Cafe' Notes

Now Available at Amazon.com!

2008-07-23T13:53:00.000-07:00

Lisa Butler and I have recently written a book together that speaks to this great move of God that has begun in our midst. To be honest, this book was as much a surprise to us as it probably is to you. It was birthed out of a prophetic word the Lord gave us for the Body of Christ. After releasing the word in our church, the Lord began to move on our hearts to write the vision. After several confirmations, we wrote the book (in approximately 48 hrs!). Hot off the press, it is now available to you. The following is the blurb we wrote for The Return of the Ark:

So many have wondered, "Where are the miracles, signs and wonders?" Where are the 'greater works' Jesus said we would do? Many believers are genuinely hungry for a move of God but have lost hope of ever experiencing it. The good news is the Ark is returning, and with it all the miracles, signs and wonders that have been waylaid. The Ark has been on a journey since its capture by the Philistines. Each stop in its journey in 1 & 2 Samuel is a picture of the different moves of God throughout the years. In the book we explore:

What does the ark represent?
Where are we in the timeline of the moves of God?
Where is the ark now?
How do we bring it back?
What can we expect when the ark returns?

The book is $10/copy and now available at Amazon.com. Until early next week, you must look up the book by searching for the following number: "0615217540". You should be able to pull it up by title or author name sometime early next week. Any book you purchase will be a seed into the beginning of our Valor Publishing House. Thank you for reading, and I look forward to hearing your response!
PS. Any response you may have to the book you may post here. This is, after all, a forum for conversation among friends and believers.

You can also email me for more information melissa@hesalive.net.

Fire On The Mountain Update

2008-07-20T18:46:00.000-07:00

Fire in the Mountains in Friendsville, MD took place over the weekend. I was fortunate to be asked to be a part of the ministry team with my distinguished friends, Margaret Vis, Ps. Rena Perozich, Malachi Ruiz, Ps. Wayne Stotler, Ken Pounders, Keith Collins, Wes Brown, and hosts, Ps. Mike and Sandi Robinson. We saw tremendous salvations, deliverances and a number of young people touched by Jesus. However, what happened Saturday night was beyond the ordinary tent meeting service. You'll want to hold on to your hats to read the rest of this post.

Glory! About 10 or 11 pm? (I'm not sure as it is all a blur right now), the power of God hit the tent. Holy laughter, shaking, crying, deliverance, drunkenness in the spirit, massive Holy Ghost breakout took over. As ministers we ministered to the people until we couldn't stand in the glory anymore. At one point, every minister that remained was down (on the ground or stage) either laughing, crying or incapacitated by the Glory. Although we had seen this before in our services at the Lighthouse, and at Women of Valor, it was different. It is always different each time God shows up. We have learned to stop assuming what God wants to do and just let him show us. This was a special outpouring just for those hungry Fire in the Mountain Worshippers.

Some were diving in to the presence of God. A number of precious saints just watched in wonder. Others were asking questions and receiving ministry. But that is how it is when God shows up!

An unusual manifestation that we have noticed before in other services did happen last night. There was a very pungent smell of cinnamon in the tent. Many of us remarked about it. It would be heavy on some of the people I was praying for. Linda Kling (praise and worship leader for FITM)was waving a modesty cloth asking, "Can you smell it?" My husband, Jonathan, remarked about the strong cinnamon perfume some people were wearing. We discovered it was a Heavenly manifestation of the anointing oil we see in the tabernacle. Moses recipe included Myrrh and Cinnamon. (By the way, I checked the anointing oil that Ps. Mike furnished for the platform... it was plain unscented oil.)

Here is the passage in Exodus 30 that describes that oil.

Exodus 30:22 Moreover the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: 23 "Also take for yourself quality spices--five hundred shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much sweet-smelling cinnamon (two hundred and fifty shekels), two hundred and fifty shekels of sweet-smelling cane, 24 five hundred shekels of cassia, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, and a hin of olive oil. 25 And you shall make from these a holy anointing oil, an ointment compounded according to the art of the perfumer. It shall be a holy anointing oil.

