Pursuing Your Destiny pt 5

Dear beloved:  When God begins to reveal your destiny to you, the question ultimately becomes: Are you willing to follow where He leads? Jesus said in Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. v25 For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it.  When God speaks to you in whatever way He chooses, you are then presented with the decision, do I follow where He leads, or do I sit pat on the status quo and let fear and inaction determine my future?  Before you start to walk with your cross, you first have to pick it up, get it off the ground so to speak.  But realize this, whatever God call you to do, He will be there to strengthen and provide for you. The Apostle Paul said it this way, 2 Corinthians 12:9 And God said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness."  Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me.  v10 Therefore, I am well content with weakness, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. 

In 2009 I had been praying and fasting for the Lord to expand my territory and give me greater authority and anointing.  I had done some international ministry, but primarily I had been preaching in the prisons for many years, for what I see now was a time of preparation.  The Lord gave me a very vivid dream showing that the door was going to be opening for me to preach in Africa. I had not been thinking of Africa, had no real ties to anyone or anyplace there, had no real desire to go there, it wasn't really on the radar at all.  In the dream, I was standing on a platform preaching to thousands of African people.  In my right hand was my bible, I was holding it up in the air as if to say, "Here is the sword of the Spirit."  In my left hand was a big burlap style bag, only it was pure white and had written on it in bold letters, Revelation 22.  The bag was full of big ears of corn as if to say, "This is going to be your provision when you go to proclaim the gospel, the good news of the new heaven and new earth, the new Jerusalem.'  Behind the platform was a 2,000 bushel grain bin, filled to the top with ear corn, the same kind as was in the bag; so the Lord was showing  that He was going to be the provision, that where he had given vision for His kingdom,  He would provide for that which He was calling me to do. The last aspect of the dream that was very unique was that between myself and the African people, standing on the ground between us, was 40 or so men in blue shirts and red hats, the men of the prison who He was appointing to be intercessors. 

So I started to pray into that dream, wondering what the Lord was up to here, but waiting on the Lord in anticipation.  Isaiah 40:31  And those that wait on the Lord will renew (or gain) their strength. They will mount up with wings of eagles, They will run and nor get tired, They will walk and not faint.  Within just a few months I received a phone call from an evangelist brother of mine, who told about a worship team that was going to Kenya, and they needed some preachers to go along with them to preach in the revivals.  Boom! the door was open.  Needless to say, I didn't have to pray about it very long to decide that I wanted to go, for the Lord had already prepared me and given me notice.  Since then the Lord has blessed and provided for me to go back several times and preach crusades in Kenya, Uganda, and the Republic of Congo, with many more on the horizon; and He is also opening up other doors in Africa to build orphanages for the children who are victims of the AIDS epidemic.   Beloved, God wants to  move you, but you must be willing to pick your cross up off the ground and step out; but fear not, for He will anoint your head with oil.  God bless you as you pray this day,  in Christ, Jim  www.gathertheoutcasts.com

Pursuing Your Destiny pt 4

Dear beloved:  After you have asked the Lord to speak to you, and then you receive from Him the still, small voice, the dream or vision, or the revelation through His word, the next step in walking into your destiny is to step out in faith, and put into action that which He is calling you to do.  Habakkuk 2:1 I will stand on my guard post, And station myself on the rampart; And I will keep watch to see what He will speak to me, And how I may reply when I am reproved. v2 The the Lord answered me and said, " Record the vision,  And inscribe it on tablets, That the one who reads it may run. v3 For the vision is for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal, and it will not fail. Though it taries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay.  v4 Behold, as for the proud one, His soul is not right within him; But the righteous WILL LIVE BY HIS FAITH.

James, in his short epistle, had much to say about putting faith into action.  James 2:14 What use is it brethren, if a man says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him?  v17 Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. v18 But someone may well say, " You have faith, and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works."  v19 You believe that God is one.  You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.  v20 But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?  And the Apostle Paul says in his letter to the Ephesians, that as followers of Jesus Christ we are created for the good works.  Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should WALK IN THEM.

Every kingdom action, no matter how great or small, requires us to step out with that measure of faith that we have been given, and move the kingdom forward in whatever way God has called us to move.  Last night at the prison revival, after a time of praise and worship, the Lord started to give me words of knowledge about some afflictions of the ninety men in the room.  I stepped out in faith and called out the words of knowledge, one for men with sciatic nerve and lower back pain, and the second for men with right ankle and right lower leg pain.  Both words brought a response and several men came forward for prayer.  One of the young men that had ankle pain gave testimony later that he had severely sprained his ankle several years earlier, it had swollen up size of a soccer ball.  He had been living with the pain all this time; but after we prayed for him, the Lord gave him immediate healing and relief from the pain, and he was very excited to announce his healing to the whole group before we left last night!  Stepping out in faith pleases God, and when you step out, He will give you more works, and even greater works to help move the kingdom forward.  Hebrews 11:6  And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder if those who diligently seek Him.   Beloved, what is God calling you to do today? Whatever it is, step out in faith and you will bless the Lord as well as yourself.  May God bless you as you pray this day.  in Christ, Jim  www. gathertheoutcasts.com

Pursuing Your Destiny pt 3

Dear beloved:  After you have asked  (ask and you shall receive Matthew 7:7) the Lord to reveal your destiny to you, how do you know if you are hearing the voice of God?  That is a question many ask, as they are not sure if they are hearing the voice of God, the voice of man, or sometimes even the voice of demons that may be speaking to them.  Beloved, rest assured that when you are sincere in following Jesus, and you are diligent to keep His commandments, the voice you will be hearing is the voice of God.  Jesus said in John 10:3 to him (the shepherd) the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out. v4 "When he puts forth all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice." v5 "And a stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers."  If you are listening for the voice of God, and are God fearing, God is faithful and true to speak to you in regards to what you are asking for, according to His will.

There are many ways that God speaks to us as believers, I will list the primary ones, but God is not limited to these ways.  1. Through His written word, Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.  2. The  Holy Spirit, John 16:13 But when He, the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.  3. Audible voice of God, 1Samuel 3:10 Then the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel said, "Speak, for Thy servant is listening."  4. Dreams and visions, Joel 2:28 And it will come about after this That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; And your sons and daughters will prophesy, Your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions.  5. Prophetic word through man, 1 Corinth 14:3 But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation.  6. An angel sent from God,  Daniel 9:21 while I was still speaking in prayer, then the man Gabriel, who I had seen in the vision previously, came to me in my extreme weariness about the time of the evening offering. v22 And he gave me instruction and talked with me, and said, "O Daniel, I have now come forth to give you insight with understanding"  7. All of creation Luke 19:30 And Jesus answered and said, " I tell you, if these (disciples of Mine) become silent, the stones will cry out!"

