40 Days in the Life
Day 40
09/03/2007 12:09 AM
This past week I've been praying through Malachi, and
what does Billy preach on- the fulfillment of the Word
of Malachi in the last days establishing the House of
Prayer throughout the nations: "For from the rising
of the sun to its setting my name will be great among
the nations, and in every place incense will be offered
to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be
great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts." (Mal
1:11) We had a weighty night in the House. Ashlee,
Grace, and Asa were at home, so I just pressed in for
the night, beginning the fast. It's Global Bridegroom
Fast again, praise Yah! For the next three days we fast
and pray because we miss Jesus:
"the disciples of John came to him, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast? And Jesus said to them, 'Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast." (Matthew 9:15)
So this is the end of 40 days in the life of an intercessor, but not the end of the blog. I'll continue to write to you at least weekly, if not more. Shalom.
"the disciples of John came to him, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast? And Jesus said to them, 'Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast." (Matthew 9:15)
So this is the end of 40 days in the life of an intercessor, but not the end of the blog. I'll continue to write to you at least weekly, if not more. Shalom.
First Day (39)
09/02/2007 12:03 AM
I came in for this evening very tired, and honestly,
was hoping to find someone to cover one of my sets. But
as I began to praise the Lord, He met me. On the 6pm
set, I close the Sabbath day. So I enjoy that set very
much. The Lord gave me strength and a song, and I found
myself blessed to be in the House. Jacob's team came in
to follow, and they ministered to the Lord and to me as
I sat in the chair and studied Ezra. I was now filled
with desire to praise, and the energy to do so. So I
eagerly returned to the platform for my second set at
10pm. Just finished, and I thought about lingering to
play with Bruce on the midnight set.
Sometimes our body is tired, or our soul is in slumber. There is nothing like praising God to awaken us! When we worship, we encounter the source and light of life. We gaze upon the One that can actually fascinate our hearts for eternity. That awakens our souls, and the Spirit reigns over the flesh to strengthen the weary, even the sick. Is it not reasonable- that to encounter the source of life would bring restoration? I'm reminded of that tonight. How I was at first feeling too tired for the watch which is my charge. But in obedience I came, and by grace I encountered Yeshua. May we have grace more and more to walk in obedience to our charge. Amein.
Sometimes our body is tired, or our soul is in slumber. There is nothing like praising God to awaken us! When we worship, we encounter the source and light of life. We gaze upon the One that can actually fascinate our hearts for eternity. That awakens our souls, and the Spirit reigns over the flesh to strengthen the weary, even the sick. Is it not reasonable- that to encounter the source of life would bring restoration? I'm reminded of that tonight. How I was at first feeling too tired for the watch which is my charge. But in obedience I came, and by grace I encountered Yeshua. May we have grace more and more to walk in obedience to our charge. Amein.
Love (38)
09/01/2007 12:11 AM
I was sweet to be in the House tonight. We welcome
Shabbat in a truly peaceful way at the House of Prayer.
Ever grateful for the blessing of serving here, I was
impressed with the need to press on. Reading Ezra
tonight, I am reminded how the Levites returned to
Jerusalem with zeal to build the Lord's House and
quickly built the altar, offered sacrifice and restored
the sacred songs. How they pressed on to build the
foundation. And then how the pressures of adversaries
caused them to shudder from the work and tend to their
own welfare apart from God's House.
A season is coming of pressing, and we must press on. Should the House be left only with it's foundations laid? We've only begun 24/7 prayer, and weakly. There is much to mature and to shift. A friend of ours in India was just severely beaten because he was a believer. Others are in Brazil boldly proclaiming the Word. We are in persecution and proclamation. And we need God. I'm moved towards holiness by our need for His presence. Without knowing HIM, how will we endure persecution with gladness? Without knowing HIM, how will we have anything worth proclaiming?
Before Shabbat day is Shabbat night. Before the Millennial Reign of Christ comes the Day of the Lord. Today is the day to gather oil for our lamps (Matthew 25)
A season is coming of pressing, and we must press on. Should the House be left only with it's foundations laid? We've only begun 24/7 prayer, and weakly. There is much to mature and to shift. A friend of ours in India was just severely beaten because he was a believer. Others are in Brazil boldly proclaiming the Word. We are in persecution and proclamation. And we need God. I'm moved towards holiness by our need for His presence. Without knowing HIM, how will we endure persecution with gladness? Without knowing HIM, how will we have anything worth proclaiming?
