Do we have enough revelation of God here and now to draw us to the place of worship and prayer day after day? Its available. The seraphim could not be moved from their viewing of God by any known force, they were so taken and riveted by their encounter with God Most High. There has to be a ministry of intercession to keep men alive so they can enjoy and explore the Holy. If it wasn't for the blood of Christ then men could not dwell with the Spirit of God inside them... we can be filled with God in the inner man because Jesus ever lives to make intercession for us.
If the priest going in to the Holy of Holies did not get the cloud of incense thick enough he would die. (Incense represents intercession) The further reality, then, of Christ's appearing is overpowering. With the seventh bowl is poured out upon the earth (Rev. 16), every island is removed and mountain is levelled and leaving Jerusalem on the highest mountain. Who will create the incense? Who will give Him the honor due His name?
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Allen Hood, Saturday night
My battery is running out again... but here are my notes of Allen Hood here at IHOP-Atlanta:
Isaiah 6 - the commissioning of the prophet Isaiah. He sees the Lord high and lifted up. The context was one of a precarious time, even as we are now. (The whole world lies under the sway of the evil one.) In the day of Uzziah, there were powerful enemies rising up, yet Judah imagined they were safe. Uzziah's heart was lifted up in pride, thinking he was powerful. He goes to offer the sacrifice himself to bolster his delusions of granduer (in contrast to David desire to be a person of one thing - psa. 27:4). Uzziah is struck with leprosy and he spends years in seclusion. Similar to Nebuchadnezzar's becoming insane for seven seasons. He ultimately writes a chapter in the OT, the only gentile to do so. The fear of the Lord comes to confront our illegitmate trust in other things; responding to it allows the Lord to ultimately trust us with greater weight.
We are now in a Uzziah moment. How will the people of God respond? Mary was honored for her devotion to Christ because she worshipped Him before it was popular. After Pentecost, much more money was given to the ministry of the apostles. But she poured her means of security out before it looked wise. And Jesus said she will have a memorial, her story will always be told whereever the gospel is spread.
God gave an antidote for the problems at hand in Isaiah's generation: revelation of God. We must have it, the Church is at a crossroads now as well. Isaiah sees the throne and the train of His robe, yet He had no language to describe God. A vison of He who is transcendent is our greatest need. The seraphims' ministry is one of reverance. (cf. Ananias and Sapphira's deaths evoked reverence in the book of Acts) Even in this multitudes were added to them daily.
Isaiah 6 - the commissioning of the prophet Isaiah. He sees the Lord high and lifted up. The context was one of a precarious time, even as we are now. (The whole world lies under the sway of the evil one.) In the day of Uzziah, there were powerful enemies rising up, yet Judah imagined they were safe. Uzziah's heart was lifted up in pride, thinking he was powerful. He goes to offer the sacrifice himself to bolster his delusions of granduer (in contrast to David desire to be a person of one thing - psa. 27:4). Uzziah is struck with leprosy and he spends years in seclusion. Similar to Nebuchadnezzar's becoming insane for seven seasons. He ultimately writes a chapter in the OT, the only gentile to do so. The fear of the Lord comes to confront our illegitmate trust in other things; responding to it allows the Lord to ultimately trust us with greater weight.
We are now in a Uzziah moment. How will the people of God respond? Mary was honored for her devotion to Christ because she worshipped Him before it was popular. After Pentecost, much more money was given to the ministry of the apostles. But she poured her means of security out before it looked wise. And Jesus said she will have a memorial, her story will always be told whereever the gospel is spread.
God gave an antidote for the problems at hand in Isaiah's generation: revelation of God. We must have it, the Church is at a crossroads now as well. Isaiah sees the throne and the train of His robe, yet He had no language to describe God. A vison of He who is transcendent is our greatest need. The seraphims' ministry is one of reverance. (cf. Ananias and Sapphira's deaths evoked reverence in the book of Acts) Even in this multitudes were added to them daily.
Sliker part 3
What can I build on my home field when a young man struggling with sin comes in my community wanting to pray. Some things are necessary:
1) A team that is of one mind, in one accord. Not in externals but in the value system according to Jesus' order. We must becomes students of what God cares about, find others who share these things and move forward. We can honor other callings and spiritual cultures... the "team" is much bigger. Even while being unapologetic while calling others to this calling. Don't accomodate other mandates/cultures as it will detract from the community God is building around you. And don't allow other vision to come into a governmental position in your community. The Anna calling is real, these values embodied by leaders translate into the lifestyles of those following them. The mandate of God must supercede the weaknesses in leadership, choosing to do less externally to get more done before the Lord.
