Dear beloved: We are talking about the first leg of walking out a Spirit led life, that leg being daily prayer to our heavenly Father. There are also times when we want to cry out in our prayers for more clarity, more mercy and supplication, or when we are more desperate for answers. Jesus knew those times would come, so He instructed the disciples on fasting, immediately after the instruction on prayer in the sermon on the mount, Matthew 6:16-18. v16 "And whenever you fast..." implies that we will be fasting at times to magnify our prayer life.
Isaiah also speaks for the Lord regarding fasting in Isaiah 58:6 "Is this not the fast which I choose, to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free, and break every yoke?" Isaiah is saying that when we fast, the chains and bonds of wickedness will drop off as you come face to face with the enemy of your soul and cry out to the Lord. Those agreements you have made with the enemy that result in oppression of your freedom and joy will be broken and you will be set free! In every situation the Lord is powerful and mighty to save. The prophecy concerning Jesus in Isaiah 61 tells it all: v1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, and freedom to the prisoners, v2 To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn v3 To grant those who mourn in Zion, giving them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, the He may be glorified.
Several years ago I was crying out to the Lord for my family, as I was seeing a drift away from the Lord in my children. And so I decided to do an Esther fast of three days no food or water, the same fast Queen Esther proclaimed for herself and her people to prevent the enemy from destroying her people. (Esther 4:16). After three days the Lord took me up in the Spirit, in a dream at night, and set me down beside the river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb. (Rev.22:1) As I kneeled down beside the beautiful river, bubbling down from the mountain of God, the Lord put a water pitcher in my hand and had me dip out of the river over and over, and pour the water down my parched throat and body. The Lord was saying to me, " I have heard your pleas for yourself and your family, it is time now to drink, for whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst again; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life." Isaiah sums it up in verse 9 of chapter 58, "Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; You will cry, and He will say, 'Here I am'. Beloved, seek the Lord today that He may say to you, 'Here I am'. God bless you, in Christ, Jim www.gathertheoutcasts.com
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Walk in the Spirit pt 3: Fasting and Prayer
Dear beloved: Immediately after instructing the disciples on how they should pray to the Father in heaven, in the sermon on the mount, Matthew 6:5-15, Jesus then launches into another topic of instruction for them: how you are to fast. This instruction was given to them in conjunction with prayer because that is the way Jesus saw it himself, that fasting and prayer are to be considered as a powerful tandem of weapons for defeating the enemy of our souls, and at the same time moving us forward in the Kingdom of God. Jesus walked this out in His own life and ministry, in Matthew 4:1 then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil, v2 and after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. Soon after this time of fasting and prayer, Jesus launched His public ministry, in the power and strength of the Holy Spirit, Matt 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand."
And so, if this is the example Jesus has set for us, it would be well for us to pay heed and to follow His example by fasting and praying in our own life, to rejuvenate and rededicate our walk with Him, as well as to receive revelation and instruction for future ministry and personal endeavors. He told the disciples, Matthew 6:17 "But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face v18 so that you may not be seen fasting by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will repay you." He repeats the same basic instruction that He gave the disciples when He spoke to them regarding prayer; the Father,who is hidden and dwells in the secret place, will be revealed to you when you fast and pray, and when the Father sees you He will then repay (reward) you for your sacrifice through answered prayer. So Jesus does not offer fasting up as an optional exercise, for twice he says, "and when you fast", implying that we will come to the point of understanding that fasting is a necessary part of walking in the Spirit.
Several years ago I decided to go on a 21 day Daniel fast, to intercede for my family and also to pray for revelation and direction for the ministry. When I got to day 21, I was ready to end the fast, but the Lord spoke clearly for me to go on to 40, He said, "I have more for you than what you have received". So in obedience I decided to go on to 40 days. On the 28th day I received a call from a prophetess of the Lord, a lady with whom I had never spoken before in my life. She proceeded to prophesy 21 different points over my life, my family, the ministry, and open doors the Lord wanted to take me through. My cell phone eventually went dead after one and a half hours of prophetic revelation, and my life was changed for all time. Within weeks after ending the 40 days of fasting some of the points of prophecy began to come to pass, and I quickly came to see that, yes, the Father did have alot more in store for me. The Holy Spirit has taken me into Africa and some of the other places that were prophesied over me, where I, too, have been able to proclaim, " repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!" Beloved, fast and pray as you start the new year, even for just a day or two if you have never fasted before, and your Father, who is in the secret place, will see you in the secret place and repay you. May God bless you as you pray this day, in Christ, Jim www.gathertheoutcasts.com
And so, if this is the example Jesus has set for us, it would be well for us to pay heed and to follow His example by fasting and praying in our own life, to rejuvenate and rededicate our walk with Him, as well as to receive revelation and instruction for future ministry and personal endeavors. He told the disciples, Matthew 6:17 "But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face v18 so that you may not be seen fasting by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will repay you." He repeats the same basic instruction that He gave the disciples when He spoke to them regarding prayer; the Father,who is hidden and dwells in the secret place, will be revealed to you when you fast and pray, and when the Father sees you He will then repay (reward) you for your sacrifice through answered prayer. So Jesus does not offer fasting up as an optional exercise, for twice he says, "and when you fast", implying that we will come to the point of understanding that fasting is a necessary part of walking in the Spirit.