Before Shabbat day is Shabbat night. Before the Millennial Reign of Christ comes the Day of the Lord. Today is the day to gather oil for our lamps (Matthew 25)
Baby Boot Camp (37)
08/30/2007 03:35 PM
Well, this isn't the norm is it? We had a baby, he's
wonderful. Grace is loving Asa, and we're enjoying
being a family, while also EXHAUSTED. With feeding
every three hours and a 22 month old to guide, it
hasn't been easy, but God has given us grace for it!
And I do praise the Lord that Grace and Asa are both
very easygoing. Friends at IHOP have been bringing us
food each day, which is another tremendous blessing-
the kiss of a loving community of believers coming
together for one another. I'm very grateful. Asa sat
with me last night while I worshiped on the keys, and
Ashlee read a book to Grace. My prayers and study have
been much broken up into small segments, and the days
and nights run together-- this is the season we are in.
I cherish it, because it's quickly passing, and a rare
season.
Today I came to IHOP for the first class on Zechariah, looking forward to a focused study on this book. And then I changed out 10 lamps in the stage lighting! (24/7 takes it's toll). lol. Heading home now for a nap before Grace wakes up. Shalom,
Today I came to IHOP for the first class on Zechariah, looking forward to a focused study on this book. And then I changed out 10 lamps in the stage lighting! (24/7 takes it's toll). lol. Heading home now for a nap before Grace wakes up. Shalom,
Baby (34)
08/27/2007 11:57 PM
Ashlee and I spent a few days at the hospital with Asa.
Her parents were able to come and help us by taking
care of Grace a good bit. Then we got released from the
hospital and finally made it home with our son. Grace
was very glad to see Asa come home, and we've been
doing the baby boot camp thing since.
Today I got back to IHOP for a meeting and to teach the first New Covenant Class. But spent most of the day at home to help Ashlee. During nap times I got some prayer and study done, and enjoyed praying with Grace tonight at her bedtime. As for the class, it was well attended and I enjoyed teaching such an encouraging and interested group. I'm excited about this semester. It's 12 now, and we just got Asa down a few minutes ago-- better try to sleep a couple hours before the next feeding time. Shalom!
Today I got back to IHOP for a meeting and to teach the first New Covenant Class. But spent most of the day at home to help Ashlee. During nap times I got some prayer and study done, and enjoyed praying with Grace tonight at her bedtime. As for the class, it was well attended and I enjoyed teaching such an encouraging and interested group. I'm excited about this semester. It's 12 now, and we just got Asa down a few minutes ago-- better try to sleep a couple hours before the next feeding time. Shalom!
Asa is born! (30)
08/23/2007 10:57 PM
About 2am we came to the hospital, and at 9:08am this
morning we had a boy! Aaron Asa scored an 8 and 9 on
apgar tests, weighed 8lbs and 15oz, and is 20 inches
long! He has a head of black hair, and as his big
sister says, "he's sweet." Ashlee and Asa are both
doing well. We had a wonderful day spending time with
our children and some of our family members. As you can
see, Grace is excited to have a little brother- she
wanted to hold him often, and keeps checking in on him
whether he's sleeping or nursing, and likes to give him
kisses. I'm about to crash into the hospital couch for
a nap, so... Here's some pictures, cause that's what
you really came for anyway:
29
08/23/2007 02:54 AM
It's 2:55am and we haven't gone to sleep- myself or
Ashlee this time. We're at the hospital having a baby!
Just dropping you a line. See you on the other side.
28 and the past few
08/21/2007 06:54 PM
Whoa, It's been too long. Sorry for the lapse in posts.
We haven't had a baby yet, but we're so ready! Just
been going hard after the Lord, preparing for a baby,
and preparing for my class which starts next week.
Well, it's Tuesday again, all-staff fast and prayer. We
had a good intercession at 4pm, praying mainly for a
spirit of prayer and for God to WAKE US UP that we be
watchful, alert in this final hour. Jacob's team is on
the platform right now, and I need to study the word. I
need God! I need to know Him, not about Him, but to
know Him. That's my hunger, especially strong in the
last few days, and the main reason I haven't been
writing. I'm just here in the hiding place crying out
for Him.... Will be until Jesus returns.
21- 22
08/15/2007 01:23 AM
I just came out of a holy gripping of the Spirit. About
five hours ago, around 8:30-9pm I was working on my
upcoming priesthood class notes when my heart began to
tremble inside of me. I scripted notes rapidly as I
could until the notes were finished and I was released-
minutes ago. So strong was the flow, that I had to ask
another missionary, Chris, to cover my 10pm set, so
that I could be faithful to the trembling that was
within. I'm weak now, but energized at the same time,
and after dancing and singing a song with the
nightwatch intercession, I sat to write to you. This is
a fast day, in which fasting has truly opened the
doors. There's a fire in me for the message I've just
written down, that's not going forth until October 1st.