2) Some things have to go/be traded to keep priorities. I'm a father/husband/intercessor first. There is wisdom in shutting your eyes and opening your hand. Spiritual standards of spiritual leaders is imparted and multiplied: the negative parts to an even greater degree. The positive things to a lesser degree. Fasting being done at a 4 level will be emulated at a level of 1; gossip and talk at a level of 3 will be replicated at a level of 6, for example. Leadership must embody the values of prayer practically, theologically, and authentically. The primary association of the leader in the house of prayer must be that of an intercessor.
Every idea being embraced/accepted by the leader must compliment the accomplishment of prayer. Otherwise nicely, graciously cut it off. Create an open and safe context for questions, but let the vision be singular. To pray and fast well. Let's champion it for each other so that we do it well, but not out of the fear of man.
1) A team that is of one mind, in one accord. Not in externals but in the value system according to Jesus' order. We must becomes students of what God cares about, find others who share these things and move forward. We can honor other callings and spiritual cultures... the "team" is much bigger. Even while being unapologetic while calling others to this calling. Don't accomodate other mandates/cultures as it will detract from the community God is building around you. And don't allow other vision to come into a governmental position in your community. The Anna calling is real, these values embodied by leaders translate into the lifestyles of those following them. The mandate of God must supercede the weaknesses in leadership, choosing to do less externally to get more done before the Lord.
2) Some things have to go/be traded to keep priorities. I'm a father/husband/intercessor first. There is wisdom in shutting your eyes and opening your hand. Spiritual standards of spiritual leaders is imparted and multiplied: the negative parts to an even greater degree. The positive things to a lesser degree. Fasting being done at a 4 level will be emulated at a level of 1; gossip and talk at a level of 3 will be replicated at a level of 6, for example. Leadership must embody the values of prayer practically, theologically, and authentically. The primary association of the leader in the house of prayer must be that of an intercessor.
Every idea being embraced/accepted by the leader must compliment the accomplishment of prayer. Otherwise nicely, graciously cut it off. Create an open and safe context for questions, but let the vision be singular. To pray and fast well. Let's champion it for each other so that we do it well, but not out of the fear of man.
Sliker part 2
The first act of Jesus upon His return is to establish a governmental night and day worship center in Jerusalem. If this is His priority, understand the privilege of what God is calling us in the prayer movement to enter into. The challenge to us He expressed in Luke 18:1 -
"Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart"
When we sign up to participate in night and day prayer we sign up to an internal war. 1 John 2:16 -
"For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world." The delusion of self-sufficiency and self-reliance that flows from an independent spirit and the "pride of life". The lust of the eyes (immorality and covetousness) and the lust of the flesh (bitterness, anger, desire for honor and comfort, etc.) all combine to wage war on the devotional life of the believer. There is war on the inside.
Anything given to God extravagantly without any kind of easily measured return will be subject to much questioning, examination and frustration due to the measure in which it serves as a clear point of provocation for the ones who witness extravagant devotion. (Matt. 26:8; Mark 14:4-5 ... "they criticized her sharply"). Mary's sacrifice was offensive to others: either it was a total waste or it was a standard being demonstrated in radical extravagance. It is more costly than the immediate expense: it costs you your reputation, you will be stood against.
This weakness and unbelief targeting the intercessor can manifest itself through prayerlessness and a loss of heart in discouragement. It is sermon on the mount values, hearts settled on contending for peace and true intimacy with God not defined by title or position. Finding contentment being part of the bride before the soon coming bridegroom. Vision, when apprehended, leads to godly self-government. No nation can govern itself (well outside of Christ's kingdom) : in Daniel 7 the kingdom is given to the saints! We need the target of godly vision, a people governed by love: the grace and the power of the Holy Spirit.
"Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart"
When we sign up to participate in night and day prayer we sign up to an internal war. 1 John 2:16 -
"For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world." The delusion of self-sufficiency and self-reliance that flows from an independent spirit and the "pride of life". The lust of the eyes (immorality and covetousness) and the lust of the flesh (bitterness, anger, desire for honor and comfort, etc.) all combine to wage war on the devotional life of the believer. There is war on the inside.
Anything given to God extravagantly without any kind of easily measured return will be subject to much questioning, examination and frustration due to the measure in which it serves as a clear point of provocation for the ones who witness extravagant devotion. (Matt. 26:8; Mark 14:4-5 ... "they criticized her sharply"). Mary's sacrifice was offensive to others: either it was a total waste or it was a standard being demonstrated in radical extravagance. It is more costly than the immediate expense: it costs you your reputation, you will be stood against.
This weakness and unbelief targeting the intercessor can manifest itself through prayerlessness and a loss of heart in discouragement. It is sermon on the mount values, hearts settled on contending for peace and true intimacy with God not defined by title or position. Finding contentment being part of the bride before the soon coming bridegroom. Vision, when apprehended, leads to godly self-government. No nation can govern itself (well outside of Christ's kingdom) : in Daniel 7 the kingdom is given to the saints! We need the target of godly vision, a people governed by love: the grace and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Notes from David Sliker's early session
David Sliker, IHOP-Atl
1/26/08
We have to be aware of the difficulties of our task as prayer leaders. Zech 3/4 shows the obstacles: internal and external... they are before every intercessor. They war against: the buiding of vibrant prayer communities where people can freely come and give themselves to prayer.
