Intercessors Blog- Chad Swift

Sukkot message

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2008-10-14T09:12:42-04:00

I taught on Sukkot at Encounter Service this past Sunday. Download it in one of two ways:

1: Open iTunes and looking up the IHOP Atlanta podcast (either get just the message you want, or signup for automatic downloads each week- i highly recommend it).

2: visit ihop-atlanta.com and download it from there.

A Given Heart

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2008-10-12T22:27:23-04:00

Tonight I came home with my family after giving the messages for today's Encounter Services. Sunday night after encounter is our family's 'late night', since we get home after we'd normally be in bed. And tonight Gracie, shared a snack time together before bed. Sitting at the breakfast table together while Mommy was bathing brother Asa, Gracie and I talked about her week at Pop and Grammy's house. I told her how much I missed her while she was gone, and we got into a conversation about what makes our hearts dance. She told me, 'You can have my heart and I can have Your heart." I rejoiced and shared how precious that was to me. My father heart was ravished. Then an even greater love was expressed as she declared, "You can have my heart, I don't love my heart, because I want Your heart."

And that's wisdom from an almost 3 year old. If we only had such a revelation of the Father heart of God, we could declare "Abba, You can have my heart, I don't love my heart, because I want Your heart." That's the free devotion of a child. And I tell you, it grasps the heart of the Father.

Yom Kippur

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2008-10-09T18:43:12-04:00

Today was Yom HaKippurim (aka Yom Kippur, Day of Atonement). I came into the House of Prayer at 5:30am prepared to lead a repentant devotional worship set at 6am, and found the nightwatch travailing on the floor in intense intercession. Transitioning onto the platform, I wanted to keep the engagement going with the Lord as the intercession switched off. And smoothly they did, only to come back three minutes later and ask if they could join me and keep going, because they felt a mighty grace for intercession. So they took up their instruments again and we continued, the entire room, to engage the heart of the Lord over the issues of raising up rightous leadership in our government, crying out for for mercy on behalf of our nation. And a supernatural grace for intercession sustained our prayers into the 8am set, where we picked up the normal worship leader for that set. Then finally transitioned to the next team at 10am- where the 4am worship team finally got off the platform after 6 hours straight, only to stand down front and pray fervently, while I switched from acoustic guitar to the bass to support the new worship leader. And that's how it rolled through eight hours of intense intercessory prayer on the morning of Yom Kippur in the House of Prayer. That's what I call a Yom Kippur, pleading a better blood (Heb 12:24), the blood of Yeshua, over our sins and the sins of our nation!

I want to encourage everyone to pray for MERCY every day. And encourage your friends and family to pray for MERCY every day. Pray for this election with urgency, because it is vital that the cry for righteous government and mercy upon our wicked nation be heard in the court of Heaven. Do not faint, do not back down, do not cease. But press in, until the final vote. May it be said, America approved of what is just and right on election day in 2008.

Indwelling of the Spirit

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2008-09-18T08:54:03-04:00

I do not understand God within me, yet I know it to be so, because the scriptures declare:
"By this we know that we abide in him and He in us, because he has given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him." (1Jn 4:13-16)

And elsewhere it is declared that the Holy Spirit, which is the very Spirit of God, is set within us:
"In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory." (Eph 1:13-14)

Therefore, I take time to meditate upon this reality unto knowing the Truth, and dispelling any lie within concerning it. Who can fathom 'God within?" The whole of life would be much simpler if we would but know, and rest in the knowing, that God is nearer still that the very breath within our lungs, His Spirit is resident within. Now I pray for myself and for you...
"that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all." (Eph 1:17-23)

The ancient jewish sages have teaching and perspectives that I'm finding helpful in my study today. In a dialogue concerning mitzvah, the sages speak of performing a mitzvah as a connection to God. And it is said, "The perfection of any entity may be gauged against the purpose for which it was originally created. What is the purpose of creation in general and of man in particular? - 'The Holy One, blessed be He, desired to have an abode in the lower worlds." (Midrash Tanchuma, Parshas Naso, sec. 16.) Should the height of perfection in this life be to exist as the abode of God, then we see it in Yeshua, the man who was God. The perfect man, who knew no sin, because He is God in the flesh. Yeshua taught us 'be perfect therefore" (Mat 5:48). In much we think that perfection is about rule on rule, doing something and not doing other things. But perfection in a man is this, to be the abode of God, wholly, completely.

There is infinite value to the active inactivity of contemplative prayer to this end (that God may dwell within). Should we set our whole selves to do nothing but BE (in Him, and He is us), then like a Temple (I Cor 6:19) we might in stillness become the abode of God.

It is our aim and pursuit even now, yet we should hope in this, that in the ages to come, God himself will fix our nature in perfection. Where in this life we waver in good works and evil, in good thoughts and evil. In the next life, our character will be set in enduring faithfulness. The sages taught us saying, "in the time to come, God Himself will take hold of the Evil Inclination [and hence the Angel of Death] and slaughter it." In this period man will be granted a gift from above – perfection not only commensurate with his abilities but beyond them. There will be no more observance of mitzvot. The righteous will sit with crowns on their heads and delight in the radiance of the Divine Presence." (Talmud/ Berachos 17a) We have a great hope for the ages to come:

"So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. Thus it is written, The first man Adam became a living being; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. But it is not the spiritual that is first but the natural, and then the spiritual. The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven." (I Cor 15:42-49)

"Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him" (I Jn 3:2)

About to go forth

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2008-09-15T19:56:18-04:00

About a year ago I was impacted in my heart concerning the injustice in America towards Native Americans. It's one of the major issues of our national guilt that requires repentance. Foreigners came into America and went to war against the natives. America's great beginning is now showing up in history books as the first real genocide (a term not coined until the 1900's, because it wasn't needed until then). I grew up about 20 miles from Chief Vann's house, and remember the story... when the time came, the US government forced every native american in our region into a forced march. That included those like Vann, who had learned english, lived and did business among the european culture that had overrun his people's land. The US wasn't interested in educating or integrating. Thousands were gathered in Chattanooga, TN in temporary prison camps until they took the long and difficult march to respective territories. Territories our government had assessed as worthless and infertile. They promised the first nations people governmental sovereignty in their own territories, which sounded nice, but really meant no help, supply, or support.

Just when I was in a season interceding over the issue, I was invited to a 'Trail of Tears' memorial ride. I was invited to a one day ride, and thought it would be a great opportunity to partner my faith with action, to intercede while on the Trail, and share the love of Christ. Then I found out the entire ride was a five day trip to the Muskogee Nation. The next week at IHOP-Atl's Encounter Service, our friends Joel and Marissa Bidderman shared about their ministry to native american youth in Arizona. After the service, I got in my wife's car to go eat dinner, and we looking at each other and realized that God was calling me to the entire ride.