The message- Lips of the Priest. AAAuuuugghh! I'm ready
to preach now.
Earlier today (or yesterday now- as my entries often are) our all staff intercession (4-6pm) was especially heavy with the weight of the Lord, and the power of the Holy Spirit. The Lord's zeal carried Intercession into the 6pm hour before the teams fully rotated out. The intense prayers, lead by the Spirit were for a shift in the atmosphere of Atlanta, unto repentance and revival. I was aware that we were making the way for The Call Atlanta, before it was mentioned by name on the mic. Those of you in the Atlanta area, Keep watch for the The Call, and COME. For real-- what happened at the The Call Nashville is bigger than I could ever express, and it was only one step in God's plan to bring about a massive revival unlike history has ever known.
Sorry to have missed a post yesterday. Monday's are the meeting day for me. I had Section Leaders meeting, worship leaders meeting, a couple individual meetings, and then took care of management type things. Spent a couple hours in the Word. And finished with a set, that I'm told was powerful in exposing weakness and imparting God's love, leading several in personal repentance and prayer (I don't know, my eyes were closed and wet, lol). That was twelve hours, so I went home without writing.
Hm, now it's been thirteen hours at the House for me today-- I just took a break away from writing you to lay hands over the sick. Healing be! Ashlee called and wants me home, it's 2am. Shalom.
Earlier today (or yesterday now- as my entries often are) our all staff intercession (4-6pm) was especially heavy with the weight of the Lord, and the power of the Holy Spirit. The Lord's zeal carried Intercession into the 6pm hour before the teams fully rotated out. The intense prayers, lead by the Spirit were for a shift in the atmosphere of Atlanta, unto repentance and revival. I was aware that we were making the way for The Call Atlanta, before it was mentioned by name on the mic. Those of you in the Atlanta area, Keep watch for the The Call, and COME. For real-- what happened at the The Call Nashville is bigger than I could ever express, and it was only one step in God's plan to bring about a massive revival unlike history has ever known.
Sorry to have missed a post yesterday. Monday's are the meeting day for me. I had Section Leaders meeting, worship leaders meeting, a couple individual meetings, and then took care of management type things. Spent a couple hours in the Word. And finished with a set, that I'm told was powerful in exposing weakness and imparting God's love, leading several in personal repentance and prayer (I don't know, my eyes were closed and wet, lol). That was twelve hours, so I went home without writing.
Hm, now it's been thirteen hours at the House for me today-- I just took a break away from writing you to lay hands over the sick. Healing be! Ashlee called and wants me home, it's 2am. Shalom.
19-20
08/13/2007 01:39 AM
Shabbat was truly restful. I got to just read and have
communion with the Lord. Came in and lead two worship
sets, with a couple hours between them for study. The
first set was on the beauty of the Lord, the second a
prayer for Jerusalem from Psalm 137 and 1Ch 16. In
between sets, I ended up studying about an hour, and
talking to visitors for another hour, a couple from
Alabama and a couple from Illinois. Got to hear what
the Lord is doing in their lives and in the churches in
their areas, and hopefully encouraged them. It was a
sweet fellowship.
Today started out with the usual home stuff like mowing the yard. I ran sound for the Encounter service tonight. Several people received healing tonight. And after the service a sweet spirit lingered into the nightwatch where I am found, not wanting to leave.
Our message was a powerful proclamation on the jewish messiah (Jesus) who will reign from Jerusalem in the age to come. This is indeed something the Bible is full of, yet we as the church don't really have a grid for. We live for today and think of heaven as far off and spiritual. But the Bible is clear that when Jesus returns, we will be given glorified bodies (1Cor 15:51) and rule and reign on the EARTH with Jesus for a thousand years: "Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years," (Rev 20:6). Tonight's focus was on the aspect of all nations submitting to Jesus and to Israel, because He will reign from Jerusalem (Isa 2), and Israel will be the nation above all other nations (Isa 60). How profound to see yet another area in which the world is under a sway that is directly in opposition to the will of God- for right now most of the nations are against Israel, and many have sworn to wipe Israel out! This is Psalm 2 being fulfilled in our day- "Why do the nations rage, the peoples plot in vain?" How should we live in light of this reality? Not for today, but for the age to come.
Today started out with the usual home stuff like mowing the yard. I ran sound for the Encounter service tonight. Several people received healing tonight. And after the service a sweet spirit lingered into the nightwatch where I am found, not wanting to leave.