Some wait their whole life for God to speak to them in some grandiose way, but ignore the still small voice, the prophetic dream, or even the word of God that clearly speaks to us to give us our charge.  Beloved, it's not too likely that God is going to fly by your house with a helicopter, pulling a long banner behind with your name and the next step in your kingdom walk clearly written out on it.  He could do that, but it is not too likely, so don't let the years pass you by in a passive state while you are waiting for that type of sign. Instead,be ready to receive the dream, the vision, the whisper, the prophesy that helps you move into your future.  Be as Samuel when Eli gave him this instruction in 1 Samuel 3:9 And Eli said to Samuel, "Go lie down, and it shall be if He calls you, that you shall say, "Speak, Lord, for Thy servant is listening."  So Samuel went and lay down in his place.   So get your pad and pen out and say to the Lord, "Speak, for Thy servant is listening."  May God bless you as you pray this day, in Christ, Jim  www.gathertheoutcasts.com

Pursuing Your Destiny pt 2

Dear beloved  Can you trust God enough in your life to allow Him to help you move forward into your destiny?  That is the basic question of our existence here on this earth, that you step forward in faith and walk into the plans that God has for you.  Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans that I have for you", declares the Lord.  So God has already declared  from the throne in the heavenly realm what His plans for you are, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope."  And so, the first part of the equation is taken care of by God, the One who created Us.  Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.  Our lives are to be filled with good works, those kingdom projects that God has ordained for us, and then He gives us the strength, the grace, and the provision to carry them out.

 The second half of the equation is simply this: will you step out in faith and agree with God about those words that He has declared over you?  Beloved, be confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.  It is an ongoing project, and it will not be finished until the day Jesus returns, or you are taken up to heaven to be with the Lord.  Ephesians 4:7 But to EACH ONE of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift  v11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, v12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying (building up) of the body of Christ.  And so each is called, each is given the measure of faith, each is given the grace to move forward and do mighty works to build up the kingdom and the body of Christ.

If you are in a place today where you truly don't know what God's plans for you are, just start asking Him. He tells us in Matthew 7:7 Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and the door shall be opened to you,  v8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it shall be opened.  In my own life, in 1974 God gave me a very detailed prophetic dream that showed me where He was providing a place of refuge, both spiritually and physically.   I had been wandering about in the drug infested wilderness area for a few years, and realized that if I didn't make some rather dramatic changes, my life was going to be short and none too sweet.  So I started asking the Lord. "show me Your way", and He showed me a detailed dream of my grandfather's farm,  the blessings of the land, which also represented the teaching of my ancestors, who were all born again believers, and basic country folks.  In the dream, my grandfather was standing next to a field of golden, ripe wheat ( provision),  saying to me, "this will make you a great garden some day!"  I started to pray into that dream and gradually move in that direction, forsaking the wilderness area for what I knew would prosper me, and give me a hope and a future. Ten years later, the farm become my home and refuge, and the teachings given to me in my youth, the living Word, became my rock and anchor,  Beloved, trust the Lord, start asking Him today, "show me Your way", and then get ready.  He will do it!  God bless you as you pray this day, in Christ, Jim  www.gathertheoutcasts.com

Pursuing Your Destiny

Dear beloved:  As winter is here and all of creation in this area rests and restores, now is the time for reflection on the past year's events and accomplishments, especially as it relates to the Kingdom of God. As you contemplate the coming year and the opportunities and open doors God is making available to you, the question to ask yourself is this: Am I pursing my calling that God has declared over me?

How do you know if you have a destiny or calling that God has declared over you?  Paul says in 1Thessalonians 5:24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.  Though this letter was written to baby believers in Thessalonica, it is also a teaching for us. Every person who is on this earth has been created in the image of God, and has been given the creative attributes given only to God's crowning creation; the ability to reason, to have an imagination, the ability to bring ideas together and then act them out in new and exciting ways, are all hallmarks of God's children.   This expresses itself also in the Kingdom of God, as new ways to evangelize the lost, as well as new ways to train and equip the saved, become the focus of our highest pursuits, or in other words, our calling.

God spoke over Jeremiah in Jer 1:4 Now the word of the Lord came to me saying v5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations."  And so God revealed  to Jeremiah at a young age his destiny, and told him that He had known this destiny even before Jeremiah was born or formed in the womb. And so also it is with you, no matter how insignificant you think you are, no matter how unimportant your life seems to you, or even to others, to God it is very important.  No one else was created with just the same characteristics and qualities, talents and passions that you have.  When you start to express those attributes to move the Kingdom of God forward, then you are truly pursuing your destiny, you are walking into your calling. 

I just received an email from a brother in the faith in Kenya, he was informing me with great joy of a new baby born to him and his wife.  The middle name given the baby is Mandela, named after Nelson Mandela, of coarse.  He is probably one of many thousands of babies around the world that will be named after this great man who just recently passed away.  I prayed and spoke blessings over the new baby to walk into his destiny, and become a great man just as Nelson Mandela was, that this baby, too, would fulfill his calling in spite of tribulation and adverse circumstances, that he would be a world changer.  Beloved, God knows your name, you are famous to Him, may you also become a world changer in spite of your adverse circumstances and the schemes of the devil against you.   I will be speaking more in coming posts on how God speaks to us to reveal our calling       God bless you, in Christ, Jim

Season"s Greetings

Season's Greetings

from Jim Rowh

Dear beloved: I'm very busy keeping the wood fire stoked these days, as temperatures have certainly let us know that winter is here. I'm also spending a lot of time in the Word, writing and keeping up with correspondence. The Lord has already opened many of doors for ministry in 2014; I will be praying and fasting about that after the first of the year, so I can move forward with boldness, knowing that I am in the perfect will of God.