We didn't leave the tent until 1:40 AM. If you missed Fire in the Mountains, the good news is the outpouring continues. You may visit Western Maryland Christian Center on First Ave in Friendsville, MD. Pastor Mike Robinson would love to have you as their guest.

Also, Jacqueline Smith will be at the Lighthouse this weekend. (Remember the Women of Valor Outbreak?) Service times are Saturday at 7PM, and Sunday at 10AM and 6PM.

The Goal of Revival

2008-07-15T12:03:00.000-07:00

"Revival should be the beginning of a move, not the ultimate goal." This was spoken at the Furnace Conference at Morningstar Ministries this past weekend. Once I heard it, I knew it was a truth that must be repeatedly shared. There is a purpose to everything that is going on the Body of Christ, right now. For a season, the church has been asleep and needs awakened. Others in the body have been dead, and need revived. However you slice it, we are in need of a major overhaul and visitation of the Lord to blow the proverbial "soot" out of the engine.

As powerful as it is in this moment, it will grow even more glorious since we are experiencing just the birth pangs or contractions of what is to come. Imagine that... we're not even in revival stage, yet! We are just being quickened to ask and pray for it. What will church be like when revival fully comes? Without reservation, I can say we're not dreaming big enough!

Now, let's explore the possibility of what revival will bring. Yes, it will bring something new, something different. Revival is quite like the tornado that sweeps through an old, sleepy town. The leveling of old buildings that it may bring leads to new life springing up.

Ten years ago this summer in the neighboring town of Salisbury, two large tornadoes leveled homes and buildings throughout the town. That event was tremendously devastating to our friends and neighbors. Many were left with no choice but to rebuild or remodel. A decade later, Salisbury is one of the most beautiful country towns you'll ever drive through. While I do not believe that God sent the tornadoes to Salisbury, we can draw insight from this event.

Back to my old, sleepy town analogy... The old and decaying places in this parallel are representative of religious traditions and the ideas of man that have made the Gospel of no effect. These houses of thought are what is left after the life of a move of God has been quenched or dried up. Sometimes the only way to get us out the religious "box" is to destroy the "box." I am ready and willing to have the old demolished, how about you?

Talking about revival is always exciting and one of my favorite things to do. However, I have my eyes open, looking for the revelation of what this current wind will bring.

Jeremiah 10:13, "When he uttereth his voice, [there is] a multitude of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures."

Honesty Can Be Deadly

2008-07-12T07:32:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Morning Star Ministries in Fort Mill, SC! Jonathan, Madeline and I are here for the Praise and Worship Conference "The Furnace." As I write, Jason Upton is sharing his heart concerning accessing the heart of Father. He is sharing how our generation has opened our eyes to the world's problems which the previous generation chose to ignore. However, the challenge of this generation is in learning to operate successfully in this God-given honesty. He said, "Honesty will lead you to despair, if you do not allow it to lead you to the solution."

Here are some other great insights that Jason is sharing:

"If you're going to be a worshipper, you've gotta have backbone. The only way to have backbone is to be filled with the Word."

"Become anything you want in all of the world you want to be, but avoid one thing... success. There's nothing wrong with success, but the way you get it can't come from striving. It must be almost unintentional. (This he spoke of the temptation to try and prove oneself.)"

"The fear of man is self-idolatry and self-preservation. We'll even disguise 'control' with 'I really care about the people.' A controlling spirit will try to make the people understand. (This he spoke of experiencing God in the context of the worship service."

"Real prophets are very kind. They give a word and don't try to explain themselves."

"Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Because be is the beginning of beginning, believing, and becoming, and beloved."

Last night in the service, there was prayer for those involved in the media. Jonathan and I were called forward for special prayer... and, well, ummm... let's just say there was a whole lot of "zapping" going on. In the words of Madeline, I got "hammered." All that to say, God is about to visit He's Alive Radio in a powerful and unique way. Begin to expect more words of knowledge, more miracles, healings, salvations, deliverances (yes, over the air!) Thanks to mom, the He's Alive team, and our partners, God not only has access to the airwaves in our tri-state area... He owns them now! All we have to do is continue to welcome Him, and let Him have the microphone whenever He pleases.