The difficulties include this reality: men don't want to give themselves to prayer. Applying this to our own lives, we find it easy to disconnect outselves from the need for prayer. We are easily given to quantifiable results, even "in the kingdom", and we give ourselves to building rather than praying. We direct people to work/produce even ahead of prayer in the prayer movement.
Jesus in Matthew 6:10 - praying for God's kingdom to come. We have seen it as a nebulous "spiritual' thing rather than heaven coming to earth. We've lowered the high standards Jesus has mandated for the church, and these are the things which awaken prayer in the church: e.g. discipling nations to observe "all things"... establishing divine order in every strata in a society. Teaching them to "stay saved".
But we've redefinied the kingdom to measurable results, we gain satisfaction by the realization of what these goal have become. Then we cease to pray. David in Psa. 119:96a stated:
"I have seen the consummation of all perfection"
He saw a fullness of what God desires to express on the earth. Not revival. Beyond the second coming of Christ. Only when God's will is done on earth as it is in heaven. The prayer meeting continues until. This is Jesus' desire: God's will on the earth. This is not the goals presently pervasive in the church. (Personal note: not being a Democrat, a Republican, but being monarchists)
David reconstituted the division that had occurred in Israel, the governmental center apart from the worship center. Thus, continual worship was emphasized on the earth... which is happening in heaven, (cf. Rev 4/5).
More this morning if my laptop battery holds out...
1/26/08
We have to be aware of the difficulties of our task as prayer leaders. Zech 3/4 shows the obstacles: internal and external... they are before every intercessor. They war against: the buiding of vibrant prayer communities where people can freely come and give themselves to prayer.
The difficulties include this reality: men don't want to give themselves to prayer. Applying this to our own lives, we find it easy to disconnect outselves from the need for prayer. We are easily given to quantifiable results, even "in the kingdom", and we give ourselves to building rather than praying. We direct people to work/produce even ahead of prayer in the prayer movement.
Jesus in Matthew 6:10 - praying for God's kingdom to come. We have seen it as a nebulous "spiritual' thing rather than heaven coming to earth. We've lowered the high standards Jesus has mandated for the church, and these are the things which awaken prayer in the church: e.g. discipling nations to observe "all things"... establishing divine order in every strata in a society. Teaching them to "stay saved".
But we've redefinied the kingdom to measurable results, we gain satisfaction by the realization of what these goal have become. Then we cease to pray. David in Psa. 119:96a stated:
"I have seen the consummation of all perfection"
He saw a fullness of what God desires to express on the earth. Not revival. Beyond the second coming of Christ. Only when God's will is done on earth as it is in heaven. The prayer meeting continues until. This is Jesus' desire: God's will on the earth. This is not the goals presently pervasive in the church. (Personal note: not being a Democrat, a Republican, but being monarchists)
David reconstituted the division that had occurred in Israel, the governmental center apart from the worship center. Thus, continual worship was emphasized on the earth... which is happening in heaven, (cf. Rev 4/5).
More this morning if my laptop battery holds out...
Gano in the prayer movement
There is an influence working its way subtly into the body of Christ: Gano "coffee". It appears to arrest the sensibility of naive coffee drinkers as it poses as an alternative health drink. They give up the benefits of wholesome, bean-derived brew for a watery concoction that would make Mrs. Olson turn in her grave (cf. Mrs Olson, read the Wikipedia article on Folgers coffee... she was a pop icon back in the 70s). A certain leader we know not only drinks it, he is selling it. Andy Hailstone was musing here shortly before the first session that there might hopefully be a remnant faithful to true coffee in coming years, who did not bend the knee to Gano.
(Quick note not related to Gano: they are playing Jake Ferrell's CD Rooted and Grounded in the meeting room before the session begins. Woooo-hoooo!)
(Quick note not related to Gano: they are playing Jake Ferrell's CD Rooted and Grounded in the meeting room before the session begins. Woooo-hoooo!)
Building in Atlanta
The Atlanta IHOP has landed in an amazing facility. Much grace given, its incredible to see this corner of the prayer movement shift gears and move forward. More, Lord! The prayer room here is incredible: a wide, open space with dark background and drop lights. There are deep hues at various spaces, its quite a rich texture... its well done and creates a great prayer environment IMO.
Got to say hello to David Sliker late last night. He, his wife Tracey and Allen Hood flew in and will be part of the faculty at the gathering today.
Got to say hello to David Sliker late last night. He, his wife Tracey and Allen Hood flew in and will be part of the faculty at the gathering today.