James 1:27 This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

I have been very thankful this last week for a warm house, with heat and protection from the elements, food in the pantry, and warm clothing to put on my body. All these things are very easily taken for granted here in the abundance we have in America. God has given me a burden to build an orphanage for 30-40 children in Kenya, and I am appealing to you prayer warriors to help bring this dream to reality. We already have a great pastor team in place, as well as the land procured with good well water. The orphanage site is in a lush area of western Kenya, near the city of Mumias, and food is plentiful and can be grown easily on the land. So everything is in place for the next step, which is to build the structure, and provide for the basic needs and education of these children, many of whom have been orphaned by the AIDS epidemic which has devastated parts of Africa.

2 Samuel 24:21 Then Araunah said to David, " Why has my lord the king come to his servant?" And David said, "Top buy the threshing floor from you, in order to build an altar to the Lord, in order that the plague may be held back from the people." v22 And Araunah said to David, " Let my lord the king take and offer up what is good in his sight. Look, the oxen for the burnt offering, the threshing sledges and the yokes of the oxen for the wood. v23 "Everything, O king, Araunah gives to the king." And Araunah said to the king, "May the Lord your God accept you." v24 However, the king said to Araunah, "No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price, for I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God which cost me nothing." So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. As you consider year end giving, consider helping the helpless, those who have no place to call home. Come before the Lord with an offering, God will certainly bless you for it. Thank you again for standing with Gather the Outcasts with your prayer and financial support this year, and may we do even greater exploits for the Lord in the coming year. If you have any questions, email at  pureprairie@hotmail.com.,www.gathertheoutcasts.com  in Christ, Jim Rowh, Gather the Outcasts Ministry, Box 92, Norton, Ks. 67654

Happy Thanksgiving

Dear beloved:  As we pause to reflect on the bounty that God has given us this past year, I am especially thankful for you ministry supporters and prayer warriors that have stood with Gather the Outcasts Ministry.  It has been an eventful year, God has opened many doors, many victories have been won.  Because of you prayer warriors, greater battles will be engaged in the future, and greater victories for the Kingdom will be won.  Great is Thy faithfulness!, O Lord, to provide all that we need in the battle, including the warriors to stand with us each and every day. 

I am thankful also for this great country, and the bounty God has provided for us here.  This country is worth fighting for, join me to contend for righteousness.  Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord'the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.  Join me in praying as I do every week to start off my radio broadcast, let us pray for our elected leaders, the President, Congress, the Supreme Court, as well as all the men and women of the military who are defending our freedoms, many of whom are in harm's way this day as we sit down in the comfort of our homes to enjoy the Thanksgiving meal.  May God grant all of them wisdom and protection.

Psalm 65:9 Thou dost visit the earth, and cause it to overflow; Thou dost greatly enrich it; The stream of God is full of water; Thou dost prepare their grain, for thus Thou dost prepare the earth.  v10 Thou dost water its furrows abundantly; Thou dost settle its ridges; Thou dost soften it with showers; Thou dost bless its growth.  v11 Thou hast crowned the year with Thy bounty, And Thy paths drip with fatness.  v12 The pastures of the wilderness drip, and the hills gird themselves with rejoicing, v13 The meadows are clothed with flocks, and the valleys are covered with grain; They shout for joy, yes, they sing.

May God bless you as you celebrate and give thanks to the Lord this day.  in Christ, Jim   Gather the Outcasts, Box 92, Norton, Kansas 67654

A Heart of Gratitude

Dear beloved: At this time of the holiday of Thanksgiving, it is important that we don't get so focused on the turkey and pumpkin pie that we forget the One who gave it all to us. Because of the abundance we have of everything here in America,  it is very easy to take our eyes off of the the Creator of all the abundance and settle for worshiping the things that He has given us. While it is good for the nation to pause and reflect on our abundance, and to give thanks because of that, we have come to a place where many here in America do not know who to thank for what they have.  After traveling in many places in Mexico, Central America, and Africa where people are desperately poor, I have come to the conclusion that there are very few in America that are actually poor.  Most who think they are poor are that way because the government tells them they are, but by world standards they are not even close to being poor. So I think it behooves us all to give thanks to the Lord, the God of provision, not only for this one day set aside to do that, but to adopt a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving each and every day, even to the point of making it a hallmark of our lifestyle.

I want to highlight three things that happen in our life when we give thanks to the Lord, and adopt a heart of gratitude in our daily walk.  First, giving thanks helps us to acknowledge God for who He is, and allows us to see His love for us. Psalm 136:1 Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting, v2 Give thanks to the God of gods, for His lovingkindness is everlasting, v3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords, For His lovingkindness is everlasting, v4 To Him who alone does great wonders, For His lovingkindess is everlasting.  Everything we have has been given to us by God, we are deserving of nothing, but by His grace and lovingkindness we are able to stand and enjoy the beauty of the earth and the abundance of it.  So when we praise and thank God each and every day, we position ourselves in front of Him in our "lowly estate", and acknowledge that because of His great love for us, we have the privilege to abide with Him and His son Jesus Christ for all eternity. Our salvation is because of His love.

The second attribute we obtain when we thank the Lord is that God gives us the strength to walk the walk here on this earth even in the midst of great trials and troubles.  Psalm 138:21 I will give Thee thanks with all my heart; I will sing praise to Thee before the gods. v3 On the day that I called Thou didst answer me; Thou didst make me bold with strength in my soul.  v7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, Thou wilt revive me; Thou wilt stretch forth Thy hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Thy right hand will save me.  And so God, who allows and knows our every struggle and trial, is also the One who gives us the strength to withstand those same trials; His right hand, Jesus Christ, is the One who saves us from our enemies.

The third blessing we receive when we give thanks is that God gives us the peace in the midst of our trials.  Phillipians 4:6  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything through prayer and supplication (plea for mercy), with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. v7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Matthew 6:31 Do not be anxious then, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" v32 " For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things, v33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

May we cultivate a heart of thanksgiving and gratitude as we ponder the greatness of our God today.  May God bless you, in Christ, Jim    Gather the Outcasts, Box 92, Norton, Ks. 67654

Speaking Tour Successful

Dear beloved:  I just returned home this afternoon and I am praising the Lord for the successful speaking tour, the final stop was last night in Julesburg, Colorado.   In the last 10 days I have preached or shared the Africa Mission in a Kansas State Prison, 10 churches in Kansas and Colorado, as well as a Christian school academy. Thank you intercessors for your prayers for safe travel, as well as for all the open doors not only into the churches, but also with individuals. I had the added blessing of being able to pray for many who were sick or asking for deliverance, or for some who were just hungry for the Lord and wanted to walk with Him in a deeper and more intimate way.  God blessed the message of the mission and I saw God move in the hearts of many as they were touched by the work being carried on by Gather the Outcasts Ministry in Africa. God wants to pour out His spirit in a new way never before seen here on this earth, I see Him moving in churches to break down barriers separating the body of Christ.  Matthew 9:16 No man puts a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up pulls away from the garment, and the tear is made worse.  v17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles, lest the bottles break, and the wine runs out, and the bottles perish; but they put new wine into into new bottles, and both are preserved.