I got a vision for interceding on my bike, ministering to bikers at the stops, and ministering at the reserve. And then I found out that I'm going on the largest motorcycle ride in the US annually, with 90,000 riders expected. This Friday I'm heading out, and once again the life of John Wesley is encouraging my heart. John rode his horse daily and preached the gospel everywhere he went (an average of 15 messages per week over his lifetime). He was bold even when beaten and broken, cursed, yelled at, publicly humiliated, chased out of town. Yet he persevered, being filled with the love of God, enduring in prayer, and burning with God's love towards others. Thousands of lives were directly ushered into the Kingdom because of John's witness. Much like John, I'm heading into darkness in a saddle (though I have a few more 'horses' than he did). And to the native americans! John learned a dozen native american dialects so he could share the gospel with them-- that's a heart truly burdened! I'm praying for divine appointments, strength in my inner man, signs, wonders, healing miracles, boldness, and the Word of the Lord. I also pray for protection against spiritual enemies as I reach out among the heathen, the pagan, the oppressed. Many bikers call their 'eat, drink, liberal sex, and be merry' lifestyle 'freedom', not knowing the bondage they are under, or the hope that Yeshua offers. And as many riders and peoples we visit will be native americans, I'm also preparing my heart for the demonic forces that have entangled practitioners of witchcraft and demon worship. I hope you'll partner with me in prayer.

The Call DC

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2008-08-19T12:00:00-04:00

8/16/08 Intercessors from throughout the US gathered at the National Mall in front of our nations Capitol Building to fast and pray in a solemn Joel 2 assembly. We prayed for the major spiritual issues of our nation- repentance for sexual immorality, racism, slavery, genocide against the first nations, abortion, sex slave trade, and other issues. We prayed for awakening in the Church, and revival in our nation, and for our government leaders to walk in the fear of the Lord and act as just judges. Now is the critical hour of turning back to the Lord. Lest we return, judgement will overwhelm us.

I took a three day solo journey up the Blueridge on my motorcycle to get from Atlanta to Washington DC. Along the way, I talked to a handful about the Call, and more importantly, about Jesus. I love riding my bike, because I just talk to God and ride, and I felt very much connectedd to his heart through taking the long road. The first night I slept so good underneath the rain in my little 2-man tent. Awoke at 5 a.m. after an intense dream from the Lord concerning America's active assault against the sexual purity of our children. So I went straight from sleep to intercession under the night sky. Once the sun had risen, I headed on, and a flat tire certainly changed my schedule, praise God, and gave me an hour to share Christ with another biker. A second dream came the second night. I knew this was God's choosen time and journey with me.
Though the weather reports on the morning I left showed good weather, I got rain every day. And in the midst of it, I became very grateful. During my third day (spending an average of 8 hours in the saddle per day), the rain hit hardest of all. And for the third day I talked with the Lord about His word "pray for rain in the time of the Latter Rain." (Zech 10:1). We pray for an outpouring of the 'rain' of the Holy Spirit so often, but the Lord instructed my heart. We don't REALLY want the rain. We want the easy journey, not the difficult one. We want to see in the distance, not be blind to the path ahead. We want to enjoy the beauty of a well watered earth, but not be watered ourselves. The Holy Spirit 'rain' will be good for us, but it will absolutely be difficult at times, and blinding when you go the direction God sent you, not knowing the real destination. It will result in beauty, but we have to get soaked in it.

The literal portion of Zech 10 is the promise of rain after a 3 1/2 yr End Time drought, resulting in abundance in the land of Israel at the beginning of the Millennial Reign of Yeshua. But it is also the necessary cry of the intercessor to ask for supply in the time of the latter rain, so that we will have strength to endure the trials ahead. It is a prayer for one last great end time harvest of salvation in the earth. September 1st is also the 1st of Elul (hebrew calendar month) and the season of Teshuva (repentance). It is the time of the latter rain, in which the fall feasts of Israel are planted. Let us pray for rain in the time of the latter rain.

daily bread

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2008-06-03T22:41:56-04:00

Tonight as I prepare teaching notes for my Haggai class, I've found myself considering our provision of daily bread. Many Christians know and pray as Jesus taught us, "give us this day our daily bread," (Mat 6:11) If God desire us to pray for it, it's because He longs to answer that prayer. In the natural, we really must pray for our daily provision of food. I certainly am learning too. But it simultaneously speaks of our spiritual nourishment as well. And often we will reach for the food that satisfies our flesh, while neglecting to reach for the food that satisfies our souls.

This week is GBF (Global Bridegroom Fast). And as I sit here drinking my water, while feeling hunger pains, I realize that the Lord never called us to fast from Him. Our spiritual bread really is intended to be a daily provision. Every day, there is bread from heaven for our souls. Every day there is nourishment that strengthens the inner man... unto having the fulness of God dwelling within! (Eph 3:16-19)

But how did I get there while preparing my Haggai class? Well I was reviewing Mosaic Law on the grain offerings in Leviticus (Lev 6:14-18), because Haggai the prophet asks a question about the transference of holiness from the grain offering. And considering Leviticus 6 I realized that the grain offering was the daily bread of the priests. This daily bread was born at the altar, out of sacrifice. There is no daily bread without sacrifice. And that is my meditation: There is no daily bread without sacrifice.

New Forum!

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2008-05-30T09:59:59-04:00

I've just added an online forum to ResplendentSoul, so that you can post questions and discuss scripture with me. It's found under 'Teaching' on the site. Of course it's new, so it's empty at the moment. Register (quick, easy, free) and post.

Outpouring

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2008-05-19T19:17:27-04:00

Last week I was in Lakeland, where the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is so very strong. I came back to IHOP just in time to prep a few things on our sound system before the Passionate Pursuit Conference. And in the first session of the conference, we saw a similar manifestation of the Spirit of God that is reigning in Lakeland. The entire weekend was a move like I've never experienced before, and at the heart of it was the furious love of God. It's not ceasing either... even now the prayer room is saturated with the presence of God in a remarkable way. This outpouring is reaching Wales, England, Ireland, Boliva, etc. It's hitting churches all over the place. What a unique season! It's time beloved, to drink of the waters that flow from the Throne in Heaven.
We're only at the brink, at the beginning. It will grow. Thiss year we'll see more tempests (hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, etc.) than ever before. And we'll see just as much more of the Glory of God as he wins souls, delivers, redeems, and sets us free.

