7:25), whilst learning to walk with the Comforter. It is so vital that we allow the Holy Spirit to develop this particular role in our lives. We can be weak and find God's strength through comfort as well as joy.

In the valley, in the process of restoration, renewal and finding health, we learn how best to fight. In this instance, the weapons of our warfare are thanksgiving, praise, trust and patience. Sometimes we inherit the promises of God immediately and at other times through faith coupled with patience.

If God does not speak initially, He always will eventually, as we learn how to wait on Him. If His power is not demonstrated immediately, His Sovereignty always comes through progressively.

Sometimes we get an elevator to the next level, sometimes we take the stairs. Power or process is designed by God's will.

If it is process, then we must choose to wait gladly on the Lord and remain attentive to His voice and bound to His loving nature.

Words of knowledge may come through others about our circumstances. Sometimes these words are accompanied by another gift of faith, healing or miracles and we are set free. If not, they are God's encouragement for us to continue praying and believing in the process of life.

These words of knowledge may carry the certainty of God's ultimate will, giving us confidence (1 John 4:14,15). We can craft them into a prayer to confess/declare daily knowing we are praying God's will and therefore the answer to our dilemma.

Freed from the tyranny of our current condition, we are now released in heart and mind to pursue the other purposes of God in our circumstances. What else does He want to do apart from our ultimate healing? Is our healing a part of our wider restoration and renewal? Is the Lord taking us into a deeper place of abiding love and intimacy? He knows the plans He has for us, in every situation, to give us a future and a hope!

What is He planning in that beautiful heart that loves us so amazingly? What grace will come our way, what wisdom and insight may open the eyes of our heart?

This is the path and the process of enlightenment which enables us to fully know God and be known (Eph.1:15-23). We use what we are exploring and discovering to write our crafted prayers of certainty and to formulate our own psalms of thanksgiving. David's journals (we now know as the Psalms) were what enabled him to become a man after God's own heart through all the crises of his life.

What is it specifically that God wants to be for us now, that He could not be for us at any other time?

Do not ask why things are happening. The 'why' question is never answered on earth. It is the wrong question. Rather ask, "What does this mean?" and "What must I do?". God is faithful and kind. His love endures for ever. He is good. So, what is He doing?

We seldom hear God in a vacuum. Learn to engage with God's heart through praise. Better to write your praise out on paper than rely on spontaneous utterance.

How do you praise when you don't feel like it? If you write out your psalm of thanks, you don't need emotion to speak it out. Whereas you do if you rely solely on your heart. Be wise, therefore, and learn the ways of the Spirit. Follow David's journal approach to spirituality and you will always have insight, power or attachment to the heart of God.

Keep smiling, there is more going on in favour of your life than you realise."

Graham Cooke

January 12 Notes by Jonathan Edwards

Saturday, Jan. 12. In the morning. I have this day, solemnly renewed my baptismal covenant and self-dedication, which I renewed, when I was taken into the communion of the church. I have been before God, and have given myself, all that I am and have, to God; so that I am not, in any respect, my own. I can challenge no right in this understanding, this will, these affections, which are in me. Neither have I any right to this body, or any of its members — no right to this tongue, these hands, these feet; no right to these senses, these eyes, these ears, this smell, or this taste. I have given myself clear away, and have not retained any thing, as my own. I gave myself to God, in my baptism, and I have been this morning to him, and told him, that I gave myself wholly to him. I have given every power to him; so that for the future, I’ll challenge no right in myself, in no respect whatever. I have expressly promised him, and I do now promise Almighty God, that by his grace, I will not. I have this morning told him, that I did take him for my whole portion and felicity, looking on nothing else, as any part of my happiness, nor acting as if it were; and his Law, for the constant rule of my obedience; and would fight, with all my might, against the world, the flesh and the devil, to the end of my life; and that I did believe in Jesus Christ, and did receive him as a Prince and Savior; and that I would adhere to the faith and obedience of the Gospel, however hazardous and difficult, the confession and practice of it may be; and that I did receive the blessed Spirit, as my Teacher, Sanctifier, and only Comforter, and cherish all his motions to enlighten, purify, confirm, comfort and assist me. This, I have done; and I pray God, for the sake of Christ, to look upon it as a self-dedication, and to receive me now, as entirely his own, and to deal with me, in all respects, as such, whether he afflicts me, or prospers me, or whatever he pleases to do with me, who am his. Now, henceforth, I am not to act, in any respect, as my own. — I shall act as my own, if I ever make use of any of my powers to any thing that is not to the glory of God, and do not make the glorifying of him, my whole and entire business: — if I murmur in the least at affliction; if I grieve at the prosperity of others; if I am in any way uncharitable; if I am angry because of injuries; if I revenge them; if I do any thing purely to please myself, or if I avoid any thing for the sake of my own ease; if I omit any thing, because it is great self-denial; if I trust to myself; if I take any of the praise of any good that I do, or that God doth by me; or if I am in any way proud. This day, made the 42d and 43d Resolutions: — Whether or no, any other end ought to have any influence at all, on any of my actions; or whether any action ought to be any otherwise, in any respect, than it would be, if nothing else but religion had the least influence on my mind. Wherefore, I make the 44th Resolution.