I will attempt to share more as time allows. Love and blessings to you, today and thanks for visiting Cafe' Notes.

For more information on the outbreak or Conference services at Morning Star Ministries in Fort Mill, SC, visit: www.morningstarministries.org

Confusion and Witchcraft

2008-07-11T07:18:00.000-07:00

This is a word that came to me this morning, and I must be faithful to share it with you, my friends. God spoke this in my spirit... "Wherever there is confusion, a spirit of witchcraft is as work!" Did you know a spirit of witchcraft can operate in a friend, spouse, child, co-worker, employer, or even brother or sister in Christ? It's method of operation is control and manipulation.

So many deal with the strong and conflicting wills of other people on a daily basis. Rick Joyner describes witchcraft as, "counterfeit spiritual authority, or any other spirit than the Holy Spirit that dominates, manipulates or controls others." Witchcraft is someone acting out their desires to get their own way at the expense of another well-being. It's power is exerted through pouting, whining, tension, withdrawal, or the passing on of obligation or responsibility.

Witchcraft is a two-sided coin. One side is control. This is how some leaders manage to get results. The other side of the coin is manipulation. This is how followers work to get their way with leaders when they do not possess the authority to make the changes they seek. Often, manipulation can work against familial authority as well.

You may be wondering, "How will I know when this spirit is at work against me?" Here are (8) tell-tale signs.

1. Are you unduly questioning yourself, your vision and your abilities?
2. Has strife routinely erupted?
3. Has confusion suddenly entered into a situation, when previously everything seemed crystal clear?
4. Do you feel repeatedly obligated to change your plans to accomodate someone else's desires?
5. Does it seem as though someone is habitually being less than honest?
6. Has it become increasingly difficult to hear from God?
7. Do you feel despair, or as though you're caught in a mess with no way out?
8. Has dealing with emotional depression has become a way of life?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you may be dealing with someone who is operating in a spirit of witchcraft. Don't stay trapped in the snare of control and manipulation! I declare you have the courage and boldness of the Holy Spirit to confront this Jezabellic attack against your mind, will and emotions. Let's take authority over this subversive tactic of the enemy and loose the freedom of the LORD
in our life, today!

Use Your Key

2008-07-05T19:24:00.000-07:00

Being locked out of your house is frustrating. Lord knows I've done it many times! Nothing's more irritating than being locked out of something you own complete rights to.

In Matthew 16:19, Jesus said, "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." When you come up against a locked door, that doesn't mean "no." It just means you need to use your key.

What is the key? The Word. If you have a scripture that has become rhema to you, then you have a key! It's the Word that you know that sets you free. For instance, you can read in your Bible about healing all day long. Just a dry read won't do. Meditate on the passage until it stirs something in you. Have a conversation with the passage, and when it speaks to you, the door will open. If you need a healing, talk with Isaiah 58:8 "Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear." Now you have a key!

The really neat part is Jesus said, "I will give you the keys..." Notice there are more than one. Just imagine the limitless number of doors we can open!" If you can read it in the word, you can have it. I'll go one step further, God wants you to have it. The keys Jesus gave you are to none other than Heaven, itself! Can you imagine what Heaven holds? Health, healing, provision, joy, life, peace, righteousness... just name it. That's what Jesus has authorized you to unlock and release into the earth.

So, the next time you're up against a locked door, just use your key.

The Fourth Great Awakening

2008-07-02T20:02:00.001-07:00

Our most recent great awakening was the Jesus Movement that took place in America during the 1960's and 1970's. This move was marked by radical changes in the traditional denominational churches. The hippie generation was in full swing. Millions of young people began to search for truth in false religions, drug abuse, and free love. In the height of rebellion against the establishment and the Vietnam War, revival began to break out in the West Coast. Those who became disenchanted with the free-love lifestyle began to turn to Christ. Rather than forsaking the culture, they began to infuse their culture with faith. One such breakout happened at Asbury College in 1970. There were tremendous miracles, signs and wonders that captured the attention of the secular news media.