Prayer Room Finished

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2008-05-06T00:19:33-04:00

Sunday at 5:30pm, we finished installing lights in the drum booth, that was still wet with paint. At 6pm, Encounter Service started. That was the rapid end of construction and the return of 24/7 prayer to the main prayer room on our missions base. For over two months, we renovated the main prayer room, while our 'multipurpose room' served the needs of our prayer meeting. After over three years, IHOP Atlanta now has it's own sound system that's trully designed for the uniqueness of Harp and Bowl worship and the endurance of a non-stop meeting. It was a blessing to invest my life in this project. Is there any better sound project? I got to design and install a system to facilitate worship and prayer unto God at the end of the age, unto bringing about the fullness of the Kingdom of God in the return of Jesus Christ to the planet. That's pretty cool.
Now with that four-five months of my life over, I'm running into the wilderness for the knowledge of God. Soon, I'll be teaching on the books of Haggai and Malachi at the Gatekeeper School of Ministry. But first, I'm heading south to spend some much needed time with my family. We'll venture down to Lakeland Florida as well, and jump into the revival fire that's burning brightly. Many are being saved, delivered, set free. Demons are cast out, incredible healings are taking place. The Word of the Lord is going forth. It's incredible what the Lord is doing, and how connected many of the prophets throughout the world are concerning this event. Which gives us encouragement for what is yet to come. May it hit Atlanta, soon. For the glory of His Name, and the saving of many souls.
Some of you may know that I was planning to be in Israel at this point. That got redirected by the Lord. Sadly, I won't be at The Call, Jerusalem. But I do get to attend the outpouring in Lakeland, so I'm very blessed. In just a couple weeks, we'll be having the Passionate Pursuit Conference at IHOP-Atlanta. Come-- I'm feeling something very strong approaching this gathering. It will be a blessing to be there.
As for Israel, my crew will depart in God's timing. We're looking at June or July. Likely July, since I have a full schedule of classes to teach to incoming Interns and at GSM.

Winds in Atlanta

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2008-03-17T23:00:00-04:00

March 14th, Atlanta was struck with heavy winds. A tornado devastated streets in downtown Atlanta. The next day, several more tornados shook our city. I have a list of prophetic voices about the March 14-15th winds. It’s not coincidence that the first strike hit the major economic and entertainment center of Atlanta. Here are a few prophetic proclamations:

*** “October 2007: The Lord took me (Jacquie Tyre) into a powerful vision where I saw mighty whirling tornadoes and winds coming into the city (Atlanta) from the west and I heard the Lord say, "When you see the winds and the storms come into the city from the west, know that this is the signal of the beginning of the revolution in this region. Watch and see - I AM sending My Winds to release the next move of the Holy Spirit that you have been crying out for."
*** “March 6, 2008: Chuck Pierce: Don't be afraid of your storm this week for I will reorder your way and will cause your times to be changed... So don't fear the storm. Watch the rain and wind work to your benefit!...”
*** “March 13, 2008: Deliverance 202 Summit in Lilburn, Georgia, Vanessa Battle: during worship, a new sound was released and Vanessa spoke after receiving a revelation during worship, “The ancient root systems that were entrenched and entangled were being loosed as the ground was shaking and turning to allow the uprooting to come forth completely. The ancient roots of witchcraft, rebellion, and defilement were being uprooted and the newness of the Spirit of God was coming forth in the wind and the rain."
*** From my personal journal, entry “November 16th 2005, during midnight Intercession: “A shaking, perhaps an earthquake? Coming to Atlanta. Something is stirring....” That night during intercession, all of us in the room were simultaneously hit with the Word, “the shaking is coming.” The tornados are not the shaking. The drought is not the shaking. But these things are warnings, calls to repentance. Humble yourself before the Lord, and He will lift you up.
I pray the Church might repent now, and turn to God. That our government would seek the wisdom of God. For in repentance, the Lord may relent. But should this shaking come upon us, justly for our wickedness, I pray that the Church would be un-offended in love with God, judgement would bring repentance, that God would be merciful. Beloved, the judgement is against the Bride, the Church. Against the Church accepting the wickedness of this world, calling arrogance 'pride', and encouraging self proficiency. Loving the hidden places, overlooking sin, and dismissing the culture of God's Kingdom. Loving the harlot Jezebel, and inviting sexual immorality. Judgement is against the Church using the murder of babies to cover up sins, to sacrifice to the God of convenience. God hates sin, but his judgement comes when we embrace the sin. Atlanta is the capital of sex slave trade in our nation, has the largest per capa of homosexuals, has a massive population into BDSM, witchcraft, new age. And many of those involved attend church on Sunday and claim to know Jesus. 60% of pastors struggle with pornography. Many have had affairs. There is no one righteous. None who really hunger and thirst for it. Even the gatekeepers don't want the Kingdom of God-- it's terrifyingly devastating to our selfish ways. Beloved, God is going to radically change the expression of Christianity in a single generation. He will produce righteousness in the wise, and take a people for Himself that will stand honorably in uncompromising perseverance and truth.

Building the House of Prayer

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2008-03-12T21:48:38-04:00

We're renovating the Missions Base right now, and I've been in the middle of it all as the sound department head. It's been wild. The Lord is providing wisdom, workers, and finance to grow our little missions base. I've installed two sound systems- one permanently in our multipurpose room, and the other at a temporary off-sight location for doing Encounter Services on Sunday nights. A third system is going into our main prayer room, where we're building a new sound booth and platform. Should be done in mid-April. Hope you'll come visit the new place.

Coming Up

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-12-28T18:01:25-05:00

This New Year's Eve, invite God into the New Year... At IHOP Atlanta we'll have a New Year's Eve Celebration Service from 7:20-midnight in the main prayer room. I'll be leading one portion of the corporate worship (a drum circle), and we'll have prophetic worship, a message, healing prayer, Intercession, etc. Child care is provided, and you can find out more through IHOP-Atlanta.com

Healing

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-12-11T02:55:49-05:00

We're pressing into the issue of healing at IHOP lately. It's close to my heart- I long to see the day when no sickness or infirmity remains in the assembly of the saints! It's even a part of the revelation we received over our son. We named him Asa (healer), because that's what the LORD instructed me concerning my son's ministry. So, I'm joyfully reporting another sign of the love of God in my own life: This past Sunday, I was healed!

I've been impaired by a strained rotator cuff for the past couple months. The injury has hampered not only my workout, but my worship as well-- it's hard to dance and raise your hands with a rotator cuff injury, let me tell you! A good friend (and chiropractor) has been helping me through the healing process, but it was still very much an injury until Sunday night's Encounter at the missions base. Billy specifically called out joint related injuries to pray for, so I stood for prayer. After a very short prayer, he encouraged us to move and feel if there was any change. I began to lift my arm and instead of pain... 'pop, pop, click, pop, click, pop, pop"... no pain...moved around more...feels good... totally healed! Praise Yah!!!! I love the One who loves me, and I love being a part of His Kingdom.

--Wanted to share last night, but the martyrs issue was pressing on my mind after the service, while I continued in the prayer room... that's an intercessory missionary life for ya... get healed, praise the Lord, then cry and petition, write a blog, go home, sleep, wake up, go cry some more, then dance and praise, then learn something new about Him...repeat. :) Shalom.