Several years ago I decided to go on a 21 day Daniel fast, to intercede for my family and also to pray for revelation and direction for the ministry. When I got to day 21, I was ready to end the fast, but the Lord spoke clearly for me to go on to 40, He said, "I have more for you than what you have received". So in obedience I decided to go on to 40 days. On the 28th day I received a call from a prophetess of the Lord, a lady with whom I had never spoken before in my life. She proceeded to prophesy 21 different points over my life, my family, the ministry, and open doors the Lord wanted to take me through. My cell phone eventually went dead after one and a half hours of prophetic revelation, and my life was changed for all time. Within weeks after ending the 40 days of fasting some of the points of prophecy began to come to pass, and I quickly came to see that, yes, the Father did have alot more in store for me. The Holy Spirit has taken me into Africa and some of the other places that were prophesied over me, where I, too, have been able to proclaim, " repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!" Beloved, fast and pray as you start the new year, even for just a day or two if you have never fasted before, and your Father, who is in the secret place, will see you in the secret place and repay you. May God bless you as you pray this day, in Christ, Jim www.gathertheoutcasts.com
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Walk In the Spirit pt 2
Dear beloved: The first part of our walk in the Spirit that leads us into more intimacy with God is daily prayer, that time we set aside to commune with Him in the secret place of our physical and spiritual life. Jesus emphasized the secret place in prayer in Matthew 6:6, when He said, "go into your prayer closet, and when you have shut the door, pray to the Father who is in secret; and the Father who sees in secret will repay you (give you your reward)." So He is saying you have to separate yourself physically, get away from the noise and commotion, close the door behind you and then start talking, communicating, with your Father who is in heaven, who is in secret. The implication here with the word secret is that our Father is secluded and hidden from view, and He is only accessible to those who are initiated into the silence of His presence. One of the main reasons people have an empty spiritual life is they never get away from the noise of all the electronic gadgets and busyness of their life to get quiet with God. God speaks in the still, small voice, the voice that is hidden from us in our normal, fast paced lives. So when you seperate yourself physically, you also then are in position to seperate yourself in the secret place spiritually.
As you then begin to speak or commune with the Lord, Jesus goes on to say it is not the number or amount of words that is important, for "your heavenly Father knows what things you are in need of even before you ask Him." So, if He knows your needs even before you ask, then you might ask, "what is the point in even asking?" And that is the point of prayer; it brings us into His presence, into position before Him, where we can come to a place of agreement with Him, that His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Jesus says in John 14:13 " and whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. v14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it." So He is encouraging us to send requests back to the Father, that which the Father has already declared in His will for your life, your family, your nation, your ministry, to be on this earth; and that when you ask in the name of the Son, the Father who is in heaven will be glorified by seeing His will accomplished through you. For several years when I was really seeking the Lord for my life and ministry, I prayed for hours a week a very simple prayer, "Lord, show me Your way." The Lord certainly did show me His way, through dreams and visions, open doors and strengthening of my walk with Him, that intimacy that my heart longed for.
Jesus goes on to give us assurance that the Father will hear our prayer and answer our prayers. Matthew 7:7 " Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and your shall find; knock, and the door shall be opened unot you. v8, For everyone who asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks the door shall be opened." Beloved, know that God's will for your life is that He wants to bless and prosper you, to give you hope and a future. Get in your secret place and ask the Lord for His will to be done in your life; pray His will back to Him, and then get ready to walk it out through the open doors. In the next post I will talk about adding fasting with your prayers to make it even more powerful and Spirit filled. May God bless you as you pray today, in Christ, Jim www.gathertheoutcasts.com
As you then begin to speak or commune with the Lord, Jesus goes on to say it is not the number or amount of words that is important, for "your heavenly Father knows what things you are in need of even before you ask Him." So, if He knows your needs even before you ask, then you might ask, "what is the point in even asking?" And that is the point of prayer; it brings us into His presence, into position before Him, where we can come to a place of agreement with Him, that His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Jesus says in John 14:13 " and whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. v14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it." So He is encouraging us to send requests back to the Father, that which the Father has already declared in His will for your life, your family, your nation, your ministry, to be on this earth; and that when you ask in the name of the Son, the Father who is in heaven will be glorified by seeing His will accomplished through you. For several years when I was really seeking the Lord for my life and ministry, I prayed for hours a week a very simple prayer, "Lord, show me Your way." The Lord certainly did show me His way, through dreams and visions, open doors and strengthening of my walk with Him, that intimacy that my heart longed for.