The most notable change in the Body of Christ, was the music. Before the Jesus Movement, hymns were the common fare for worship music. As rock 'n roll musicians and hippies began to get saved, they brought their sound into the church with them. Contemporary Christian music and Christian Rock were birthed during this time. This was, of course, controversial with the mainline denominational crowd. Artists like Keith Green (pictured above) and Larry Norman (just below) wrote songs that became anthems of the era.

One of Norman's most popular songs, "I Wish We'd All Been Ready" became a powerful force of conviction that brought many souls into the Kingdom. Other artists of this era include: 2nd Chapter of Acts, Randy Stonehill, Honeytree, the Rez Band, Petra, among many others. These Christian artists were demonized by many because of their appearance and style. Regardless, they were effective ministers of the gospel to a hungry generation.

One pastor who welcomed the Contemporary Christian Music wave was Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel. He opened his doors and his heart to so many who were rejected by the religious establishment. Other fathers to this generation were Bill Bright of Campus Crusade for Christ, and Billy Graham.

In other aspects, this great awakening was restoration of Body ministry. Churches began to see a restoration of the Gifts of the Spirit in operation in the lives of believers. This was called the Charismatic Renewal. This Charismatic move happened in a number of denominations (mainly pentecostal) as well as in a number of Catholic diocese. It was marked by the teaching and receiving of tongues, interpretation and prophecy. Also associated with this move was the Vineyard Churches, Rev. Kenneth Hagin, and Jack Hayford. The Full Gospel Business Men's Assocation and the Women's Aglow became assocations for men and women to freely fellowship aside from their denominational churches.

Some of the signs and wonders that accompanied this move, were the demonstrations of the gifts of the Spirit among laypeople. Unity became a focus. Great teaching gifts were deposited in the Body of Christ and signs and wonders followed the Word. Many services were marked with spiritual laughter, demonic deliverances, healings, and intense physical manifestations of the presence of Holy Spirit. (Remarkably, many of the same manifestations were reported throughout all four of these awakenings.)

We have this move to thank for the level of freedom we have had in recent years in our church services. However, the effects of the Fourth Great Awakening have waned. Some places are only experiencing trickles of the river that once flowed so freely. If you are hungry, there is good news!

Friends, there are hot springs of activity bubbling up all over the United States! I hear reports daily of places where miracles, signs, and wonders are happening in the lives of ordinary believers. Even at the Lighthouse in Grantsville, we are experiencing a stirring of the waters of intercession and healing. The fifth great awakening is beginning. Don't wait to see. Jump in now!

The Third Great Awakening

2008-07-02T19:11:00.000-07:00

The third great awakening began in America just before the Civil War erupted in the 1850's and finished in the early 1900's just after Azusa Street took place. This particular move of God resulted in the activation of the saints of God to eradicate social evils and injustices (ie. slavery, poverty, and the like).

The most notable figure of this awakening is Dwight L. Moody. Chicago became the center of operations for Moody where he began the Moody Bible Institute. His revival continued on throughout the Civil War... a war he did not shrink from discussing. Having befriended Lincoln, he was welcome to visit the battlefields and was known to have ministered to the Union soldiers on 9 different occasions. It is recorded that Moody entered Richmond with the army of General Grant.

After a time, Moody was fortunate to pair up with songwriter, Ira Sankey, who wrote the hymns that would identify this awakening. Together they traveled to Europe, where in England they drew equally large crowds. He was welcomed and sponsored in Britain by Charles Spurgeon.

In America, the revival sparked crusades against the social evils of child labor and the exploitation of impoverished women in the workplace. Prohibition of alcohol was called for and the freedom of slaves in all states. The YMCA gained great support during this era and the Salvation Army (based in Britain) began to make inroads in the United States.

This move is rounded out by the American Pentecostal experience as it was birthed on Azusa Street in Los Angeles, California. African American, William Seymour saw a restoration of the infilling of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. After this moved exploded in April 1906, thousands of people received this "baptism of fire" which sparked much controversy in the established denominational churches.