Martyr's Blood

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-12-10T01:34:27-05:00

Martyrdom is reaching an all time high across the globe in recent years. It's been my privilege to pray for several martyrs and their families. It's always a burden of mourning when someone is executed for their testimony. Yet it's also a reason to rejoice-- they just got ushered to the front row in the Throne-room of Heaven to stand before the LORD and pray night and day, and to watch as God fulfills His plans at the end of the age! And they are secured a crown and white robes! (see Rev 6:9-11) The Enemy doesn't want martyrs. Did you realize that? That's absolutely a bad idea for the Enemy. A martyr is secured eternal life and great reward in the ages to come! And furthermore, martyr's blood anoints the land to produce a harvest of souls! The only reason the Enemy wants a Christian martyred is because they perceive the person to be even more dangerous if left alive. Thus, to die a martyr for the testimony of Jesus is absolutely the highest honor one could hope for in this life. These are the days of the martyrs, those who "have conquered him (the accuser) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death." (Rom 12:11)

This week we had a great blessing-- a pastor in India, was kidnapped several months ago and we got word to pray. This week he came to IHOP Atlanta! It was totally a God appointment. Our brother shared his experience of being brutally beaten and transported towards a Hindu temple more than ten hours from his orphanage. His captors kept tossing cold water on him to keep him from passing out as they assaulted his body and his mind by telling him he'll never preach the gospel again, never see his family again, he'll die before day... Until people prayed. God gave our brother a plan and put his captors to sleep, and he experienced nothing short of a miraculous escape! His captor even returned his cellphone to him as he was walking off the bus! What is that?! I'm grateful our brother will continue his earthly ministry, but aware that he's a marked target in the eyes of the enemy's camp. He returns to India, after much prayer, the laying on of hands, and financial support from many of us here in Atlanta.

Sunday morning two missionaries were shot and killed, others injured at the YWAM missions base in Arvada, Colorado. Twelve hours later, a shooter opened fire at New Life Church in Colorado Springs and killed four more, wounding others. The shooter was killed by a security officer. It hits very 'close to home' for us at IHOP Atlanta. IHOP has always been very closely connected with YWAM, and New Life has been a forerunner church in the prayer movement. So, this is how martydom emerges in the US? Columbine, WYAM, New Life... It will get much worse: "For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake," (Phil 1:29) Jesus foretold of the days prior to his return saying, "they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another... But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." (Mat 24:9-14) Meditate on that-- it's certainly not the 'ask-Jesus-into-your-heart-and-everything-will-be-wonderful' gospel I heard as a kid. Jesus himself just said to you 'you will be put to death, hated for my name' and then concludes 'THIS gospel'...the gospel of enduring persecution until death...'will be preached to all nations.'

The book of Revelation is a remarkable testimony, often misunderstood. It was written to encourage those of us who would be alive in the days of tribulation. Thus, we are often reminded throughout the book that present suffering and even death are only temporary. Jesus encourages us saying, "Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death. (Rev 2:10-11)

Giver of Joy

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-10-28T22:00:34-04:00

It's been a while since a blog entry. I reformatted and reinstalled everything on my computer, which took a few days to do in the few flexible spots on my weekly schedule. Then I got extra busy preparing for the build-out of our prayer room, which has been moved forward to December. In addition to that, I'm exciting to thinking ahead on a new one day seminar we'll offer in February on Israel. I'm developing the seminar with my friend Mike Cory. Looking forward to teaching on the centrality of Israel, God's heart for Israel, what specifically to the End Times hold for this people and nation, and understanding the nation of Israel during the Millennial Reign of Yeshua. Anyway....

Tonight the joy of the Lord came over the prayer room, which was full for our Encounter Service. So instead of a message, we just kept praising the Lord with music, singing, shouting, and a lot of dancing. I'll be sore in the morning. lol. There was a mighty release of power in the midst of praise tonight that sustained us for about three hours in an 'all our strength' offering. Then a holy calm hit the room and we all sat in silence for perhaps 45 minutes just to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and receive His love washing over us. Such a needed and precious refreshing. I find myself very thankful that the Lord called me here. I'm in awe that He gave me life in such a time as this. We live at the beginning of the most amazing, terrifying, and beautiful time creation has ever seen.

Today, He is pouring out oil. Fill your lamp, beloved. Fill your lamp with intimacy. Hunger and thirst for God. Now. Now. While there is yet time, before the darkest of days.

Slavery

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-09-30T22:28:56-04:00

In 2003, an estimated 20,000 people were illegally smuggled into the U.S. as slaves. By the end of the year, 2007 is expected to see around 100,000 sex slaves smuggled into our borders. This is a growing problem! Tonight at IHOP, we pressed in again with fasting and prayer over this issue. Church, we have tolerated Jezebel (Revelation 2:18-29). When 50-70% of Christians view pornography. When pastors are addicted to it (depending on the survey that number is also been 50-70%)!! When we go out and pay money to be entertained by movies that promote and glorify sexual immorality. When we watch it on our TV and call the viewing of wickedness our 'rest' or 'recreation.' We should rest in God, and let him re-create us. For many in the church, pornography eventually needs them to an affair or even the use of prostitutes or sex slaves. Sadly, we even know of churches who's pastor is in an adulterous relationship and they knowingly say it's okay as long as he'll keep preaching to them!

We are the gatekeepers of the city. When the pastors and elders and other church leaders tolerate sexual immorality, they open wide the door in the Spirit for powers to exercise influence over our children and our territory (that is the city in which we dwell). I prayed for this issue at The Call in Nashville, and I pray again- God have mercy, bring repentance, and shut the doors to this thing. Every time there's an altar call for this, I'm moved to go pray with authority for my brothers and sisters, because I was once in this bondage, and have been delivered. In the past, I tolerated sex on the tv screen, and choose not to turn my eye- even bringing home movies that I knew would have such filth in them. I first saw pornography as teen who didn't know the Lord, turned away from it, and years later found it on the internet for a season. I had to struggle with my flesh, fast, and pray. And Yah, my God had to intervene and deliver me. We might think a little skin on the tv isn't the issue, but it is. You see, we, being seated in the heavenly realms with Christ, have authority that loses and binds on the earth and in heaven. When we tolerate a rape scene as entertainment in our homes, we have given our consent in the spirit for rape on our streets.

Repent beloved, repent.

Good news: We fasted and prayed as a House this past Tuesday for our city. On Wednesday a major move of God delivered Atlanta's number one most wanted pimp into the hands of our justice system, and broke the bonds of the captives. I take this as a good sign from the Lord, that he's listening and watching for true repentance and longs to answer our prayers. He will fight the battle beloved, if we put our trust in him.