Jesus goes on to give us assurance that the Father will hear our prayer and answer our prayers. Matthew 7:7 " Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and your shall find; knock, and the door shall be opened unot you. v8, For everyone who asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks the door shall be opened." Beloved, know that God's will for your life is that He wants to bless and prosper you, to give you hope and a future. Get in your secret place and ask the Lord for His will to be done in your life; pray His will back to Him, and then get ready to walk it out through the open doors. In the next post I will talk about adding fasting with your prayers to make it even more powerful and Spirit filled. May God bless you as you pray today, in Christ, Jim www.gathertheoutcasts.com
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Walk in the Spirit: A Plan For Spiritual Intimacy
Dear beloved: As we venture forth into the New Year 2013, I think it is safe to say we all desire to be more intimate in our walk with the Lord. This is a resolution that I believe we all have in our hearts, whether spoken or just a heartcry that we cry out to the Lord in our quiet times and in the secret place. It is certainly the will of God that we walk closer with Him, so we can rest in peace in knowing that whatever effort and sacrifice we put forth will be multiplied and blessed by Him. I have a plan for the coming year called walk in the Spirit that will propel you into a more joyful walk with Him, and free you to move into your destiny in the kingdom.
Paul says in Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk in the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. v17 for the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please (the things that move you forward in kingdom destiny). And so, Paul encourages us to walk in the Spirit, that is to be continually Spirit saturated and Spirit led, so that you will not be distracted and led astray by the enticements of the flesh. For we all know those fleshly pursuits lead to death and destruction and subvert the plan of God for our life. Paul goes on to say in verse 18, but if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. He was speaking here of the Old Testament Law and the need for lawless people to be guided and corralled by the Law. A Spirit filled life sets us free from the confines and restrictions of the law, we have no need for it because our life is led by love for God and for other people in our life. So in practical day-to-day sense what does it mean to be led by the Spirit and therfore walk in the Spirit?
I see three main streams or branches of a Spirit led life, each extremely important in its own right, but when taken together produce in us the wholeness of abundant life that Jesus had in mind for us when He said He came to give us life, and life abundantly. The three branches of the Spirit led life are these: 1) daily communing with the Lord through prayer, 2) daily reflection and meditation by receiving counsel from His word, and 3) consistent fellowship with the saints in church or group bible study. These three aspects of walking in the Spirit are like the legs of a three legged stool, without any one of the legs the stool falls over, but with all of them in place the stool can withstand any kind of pressure or pushing against it. Paul goes on to describe the fruits of the Spirit led life: v22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, v23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Again, Paul emphasizes a Spirit led life is above the need for the condemnation, confines, and constrictions of the law, it is a life that is led by the love of the Lord Jesus and His desire for us to reach out to others to bring glory to His Name in our life. In the posts in the days ahead on this blog I will go into greater detail on each of the three legs of the Spirit led chair, so we can see in practical steps how to move into this "lifestyle" for our life.
May God bless you as you pray today. in Christ, Jim
Paul says in Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk in the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. v17 for the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please (the things that move you forward in kingdom destiny). And so, Paul encourages us to walk in the Spirit, that is to be continually Spirit saturated and Spirit led, so that you will not be distracted and led astray by the enticements of the flesh. For we all know those fleshly pursuits lead to death and destruction and subvert the plan of God for our life. Paul goes on to say in verse 18, but if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. He was speaking here of the Old Testament Law and the need for lawless people to be guided and corralled by the Law. A Spirit filled life sets us free from the confines and restrictions of the law, we have no need for it because our life is led by love for God and for other people in our life. So in practical day-to-day sense what does it mean to be led by the Spirit and therfore walk in the Spirit?
I see three main streams or branches of a Spirit led life, each extremely important in its own right, but when taken together produce in us the wholeness of abundant life that Jesus had in mind for us when He said He came to give us life, and life abundantly. The three branches of the Spirit led life are these: 1) daily communing with the Lord through prayer, 2) daily reflection and meditation by receiving counsel from His word, and 3) consistent fellowship with the saints in church or group bible study. These three aspects of walking in the Spirit are like the legs of a three legged stool, without any one of the legs the stool falls over, but with all of them in place the stool can withstand any kind of pressure or pushing against it. Paul goes on to describe the fruits of the Spirit led life: v22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, v23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Again, Paul emphasizes a Spirit led life is above the need for the condemnation, confines, and constrictions of the law, it is a life that is led by the love of the Lord Jesus and His desire for us to reach out to others to bring glory to His Name in our life. In the posts in the days ahead on this blog I will go into greater detail on each of the three legs of the Spirit led chair, so we can see in practical steps how to move into this "lifestyle" for our life.