Query: Whether any delight, or satisfaction, ought to be allowed, because any other end is obtained beside a religious one. In the afternoon, I answer, Yes; because if we should never suffer ourselves to rejoice, but because we have obtained a religious end, we should never rejoice at the sight of friends, we should not allow ourselves any pleasure in our food, whereby the animal spirits would be withdrawn, and good digestion hindered. But the query is to be answered thus: — We never ought to allow any joy or sorrow, but what helps religion. Wherefore, I make the 45th Resolution.

The reason why I so soon grow lifeless, and unfit for the business I am about, I have found out, is only because I have been used to suffer myself to leave off, for the sake of ease, and so, I have acquired a habit of expecting case; and therefore, when I think I have exercised myself a great while, I cannot keep myself to it any longer, because I expect to be released, as my due and right. And then, I am deceived, as if I were really tired and weary. Whereas, if I did not expect ease, and was resolved to occupy myself by business, as much as I could; I should continue with the same vigor at my business, without vacation time to rest. Thus, I have found it in reading the Scriptures; and thus, I have found it in prayer; and thus, I believe it to be in getting sermons by heart, and in other things.

At night. This week, the weekly account rose higher than ordinary. It is suggested to me, that too constant a mortification, and too vigorous application to religion, may be prejudicial to health; but nevertheless, I will plainly feel it and experience it, before I cease, on this account. It is no matter how much tired and weary I am, if my health is not impaired.

Gary Weins on Psalm 45:1

Psalm 45:1 is rippling through my mind this morning, as I consider the noble and worthy theme of the beauty of the Son of God. I so love the approach that St. Augustine took to this Psalm, pointing out that the Father of Glory is the first one to sing that hymn of praise to the Glorious Word, His Son Jesus who is the constant theme of the Father's heart. Then, Augustine points out that the secondary compositions that God sings to the Son are primarily His people, chosen by the Father in the Son before the worlds began, and presented to Him on the day of the gladness of His heart! We are the Father's song to His Son, perfectly composed and beautifully sung as a gift to Jesus. I love it!

To the Church in Port Jefferson

To the Church in Port Jefferson -Grace and Peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ who is the beloved of God and men, the source of all life, the greatest of all joys and the fullness of all happiness now and forever.

May you fulfill every aspect of your eternal calling as an open door, a city of refuge and an oasis for the bride of Christ, which is the church, the sheep of the Great Shepherd from whom all folds and nations draw their breath. See to it that you guard and cherish this honor and great responsibility - neglecting not the call to pray for her and for those who are yet being extended the invitation to enter The Door. Remember that it is the Father’s heart to gather them all and His desire is that not one should perish. Though they may be babes in Christ, they are a queen in the Kingdom - predestined to reach the fullness of glory and maturity. Be gentle yet firm with those the Lord gives to your care lest they stumble over stones of unrighteousness. May wisdom, love and compassion crown you all the days of your life. What you have received freely, give freely.

Many will come to eat at the Lord’s Table with you who are battered, bruised and broken with the wounds of Mephibosheth. Have mercy on them as your father David did. Their pleasure and your reward will be great as you bring them before the Kindness of God, the Great Dispeller of Shame, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Truly, I give thanks for you and never cease to be amazed at your lovingkindness, generosity and respect for simplicity. The Holy Spirit delights to hover over you and draw you into the Heart of the King. The Angels rejoice with you in your love for the Glorious One. Your spirit of gentleness invites the alien, the outcast, the fatherless and the widow to rest. Continue to enjoy the fullness of who they are - a gift in truth. Those very seeds of love and affection that you lavish upon them will be multiplied to you a hundred fold in return. Do not fear nor fret over the source of provision for the work you have been invited into – including a tent of meeting. “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord.”

Your concern for fellowship reflects the call upon you to enter into relevant and impacting relationships with the beloved. You have your Father’s heart. Remember, you are the guardian of another Man’s Bride. Treat her with care. Bind up her wounds from prior violations. Relieve her from the yoke of injustice. Wash her with the word, cleansing her from her sins that she may be presented pure and spotless before the Tender, Righteous King. Continue to be genuine - allowing those whom the Father calls to come without fear of prejudice, unacceptable attire or any other false and religious yoke that would otherwise harm them. I rightly perceive that Our Lord trusts you with this charge and His friendship Is offered freely. May your joy be that of the bridegroom’s friend who exults at the joyful noise of the Bridegroom receiving His costly inheritance in blessed and fruitful union.