Sex Slave Trade

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-09-25T00:07:44-04:00

Last night at Encounter we had a very intense response to the condition of our city and the horrific reality of the absolute depravity of man. Many went into weeping and even travail over this wickedness. The scriptures tell us that righteousness and wickedness will mature together at the end of the age. Wickedness in it's fulness is approaching beloved, but not here. Yet every 30 seconds a young girl is taken against her will or by deception and forced into a life of sexual slavery. Every 30 seconds. In this darkness, even mothers and fathers have sold their own daughters to be used by 15-30 men a day. This should not be!! The sexual exploitation of children has become the third largest money maker in organized crime, behind guns and drugs, in Atlanta. Men are flying into our airport, having sex with children, and getting home in time for dinner.

This is why we fast and pray, beloved. Because the government can't fix it. Awareness can't fix it. Banners won't get our daughters out of dog cages (which is where many sleep night after night). We make our appeals to the highest court of the universe. That light would break in. That injustice would be exposed. That God would go to war on behalf of the children. This issue has griped intercessors at IHOP for some time now, and is often prayed over, but right now seems to be a strategic time to press in on this very issue.

Tuesday, Sept 25th, we fast and pray over this issue, we've even added extra intercession sets to press this. Furthermore, Sunday night we'll have intercession over the sex slave trade, and we'll fast back-to-back with the Global Bridegroom Fast for a total of 4 days in fasting and prayer. Tomorrow's fast and Sunday's was actually initiated by a branch of the Salvation Army as a national movement, and God walked us right into step. We discovered it only this morning and said "yes, we'll join that fast."

I really want you to get more of a grasp on this issue, and not turn a blind eye to the problem. For you mp3 peoples, either go through i-Tunes store and subscribe to the IHOP-Atlanta Podcast, or visit ihop-atlanta.com and click on the audio/video link (about mid page) to get this past Sunday's message. By Tuesday afternoon, we should have the audio from our Sunday night meeting online, if not, it will be soon.
In addition, I encourage you to download and read a well researched report on the problem called "Hidden In Plain View"

GBF

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-09-04T00:20:15-04:00

What a blessed day this has been. I went to Guitar Center this morning, because of their Labor Day sale, to see if they had any deals on drum heads and other stuff we go through at the House. They had nothing. Oh well. I came into the House and had a sweet time with the Lord during Christian's worship devo, then engaged in Intercession for a couple hours. Rolled out of the prayer room to teach the New Covenant Priesthood Class, then back into the prayer room for another Intercession set, then took the platform for a devo. I should be tired. I just want to read the Bible, though. I'll go home and do that, and see my son and wife at the 1am feeding. Shalom.

Day 40

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-09-03T00:09:53-04:00

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.

First Day (39)

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-09-02T00:03:41-04:00

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.

Love (38)

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-09-01T00:11:30-04:00

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)

Baby Boot Camp (37)

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-08-30T15:35:44-04:00

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,

Baby (34)

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-08-27T23:57:14-04:00

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!

Asa is born! (30)

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-08-23T22:57:01-04:00

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

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-08-23T02:54:58-04:00

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

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-08-21T18:54:11-04:00

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

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-08-15T01:23:38-04:00

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.

19-20

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-08-13T01:39:10-04:00

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.

Day 18

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-08-11T02:40:27-04:00

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

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-08-09T22:29:05-04:00

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.

Day 15

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-08-07T21:22:27-04:00

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

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-08-07T00:14:45-04:00

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

Day 13

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-08-05T22:59:56-04:00

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.

Day 12

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-08-05T00:03:08-04:00

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.

Day 11

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-08-04T00:59:25-04:00

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!

Days 9 & 10

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-08-04T00:48:48-04:00

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)

Day 8

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-08-01T00:14:02-04:00

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

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-08-01T00:02:23-04:00

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

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-07-30T01:44:55-04:00

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.

Day 5

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-07-29T00:15:16-04:00

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

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-07-27T23:49:04-04:00

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

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-07-26T23:14:40-04:00

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

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-07-24T19:45:50-04:00

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.

Returning

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-07-23T19:31:20-04:00

Yesterday morning we awoke, had breakfast and quiet time. Then made it to Bizzart Tattoo where I spent six hours getting a tattoo of the altar and columns of the ancient Temple. It's an idea I designed a few months ago, and thought it would be cool to get done in Jerusalem. So we went to a studio on the basis of several friends' advise, and I got it drawn up. The artists name happened to be Asaph! (That's the name of the head worship leader at the Tabernacle of David (1Chr 16). The gunner, Hiam, did a great and fast job. So after a tat, we hopped on a Sheru (van) and made it to Ben Gurion Airport to get hassled by security for packing too light for a two weeks trip! An hour later, we get through security and get our passes, then wait at the gate on standby to once again receive favor and get business class tickets home. Ashlee, Jenn, and Grace came to get us, and we had some good ol' Cracker Barrel to celebrate a return. I crashed for a couple hours, got up to attend section leaders meeting at IHOP-Atl. Came back home for a bit, but I'm about to head back to the House for my 10pm set. We're back! Shalom.

Shabbat Shalom

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-07-21T11:23:57-04:00

Sabbath Peace. This Shabbat like last week, is marked by a cessation of work in the city. The streets dramatically dropping in traffic flow. No horns honking and construction waking me up in the morning. Finally, I made it to the Garden Tomb today. We had tried before and couldn't find it! After going, I know that the Lord had an appointed time for me there, on this Shabbat. Unlike the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the area retains the feel of it's ancient heritage- a tomb in a rich man's garden. It certainly has a lot of evidence to be the very tomb. We are told in scriptures that the tomb was Joseph's, a rich man of the Sanhedrin. It was in a garden. The tomb was hewn out of the rock, and had a stone rolled over the entrance. Other sources confirm the Biblical account and add to it. Some priests feared that Jesus' disciples would remove the body, hide it, and falsely claim he had risen. So they requested Roman guards for the tomb. The Romans not only guarded the tomb, but actually drove spikes into the wall on the left and right of the stone to lock it in place, make it immoveable. The didn't put in place the God factor. On the morning of the third day, an earthquake again shook the city. Accounts tell us, this is what moved the stone. At the Garden Tomb, you can see a long crack in the wall to the right of the entrance (determined to have occurred in that time period). It runs right towards where the right side spike would have been. But in the picture you see a manmade construction. That's because the earthquake fractured those stones and thus the spike removed and the stone rolled away. It's modern buildup was due to concern that the weight of the street above was putting more pressure on the opening, was the wall was laid to strengthen it against possible damage. There are many more indicators... too much to blog about.

I enjoyed my time in prayer at the Garden and consider this very well could have been the place. The atmosphere there is sweet with prayers and singing. The Spirit near, as the bustling Arabic community around it seems altogether almost a different world, not noticed when you're in the Garden. I do not know what to say about where Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected. There is no certainty. God is good about concealing a matter. But if the place was certain, how much more would people come to worship the place, rather than the person? What good is knowing the true place anyway, apart from knowing Him? My time at the Garden was however, quite faith strengthening-- to see how indeed it could have played out 2000 years ago. To see it and touch it. Shabbat Shalom.