May God bless you as you pray today. in Christ, Jim
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Blessings for the New Year 2013
Dear Beloved: As we approach the turning of the calendar and the beginning of the New Year 2013, many are looking forward not with anticipation, but with anxiety and trepidation to the coming year. The events in America that brought many to their knees at the end of 2012, the worst storm in the history of this country, followed shortly thereafter by one of the most horrific killings in American history, have made us all tense and feeling as if we are looking over the edge of a cliff. And if that were not enough, now we have another cliff to worry about, the so called "fiscal cliff", that could further burden all Americans with increased taxes and possible job layoffs in the days ahead. With all that to cheer us on and propel us into the new year, it's no wonder people are reaching for the medicine cabinet more to try to find a cure for their headache or ulcer. Is their any hope in this world for joy, peace, or happiness?
Jesus made it clear to His disciples that in the end days the only peace to be found in the world would be found in Him. John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." And again in John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world." Jesus spoke about abiding in His love and in His words, that the abiding presence of Him in our life would give us the joy that we are looking for, as well as become the avenue through which we can ask God for the blessings in our life that the world cannot give to us. John 15:7 "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you v8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. v9 Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love." Then He concludes this part of His teaching to the disciples by saying in doing these things, their joy would be made full. v11 "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full." So we see that the way to overcome the world, to defeat the fear and trouble and sorrow that is gripping the world, is to abide in the presence and Word of the living and loving Lord and Savior of all mankind, Jesus Christ.
As a preacher of God's word and one who also carries the prophetic mantle, I can safely predict what is coming in the year ahead: expect more of the same and even increased tribulation and troubled waters. The events of the past are a harbinger of the things to come. I have written extensively of dreams and visions given to me by the Lord concerning the future of America, please look in the archives, mostly in the spring of 2010 for some of these postings on this blog. Beloved, the only hope for you and I in this world is in Jesus, the Overcomer, through whom we can have peace and joy. He shed His precious blood on the cross at Calvary so we could have victory over the curse of this world. Submit to Him today, 2013 could be the greatest year for you ever, God wants to take you to higher realms of glory, that you would bring glory to His name and reap the blessings! May God bless you as you walk with Him boldly into the New Year. In Christ, Jim
Jesus made it clear to His disciples that in the end days the only peace to be found in the world would be found in Him. John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." And again in John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world." Jesus spoke about abiding in His love and in His words, that the abiding presence of Him in our life would give us the joy that we are looking for, as well as become the avenue through which we can ask God for the blessings in our life that the world cannot give to us. John 15:7 "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you v8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. v9 Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love." Then He concludes this part of His teaching to the disciples by saying in doing these things, their joy would be made full. v11 "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full." So we see that the way to overcome the world, to defeat the fear and trouble and sorrow that is gripping the world, is to abide in the presence and Word of the living and loving Lord and Savior of all mankind, Jesus Christ.
As a preacher of God's word and one who also carries the prophetic mantle, I can safely predict what is coming in the year ahead: expect more of the same and even increased tribulation and troubled waters. The events of the past are a harbinger of the things to come. I have written extensively of dreams and visions given to me by the Lord concerning the future of America, please look in the archives, mostly in the spring of 2010 for some of these postings on this blog. Beloved, the only hope for you and I in this world is in Jesus, the Overcomer, through whom we can have peace and joy. He shed His precious blood on the cross at Calvary so we could have victory over the curse of this world. Submit to Him today, 2013 could be the greatest year for you ever, God wants to take you to higher realms of glory, that you would bring glory to His name and reap the blessings! May God bless you as you walk with Him boldly into the New Year. In Christ, Jim
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Time of Sorrows Revisited
Dear beloved: Jesus told the disciples who were questioning Him about the end times scenarios in Matthew chapter 24, that there would be coming a time of sorrows, or a time of birth pangs. These sorrows would be characterized by these events: that many would be coming in the name of Jesus to deceive the masses, saying, I am the Christ, and there would also be wars, rumors of wars, and nation would rise against nation, and kingdom against kindom; and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in diverse places. What we have witnessed in the past week take place in one of our nation's elementary schools has certainly reminded us once again that we are in the time of sorrows, the collective pain and anguish felt by all Americans of conscience has taken the breath out of each of us. Our prayers and sympathy go out for each and every family, friend, and loved one of all the victims of the Sandy Hook school shooting, may God bless and strengthen them with the comfort of the Holy Spirit as only He is able in the days ahead.
There will be many solutions offered up to try to turn the wave of violence that is sweeping our nation, most of it centered around taking the guns and ammunition away from people, and even far-reaching solutions such as metal detectors and fortifying every school, campus, and meeting place in America. Can you imagine, Americans being held prisoner in their own land, not by an outside enemy, but by the demons of hate, murder, and rage, that we have allowed knowingly and willingly into our land, through the cesspool of filth and moral depravity that masquerades as entertainment in television, movies, and video games? Kingdom is certainly rising up against kingdom, just as Jesus predicted, only the kingdoms are not earthly ones, it is the kindom of darkness and evil verses the Kingdom of Light. The mayor of Sandy Hook declared that "evil has visited our community", he certainly got that right, but it has been visiting for a long time now, and evil is announcing that we are taking over.