You are a family of friends, a friend to families and beloved children of the Father, the Great and Mighty Lord over Creation and Captain of the Hosts, the Awesome and Exalted King of kings who reigns forever and ever. Amen. Be blessed, be joyful, have great fun, laugh profusely and dance in freedom. May your worship rise abundantly as a sweet aroma before the Beautiful One. Mourn for the lost and the lonely. Sing a dirge for the broken and fatherless that will not turn to their Father in heaven. Cry out to the Lord day and night for justice in the land. Give Him no rest. Receive the Lord’s sustenance as you enter in to the labor of both the plowman and the reaper. Spontaneity and adventure is your best friend as you risk all to offer the life of the Man Christ Jesus to those near and abroad.

The Holy One of Israel knows your birth pain and the force of your labor. However, there is profound grace extended to you to honor your mother church and those who have labored for your salvation and security. The reward shall be a fruitful womb for those whom He will freely birth through you. May you bring forth many children and may they call you blessed. Remember that seeds must fall to the ground and die before they bring forth the abundant life they were destined to bear. Be not afraid of the winds of change, for the Lord your God is Lord over all. Like Mary, you’ll know the pain of carrying the Holy Seed – the Word of God- to fruition under the auspices of shame and ridicule, but the treasure is greater than all the earth or even creation itself. Your portion is the Beloved One Himself.

Transparency in the midst of adversity is one of your greatest gifts. It pleases the Lord greatly when those whom he has called into leadership remain humble, honest, obedient and open before the Lord and before their own. May you joyfully embrace the heart of a servant – like the eunuch serving Esther, revealing the delights of the King to his future Queen. May you produce a rich harvest of servant-leaders in the likeness of our Humble King, The Lord Jesus Christ who disrobed and tied upon Himself the garments of meekness in order to tend to the feet of His disciples. Be honored that the Lord knows you and has invited you to participate in the fellowship of His sufferings as well as the power of His Resurrection.

In awe and confident faith, behold the unfolding of His awesome end- time plans- the great display of the Almighty One, The Fiery Zealous Lover, merciful in justice and glorious in strength. It is a fearsome honor to which you have been invited to participate in. Though the sword may pierce your heart, the flow will provide powerful nourishment for the vineyard He has planted you in. May the Great Vinedresser drink deeply of the sweet, rich fruit of His labors.

Teach your young parents to cherish and honor the blessing of parenthood; valuing the gift of children as newly birthed worshippers of the Lord of Heaven and Earth. I ask the Holy One to endow you with wisdom and lovingkindness as you parent the fatherless. May you lavish them with love as the Heavenly Father has lavished His love upon you. May you lavish them with delightful laughter as you have been endowed with the laughing heart of the Father who enjoys His children fully and deeply. Teach your young to honor their fathers and mothers that they may have long life in the land so that the curse of Malachi 4 may be broken and they may become a blessing; turning the nation and this present generation back to their Father God.

May you swim playfully in and drink deeply from the river of life where the streams of denominations past converge, running speedily toward the open ocean of God’s Love. In the Holiness of unity, share the love of God with the many houses of worship that are consecrated as families in God. Let your gifts mingle with theirs, and they in turn shall also pour into you honor and friendship. Although you will and already do know the bitter taste of abandonment, judgment and betrayal, the sweet wine of communion with the Bridegroom and His Bride will be an antidote for your souls and the tool He uses to uproot any residual bitterness so others will not be defiled and you will be richly blessed. Love and commitment toward the “one new man” is costly, yet it is also a delight to the Lord. Behold, He is the Balm of Gilead.

May the Sun of Righteousness rise upon you with healing in its wings. May the gifts of healing flow abundantly through you to all those whom the Father is working with even now. May you have an open heaven and an open door into the bedchamber of the King. May you be endowed and imbued with power to preach the gospel. May you be anointed with the keys of authority to unlock hardened hearts to receive the Father’s great Love and loose them from the chains of oppression. May He give you strong arms of love that extend forgiveness to those who are shackled by sin and skillfully lead them from their prisons. Tenderly remove the scales that cover their sight that they may behold the beauty of the Lord.

May the first commandment always be first in your hearts and minds. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and strength. To the generation that proceeds from you, impart the principles and priorities that you hold so dear: Love God with all that you are and Love one another truly, deeply and unreservedly. Love the word as a lamp unto your feet; neglect not your gifts of intimacy, worship, prophecy – which is the testimony of Jesus, intercession and compassion. Break them as bread for the masses. What you give away joyfully and generously, God will certainly multiply - lavishing His goodness and mercy upon you. Forget not the lonely and abandoned. Be a home for the homeless, a shelter for the outcast and a welcome mat to a jaded generation – so that the lost may fearlessly enter in.