For those who welcomed me into their church or home, I thank you and may you receive the prophet's reward for taking me in.  I thank you also for receiving this email and submitting to be an intercessor for the ministry projects in the years to come.  May God receive your prayers and bless your sacrifice for the kingdom.  Continue to stand with me in prayer for provision to get the orphanage built in Kenya in the coming year, as well as funding for the crusades that are being lined up in Kenya and the Republic of Congo.

I am starting to schedule church revivals  for after the New Year of 2014, please contact me if you or your church is interested in hosting a revival.  I hope also to have our former muslim lady from Africa here in America in the spring, and we will be going on a speaking tour as she gives her testimony of how the Holy Spirit touched her and she gave her heart to the Lord Jesus, then subsequently came out of islam.  She has a powerful testimony that many of you will want to here, so contact me if you are interested in hosting us.
I hope to hear from you, even to comment on how the message of Gather the Outcasts Ministry touched you. May God bless you as you serve the Lord this day.  in Christ, Jim    Gather the Outcasts, Box 92, Norton, Kansas 67654

Home Sweet Home

Dear beloved:  Thank you prayer warriors for all the prayers and well wishes as the Africa trip winds down.  The last few days have been a whirlwind; missed my connecting flight in Amsterdam, so had the pleasure of spending the night in the airport, then picked up a respiratory virus on the flights that has really taken the fight out of me.  I am feeling better today, am resting up in Topeka after spending the first two days with my other daughter in Kansas City.  Finally put a few hours of sleep together in a row last night, so things are definitely on the upswing.

Looking back on the situation in Nairobi, I think I was somewhat traumatized by the terrorist attack, as I am sure most in Nairobi were.  The city is rapidly becoming a battle zone, lots of police and army around. Our car was searched Tuesday when we made  trip to a local mall to meet someone for lunch, so this is just a harbinger of the security measures that will be instituted in the days ahead.  Why does the enemy want Kenya and Nairobi so badly?  It is because Kenya is 80% Christian and many exciting moves of the Spirit are taking place there.  In addition, Kenya is the financial and business hub for all of East Africa, and has close security ties with Israel.  It is Kenya that has stood in the way of the Somali pirates and terrorists from becoming a runaway monster of destruction and chaos.  So you can see all that adds up to a Kenya in the crosshairs of the enemy, with Nairobi being the focal point.  Keep lifting those dear people up in your prayers, the battle is just beginning.

Isaiah 59:19  So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun.  When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.   That is why the Lord had me in Nairobi during those days, to lift up the standard against the enemy.  The students that I preached to will be the ones who will carry the battle on into the future.  It is theirs to win or lose, so keep them lifted up in your prayers as well.

I will be posting more pictures in the days ahead when I get back home and get better organized.  Thank you again for your prayers and blessings sent my way.  In Christ, Jim

Many Tears in Nairobi

Dear beloved: Thank you warriors so much for the prayers. My heart is very heavy today as many of you have heard the news about the terrorist attack here in Nairobi. Al Queda terrorists, some from the USA, took over a shopping mall not far from where I am staying and have killed many, and many more are wounded. At least 69 dead and possibly many more, the attack is still ongoing and God only knows how these people have suffered because of this. Israeli commandoes and FBI agents are also on the scene to assist the Kenya special police forces . It is a bloodbath, the greatest in Kenya since the American Embassy was bombed in 1998, and shows once again the true colors of these islamic devils, and what their true intentions and motives are.



The sad news is that one of the dead is the closest friend of one of our Kenyan campers who came to Kansas this past summer, and she is very devastated as you can imagine. Her friend was 6 months pregnant, and was a popular radio show host here in Nairobi. So please keep her lifted up especially in your prayers, along with the families of all the other victims.



Psalm 126:5 They that sow in tears will reap in joy. v6 He that goes forth weeping, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. Yesterday we sowed many tears in the church service, we alternately cried and praised the Lord. But we bear the precious seed, the seed of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. I didn't know if I would have the strength to preach because my own heart was so downcast, but the Lord gave me the grace to give the students a message of encouragement. The service was especially long, going from 9am until after 3pm, as many wanted to pray and sing their praise songs to the Lord. At times like this, it is only Jesus that can be of any help. All the Choirs here in Kenya sing a song that took on special meaning yesterday, " Niwewe, Niwewe tu Bwana", It is You, it is only You, Lord!



Friday night's mega keesha, an all night prayer and worship vigil that began at 8 pm ended at 5 am, was given to a packed hall of students from 10 colleges in the area. Then after catching a few hours of sleep, we went out to Daystar University one hour east of Nairobi, where I spoke to a group of leaders from all the campus ministries. So it has been a very productive weekend. The devil knows full well the Kingdom of God is moving forward here in Kenya, that is the reason for the thrust of violence and the spilling of the blood of the innocents at the mall. Pray for the muslims of Kenya and all over the world, that the Lord would reveal Himself to them, and they would come to know the true meaning of salvation, peace, and liberty. Pray also that the situation at the Westgate Mall here will come to a quick resolution as there are still many hostages being held inside. Today I will be meeting with the student leaders to evaluate and give them an apprecitation dinner, so pray that God will protect us as we move about Nairobi and seek His will for the future. Thank you again, God bless you, in Christ, Jim

Uganda Crusade Report

Dear beloved:  Below please find some pictures of he Tororo, Uganda, crusade.  Many people came to know the Lord, along with many healings and deliverances.  May God bless those precious people there in that area.  Blessings, Jim

Uganda Report pt3

Dear beloved;  The Lord moved in a mighty way in eastern Uganda, so hungry for the Word of God were the people in the Tororo area, and the Lord blessed them with many healings and deliverances.  I spoke in two churches on \Sunday where many had been to the crusades in the previous days, and the testimonies could have gone on for hours and hours.  One lady was so sick she thought she would die on the way to the crusade; she couldn't breathe, but the Lord touched her and healed her, her breathing problem went away totally!  She was dancing and singing in the church.  Another many told of his severe stomach pain that was healed and he aslo had the joy of the Lord back in his step. 