When a nation gives its schools and its children over to the wanton pleasures of the flesh and has no regard for the Word of God, nor any fear of God in the laws that they pass or the moral stance that they take, then the outcome for the children is quite predictable. When God and moral values are not taught in the schools, when total rebellion towards God is taught in the form of promotion of abortion,(the murder of children in the womb before they get to elementary school), when homosexual perversion is openly promoted by the highest officials and even some church leaders, then God has no choice but to give us over to judgment. Whenever the devil is given an opportunity to come in and take territory, he will certainly be more than happy to do that. Psalm 11:3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? Beloved, there is only one thing the righteous can do, get down on our knees and cry out for mercy, for mercy is all that is going to spare us from the wrath of God. v7 For the Lord is righteous; He loves righteousness; The upright will behold His face. Beloved, cry out for mercy, pray for your church and elected leaders, share the hope of the gospel, that is the only hope for this nation, there is no other. May God bless you as you pray this day, in Christ, Jim
There will be many solutions offered up to try to turn the wave of violence that is sweeping our nation, most of it centered around taking the guns and ammunition away from people, and even far-reaching solutions such as metal detectors and fortifying every school, campus, and meeting place in America. Can you imagine, Americans being held prisoner in their own land, not by an outside enemy, but by the demons of hate, murder, and rage, that we have allowed knowingly and willingly into our land, through the cesspool of filth and moral depravity that masquerades as entertainment in television, movies, and video games? Kingdom is certainly rising up against kingdom, just as Jesus predicted, only the kingdoms are not earthly ones, it is the kindom of darkness and evil verses the Kingdom of Light. The mayor of Sandy Hook declared that "evil has visited our community", he certainly got that right, but it has been visiting for a long time now, and evil is announcing that we are taking over.
When a nation gives its schools and its children over to the wanton pleasures of the flesh and has no regard for the Word of God, nor any fear of God in the laws that they pass or the moral stance that they take, then the outcome for the children is quite predictable. When God and moral values are not taught in the schools, when total rebellion towards God is taught in the form of promotion of abortion,(the murder of children in the womb before they get to elementary school), when homosexual perversion is openly promoted by the highest officials and even some church leaders, then God has no choice but to give us over to judgment. Whenever the devil is given an opportunity to come in and take territory, he will certainly be more than happy to do that. Psalm 11:3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? Beloved, there is only one thing the righteous can do, get down on our knees and cry out for mercy, for mercy is all that is going to spare us from the wrath of God. v7 For the Lord is righteous; He loves righteousness; The upright will behold His face. Beloved, cry out for mercy, pray for your church and elected leaders, share the hope of the gospel, that is the only hope for this nation, there is no other. May God bless you as you pray this day, in Christ, Jim
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Antidote for Holiday Despair
Dear beloved: Many are troubled with despair and depression at this time of year, whether it be due to loss of loved ones due to death, sickness, or divorce, or maybe due to fractured relationships that have brought pain and suffering into a person's life. Or for some it may come from more natural causes such as pain from cancer, arthritis, or other health issues that lead to despair and discouragement, and even the decreasing sunlight and long nights may be a contributing factor. Beloved, if you are one of those who dreads the Christmas season and cannot find the joy that it appears others have, know that God in His benevolent wisdom has given you an antidote for the feelings that envelope you at this time. That antidote is the Holy Spirit, freely poured out on all believers as a free gift to those who repent of their sins and confess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Jesus told the disciples in John 14:16 "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever.v17 that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. v18 I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you." And so Jesus told His disciples that He would leave them with a Helper, the paracletos in Greek, which means helper, counselor, or advocate. Jesus went on to explain that this Helper would know the truth in all things, and would freely reveal the truth to us if we just asked for it, and that the world would not be able to receive the Helper because it does not know Him or Jesus Christ. So we have the opportunity to also receive the Helper, the Holy Spirit of God, if we simply get our hearts right with God and ask Father God for a part of Himself to come abide with us.
Jesus made it clear that the world would not be able to give this Helper, and Paul makes the same point in 1 Corinthians 2:14 but a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. Jesus also says in John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." Beloved, look to the Lord Jesus and to the Holy Spirit if you are troubled and fearful this season of the year. The world and all its darkness and hopelessness will never be able to comfort or counsel us, will never be able to take the trouble and fear out of our hearts. Trust the Lord, He has promised us the antidote for trouble and fear, the gift of His Holy Spirit. May God bless you this day as you move forward in the Kindgom. in Christ, Jim
Jesus told the disciples in John 14:16 "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever.v17 that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. v18 I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you." And so Jesus told His disciples that He would leave them with a Helper, the paracletos in Greek, which means helper, counselor, or advocate. Jesus went on to explain that this Helper would know the truth in all things, and would freely reveal the truth to us if we just asked for it, and that the world would not be able to receive the Helper because it does not know Him or Jesus Christ. So we have the opportunity to also receive the Helper, the Holy Spirit of God, if we simply get our hearts right with God and ask Father God for a part of Himself to come abide with us.