With this move came a renewed sense of the fear of the Lord. Seymour himself would hide behind the fruit crates he used as a platform when the manifest presence of God would fill the meeting house. The tremendous signs and wonders that accompanied this move drew much ire and criticism. The congregation was accused of emotionalism. Quaking, trembling, crying out and "fainting" were regular fare for the men and women who would meet daily to pray. However, the lion's share of persecution came from the fact that blacks and whites were worshipping side by side during the days of segregation (a true sign of revival).

Among the results of the Azusa Mission Revival were miraculous healings, blinded eyes opened and diseases healed, and multitudes of other creative miracles. There were also immigrants who would attend services and hear their own native languages being spoken by uneducated African Americans. Diversities of earthly and heavenly tongues were ministered. Also, visual demonstrations of the Holy Spirit were manifested. On several occasions, fire trucks would respond to calls for the fire a the Azusa Street Mission only to arrive and find nothing was burning. Spiritual fire would physically appear above the building and would be visible to onlookers and passersby.

Interestingly, the core group of attendees at the Mission never rose above 50-60 members throughout the duration of the revival. Still, some nights, nearly 1500 would attempt to squeeze into the small building from all over the world. Services went literally around the clock, throughout the week, and was sustained for a period of 7-8 years.

Though this particular revival venue closed, the move did not. The fires of revival had been lit throughout the United States. As a result, many Pentecostal denominations were birthed including: the Church of God, Assemblies of God, Pentecostal Holiness, UPC, among many others.

Debbie's Testimony

2008-06-29T13:36:00.000-07:00

The Second Great Awakening

2008-06-27T10:45:00.000-07:00

As we visit the great awakenings of our nation, none have seen an influx of the unsaved into the Body of Christ as did the Second. The Awakening lasted nearly 50 years, from the 1790s to the 1840s, and spanned the entire existing United States. The key figure of this move of holiness was Charles Grandison Finney. Before salvation, he was a freemason and a lawyer. He was saved at age 29. Finney one day experienced "a mighty baptism of the Holy Ghost" which "like a wave of electricity going through and through me ... seemed to come in waves of liquid love." At the age of 32, he felt the Lord convicted him of his association with the Masons and asked to be discharged. He later began to write about the immorality of Freemasonry and published a work exposing the cult in 1869 entitled Character Claims, and Practical Workings of Freemasonry.

This young man from New York began to preach and defy the religious establishment by asking women to pray publicly during the service, in the company of men. He also called for the abolition of slavery from the pulpit and denied the sacraments of communion to slave owners. This truly rocked the boat and caused some waves among society, but it garnered the attention of many who were hungry for a move of God.

This move of God gave way to a new invention called the "Campmeeting". Preachers would find a rural area and set up a tent where meetings would transpire for a number of days. A group of ministers would take turns preaching and thousands would attend. This enabled the revival to spread into the Appalachian region. Nearly 20,000 people attended one such campmeeting in rural Kentucky, where Methodist, Baptist and Presbyterian ministers worked together.

Methodist circuit rider, Peter Cartwright writes in his autobiography:

They would erect a shed, sufficiently large to protect five thousand people from wind and rain, and cover it with boards or shingles; build a large stand, seat the shed, and here they would collect together from forty to fifty miles around, sometimes further than that. Ten, twenty, and sometimes thirty ministers, of different denominations, would come together and preach night and day, four or five days together; and, indeed, I have known these camp-meetings to last three or four weeks, and great good resulted from them. I have seen more than a hundred sinners fall like dead men under one powerful sermon, and I have seen and heard more than five hundred Christians all shouting aloud the high praises of God at once; and I will venture to assert that many happy thousands were awakened and converted to God at these camp-meetings.

Most all of the major criticisms of this awakening came from the established religious system. "Emotionalism" and the physical responses to the power of God drew much ire. However, because of the influx of souls, many more orthodox clergy began to become more accepting to Finney, Cartwright and the men who preached alongside them.