I went back out to the village Sunday afternoon where the crusade was held, and though only expecting a small gathering because most attending the crusade had gone back to their villages, over 600 people showed up to hear the Word one more time.  Before leaving, I laid hands on and prayed for all 600!  It was a great way to say goodbye, and they also showered me with blessings and prayers, and I went home with two fat chickens as well. 

While leaving Uganda yesterday morning, happened upon some baboons crossing the road in a forested area.  Am used to deer in the headlights, but baboons, now that is a different sight.  It's good to know they are doing well outside the zoos!  

Keep up the prayers, as I am now in Nairobi and resting up for the meetings on two university campuses this weekend.  The timing is the Lords, as this weeked is the Feast of Tabernacles, of Ingathering.  I expect the Lord to do even greater things among the students, they are hungry for the Word as well.  Pray that many will come to know Him, and a prayer movement will come out of these meetings that will go on for many years.  May God bless you as you pray, in Christ, Jim

Uganda Report pt 2

Dear prayer warriors:  I am in eastern Uganda in the city of Tororo, you could say this is out in the country and wouldn't be far off.  It is about 4 hours from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, and many hours from Nairobi, the Kenyan capital to the east.  But praise the Lord, Jesus knows where it is and He showed up in a mighty way in the meetings held here so far.  The revival meetings were held in a remote village area about an hour west of here, out in the bush.  But the Holy Spirit was moving and many came to know the Lord Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and many more got touched by His healing power.  Many here are afflicted with various diseases as it appears medical care is not too frequent for the poor and needy; skin diseases, eye disease, and other afflictions abound.  Many more are burdened down with spirits of witchcraft, alcoholism, and other evil spirits, but praise the Lord for the many who were delivered and set free of their chains of oppression.

Today is a day of rest for me, loafing around Tororo and taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of Africa.  Tomorrow  I will be speaking at two churches, one in the morning, and another back out in a remote village in the afternoon.  Keep up the prayers for my strength and health, as well as for souls, souls, and souls for the kingdom.  The people here lead a life of much trial and tribulation, Jesus without a doubt is the greatest joy for many.  It seems about half the people are carrying water, the other half are using it to cook rice,  ugali cornmeal, and cassava root.  The agriculture is very basic, the fields are alive with people using hand tools to cultivate and plant the land.  The basic crops for survival are all here, corn, beans, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and a wide variety of fruits such as pineapple, mangoes, and oranges.  Food is plentiful and nourishing, and the soil appears to be very fertile.  The people are very strong, but the arduous life of toil wears them down over the years.

Monday I will be taking a bus to Kisumu, Kenya, then fly to Nairobi for the next series of meetings, I will be speaking at two different university campuses in Nairobi.  I am looking forward to working with the students in Nairobi, and see what the Lord has in store for me there.  Thank you again, warriors, for your prayers.  I tell these precious people in Uganda that the people in America love them very much, the fact that I am here in this out of the way place is a testimony to the love that God and you prayer warriors have for them.  God bless you as you pray today, this day of Atonement on the Hebrew calendar.  Shalom from Africa, in the name of Jeshua the Messiah, Jim

Uganda Report pt 1

Dear beloved:  Spent Sunday afternoon for several hours at the Global Prayer Room at the International House of Prayer,praying for the Africa crusades coming up in Uganda and Kenya.  At about 4:30 in the afternoon a prayer focus came up on the screen, the first of the afternoon.  The prayer focus was this: pray for the fatherless in Uganda, of which there are about 4 million.  Malachi 4:5-6 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.; v6 and he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.  The Lord knew I was in the prayer room that afternoon, and He gave me many prayer warriors at IHOP to encourage me in the task at hand.  I pray that many fatherless will show up for the crusades and find out about the love of the heavenly Father, whom they can call Abba Father.  James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unsppotted from the world. 

I will be landing in Kampala, Uganda tonight and then going out to Busia in eastern Uganda tomorrow.  Pray for souls to be brought into the Kingdom of God, and that the fatherless in that area will come to know the Father of all.  Thank you for the prayers, God bless you, Jim

Gather the Outcasts Africa Mission 2013

Dear beloved:  Time is rapidly approaching for the Gather the Outcasts Africa Crusades 2013, and I am very excited to share with you prayer warriors the itinerary, and wrap up some final thoughts before flying over to Africa. I ask that you post this message in a convenient place where you can look at it and pray at the appropriate time, as prayer in the battle is what brings on the greatest victory! I look forward to a great harvest of souls, as well as signs, wonders, and miracles to follow my footsteps every place my feet go in Africa. Much preparation and advance prayer have already gone into these crusades, and so I ask that you join in and keep these events lifted up and bathed in intercession.  

As many of you may know, rebel attack on the city of Goma, Republic of Congo,  has caused great shock to the city and the surrounding areas.  There is already a refugee crisis rebuilding around Goma, as well as a United Nations offensive against the rebels, so that city of one million people where we ministered just a year ago is in a state of turmoil.  For that reason I am not planning a Goma crusade, and will be leaving a few days later than planned, but I thank God for He was looking out for my safety all along. Please pray for the precious saints in Goma, for the uprising to be put down quickly, and for strength to endure hardships that all this brings on the saints in Goma. 

So my itinerary looks like this:  I will be leaving Norton September 6th for Kansas City and spend a couple days at the International House of Prayer prayer room.  I will then fly from Kansas City, to Detroit, to Amsterdam, to Kigale, Rwanda, then to Kampala, Uganda. From there will go by car to Busia, Uganda for a three day crusade and pastor conference September 13-15, hosted by Pastor David Odong and Pastor Lucas Obanda.  

From Uganda I will go to Kisumu, Kenya to fly to Nairobi, Kenya on September 17th.  I will be speaking at Daystar University in Nairobi on Sept. 18th,  then conducting a 3 day crusade at Polytechnic University in inner city Nairobi September 20-22.  We will also have an outreach to a local prison and an orphanage as part of the crusade, as well as training for leaders of the Christian Student Union, hosted by Brother Duke Umbagi of the Union. It is interesting to note the Lord's timing in all this, September 14 is the Day of Atonement, and September 19-20 is Sukkot, or Feast of Tabernacles, of the Feast of Ingathering.  This is the feast of the greatest harvest in the agricultural activities of Israel, when the last of the grapes and grains were brought in and stored for keeping. 