Jesus made it clear that the world would not be able to give this Helper, and Paul makes the same point in 1 Corinthians 2:14 but a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. Jesus also says in John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." Beloved, look to the Lord Jesus and to the Holy Spirit if you are troubled and fearful this season of the year. The world and all its darkness and hopelessness will never be able to comfort or counsel us, will never be able to take the trouble and fear out of our hearts. Trust the Lord, He has promised us the antidote for trouble and fear, the gift of His Holy Spirit. May God bless you this day as you move forward in the Kindgom. in Christ, Jim
Friday, November 30, 2012
Prayers for Goma, Congo
Dear beloved: I am sending out this prayer request for the city of Goma, Congo, a city of 1 million people that sits on the eastern border (bordering Rwanda) of the Congo. It is the capitol of North Kivu state, and it is the economic hub of the mineral rich area that is the focal point of unrest and rebel activity that has been going on in the Congo for many years. The Lord took me and a team of four others into Goma in September for a series of revival meetings and pastor training, to encourage the body of Christ and also to give the church, along with the Governor of North Kivu, a prophetic word to strengthen their walk with the Lord. The Lord had me preach from 2 Chronicles 20:21-22, the battle that King Jehoshaphat had with the sons of Moab and Ammon. v21 And when Jehoshaphat had consulted with the people, he appointed those who sang to the Lord and those who praised Him in holy attire, as they went out before the army and said, "Give thanks to the Lord, for His lovingkindness is everlasting." v22 And when they began singing and praising, the Lord set ambushes against the sons of Ammon, Moab, and Mt. Seir, who had come against Judah; so they were routed.
Ten days ago the rebel army, after a brief firefight, moved in and took over Goma, as the thousands of UN peacekeepers stood by and watched. But the rising tide of international opinion and condemnation by neighboring African countries has caused the rebels to announce a withdrawal from Goma to 12 miles outside the city limits, a withdrawal that is taking place right now. So the prophetic word given to Goma is coming to pass: this is a mighty move of God to see this city have peace and stability not only in the natural realm, but that a future revival fire would sweep through Goma and North Kivu state, and many would be saved and delivered in the name of Jesus. The last night of the Goma crusade we had a heavenly visitation as a result of the prophetic message about King Jehoshaphat, and an uproar of praise, worship, and dancing went on for some time before we had to stop it due to time and security constraints. God was confirming that He was going to do something mighty in Goma, I believe this retreat is a manifestation of that confirmation and that Goma will be free. 2 Chronicles 20:20 And they went out early in the morning and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa; and when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, " Listen to me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, put your trust in the Lord your God, and you will be established; put your trust in the prophets and succeed."
Beloved, please pray with me that Goma will know peace and stability, that the people there will prosper and that no harm will come against them and their children, and also that the rebel army will lay down its arms and go back to their homes and countries. Matthew 6:9 Pray then in this way: "Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed by Thy Name, v10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." Lord, bless Goma and all the people of the Congo today, that Your kingdom will come in that place as it is in heaven. God bless you, in Christ, Jim
Ten days ago the rebel army, after a brief firefight, moved in and took over Goma, as the thousands of UN peacekeepers stood by and watched. But the rising tide of international opinion and condemnation by neighboring African countries has caused the rebels to announce a withdrawal from Goma to 12 miles outside the city limits, a withdrawal that is taking place right now. So the prophetic word given to Goma is coming to pass: this is a mighty move of God to see this city have peace and stability not only in the natural realm, but that a future revival fire would sweep through Goma and North Kivu state, and many would be saved and delivered in the name of Jesus. The last night of the Goma crusade we had a heavenly visitation as a result of the prophetic message about King Jehoshaphat, and an uproar of praise, worship, and dancing went on for some time before we had to stop it due to time and security constraints. God was confirming that He was going to do something mighty in Goma, I believe this retreat is a manifestation of that confirmation and that Goma will be free. 2 Chronicles 20:20 And they went out early in the morning and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa; and when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, " Listen to me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, put your trust in the Lord your God, and you will be established; put your trust in the prophets and succeed."