The political implications of this revival are recorded by historians. It was the abolitionist message that set the state for the Civil War. While the war would come later, the ideas that fueled the slavery debate had been seeded into the congregations of America. Also on the list of the revivalists concerns: temperance of alcohol, women's rights and suffrage, as well as poverty relief. Again, individual responsibility was stressed and the church was again motivated to make change happen.

The First Great Awakening

2008-06-26T10:24:00.000-07:00

In order to understand what God can and will do, we must look at what He has already done. This is why we are vising the Great Awakenings of the United States. Jim Wallis writes, "Although Great Awakenings influence and are influenced by religious thought from throughout the world, the cycle of Great Awakenings appears unique to the USA." The First started in England, but really took off in her colonies in North America from 1730-1760. The key figure of this move of God was Jonathan Edwards, a colonial American preacher and missionary to the Native Americans. He was a fiery Calvinist theologian whose most famous sermon was "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God."

The power of God would hit the audiences in powerful manifestations of the Holy Spirit. It is recorded how members of the audience fainted, swooned, and other more obtrusive reactions such as shrieking and crying aloud. A cloud of controversy followed over these "bodily effects" of the Holy Spirit's presence.

The First Great Awakening taught the message of personal responsibility of sin that grieves the heart of a personal, emotional God. Before this time, church was a dry place lacking emotion or sentiment. The Great Awakening led people to experience God in their own way and and taught that they were responsible for their own actions.

The first Great Awakening centered on the revival of church members who were already "believers." There was a reform of Christian holiness and dedication among the Methodist, Quaker, Baptist, Presbyterian, Anglican churches. Many of these church members had never accepted Jesus as personal Lord and savior.

The results of these meetings that swept through the North East were undeniably responsible for the ideas that led to the Revolutionary War for Independence. Historian Alan Heimert (1966) argues that "Calvinism and Jonathan Edwards provided pre-Revolutionary America with a radical and democratic social and political ideology and that evangelical religion embodied and inspired a thrust toward American nationalism."

Another figure of the first Great Awakening was George Whitefield. He was a gentle cross-eyed fellow from Goucester, England. His travels took him throughout the colonies. He was know to preach many times in a single day. His travels made him the most recognizable figure in the colonies next to George Washington.

Here is a story from Wikipedia on Whitefield:

Benjamin Franklin once attended a revival meeting in Philadelphia and was greatly impressed with Whitefield's ability to deliver a message to such a large audience. Franklin had dismissed reports of Whitefield preaching to crowds of the order of tens of thousands in England as exaggeration. When listening to Whitefield preaching from the Philadelphia court house, Franklin walked away towards his shop in Market Street until he could no longer hear Whitefield distinctly. He then estimated his distance from Whitefield and calculated the area of a semi-circle centred on Whitefield. Allowing two square feet per person he realized that Whitefield really could be heard by tens of thousands of people in the open air. He then became Whitefield's publisher and friend, though he never shared Whitefield's beliefs. Whitefield was also known to be able to use the newspaper media for beneficial publicity.

These men helped shape the founding father's ideology with their fiery preaching and fervor for righteous deeds. It is said of the colonists, that decadence and corruption had begun to take its toll before the Awakening. Afterwards, such a radically different spiritual climate was created, that one could walk down the streets of any Northeastern town and hear hymns of praise or scripture reading coming out of the open windows of individual homes. This revival was responsible for Daniel Webster creating scripture readers for use in all public schools. So many more wonderful effects of this revival are recorded, too numerous to list in this post.

Allow these thoughts to stir you to pray for another visitation on this soil we now call America.

Another Great Awakening

2008-06-24T20:11:00.000-07:00

Friends, we are on the verge of another American Great Awakening. We have had four such awakenings in America that have changed the landscape of the church and society as a whole. I've been doing a little research on the previous moves in the states. Historians agree that there are 5 basic criteria that determine whether a move of God has surpassed a renewal and crossed over into an full-fledged awakening. Historian C.C. Cole cites them as:

(1) the organization of home and foreign mission societies to channel new leadership into church planting or into the field;

(2) the production and distribution of Christian literature;

(3) the renewal and extension of Christian educational institutions;

(4) attempts at "the reformation of manners" -- i.e., the reassertion of Christian moral standards in a decadent society; and

(5) the great humanitarian crusades against social evils like slavery, war and intemperance.