Our message was a powerful proclamation on the jewish messiah (Jesus) who will reign from Jerusalem in the age to come. This is indeed something the Bible is full of, yet we as the church don't really have a grid for. We live for today and think of heaven as far off and spiritual. But the Bible is clear that when Jesus returns, we will be given glorified bodies (1Cor 15:51) and rule and reign on the EARTH with Jesus for a thousand years: "Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years," (Rev 20:6). Tonight's focus was on the aspect of all nations submitting to Jesus and to Israel, because He will reign from Jerusalem (Isa 2), and Israel will be the nation above all other nations (Isa 60). How profound to see yet another area in which the world is under a sway that is directly in opposition to the will of God- for right now most of the nations are against Israel, and many have sworn to wipe Israel out! This is Psalm 2 being fulfilled in our day- "Why do the nations rage, the peoples plot in vain?" How should we live in light of this reality? Not for today, but for the age to come.
Day 18
08/11/2007 02:40 AM
Grace got her first haircut today! She didn't like it
very much, but later she got complements on her hair,
and I think she's happy about that. Arriving at IHOP, I
enjoyed the last of Matt and Steven's devo with a
moment of contemplative prayer, then settled in to work
on notes for next weeks Intro to IHOP ( a week long
introduction we run every quarter). I'm teaching at
Intro on the Tabernacle of David. Grace and Ashlee came
to visit, and I ate with Grace in the cafe' while
Ashlee borrowed my computer. Then got back to my
studies until my set. I did the set on a meditation of
1 Chr 16- the song the David composed for the
consecration of the Tabernacle. It's a powerful psalm
that's actually parts of two different psalms 105:1-15
and 96:1-13. A good study reveals the themes of the
modern day house of prayer like continual worship and
intercession, prophetic proclamation, the beauty of the
Lord, signs, wonders, miracles, the establishment of
Israel, the judgement of God, and the coming of
Messiah. I came home immediately afterwards, but I've
been working on class notes at home until now. It's
time for bed- shalom.
16-17
08/09/2007 10:29 PM
Yesterday, I picked up an IHOP guitar that had gone in
for a re-fret and set-up, and dropped off another. Then
stayed at the House for a short time in the Word before
the 4pm intercession. It was a hot room in our annex
building for this intercession. We crowded about 100
into the smaller prayer room, because on Wednesdays,
Crossroads church is using our main prayer room until
their new facilities are completed. Day three of GBF,
we pressed in together. Concluding with communion, it
was trully a blessed meeting time. Afterwards, Ashlee,
Grace, and I met up with family and I broke fast on
barbeque. lol.
Today, I took care of Grace this morning, cleaned up the garage, began repairs on a hole in our kitchen ceiling from a leak that I repaired a while back. We left the opening to make sure the leak was fixed before repatching. I'll be plastering and painting on it for the next few days. Then we had fun together at Discover Mills.
Today, I took care of Grace this morning, cleaned up the garage, began repairs on a hole in our kitchen ceiling from a leak that I repaired a while back. We left the opening to make sure the leak was fixed before repatching. I'll be plastering and painting on it for the next few days. Then we had fun together at Discover Mills.
Day 15
08/07/2007 09:22 PM
I have just a few minutes before my set this evening.
Day two of GBF, I came in a few hours early to get
repairs done and other sound issues handled, and to get
some extra time working on my class notes. I played
bass on the 4pm intercession, I had some more technical
issues arise after that, so I was glad to have come in
early and gotten time in the Word. My set is next, then
a meeting just after midnight. Shalom.
Day 14
08/07/2007 12:14 AM
Today was day one of the Global Bridegroom Fast. GBF is
a monthly solemn assembly of believers that occurs the
first Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of each month plus
seven days in December for a total of 40 days a year in
fasting. Jesus said, "Can the friends of the
bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with
them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will
be taken away from them … then they will fast.
(Mt 9:15) That's why we fast, because Jesus is
away from us. IHOPs, other houses of prayer, and many
churches and individuals around the planet unite in
this fast making it the largest fasting movement on the
earth. I encourage you to join with GBF. It can help to
make that a time to visit IHOP Atlanta or an IHOP,
Boiler Room, whatever in your area. Another way is to
watch IHOP-Kansas City on God TV via satellite (Direct
TV channel 365) or on the web at theprayerroom.god.tv/. Or,
gather friends together to meet and pray on GBF at
your church!
As for my day, well.... So we fast and pray-- no meetings today, just 10 hours in the prayer room, 4 in study and meditation, 4 in intercession, and 2 on set. I'm hungry and tired, so I'm going home to sleep because when you sleep you don't feel the hunger, and you get rest.