May you rest in the tender affection of your Father - fully loved, fully pleasing –unable and unwilling to strive- moving fearlessly to the rhythms of the Lord of the Dance- knowing that it is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom. May Isaiah 58 breathe through you always. And finally, may you be an alabaster vial of worship extravagantly lavished upon the feet of the King in adoration and thanksgiving.

Isaiah 58 – from “The Message” - 6 "This is the kind of fast day I'm after: to break the chains of injustice, get rid of exploitation in the workplace, free the oppressed, cancel debts. 7 What I'm interested in seeing you do is: sharing your food with the hungry, inviting the homeless poor into your homes, putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad, being available to your own families.
8 Do this and the lights will turn on, and your lives will turn around at once. Your righteousness will pave your way. The God of glory will secure your passage. 9 Then when you pray, God will answer. You'll call out for help and I'll say, 'Here I am.' A Full Life in the Emptiest of Places "If you get rid of unfair practices, quit blaming victims, quit gossiping about other people's sins, 10 If you are generous with the hungry and start giving yourselves to the down-and-out, Your lives will begin to glow in the darkness, your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight. 11 I will always show you where to go. I'll give you a full life in the emptiest of places - firm muscles, strong bones. You'll be like a well-watered garden, a gurgling spring that never runs dry. 12 You'll use the old rubble of past lives to build anew, rebuild the foundations from out of your past. You'll be known as those who can fix anything, restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate, make the community livable again.
13 "If you watch your step on the Sabbath and don't use my holy day for personal advantage, If you treat the Sabbath as a day of joy, God's holy day as a celebration, If you honor it by refusing 'business as usual,' making money, running here and there - 14 Then you'll be free to enjoy God! Oh, I'll make you ride high and soar above it all. I'll make you feast on the inheritance of your ancestor Jacob." Yes! God says so!

The Covenant of The Call DC

The Covenant of The Call DC
September 2, 2000


Our Gracious Father and God of all, we thank you for bringing us as
united generations to Washington, DC to seek Your face and repent of
the sins of our respective generations and our nation through the
precious blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

We stand today with hearts united in faith that the Holy Spirit will
send forth heaven-birthed repentance and a mighty empowering to keep
the following covenants we renew in Your presence this day.

WE COVENANT to love You with all of our hearts, soul, mind and
strength forsaking materialism, sexual immorality, entertainment,
religiosity and all other idols that would detract from an extravagant
affection for you. In humility and led by Your Holy Spirit we will
keep communion with You and others in love, worship, prayer and the
Holy Scriptures.

WE COVENANT as fathers and mothers to wage a spiritual war in prayer
and fasting against a culture of death and violence in our nation that
has decimated the ranks of our children. We turn our hearts to all
children, born or unborn, in America, seeking to mentor them in a love
for God and into their God ordained destinies.

WE COVENANT as a new generation to turn our hearts in love, respect
and submission to our parents, teachers, pastors and national leaders
and all others in a position of God-given authority. We forgive all
those who were in such positions of responsibility when the enemy of
our souls released a culture of death on our generation through the
ravages of sexual immorality, abortion, drugs, divorce, and rejection.
We commit, however, to obey God rather than man, when laws of man
contradict the laws of God.

WE COVENANT to seek unity in the Body of Christ in our nation by
rejecting pride, insensitivity and prejudice and we pledge to sow
forgiveness, understanding and reconciliation.

WE COVENANT to promote a spiritual revolution in America by radical
pursuit of these covenants and the duties of citizenship not only
voting but praying for elected officials. We will pray for the peace
of Jerusalem and work for an America that blesses Israel in accordance
with the Word of God.

WE PLEDGE to boldly stand and act on the absolute truths revealed in
Your word but reject a religious, critical and judgmental spirit. For
Your mercy triumphs over judgment.

WE COVENANT to invade every arena of our culture with Kingdom love and
authority instead of abdicating our responsibility.

WE COVENANT to reclaim the historic call on this nation to send her
sons and daughters to the people groups of the earth, fulfilling the
Great Commission.

WE COVENANT to fast and pray for a great spiritual awakening in
America and the nations of the earth.

Together we pray that prayer removed from our public schools in 1962:
Almighty God we acknowledge our dependence on You and we beg Your
mercy on us, our parents, our teachers and our nation.


York Assembly of God . P.O. Box 1846 . 7826 Route 17 . Yorktown, Virginia 23692 . 757-898-8509 © 2000