Days in the City

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-07-20T17:59:32-04:00

Yesterday and today were less eventful, but good. I've been studying and praying. We stayed in the city and enjoyed the culture. I had a very good conversation with a jewish merchant. He had never seen anyone with a tattoo like mine, and I let him read it. I explained that it was Tehillim (Psalm) 146 and he was very interested in why. That opened the door for me to share on my meditations of that psalm and my belief in Yeshua. It's a difficult line, to share in discussion when in public. Proselytizing is illegal in Israel, and Ashlee told me I had to come on time and was not to go to jail on this trip. lol. We talked about the roots of christianity in judaism. He said 'you must be a teacher,' expressing that my explanations and understanding made a lot of sense. May good seeds be planted! I hope to visit him again before I leave. I didn't buy anything from him, but if I have a few extra shekels on Sunday, I liked a ring he had. In hebrew it reads "if I forget Jerusalem I have forgotten my right hand." Quite a fitting ring for a watchman on the wall: "I have set watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem; they shall never hold their peace day or night: you who call on Yahweh, take no rest, and give him no rest, until he establish, and until he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth." (Is 62:6) I had another encounter with a non-religious jew named Asaf. That is another story, for another time. For now i must be off. Shalom.

remembrances

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-07-18T17:51:15-04:00

This morning I woke up and trekked to the house of prayer on Mt Zion. On the way I actually walked out of my sandals! They fell apart while I was walking... the left into three pieces. I had only worn them twice in the US-- that's a testimony to how much walking we've done here. Sooo anyway, I threw them in a trashcan on my shortcut through a park, and walked the rest of the way barefoot. I didn't have time to go shoe shopping. I was leading worship for the 10am- their main set of the day. It was a blessing to lead worship on Mount Zion, the very hill where 24/7 prophetic worship actually began 3000 years ago. I lead in weakness-- barefoot, a borrowed guitar, no tuner and a very out of tune starting point, no songbook, a congregation where I don't know the songs they know, no other musicians. It was a blessing to have Guy as a prayer leader. But in that two hour set, I felt the presence of the Lord, and we engaged as one. That's our Lord's way; He loves our weakness. Even in our strength we are still weak, we just let our own confidence get in the way of His move.

After worship, I walked back into the city center. It's amazing how many people look at you in a jewish neighborhood when you're a very tall Goyim with a hebrew tattoo and walking barefoot. I thought, this is just the sort of thing the Lord would do to declare a word to His people, and walked along the hot streets half anticipating the Holy Spirit to fall on me with the word of the Lord. It didn't happen. I was glad. I didn't want to be arrested today. Instead I found a shoe store, walked in barefoot, walked out in new sandals.

After lunch I went to Yad VaShem, the holocaust museum. I couldn't speak as I walked through the long triangular tunnel, listening to survivor stories, seeing pictures, personal articles, and watching videos. I was silent leaving, too. I can't express it, really. Appalling and unbelievable. I studied the holocaust in school, and I've seen shows on the history channel. I've thought about it, mourned. But seeing the hundreds of shoes that were found at a death camp where they were taken off the bodies before the bodies were thrown in a furnace-- it becomes very real. I saw german footage of a bulldozer pushing hundreds of lifeless human beings into a dug out crater and covering them with dirt. The anti-christ spirit that was in Hitler had the power not only to blind millions of people to the atrocity of their actions, but to motivate thousands of soldiers to commit those actions! Gentiles turned in their jewish friends for bread money. How influential will the anti-christ at the end of the age be? I cannot imagine. It's a terrible feeling, but one I hope everyone gets to experience-- it's a change-you-on-the-inside encounter. 8 hours later, I'm still haunted by the size of the room of names, where massive volumes of logbooks record the names of the victims of genecide, all around me, high above, and far below. Several stories high...just shelves packed full with books. Unbelievable. Absolutely real.

The lonely walking trail to Yad VaShem. No picture taking there. You need to see it in person anyway.

Masada

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-07-16T11:55:30-04:00

For several years I've been fascinated with Masada, a stronghold built in the Hasmonean period somewhere between 103 - 76 B.C. It was later expanded by Herod the Great, and eventually became the last great stand of the jews against the romans. It's a mountaintop fortress in the desert, and high above the plain of the Dead Sea. The fortress from the third Lord of the Rings: Return of the King was designed similar to Masada- a majestic mountaintop, with the Palace tiered on the pointed North corner. What an amazing site! Preserved in it's antiquity, Masada is mysterious and revealing at once. It's incredible to sit in such an ancient synagogue, or see how Herod's bathhouse was constructed to have cold and hot baths, and a sauna with heat from a furnace pumped through the double floor and up walls that were built with clay piping for the heat. After walking in the brutal summer heat through the ruins on top of this arid summit, it's refreshing and amazing to feel how cool it is inside one of the guardhouses that still stands- the stone walls chilly on the inside at 3pm. I spent several hours at the site, and I'm so glad I did.

On the way to the fortress I met some Israelis in the cable car. They were very kind, and asked if I was religious. They were surprised that I was christian (thinking I was jewish, and noting my tattoo). They called me a 'believer,' and asked why I came to Masada. That opened the door for me to explain that I was very aware of the jewish roots of christianity. I also shared how many christians are awakening to that reality, and how I and many believers pray for Israel. It seemed to be a remarkable thing to them. Something they were absolutely unaware of. May it be a good seed planted in their hearts.

Here's a view from Masada to the nearest Roman encampment. Winding two foot wide trails were the only passages into Masada. See why it was 'impenetrable'?

Some of the dwellings within Masada

The remains of an inside wall of Herod's Palace. You can imagine the opulence that once marked this place.

A preserved mikvah bath (ritual bath). This is the baptism pool of judaism, from which our tradition of baptism stems.

Friends

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-07-15T17:03:42-04:00

Today one Graham (from the US) left us, and another Graham (from Ireland) arrived. Shane and I grabbed Graham and went into the city again. I took them both to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and Western Wall, and then we ate and explored the city some more. The day was about sharing what God is doing in Ireland and in the US. We passed on to Graham the knowledge that was passed to us about how to get around and where things were. Just as the previous Graham, and Sean, Josh, and Rob had helped us. The night brought with it dinner at Succat Hallel where we met several more staff and had good fellowship. We worshiped together for the new moon celebration on the First of Av, the month of the Father. Many key Biblical events occur on the first of the month (search the scriptures) and in ancient Israel a special celebration was given, and at the Temple a special sacrifice. Numerous scriptures show it's place in ancient Israel: Num 29:6 Ps 81:3, Is 66:23, Amos 8:5, Col 2:16. So as Num 29:6 calls for a new moon offering, we worshiped in special assembly from 8-10pm tonight. I've never celebrated for a new moon, what a wonderful experience to be a part of while actually able to see the Old City walls to the north! It continued the theme of meditation that's been in my mind today since I laid my hands upon the Western Wall just before lunch. Mainly, the King is returning to His city. The Temple will one day stand again, but in righteousness, with Yeshua reigning in all the earth. For the Lord declared: "And I will make that which was lame a remnant, And that which was cast far off a strong nation: And Yahweh will reign over them on Mount Zion from then on, even forever." (Mi 4:7) And we know when this will happen, for John testified, "The seventh angel sounded, and great voices in heaven followed, saying, 'The kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ. He will reign forever and ever!" (Rev 11:15).