"What did we pray for?" you ask. Well:
Fullness of the Holy Spirit and Unity Throughout the Church (John 14:12 and 17:2–23)
Spiritual breakthroughs in the worldwide Church with unprecedented unity, purity and power
The Great Harvest (Matthew 24:14)
Over one billion souls converted by the power of God
Youth Revival Movement (Malachi 4:6)
Worldwide revival especially among the poor of the earth
Revival to Israel (Romans 9–11)
Fulfillment of all the prophetic promises to national Israel
Houses of Prayer (Isaiah 62:6–7)
The release of “grace for fasting” with worship and prayer to establish 24/7 houses of prayer in the
cities of the earth, including Israel
Wealth of the Nations (Haggai 2:7–9)
Release of finances for the Great Harvest, the prayer movement and the poor
The Wall of Fire (Zechariah 2:5)
Divine protection of all that is birthed through prayer
As for my day, well.... So we fast and pray-- no meetings today, just 10 hours in the prayer room, 4 in study and meditation, 4 in intercession, and 2 on set. I'm hungry and tired, so I'm going home to sleep because when you sleep you don't feel the hunger, and you get rest.
"What did we pray for?" you ask. Well:
Fullness of the Holy Spirit and Unity Throughout the Church (John 14:12 and 17:2–23)
Spiritual breakthroughs in the worldwide Church with unprecedented unity, purity and power
The Great Harvest (Matthew 24:14)
Over one billion souls converted by the power of God
Youth Revival Movement (Malachi 4:6)
Worldwide revival especially among the poor of the earth
Revival to Israel (Romans 9–11)
Fulfillment of all the prophetic promises to national Israel
Houses of Prayer (Isaiah 62:6–7)
The release of “grace for fasting” with worship and prayer to establish 24/7 houses of prayer in the
cities of the earth, including Israel
Wealth of the Nations (Haggai 2:7–9)
Release of finances for the Great Harvest, the prayer movement and the poor
The Wall of Fire (Zechariah 2:5)
Divine protection of all that is birthed through prayer
Day 13
08/05/2007 10:59 PM
Woke up this morning after the most horrific dream: I
was invited to dinner by a wealthy man. We travelled to
a beautiful cove, a paradise, and sat down with several
others, also very wealthy. Dishes were brought out over
the course of conversation, different and wonderful
foods. Then a dish came out and was sat on the table-
of infants. Tiny babies lay piled on a platter! I was
shocked, and pushed back from the table declaring,
"This is not right." One tried to say 'it's a delicacy
here', and other explained, 'these were unwanted
anyway- the mother's wanted an abortion." I look again
at the platter and see a couple of them moving. "I
cannot eat with you," I said shaking my head and
standing from the table. The dream ended. It's my
waking understanding that we cannot offer our
fellowship to those who grow fat on the deaths of the
unborn. I found myself praying, "God, where do I have
connections with this wicked act of abortion?" May we
consider if there are ways in which we support abortion
with our lifestyles, our spending, and otherwise. May
we investigate even the ministries that we give into,
because I have heard of two so-called 'Christian'
ministries to the poor that actually help pay for
abortion! God let it not be!
So after contemplating this issue on my bed, I got up, and rejoiced with my little girl, and held my bride's very pregnant tummy to feel my son kicking and wallowing. Praise Yah for babies! I ate breakfast with my family, played with Grace, went to work out, came back for a shower and lunch, then headed to the House of Prayer early to prepare for the message I was giving tonight. I preached on the work of intercession by Yeshua as our High Priest, and our partnership with Him in the burden of intercession. Many came to the altar, and I heard good witness to the message from several individuals afterwards. I talked more about the priestly ministry with a few people in the cafe', then went to eat dinner with my family. Back at the House now, I look forward to another hour here is fellowship with the Spirit before heading home. There may have been an issue with the recording of the message tonight, but hopefully it's good enough to hear. If so, I'll try to publish it on the website tomorrow.
So after contemplating this issue on my bed, I got up, and rejoiced with my little girl, and held my bride's very pregnant tummy to feel my son kicking and wallowing. Praise Yah for babies! I ate breakfast with my family, played with Grace, went to work out, came back for a shower and lunch, then headed to the House of Prayer early to prepare for the message I was giving tonight. I preached on the work of intercession by Yeshua as our High Priest, and our partnership with Him in the burden of intercession. Many came to the altar, and I heard good witness to the message from several individuals afterwards. I talked more about the priestly ministry with a few people in the cafe', then went to eat dinner with my family. Back at the House now, I look forward to another hour here is fellowship with the Spirit before heading home. There may have been an issue with the recording of the message tonight, but hopefully it's good enough to hear. If so, I'll try to publish it on the website tomorrow.