Late Friday
Got to our host home here in Hotlanta a bit ago; Kirk, RyanI, Andy and myself are crashing soon. Jen McArthur is somewhere way up in this massive house on another floor entirely. The meeting tonight was truly wonderful: chicken marsala dinners and then a rousing exhortation by Billy Humphrey and two of his senior leaders: Steve Uggans and Jamie (didn't catch her last name). Billy recounted his journey into the Lord's dealing with his pride as God led him into the prayer movement. It was a moving, transparent testimony of God's patience and grace. We're off to a great start, looking forward to manana.
Friday, January 25, 2008
On the road again
About to head out to Atlanta, going to the House of Prayer leadership summit which begins tonight.
The beginnings of stadium Christianity
We are approaching a wave of the Holy Spirit where a number of cities around the world are going to be touched by God in a profound way, with healing and deliverance becoming much more the norm (than we've known in the recent generation of the Church in North America). The Lord is preparing us for these outpourings, if we'll pray and if we'll fast. Here is Eddie James, leading worship at the Call in Nashville last July (which was a day of prayer and fasting):
Here are the lyrics to the song (Holy Visitation by Rita Springer):
Sound the alarm
Gather the people
Gather the elders
Let the ministers wail
God take back the years that the enemy's stolen
Lord you are coming for a holy visitation
:Chorus:
We return to you with fasting and mourning and weeping
Oh My Lord you are returning
We lie here weeping between porch and altar
Pour out your spirit on your sons and your daughters
We lie here weeping between porch and altar
Pour out your spirit on your sons and your daughters
Sound the alarm
Awaken the watchmen
Open their ears let their voices be loud
We prophesy, You'll come to this nation
Touch this generation with a holy visitaion
:Chorus:
We return to you with fasting and mourning and weeping
Oh My Lord you are returning
We lie here weeping between porch and altar
Pour out your spirit on your sons and your daughters
We lie here weeping between porch and altar
Pour out your spirit on your sons and your daughters
We dance, and we shout and we lift up our voice
Let your kingdom come down
Here are the lyrics to the song (Holy Visitation by Rita Springer):
Sound the alarm
Gather the people
Gather the elders
Let the ministers wail
God take back the years that the enemy's stolen
Lord you are coming for a holy visitation
:Chorus:
We return to you with fasting and mourning and weeping
Oh My Lord you are returning
We lie here weeping between porch and altar
Pour out your spirit on your sons and your daughters
We lie here weeping between porch and altar
Pour out your spirit on your sons and your daughters
Sound the alarm
Awaken the watchmen
Open their ears let their voices be loud
We prophesy, You'll come to this nation
Touch this generation with a holy visitaion
:Chorus:
We return to you with fasting and mourning and weeping
Oh My Lord you are returning
We lie here weeping between porch and altar
Pour out your spirit on your sons and your daughters
We lie here weeping between porch and altar
Pour out your spirit on your sons and your daughters
We dance, and we shout and we lift up our voice
Let your kingdom come down
Thursday, January 24, 2008
High tech
In the interest of recommending new technology, thought you might want to check Chirp's screensaver out... pretty cool.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Some color it is
Above is a photo of the valley located at Pingvellir in southwest Iceland. Its widely considered the "most sacred place in Iceland" in part because its where the common law for the island/nation was first derived over 1000 years ago. Its also, fascinatingly enough, where the Eurasian tectonic place meets the North American tectonic plate. I was there with a ministry team (Mark, Eric, et al) last April 13 and the word of the Lord came to us during that trip repeatedly that He was about to do a great work in the nation. And thats its an important assignment to pray for the conversion of Iceland.
After leading a ministry team there in November to teach and encourage those gaining a vision for 24 hour worship and paryer, I may be going back this Spring. The foundation for the work has not been laid, the hole is still being dug. A challenge for all concerned is to not get ahead of the Lord... its a time to watch for the Lord of the harvest, pray according to His will, and see what further He will say to those waiting. I'm not interested in being a part of a big event engineered by human will and energy; those are common throughout the world. I want to be a part of a move of God... and of this I'm sure: He is more eager to lead us than we have had faith to believe.
For since the beginning of the world
Men have not heard nor perceived by the ear,
Nor has the eye seen any God besides You,
Who acts for the one who waits for Him. (Isa. 64:4)
Men have not heard nor perceived by the ear,
Nor has the eye seen any God besides You,
Who acts for the one who waits for Him. (Isa. 64:4)
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Renovare newsletter
The Renovare newsletter for January has been posted, read it here. It contains an excellent review of Deep-rooted in Christ by Joshua Choonmin Kang.
Worshipmusic radio and Night Watch streams
Monday, January 21, 2008
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Test of the broadcast system
I am still tweaking on the changes to the page... do not adjust your set. The dust will settle here soon.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)