Shabbat

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-07-14T17:51:10-04:00

For Erev Shabbat (evening of the sabbath) the city closed down. We celebrated and welcomed Shabbat together at the apartment. Today we rested. It's such a precious thing to have Shabbat here. We're staying in a heavily jewish area, so the streets were bare and quiet all day, shops closed. I sat outside a while, only occasionally seeing a tourist. The silence was so sweet. In the US it's just the opposite. The Lord instructs us to remember Shabbat and keep it holy, saying, "If you turn away your foot from (trampling) the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, and the holy of Yahweh honorable; and shall honor it...then you shall delight in Yahweh; and I will make you to ride on the high places of the earth; and I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father," (Is 58:13-14). Our culture, in direct opposition to the knowledge of God, makes it the busiest, most entertainment filled, go-your-own-way day of the week. But this Shabbat, I didn't have to contend against those things. I rested as the city rested. (Or at least the jewish areas of it). Below is a picture out our apartment window of a usually very busy intersection, and many shops- all closed and covered as if nothing was within them.

It's now 1:18am Yom Echad (Sunday) and the streets are filled with celebration. Out the open window I hear a crowd singing together. If you can imagine the chanting of a school song after a great game of football is won; then you might get close to what I hear now. This is Israel. Oh how I desire that was all about Yeshua (Jesus) out there! One day. One day the streets of Jerusalem will be filled with even more celebration, for a righteous King who will reign forever.

Connecting History

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-07-13T16:43:30-04:00

Today Shane and I got up and heading into the Old City again. I wish I could have taken you with me in video or pictures, but most of the places I went didn't allow it, and others were simply too dark. So all I could do today was this walk through the open area of the Jewish Quarter: walkthejewishquarter. This time we found a great bookstore in the Jewish Quarter, then spent a long time at the Temple Institute, looking at newly made articles for use at the future Third Temple. T.I. made the Menorrah pictured a couple days ago. Today we saw the Golden Table of Shewbread, plus harps, lutes, bowls, forks, shovels, and other articles made to the ancient specs. I've seen most of these in pictures, but to stand two feet from the Table, was a meaningful experience for me. That meaning grew as Shane, our new friend Graham, and myself celebrated Erev Shabbat together at sunset. I shared about some of the things I've learned about Shabbat as we recited the blessings, and had a Shabbat communion. I loved how the city changed- all the shops closing early, families preparing, and the silence in the streets at the time approached. And now back to earlier today.... after the Temple Institute we had lunch at The Quarter above Misgav Ladosh, which I highly recommend. Then we travelled through much of the Old City and got wrecked by the differences between the Jewish, Armenian, Christian, and Muslim quarters. You immediately know when you've crossed from one area into the next. My heart aches for the multitudes in this city. There is so much to pray for. After about six hours exploring, we came back to our apartment and ate. My sandals are falling apart and my legs are very sore from all the walking we've done.

After a 30 minute nap, I went back into the Old City to find the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, which is a marvelous architectural and artistic accomplishment with many holy relics. What I found there was beauty, joy, and sadness. I could have spent many hours gazing on the artistry of the church. I saw people's reaction to the place that ranged from the disrespectful/oblivious tourist who didn't seem to care that he was in a church during prayer; to the manic pilgrim wailing and kissing a rock. I paused for prayer during the cantor. Then, through the ornate and dim-lit corridors, I found a stairway down into rough stone, and into a small chamber. Suddenly alone, I sat down and said, "my Jesus, I want to know you more." It was there I met the Lord, and sat in intimate communion with Him for the first time in the Holy Land. It's my most remarkable moment of the trip. Before leaving I wondered, 'is this the tomb where Jesus was laid?' Later on (returning to the apartment and reading up on the place) I realized that I had been in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathaea. It was a humble place in comparison to the rest of the monument. The Church was originally built at the order of Empress Helena, mother of Constantine in 326. Helena was taken to Golgotha by Jerusalem's Bishop Macarius, and commissioned the construction. It was later destroyed and rebuilt several times. This is one of two sites over which the debate of Jesus' crucifixion and burial are set. I would lean towards the garden tomb by my natural inclinations, though most evidence supports this site. Now, I'd go for this site just from the experience I had today. lol.

Ancient and future

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-07-12T14:56:15-04:00

Today I went to the store and open market to by groceries. Both are packed with people. I had fun buying fruits in Hebrew. Here's a clip from the Market: MPEG0024. Later on Rob, Shane, and I walked through the Old City. It's an amazing feeling to walk among the stones, to consider the history of a place- where but Jerusalem has so long and so rich a story? We went to the Western Wall (wailing wall), saw the new Menorrah (the first and only constructed since the second was carried off in 70AD by Titus), some excavation areas, Delorosa, and other interesting sites.
Here's the Menorrah, with a few off duty IDF soldiers walking behind:

The Western Wall:

The scriptures came more alive on me as I stood gazing on the excavation of the City of David. I was standing on ancient Mt Zion. The Ancient City, ruled by Melechizedek, and later David. From that place I could see the Mount of Olives, where Jesus took his disciples. Then looking South, the Valley of Jehospaphat. Joel prophesied "Let the nations arouse themselves, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat...the harvest is ripe. Come, tread, for the winepress is full...Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of Yahweh is near, in the valley of decision," (Joel 3:12-14). We know from Isaiah 63 that Yeshua will march into Jerusalem from the south...right through this valley, with the blood of men up to His horses bridles; "The winepress was trodden outside of the city, and blood came out from the winepress, even to the bridles of the horses, as far as one thousand six hundred stadia." (Rev 14:20) Tonight I read Joel's prophesy. The passage following the declaration of the valley of decision causes me to tremble: "Yahweh will roar from Zion, and thunder from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth will shake," (Joel 3:16). I was standing on Zion, looking over that valley when I took the picture below.