Day 12
08/05/2007 12:03 AM
Today I rejoiced in Shabbat, and sang in the setting
sun of the joy of knowing the Lord. After the 6pm set I
had a couple hours to study the scriptures and to talk
with a visitor to IHOP before getting on the 10pm, my
second set of the day. It was a wholly different set, a
meditation on Psalm 46 and 137 that was at first a
spontaneous song on the Day of the Lord, then became a
cry for mercy in sight of the coming desolation. The
first time I looked at the clock on this set, it was
11:11, just after I had been singing "watchmen lift
your heads, discern the times, declare the season. The
hour is late, and the King is coming." May we not be
offended by what is near to come before Him.
We must know the heart of our Lord in this hour, and seek understanding about the days ahead, that we might be prepared and steadfast in our faith. I'm grateful for a crowd of witnesses gathered around me that go hard after the Knowledge of God and of His plans. It's so very valuable for the Church to understand what's coming, and therefore necessary for a few to give their lives to the study of eschatology with prayer and fasting as we do here. We've too many voices on the subject that teach the doctrines of men, and few who boldly proclaim the difficult truth: "Then they will deliver you up to oppression, and will kill you. You will be hated by all of the nations for my name’s sake. Then many will stumble, and will deliver up one another, and will hate one another. Many false prophets will arise, and will lead many astray. Because iniquity will be multiplied, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end, the same will be saved. This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world for a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come." (Mat 25:9-14) Notice "THIS GOSPEL," that of persecution and death, of hatred and betrayal. We must get truth in our innermost parts and prepare for the Day, lest we be among those who are offended and our love grow cold.
We must know the heart of our Lord in this hour, and seek understanding about the days ahead, that we might be prepared and steadfast in our faith. I'm grateful for a crowd of witnesses gathered around me that go hard after the Knowledge of God and of His plans. It's so very valuable for the Church to understand what's coming, and therefore necessary for a few to give their lives to the study of eschatology with prayer and fasting as we do here. We've too many voices on the subject that teach the doctrines of men, and few who boldly proclaim the difficult truth: "Then they will deliver you up to oppression, and will kill you. You will be hated by all of the nations for my name’s sake. Then many will stumble, and will deliver up one another, and will hate one another. Many false prophets will arise, and will lead many astray. Because iniquity will be multiplied, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end, the same will be saved. This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world for a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come." (Mat 25:9-14) Notice "THIS GOSPEL," that of persecution and death, of hatred and betrayal. We must get truth in our innermost parts and prepare for the Day, lest we be among those who are offended and our love grow cold.
Day 11
08/04/2007 12:59 AM
After a morning with the family, I went to IHOP early
so I could take care of business type duties and still
get several hours in the chair to pray and prepare for
this Sunday- I'll be speaking at Encounter. I took care
of several housekeeping things that needed my
attention, then sat in the prayer room. I got my
message tonight, and then did my set. A lot of people
were in the prayer room tonight.
It's been my privilege to serve in the House on Shabbat. As I have done each Friday evening, I started with Psalm 92, the song for Shabbat. I do this in the tradition started by the original Levites at the Tabernacle of David three millennia ago (Each day has a specific song that was sung in the evening and morning, prophetic of a 1000 year period). Psalm 92, according to the Talmud, was written by Adam on the first Shabbat, making it about six thousand years old. After Psalm 92, I sang mostly in prayer about being awake in the hour and unoffended in love when slander, insult, persecution, and suffering strike the church at the end of the age. For we are made perfect through suffering (Heb 5:8-9), and "for to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. " (1 Pe 2:19)
Jesus, give us grace to endure to the end!
It's been my privilege to serve in the House on Shabbat. As I have done each Friday evening, I started with Psalm 92, the song for Shabbat. I do this in the tradition started by the original Levites at the Tabernacle of David three millennia ago (Each day has a specific song that was sung in the evening and morning, prophetic of a 1000 year period). Psalm 92, according to the Talmud, was written by Adam on the first Shabbat, making it about six thousand years old. After Psalm 92, I sang mostly in prayer about being awake in the hour and unoffended in love when slander, insult, persecution, and suffering strike the church at the end of the age. For we are made perfect through suffering (Heb 5:8-9), and "for to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. " (1 Pe 2:19)
Jesus, give us grace to endure to the end!
Days 9 & 10
08/04/2007 12:48 AM
At home it was nice to spend time with Ashlee and
Grace. I didn't see them much at all the previous two
days, so we made a plan to enjoy family. We worked on a
few things in preparation for Asa's birth, cleaned
house, worked in the yard, had quality time together,
and I still had about four hours a day in the
scriptures- though I gave up my workout for it.
Yesterday, I enjoyed riding my bike up to Braselton in
the beautiful weather while making errands, then
meeting Ashlee and Grace for dinner at Chuck E. Cheese.