A brother at the prison was given a vision of two giant demonic angels who were dressed in traditional African dresses; bright colors with headdresses, they were standing as if watching over a principality.  I came into the area operating under the power and authority of Jesus Christ, and the two entities fell over; they could not stand against the power of the King of Kings.  Romans 14:11 For it is written,  As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.  May God grant this servant His power and anointing to accomplish all that He has planned for these crusades.

Pray for safe travel, good health, and souls, souls, souls, for the Kingdom of God.  If you would still like to contribute to help bring in this great harvest,  the Lord would bless you accordingly with the measure that you measure out.  At this point I am about at break even, but could use some more provision for contingencies, and to bless the saints over in Africa with bibles and and other necessities they can always use. If you would like to donate, my contact information is: Gather the Outcasts Ministry, Box 92, Norton, Ks. 67654; you can also go to the website www.gathertheoutcasts.com and make a contribution safely through PayPal.  My email address is pureprairie@hotmail.com.  May God bless you as you pray, in Christ, Jim

Giant Sinkhole in Kansas

Dear beloved:  The Lord is giving His children all kinds of prophetic signs to try to wake them up to the lateness of the hour, the most recent of great curiosity here in Kansas is a giant sinkhole opening in Wallace county in far Western Kansas.  With no irrigation or oil wells nearby to lend any account for it, some of the more astute are simply calling it a "God thing".  At this stage of writing, the hole, which is out in a pasture north of Sharon Springs, is about 200 feet across and 90 feet deep at its deepest point; cracks along the edge indicate that the hole is likely not done growing, and may eventually collapse under nearby buildings.  Additionally, the hole is only a few miles from the highest point in Kansas, Mt. Sunflower, standing at an elevation of 4,039 feet above sea level.  This high place, also in Wallace County, is a focal point for demonic, witchcraft,, and occult activity just as the high places of the Old Testament became focal points for idol worship and sacrifice to the pagan gods.

Numbers 16:1 Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath the of Levi, along with Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took action. v2 and they rose up before Moses, together with some of the sons of Israel, two hundred and fifty leaders of the congregation, chosen in the assembly, men of renown. v3 And they assembled together against Moses and Aaron, and said to them, "You have gone far enough, for all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is in their midst; so why do you exalt yourself above the assembly of the Lord?"  And so the rebellion against Moses, and ultimately against God began,  which culminated in God doing a new thing to show to the rebels that He had indeed chosen Moses to lead His children out of bondage in Egypt.

Moses then turned the rebels over to God to let Him take care of them, v16 And Moses said to Korah, " You and all your company be present before the Lord tomorrow, both you and they along with Aaron. v20 Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, v21 "Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them instantly." v28  And Moses said," by this you shall know that the Lord has sent me to do all these deeds; for this is not my doing." v31 Then it came about as he finished speaking all these words, that the ground that was under them split open; v32 and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, and their households, and all the men who belonged to Korah with their possessions. v33 So they and all that belonged to them went down alive to Sheol; and the earth closed over them, and they perished from the midst of the assembly. v34 And all Israel who were around them fled at their outcry, for they said "the earth may swallow us up!"

Beloved, let us not be ignorant when God sends us warning that the time is now to get right before the Lord.  Lay down your rebellion and submit to God and to His appointed leaders, that you may be blessed of the Lord and may go well with you.  God even instructed Eleazar (v38) to take the censers that the rebels had used and hammer them into sheets for plating of the altar, since they did present them before the Lord and they are holy; and they shall be for a sign to the sons of Israel. Just as the plating on the altar became a sign to the would be rebels of the future, God has given the sinkhole as a sign to us; remember the fate of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.  May God bless you as you pray this day.  in Christ, Jim www.jimrowh.blogspot.com

Countdown to Africa

Dear beloved:  Just a brief update on what is going on with Gather the Outcasts Ministry.  I will be hosting two of the Kenyans this week in Norton, for those of you in the Norton area, if you would like to meet them give me a call or drop me and email at www.pureprairie@hotmail.com and we can arrange for a meeting for a meal or cup of coffee.  Also, they would like to pick up some spending money for a day or two of work if you have anything going on let me know.  They will be here for a week or two as the camp has closed and they are free to move about until they return to Kenya in mid-August.

Ministry wise, I will be speaking in two churches plus have a big. 9 hour revival at the Norton Correctional Facility scheduled in the next three weeks, so it will be a busy time for the ministry.  I am still short on provision for all that the Lord has opened for me in Africa.  I appreciate and ask for your prayers for the necessary provision.  If you have any questions, email me and I will be happy to fill you in.  You can send mail to Gather the Outcasts Ministry, Box 92, Norton, Ks. 67654, or go to the website www.gathertheoutcasts.com to make a contribution  conveniently and safely with your credit card through PayPal.  Thank you to all who have made a contribution thus far, you are linked arm in arm with those who will come to know the Lord through salvation, healings, and deliverance.  May God bless you as you partner with this ministry in prayer and contributions.  In Christ, Jim

Chains Broken in Scott City

Dear beloved:  I had the privilege to be in Scott City, Kansas over the weekend to share the Africa mission with the First Christian Church of Scott City, as well as pray with Chris and Tammy Lund of City on a Hill Treatment Center near Marienthal. What a blessing it was to be with these precious saints of the Lord, thank you to all who made the trip such a blessing.   Then I was joined Sunday night by some mighty prayer warriors, and we spent 4 hours in a  prayer walk to break off curses and release the Lord's blessings over the area.
Sunday morning in the church I shared some video of the Makarubi Choir from Goma, Republic of Congo, and then sang a song, "Break Every Chain".   God confirmed that chains were indeed breaking as it started to rain over Scott City about that time, praise the Lord!  God wants to refresh this dry and weary land.  I have been hearing from the brothers in Africa, posters are starting to go up in some of the crusade areas.  Plans are now in place for crusades in Goma, Republic of Congo, Busia, Uganda, and Nairobi, Kenya.  We are short on provision to do all that the Lord has called us to do, and I would hate to have to cut back on the agenda, but may be forced to as I need the money in hand to send on ahead for preparations to be made.  Please pray about your part in bringing souls to the Lord on this nation changing tour of three countries in Africa.  \
When you sow into Gather the Outcasts Ministry, you are also sowing into your own destiny, as you are linked arm in arm with those who come to salvation and receive healing through these crusades.  God bless you, in Christ, Jim   Gather the Outcasts, Box 92, Norton, Ks. 67654  email:www.pureprairie@hotmail.com  web: www.gathertheoutcasts.com click on image to see in full

Africa Mission Fast Approaching

Dear beloved:  Plans are well underway for the upcoming mission to Africa, to be conducted this year from Sept 2-24.  This will be my fourth trip to Africa to preach and conduct pastor conferences and training, and I am looking forward to the day of departure.  This year's agenda includes crusades in Goma, Republic of Congo, Busia province in Uganda, and Nairobi at two unversity campuses.