Arriving in Jerusalem

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-07-11T16:18:40-04:00

I was awake around 3:30am this morning with a burden for the lost in Israel. For the next couple hours, I interceded on my bed for the salvation of those in Tel Aviv and for laborers with authority to come meet this desperate need. The harvest is ripe in Israel. By 5:45am Shane and I were walking on the beach. After breakfast around 7:30am, we packed up and got a bus to Jerusalem. Then, we made our way to Succat Hallel, south of the Old City. We sat in the prayer room a while in worship, and took communion. Then we trekked to the ministry house (which is actually an apartment). Got falalfels for lunch, and met our roommates. Took a nap, walked around a bit, bought a few groceries. Here's a movie clip from our exploration: MPEG0022. I'll have better clips later in the week. I didn't think about filming until it was almost dark. Anyway, we went out for pizza and a movie (the Jerusalem Film Festival is going on). But the movie was sold out, so we got ice cream and headed back. It's beautiful here! I've enjoyed the city, and the people. Guys at the apartment are each in different ministries, and I look forward to getting to know them more. One of them is from Rome, GA! We've had some blessed conversation today. Mostly I've been getting a grid on the spiritual atmosphere in Jerusalem from the other guys, and my interactions in transit. I'm also trying to get a grip on modern hebrew. Prayer partners, please pray that my language increases rapidly, and that I walk in a series of divine appointments. Tomorrow, we'll go into the Old City more and visit the Wailing Wall, the Temple Mount, etc.

Tel Aviv

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-07-10T17:06:50-04:00

Shalom from Tel Aviv! We had an easy flight, and took a bus into Tel Aviv to haYarkon, and got a room in the Shalom Hotel. Met several gracious Israelis here, one was talking to me about my tattoo, fascinated. He spoke hebrew too quickly for me to understand all of it, but we did have a bit of joyful, if awkward, dialogue. Tel Aviv is a very busy and tightly packed city. Finding ourselves rather hungry we discovered the aroma of food not far away and made our way on foot to Namal Tel Aviv which is a port with lots of people, live music, and places to eat. After our first meal on Israeli soil, we walked through Ha'Azma'ut Garden to the beach, and got our feet wet in the Mediterranean Sea. Now we're back at the hotel and about to crash. Tomorrow, we'll have breakfast here and step on the beach again, then we'll move on to Jerusalem.

In flight

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-07-10T06:24:45-04:00

I intended to bed early Sunday night, but ended up at the kitchen table writing a worship song until 4am. When you gotta write, you gotta write. I'm excited about the song and hope to borrow a guitar or keyboard at Succat Hallel to continue working on the composition. However, it made the day of departure a bit more hurried to get the last things done at IHOP and at home. I'm now on an eleven hour flight to Tel Aviv. It's a good time to sleep, but I've awoken and have been reading the book of Ezra.

Back Home

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-07-09T00:03:55-04:00

We traveled home from Nashville after a blessed breakfast and fellowship with our friends Jason and Rachel. I've thought a lot about yesterday. So glad I was there; it's a day I'll remember, an event that will long be a marker in my life and in the history of the Bride. I'm grateful to be back at IHOP Atlanta. At our Encounter Service I felt revived in worship. I kept the fire burning tonight during the message. That's IHOPese which means I was hiding in another room worshiping while the message was presented, so that the fire of worship would never cease. We have one 'service' each week, and Sunday night at 6pm is it. I so enjoyed the opportunity to sit with my guitar and just worship my Jesus. I sang two new songs tonight, and tried to write as much down as I could remember afterwards. It was a sweet time with my Savior, but I missed the message, so I'll have to get the CD. The night watch has begun, and I'm heading home soon. Tomorrow I leave for Israel, so I might not get the Blog uploaded for a couple days. There's much to do before we leave Atlanta at 10:40pm.

The Call

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-07-07T23:49:05-04:00

What just happened? How do I explain it? For over 12 hours Christians from across America gathered and filled a stadium for one man, the god-man Jesus Christ. We fasted in the heat, and pressed on to worship with all our hearts, souls, and strength. And my strength is all gone- I'm exhausted, but I must report as well. As we begin with a call to repentance, and wept for our sins and the sins of our nation, I saw today a gathering as vital to the people of God as the ancient gathering in Jerusalem, with Ezra declaring the word of the Lord. We wept over this nation's sexual immorality, it's bloodguilt from abortions, it's sins against the native americans, blacks, and immigrants, and it's rebellion against God. The church gathered to renounce it's fellowship with baal, and to covenant again with Yah. As three hundred shofars (the size of Gideon's army- Judges 7) blasted out an alarm in the night, the entire assembly of ~80,000 erupted in dance and the joyous shout. The sound resonated in my heart. As I looked up, my eyes beheld angels in the sky above. That's when something new of eternity was written on my heart that I do not yet understand.

To Nashville

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-07-06T22:20:14-04:00

Early this morning I thought I might be riding my bike to Nashville, after our daughter was running a bit of a fever last night. But she was feeling good this morning and Ashlee said, "we'll go!" So the three of us loaded up and took a loong (with 2 "o"s) trip to Nashville. Traffic was impeded in Atlanta and Chattanooga, but corn and carrots and green beans at Cracker Barrel gave Grace the energy she needed to finish the trip. So we traveled on and arrived at our hotel six hours after leaving Atlanta.

This evening has been a wonderful reunion with two of our dearest friends, Jason and Rachel Shore. It's been a joy hearing about what God has already been doing in Nashville this week, and catching up each others' personal lives. I'm sitting in a hotel room sensing the nearness of the Lord as strongly as I do in the prayer room back at IHOP-Atlanta. That's an unusual thing. I have great expectations for the assembly tomorrow.

May the people of God hear the alarm, the urgency of the hour! It's easy to fall into drunkeness with the energy of a large gathering. My prayer and meditation is that heart's are being stirred in the night with groanings. That 100,000 would bend the knee and weep between porch and altar on the day before us. This is the way of the Kingdom. He who humbles himself is exalted. The one who bends the knee (barak), is the one who receives the blessing (baruch). A dream came in the night to many people just a few months ago. From one night came a multitude of reports about the same dream: of a vessel in heaven being poured out on Nashville, and spilling /spattering into pools all over the world. Open the floodgates of heaven, Lord. Do it this day! Though I was not one of the ones to receive that dream, it's as vivid in my mind right now as if I had dreamed it. 40 years ago the "Summer of Love" opened the door to the lie that freedom means 'do what you want to do'. It opened the door to sexual immorality, drugs, and rebellion that has grown in name of 'love' into the sewage of our culture: pornography as the number one addiction of 12-17yr olds, 5000 youth are losing their virginity every day, there's a rapid spread of STDs, rape, child sex slavery, horrific numbers of abortions, adultery, divorce, lifestyles of escapism and indulgence that are directly opposed to the knowledge of God. Tomorrow marks a new generation (40).

Coming Up

chad@resplendentsoul.com — 2007-07-05T21:38:25-04:00

I'm starting this blog rolling tomorrow! This weekend we'll be at THE CALL in Nashville. Then I'll be in Israel for two weeks! After that blog, I'll be back at IHOP Atlanta, so I'll be writing "a week in the life of an intercessory missionary." All together, that should turn this empty space into a filled blog. Until tomorrow, Shalom.