We wanted to do something extra with Grace before her
little brother comes and has us grounded at home for a
bit. My daughter is absolutely precious- she played
games, went down the slide, ate three slices of pizza,
introduced herself to everyone in the place, including
Chuck E. himself,m and just captivated my heart the
whole time. We learn so much of the love of God in our
families- the Father's heart towards His children is
being revealed to me every day as I'm now a father, and
the love of Jesus for His Bride is revealed more and
more even after eight years of marriage. I talk a lot
to God about my family, and he teaches me a lot through
them.
I cherish this season, actually being at home, having intimacy as a family, just having a home. Once in my life, I was always traveling in ministry, and later I was spending long hours at church. I'm still prone to linger long with the Lord at IHOP, but altogether I get way more family time here than I ever did in worship or church ministry. Mainly, I actually get my off days most of the time, where before there was always a youth or other special event taking up that time. I think it's important to take time with family- what is anybody listening to me for if I can't minister first to my wife and children? Financially, we've never been poorer, but in intimacy we've never been richer. "Better the little the righteous have, than the wealth of many wicked" (Ps 37:16)
I cherish this season, actually being at home, having intimacy as a family, just having a home. Once in my life, I was always traveling in ministry, and later I was spending long hours at church. I'm still prone to linger long with the Lord at IHOP, but altogether I get way more family time here than I ever did in worship or church ministry. Mainly, I actually get my off days most of the time, where before there was always a youth or other special event taking up that time. I think it's important to take time with family- what is anybody listening to me for if I can't minister first to my wife and children? Financially, we've never been poorer, but in intimacy we've never been richer. "Better the little the righteous have, than the wealth of many wicked" (Ps 37:16)
Day 8
08/01/2007 12:14 AM
Five and a half hours sleep and maaannn did 7:30am come
early! I met with a new e-group at 8am for end times
study. 10am I was out and going to pick up IHOP's main
keyboard and a speaker from the repair shop, brought it
back, set it up. Took a house guitar to the Luthier.
Went home for a nap. Woke up and returned to the House
for All Staff Intercession. Four hours of Worship With
the Word followed. I hoped to spend the whole time
praying and noting for my class, but an hour was spent
taking care of technical issues. Finished the night
with leading a 10pm. I got messed up tonight! (In a
good way). It's hard sometimes to worship and you have
to keep going, but you just want to cry. I sang from
Song of Songs about the beauty of Jesus, and later
slipped into Psalm 137 again in mourning for Jerusalem.
That went into a spontaneous song of hope that the
great King of Jerusalem was returning soon, and that's
when I wanted to stop and cry. It didn't help that
several people in the room WERE crying! So I choked
through "why should I gain from His reward; I cannot
give an answer. But this I know with all my heart, His
wounds have paid my ransom." Pick myself up, and I'll
be home soon.
Day 7
08/01/2007 12:02 AM
Monday was a long and packed day- I skipped updating
the blog. So here's what happened: I woke up and went
to IHOP. Our 2pm Section Leaders meeting was cancelled
this week, so I visited with some staffers in the cafe'
for half an hour during lunch, then got some extra time
soaking in the prayer room, meditating on the love of
God. At 4pm the Intercession was charged with intense
prayer for Israel, the nation and it's people, and jews
everywhere. I shook off the fatigue after 2 hours of
prayer with a drink, and spent the next couple hours on
my priesthood notes for class. Another Intercession set
began at 8, so I spent an hour there in worship and
prayer, then left for dinner and to prep for my set.
Did the 10. Sang spontaneously from Psalm 137, and
after the set I had to write it down- I may have a new
song. After a few needed chores around the building I
went home, because Tuesday morning was quick
approaching, and I needed to be back at 8am.
Day 6
07/30/2007 01:44 AM
Got up, ate breakfast, took a hot shower, had a bit of
family time, worked on our newsletter, ate lunch, went
to IHOP. I focused on my priesthood notes again today-
hitting that hard this week. At 6pm, Encounter started,
and I joined with the corporate worship for an hour. We
had a ministry time to lay hands on the sick, and those
under oppression. Steven brought a powerful teaching on
God's heart for Israel. Many came in response to the
altar call, so we spent a while praying over
individuals. I had a brief meeting afterwards, then
returned to the prayer room to continue working on my
notes. Came home and finished the newsletter that I
started this morning. It's a snail-mail for my ministry
partners- if you'd like to receive it, email me and let
me know. So now it's almost 2am and I'm off to bed!