Beloved, please pray with me that Goma will know peace and stability, that the people there will prosper and that no harm will come against them and their children, and also that the rebel army will lay down its arms and go back to their homes and countries. Matthew 6:9 Pray then in this way: "Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed by Thy Name, v10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." Lord, bless Goma and all the people of the Congo today, that Your kingdom will come in that place as it is in heaven. God bless you, in Christ, Jim
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Tribute To My Dad
Dear beloved: My earthly father, Lyman Rowh, passed on to his heavenly home on November 14, 2012. He had been battling cancer for several years and finally the Lord said, "No more sorrow, no more tears, no more pain." He was 86 years old, had been surrendered to the Lord Jesus for most all of his life here on this earth; he was also a Sunday school teacher and elder of the church most of his adult life. He left as survivors his wife, Georgia, and three sons and daughter with their spouses and families, 12 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren in all.
The Lord opened the door for me to preach at his memorial service, and Dad had left scripture for me to preach from, the 8th chapter of Romans, no less, the meat and potatoes of the Christian faith. Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Christ Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who indwells you. If we could ask God for anything and know for sure that He would give us what we ask, wouldn't it be great if we could get God Himself to come and live within us, to indwell us? Well, that is what happens when we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit; God sends His Spirit, the third person of the Triune God, to take up residence in our Holy Temple. This Spirit then becomes to us our intercessor, our advocate, our helper, our counsel, and our peace. Jesus said about the Holy Spirit, "The Holy Spirit, when He comes, will lead you into the truth in all things, 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." John 16:13 v14 He shall glorify Me; for He shall take of Mine, and shall disclose it to you. I was so blessed to be able to share the gospel message with the 300-400 people in attendance, as it was the wish of my father that everyone who attended would have an opportunity to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Romans 8:14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Beloved, you can know for sure if you are a son or daughter of God, the Holy Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. (v16) If you do not have the peace and wisdom of the Holy Spirit, and you do not have the confidence that you know for certain if you have eternal life, ask the Lord to forgive you of your sins, repent and turn from your sinful ways, and receive the Savior into your heart this very day. Let Him be the Lord of your life, and you will know for sure that you have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit. May God bless you this day as you seek the Lord, in repentance and in thanksgiving for all that He has done for you. God bless you, and may you and yours have a Happy Thanksgiving. in Christ, Jim
The Lord opened the door for me to preach at his memorial service, and Dad had left scripture for me to preach from, the 8th chapter of Romans, no less, the meat and potatoes of the Christian faith. Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Christ Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who indwells you. If we could ask God for anything and know for sure that He would give us what we ask, wouldn't it be great if we could get God Himself to come and live within us, to indwell us? Well, that is what happens when we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit; God sends His Spirit, the third person of the Triune God, to take up residence in our Holy Temple. This Spirit then becomes to us our intercessor, our advocate, our helper, our counsel, and our peace. Jesus said about the Holy Spirit, "The Holy Spirit, when He comes, will lead you into the truth in all things, 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." John 16:13 v14 He shall glorify Me; for He shall take of Mine, and shall disclose it to you. I was so blessed to be able to share the gospel message with the 300-400 people in attendance, as it was the wish of my father that everyone who attended would have an opportunity to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Romans 8:14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Beloved, you can know for sure if you are a son or daughter of God, the Holy Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. (v16) If you do not have the peace and wisdom of the Holy Spirit, and you do not have the confidence that you know for certain if you have eternal life, ask the Lord to forgive you of your sins, repent and turn from your sinful ways, and receive the Savior into your heart this very day. Let Him be the Lord of your life, and you will know for sure that you have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit. May God bless you this day as you seek the Lord, in repentance and in thanksgiving for all that He has done for you. God bless you, and may you and yours have a Happy Thanksgiving. in Christ, Jim
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Sandy the Historic Storm
Dear beloved: I have been praying for the people who are suffering from the storm named Sandy that has struck the northeast coastal states of the United States. As I have prayed and asked the Lord about this storm, He has revealed to me some of the lessons to be learned from this storm. Because of the enormity of the size and the scope of destruction, as well as the timing of the storm in relation to the upcoming elections, it is natural that those of us with a prophetic mantle would inquire of the Lord in regards to its prophetic track, as well as praying for those who in the natural who have suffered greatly. So as a result of the prayers the Lord has revealed to me three main things.
First, the name of the storm Sandy, spoke to me about the nature of those who build their house on the sand. Matthew 7:24 Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man, who builds his house on the rock, v25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house, and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded upon the rock. v26 And everyone who hears these words of Mine, and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand, v27 and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the wind blew, and it fell and great was its fall. The Lord is giving America a warning, a harbinger of things to come if we do not turn back to Him, that if we do not get our house built upon the rock, breakdown and destruction and calamity will be the order of the day. God is doing everything possible to get people's attention, to put them on their knees so they will seek Him with all their heart, mind, and soul.