I invite all of you reading this blog to pray for the Africa mission, to stand in the gap for the lost souls who will hear the word, some possibly for the first time.  Please intercede for them as well as for health and safety for myself and those traveling with me.  At this point we are also short on provision for funding all that God has opened the door for me to do; please pray that God will put the provision into my hand shortly so that plans can go forward.

If anyone has any questions, please feel free to email me at www.pureprairie@hotmail.com.  If you have questions regarding funding or donations, please contact me with any questions you have.  You can also make a contribution easily and safely on PayPal on this blog, as well as the website, www.gathertheoutcasts.com.  May God bless  you abundantly as you partner with this ministry in prayer and sowing your financial gifts.  God bless you, in Christ, Jim

The Lord Brings a Charge

Dear beloved:  As the eyes of the nation are glued upon a trial in Florida, a much bigger case is ongoing that many here in this country are unaware of and are sleeping through.  This case is the the case of the Lord vs. the Inhabitants of the Land.  Hosea 4:1 Hear the word of the Lord, you children of Israel (America), For the Lord brings a charge against the inhabitants of the land:  There is no truth, or mercy, or knowledge of God in the land. v2 By swearing and lying, killing and stealing and committing adultery, They break all restraint, with bloodshed upon bloodshed.  v3 Therefore the land will mourn: And everyone who dwells there will waste away with the beasts of the field and the birds of the air;  Even the fish of the sea will be taken away.

This case has come about because the people have no knowledge of God, and therefore they have become easily deceived and led astray.  Fools follow fools and blind lead the blind, and because of that all fall into the pit.  Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision the people are unrestrained.  Because there is no restraint, there is bloodshed upon bloodshed.  People wail and mourn about the wanton slaughter going on in the Chicago neighborhoods, but ignore the wholesale shedding of the blood of the innocents that goes on day after day, year after year; in the name of political correctness and choice, so death stalks every inner city in America until the blood flows, the rivers of blood. This has come about because we are "liberated" in our thinking, we are advanced in our inventions and our technology to the point we no longer need God, we are free of His binding constraints.

Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children. And so, we see the results of a nation that has forgotten about God and His word.  The children are slain in the womb, on the streets, abused in the homes, scattered in the divorce courts, left to shift for themselves.  I was recently given a dream by the Lord where I was wading out into deep water, either the ocean or a flood; going out in chest deep water to rescue the perishing. The sea of  humanity in America perishing in the rising waters of unrestraint.  Maybe it speaks of  a coming tsunami or hurricane, another calamity as a result of the recent Supreme Court decisions dismantling traditional, God given marriage. May God have mercy upon us and upon our children.  God bless you prayer warriors, stand firm.  In Christ, Jim www.jimrowh.blogspot.com

Rivers of Blood

Dear beloved:  The Lord spoke to me in a dream last week, as I was awakened out of a very good sleep and sat up, just as if someone had tuned the alarm clock on or pinched me.  I heard three words, "rivers of blood" and that is all I could recall.  I had no recollection of any of the dream before that or after as I went back to sleep.  I pondered the words the next morning, wrote them in my journal, and have been praying for revelation on their meaning as I feel there was great significance to their meaning.

Events of the past few months regarding the abuses and deceit of the government have impressed upon my spirit that we are very near to breakdown and escalating chaos here in this country.  I believe any one of many scenarios could unfold quickly and overtake what semblance of order we have here in America: financial collapse, famine, pestilence, and civil war.  Any one or all of these streams could pour in together to rapidly change the landscape of life as we know it.  The Lord revealed to me in dreams back in 2010 when I was ministering in the Costa Rican jungle, that all these were parts of the prophetic picture of this great nation.  One dream in particular was very vivid and profound, when the black horse of famine came out and the rider was making his declaration of Rev. 6:6 "/A quart if wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of  barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and the wine."  Then the horse reared up and threw off the rider, which indicated to me extreme chaos and no balance of economy or commerce.

As I prayed for revelation on the words "rivers of blood", I believe it came to me through the words of Ezekiel where I just happened to be in my reading through the bible in a year program. Ezekiel 23:36 Morever, the Lord said to me, "Son of man, will you judge Oholah and Oholibah? Then declare to them their abominations. v37 "For they have committed adultery, and blood is on their hands. Thus they have committed adultery with their idols and even caused their sons, whom they bore to Me, to pass through the fire to them as food. v38. Again, they have done this to Me: they have defiled My sanctuary on the same day and have profaned My sabbaths. v39  for when they had slaughtered their children for their idols, they entered My sanctuary on the same day to profane it; and lo, thus they did within My house." v45 But they, righteous men, will judge them with the judgment of adulteresses, and with the judgment of women who shed blood, because they are adulteresses and blood is on their hands. v46 :For thus says the Lord God, 'Bring up a company against them, and give them over to terror and plunder, v47 and the company will stone them with stones and cut them down with their swords; they will slay their sons and their daughters and burn their house with fire. v48 Thus I shall make lewdness cease from the land, that all women may be admonished and not commit lewdness as you have done. v49 And your lewdness will be requited upon you, and you will bear the penalty of worshiping your idols; thus you will know that I am the Lord God."