See, it's not glamorous in any way. But I spent about six hours in prayerful preparation for the GSM class, worshiped, got a little soul food through the message, watched the Lord move in healing, prayed over many individuals, and got my newsletter written. Good day. Now I need rest, tomorrow I spend a little more than 10 hard hours at the House.
See, it's not glamorous in any way. But I spent about six hours in prayerful preparation for the GSM class, worshiped, got a little soul food through the message, watched the Lord move in healing, prayed over many individuals, and got my newsletter written. Good day. Now I need rest, tomorrow I spend a little more than 10 hard hours at the House.
Day 5
07/29/2007 12:15 AM
Today was a sweet day in the House. I love Saturdays
here! The peace of Shabbat lingers into the evenings. I
spent my first hour in worship, then took care of a few
needed tasks around the House. I sat down in the prayer
room, and continued with notes on the priesthood for
about 3 hours, until my set. I have never had a more
choice place to sit and talk with God as I prepare to
teach. On my way to prep for my set, I talked to a guy
who was visiting IHOP for the first time. Lead worship
a couple hours, with a kiss from the Lord. Sang
spontaneously most of the time about the purchase from
death by the blood- the revelation of the passover to
the blood of Yeshua (Jesus), and the sanctification of
the saints as priests unto the Lord. Diana is doing the
midnight set, and I'm very tempted to linger and
worship, but I need to set my clock after being half
way around the world. So I'm heading home. Shalom.
Day 4
07/27/2007 11:49 PM
Ashlee and I worked on Asa's room this morning (our
son's due August 17th), and worked on announcements and
such in preparation. Had more time playing with Grace.
Came to the House of Prayer with my mind set to work on
my notes for the New Covenant Priesthood class that
I'll be teaching this semester for the Gatekeeper
School of Ministry. But upon arrival we had a set that
wasn't covered! Jacob, another worship leader, had
jumped up to cover it (we will not let this fire go
out). However, he had already done two sets today and
been here more than eight hours. So I took up a guitar
and lead worship for a couple hours. Graciously,
another brother in the House, Chris, took my usual 10pm
slot so that I could focus for more than a couple hours
on the prayer, study, and preparation of my upcoming
classes. I'm taking a quick break to say 'hey' to my
blog readers. Got to get back to my notes-- I'm so
excited about this class.
Rest
07/26/2007 11:14 PM
Wednesday and Thursday are my usual off days. So
yesterday and today, after a two week absence from
home, I woke up with Grace and played with my brilliant
21month old. Let Ashlee sleep late- she needs to rest
up cause Asa will be born any day now! We had some good
family time, and all took a nap in the afternoon.
Followed by more family time! It's been a sweet couple
days.
Day 1
07/24/2007 07:45 PM
Here's a new beginning. I hope to give you a
perspective of what happens in the life of an
Intercessory Missionary at the International House of
Prayer. So far today, I woke up at my daughter's
morning petition, and spent some time with her, and
fixed her breakfast. It's Tuesday, all staff fast every
Tuesday, so no need of food for myself. Ashlee, now
just a few weeks from delivery, needed a morning off, I
thought. So Grace and I had a great morning together,
and Ashlee joined us a little later for some quality
time. I worked out, got freshened up, and made it to
IHOP before 2pm. Spent the first hour and a half
communing with the Spirit in the prayer room. Then went
to team briefing for my last 4pm Intercession. I've
been playing bass with this team a while now, but next
week we have major changes in the schedule.
Intercession was sweet today with a special time of
praying over one another. Later in the set, while I was
on bass, the prayer leader shared a dream that I had
several weeks ago about the misuse and
misappropriations of the tithe. That lead to
intercession over the release of finances to
missionaries.
A note on the dream: I had emailed the notes on a series of dreams that I had, 12 in one night, to him after they occurred. There's not time for that download now, but it is interesting to come up on my first day of blogging. So I should share that when one of us gets a dream, vision, or other form of word from the Lord, we have this community to check and balance, to confirm what is heard. So there it was.
Anyway... Afterwards, I shared about my trip with several friends, and took care of some sound equipment issues. Thought I'd drop a line before my next two hours of study in Malachi, because I have a set again at 10pm, and then I'm going straight home to bed.
That's a day in the life.
A note on the dream: I had emailed the notes on a series of dreams that I had, 12 in one night, to him after they occurred. There's not time for that download now, but it is interesting to come up on my first day of blogging. So I should share that when one of us gets a dream, vision, or other form of word from the Lord, we have this community to check and balance, to confirm what is heard. So there it was.
Anyway... Afterwards, I shared about my trip with several friends, and took care of some sound equipment issues. Thought I'd drop a line before my next two hours of study in Malachi, because I have a set again at 10pm, and then I'm going straight home to bed.
That's a day in the life.