Second, the location of the storm, its main track took it right into the seats of corruption, New York City, the mystery Babylon and center of commerce for America and much of the world, and the Jersey shore and Atlantic City, the gambling center for all of the east coast. Revelation 18:4 Come out of her, My people, that you may not participate in her sins, and that you may not receive of her plagues, v5 for her sins have piled up as high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. v8 For this reason one day her plagues will come, pestilence and mourning and famine, and she will be burned up with fire, for the Lord God who judges her is strong. v11 And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn over her, because no one buys her cargoes anymore. v19 They (the merchants) threw dust on their heads and cried out, weeping and wailing, and saying, "Alas, that great city, in which all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth! For in one hour she is made desolate." It is interesting to note that the New York Stock Exchange went quiet and dark for two days, the first time that has happened in the 108 year history of the exchange. Also at the the height of the storm, even in the midst of the rain and ocean tidal waves, part of the burroughs of New York City were actually on fire, just as the scripture in verse 8 above describes, fire which speaks of the judging side of God, judging the corruption and immorality of mystery Babyon.
Third, the timing of the storm as it came just before the election, to cause people to meditate and ponder the future of America and the profound importance of the election at hand. Romans 13:4 For it (government) is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid, for it does not bear the sword for nothing, for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil. v5 Wherefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath,, but also for conscience sake. And so the Lord is highlighting the importance of this election, that we the people are being held responsible, as we rightly should be, for the people who we vote into office; are they a minister of God for good, or are they ministering evil? When the government becomes a minister and promoter of evil, a promoter of those things which God abhors, such as abortion and homosexual marriage, then God has no choice but to minister judgment to bring them back into line. He did it with His own children Israel, and He will do it with the United States of America, a country He wants to bless and loves very much.
Ultimately, I believe a great revival will sweep across this nation as a result of this storm, and many will come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. The New England states and those states that were especially hardhit, New Jersey and New York, will see a different fire come out of these days of desperation, a fire of revival and turning to the Lord they have not seen in many years. They have drifted far from the Lord, but the Lord is turning them back, and says to them, "choose for yourself this day who you will serve, if Baal be god serve him, but if not, then serve Me, the one and only true, Living God." Pray for those in the wake of the destruction, that they would turn to the Lord and honor and serve Him, that God's blessing to New England and this nation will be renewed and restored. God bless you, in Christ, Jim
First, the name of the storm Sandy, spoke to me about the nature of those who build their house on the sand. Matthew 7:24 Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man, who builds his house on the rock, v25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house, and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded upon the rock. v26 And everyone who hears these words of Mine, and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand, v27 and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the wind blew, and it fell and great was its fall. The Lord is giving America a warning, a harbinger of things to come if we do not turn back to Him, that if we do not get our house built upon the rock, breakdown and destruction and calamity will be the order of the day. God is doing everything possible to get people's attention, to put them on their knees so they will seek Him with all their heart, mind, and soul.
Second, the location of the storm, its main track took it right into the seats of corruption, New York City, the mystery Babylon and center of commerce for America and much of the world, and the Jersey shore and Atlantic City, the gambling center for all of the east coast. Revelation 18:4 Come out of her, My people, that you may not participate in her sins, and that you may not receive of her plagues, v5 for her sins have piled up as high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. v8 For this reason one day her plagues will come, pestilence and mourning and famine, and she will be burned up with fire, for the Lord God who judges her is strong. v11 And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn over her, because no one buys her cargoes anymore. v19 They (the merchants) threw dust on their heads and cried out, weeping and wailing, and saying, "Alas, that great city, in which all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth! For in one hour she is made desolate." It is interesting to note that the New York Stock Exchange went quiet and dark for two days, the first time that has happened in the 108 year history of the exchange. Also at the the height of the storm, even in the midst of the rain and ocean tidal waves, part of the burroughs of New York City were actually on fire, just as the scripture in verse 8 above describes, fire which speaks of the judging side of God, judging the corruption and immorality of mystery Babyon.
Third, the timing of the storm as it came just before the election, to cause people to meditate and ponder the future of America and the profound importance of the election at hand. Romans 13:4 For it (government) is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid, for it does not bear the sword for nothing, for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil. v5 Wherefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath,, but also for conscience sake. And so the Lord is highlighting the importance of this election, that we the people are being held responsible, as we rightly should be, for the people who we vote into office; are they a minister of God for good, or are they ministering evil? When the government becomes a minister and promoter of evil, a promoter of those things which God abhors, such as abortion and homosexual marriage, then God has no choice but to minister judgment to bring them back into line. He did it with His own children Israel, and He will do it with the United States of America, a country He wants to bless and loves very much.
Ultimately, I believe a great revival will sweep across this nation as a result of this storm, and many will come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. The New England states and those states that were especially hardhit, New Jersey and New York, will see a different fire come out of these days of desperation, a fire of revival and turning to the Lord they have not seen in many years. They have drifted far from the Lord, but the Lord is turning them back, and says to them, "choose for yourself this day who you will serve, if Baal be god serve him, but if not, then serve Me, the one and only true, Living God." Pray for those in the wake of the destruction, that they would turn to the Lord and honor and serve Him, that God's blessing to New England and this nation will be renewed and restored. God bless you, in Christ, Jim
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