So there it is.  The rivers of blood that started out as drops, then became trickles, then rivulets, and are now flowing as full blown rivers due to the shed blood of the innocents, will become raging torrents due to civil war, terror and plunder on every side.  The only way to stop this as a nation and as individuals is if we repent and turn from our wicked ways, and cry out to the Lord for Him to heal our land. Spend time with the Lord crying out to Him to smite this nation not with a company to judge, but smite us with conviction and the spirit of revival, that repentance and revival and the seeking of His truth will sweep the land. May God bless you today as you pray.  in Christ, Jim      
To read the dreams posted in March 2010 go to www.jimrowh.blogspot.com

Baptism of Fire

Dear beloved:  Everything in the Christian walk is obtained by asking to receive, and by stepping out in faith believing that you will receive.  In the act of giving there are two parts of the equation; first, the actions of the giver, and the actions of the receiver.  In the Christian walk, the giver is God, the author and perfecter of our faith and in Him there is no change.  James tells us in James 1;17 Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow.  The Giver does not waver, nor is He a man that He should lie.  So when He promises us something, we can rest assured that He will follow through on His promise and give to us that which He has promised.

The other side of the equation is the receiver, that being each of us, which wavers and is not constant.  We come and go, our passions, desires, and motives change from day to day and year to year.  But if we come to the Lord seeking more of Him, and come with the innocence of a child, the Lord will be faithful and true to fulfill His side of the promise and give us the desires of our hearts.  Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Matthew 6:33 Seek first My kingdom and My righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.  Jesus also instructs us to receive the kingdom with the innocence of a child. Mark 10:13 And they were bringing children to Him so that He might touch them; and the disciples rebuked them. v14 But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, "Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. v15 Truly I say to, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it at all." v16 And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands upon them.

John the Baptist promised that there would be coming after him one who would baptize us with the Holy Spirit and fire.  Matthew 3:11 "As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. v12 " and His winnowing fork is in in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."  So the promise is for you to receive the baptism of fire, another baptism in addition to the water baptism, and this baptism will not only empower you, it will burn out the useless chaff in you and enable you to go forward walking in all the power that God has predestined for you.

In the natural the harvest is ready to begin.  Here in Kansas the fields are turning white with grain in the heads, and the combines are beginning to move into the fields to separate the grain from the chaff and stubble. Only the good heavy grain will be taken to the barn, the rest will be blown away and eventually decompose.  Jesus told the disciple in Matthew 9:37 "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. v38 Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers in His harvest."  Ask the Lord to baptize you with fire today, so you can go forth into the harvest field with the power of a new combine, and help the Lord bring in His harvest.  May God bless you as you go forth this day.  in Christ, Jim  www.gathertheoutcasts.com

Tattoos for Jesus?

Dear beloved:  I recently gave a teaching on tattoos to the inmates in the prison, as many of them have tattoos and were curious about what the Bible has to say about the practice.  The prison culture is ripe for tattooing, with men who have lots of time on their hands as well as many ties to the demonic world of drugs, witchcraft, lawbreaking, and rebellion.  If you are one who already has tattoos, or you are contemplating getting a tattoo, you might be interested to know what God's word says about it, and whether you should proceed to get a tattoo.

Everything we do in life has consequences, both in the physical and the spiritual realm.  The physical consequences are obvious, but the spiritual ones are not so easy to discern.  We look at the beauty, or in some cases, repulsive nature of a tattoo if it is obviously demonic, and make an immediate judgment on how it adorns the body, or about the statement that it makes to the world.  Many inmates can tell their life's story through their tattoos; their gangs, their girlfriends, their associations, even their allegiance to Jesus or some other deity that they worship.  Many, however, wish they could erase their tattoos with the ease of an eraser on a chalkboard, for they are embarrassed by the tattoo and the way that it has marred their body, or they are no longer attached in the spirit realm to that which they are connected to physically.

The Old Testament law clearly stated that tattoos were not to be taken on the body. They were viewed as blood sacrifices to the dead, and therefore forbidden.  Leviticus 19:28 You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead, nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves, I am the Lord.  1Kings 18:28 So they cried with a loud voice (the prophets of Baal) and cut themselves according the their custom with swords and lances until the blood gushed out on them. v29 And it came about when midday was past, that they raved until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice; but there was no voice, no one answered, and no one paid attention. Although we have in the new covenant been set free from the bondage of old covenant law keeping, we are still under the grace of God to treat our bodies with care and respect, as the Spirit of the living God resides within our temples. 1 Corinthians 10:23 Paul states, All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable.  All things are lawful, but not all things edify.   Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 6:15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?  Shall I then take away the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot?  May it never be!  Although he was speaking primarily of the need to be free from sexual immorality in this case, the application for all uses of the physical body are the same: we are to treat it as the temple of the Spirit of the Living God that it is. Intentional cutting to create tattoos clearly violates the commandment to not harm your physical body.  If you have any tattoos of any nature, repent of the cutting and ask the Lord to forgive and He will be faithful and true to forgive you.

The second aspect of tattooing is the connection to the spirit world that the tattoo represents.  If the tattoo is of a person's name, their initials, a deity of worship (idolatry), or symbol of something demonic, such as a snake, owl, or spider, repent and ask the Lord to break off the soul ties to that spiritual entity.  When you tattoo the name or initials of a person, you have a connection, or soul tie to that person\, and the same goes for other entities, whether they are persons, animals, birds, reptiles, or whatever.  I know a young lady who tattooed the initials of her deceased parents on her back, and almost immediately her personality changed for the worse, because she took on the soul ties with the demonic forces (generation curses) that had shaped the  negative aspects of  her parents personalities.  When you make soul ties to the demonic kingdom, the devil actually takes part of your fractured soul captive and holds you in bondage.  You must then repent of that connection, ask the Lord to forgive you and break the cord that connects.  Then ask the Holy Spirit to come and fill you and heal you in the place of your soul where that void was left. If you have tattooed something that attaches to the kingdom of God, such as the picture of a cross of the name of Jesus, then you have tied your soul to your Savior, so the only repentance needed is of the cutting.  Those tattoos will be a lasting testimony to the one who can save your soul, though in times of persecution they might cost you dearly, even to the loss of your head and body.

If you are contemplating getting a tattoo, pray about it and see if this is truly what the Holy Spirit is leading you to do.  There are many ways to express your testimony other than tattoos which you may someday regret and wish to have removed. Although their are ways to remove them, it is not easy and can often times be painful and expensive.  I pray that this will help some out there who may have questions.  May God bless you today.  In Christ, Jim  www.gathertheoutcasts.com