There have been moves that have stopped short of a full-fledged awakening. According to Kathleen Easeman:

"For the past two generations evangelicals have been largely passive under the growing weight of social and cultural evil. We have learned to tolerate decay and injustice, to expect and even welcome them as signs of Christ’s return. We have been marinating in corruption until we can hardly detect its growth, like Malcolm Muggeridge’s frog killed in a pot of gradually heated water. It seldom occurs to us that there might be any use in fighting back, or that we might be responsible to do so."

What we are now experiencing in the Body of Christ is a renewal and stirring of the church. It is not time to relax and enjoy. We must press and in find out what God's agenda is for the end-time anointing that is being poured out. I will be visiting the previous four great awakenings in future posts. As you read about what God did in and through the American church in bygone years, you will gain faith to believe for even greater things in the coming days. Let's not stop short of having a full blown revival from coast to coast!

History Is Made

2008-06-23T20:45:00.000-07:00

I've just seen history in the making on GodTV. While I've not followed the Lakeland Outpouring closely, I have been privileged to watch a few services here and there as my schedule has allowed. On the advice of Brandon, I tuned in to see the historic gathering of the Fathers of this prophetic generation.

There has been much criticism of Bentley and speculation concerning the signs and wonders demonstrated in his services. Tonight, some of the most prominent ministers in the Apostolic and Prophetic move came to align themselves with Bentley and commission him into new realms of governmental authority. The ceremony was broadcast live from Lakeland into 114 nations of the world. I believe the world witnessed tonight a first ever display of governmental solidarity and alignment since the commissioning of Paul in Acts 13. You see, in Acts 9, the early church was greatly fearful of Paul (Saul) because he had persecuted them. But after a season of proving, he was welcome, accepted and commissioned into Apostolic service.

A bit of fear has surrounded Bentley due largely to the unknown qualities of his life. However, over recent months, much scrutiny has revealed his character to be commendable and worthy of support.

Among the league of revivalists who validated Bentley tonight were, C. Peter Wagner, Che' Ahn, Rick Joyner, Bill Johnson, John Arnott, Carl and Steven Strader, Chuck Pierce by way of Africa, among a number of international apostles and prophets from other continents. I know I am leaving out a number of distinguishable men and women simply because I could not catch their names fast enough. The platform was filled with those who desired to be connected and aligned with this great move of God.

I wept as the microphone was passed from minister to minister and the beautiful words of direction and commendation were uttered over Bentley. The words of Bill Johnson spoke to me most. He said how David sent Uriah to battle and withdrew the troops from him so as to cause his death. These men vowed not to send Todd to the frontlines and withdraw their support out of covetous jealousy of the anointing. He further expressed his desire to learn from Bentley how to welcome the anointing in such a fashion.

The entire service was a visual lesson to all who espouse an anointing. If you want permanence and lasting fruit you must seek out the blessing of the Fathers. You must submit yourself to those who allow you to stand on their shoulders.

It's only just begun. We are on the verge of yet another Great Awakening and the framework is in place for the governing of the move. The fathers have stepped in to help guide. The youth are in place to run. So pour it out, LORD. We are ready to receive the precious oil of anointing for our generation!

Twin Rainbow?

2008-06-23T17:19:00.000-07:00

A fiesty little storm just passed through and in it's wake, a rainbow appeared... but not just any kind of rainbow. A twin rainbow. This bright and bold rainbow has a larger and fainter band overarching it... Unfortunately, you cannot see clearly in the photo what I am describing. Between the two bands there is a darker gray area that creates the illusion of a rainbow tunnel. I've never seen anything like this before.

Significant? Totally! God has been speaking to us about the number 2, double, twins, basically anything duplicate. It has something to do with the power of agreement in prayer that brings governmental authority on earth. In Matthew 18:19 Jesus says, "Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven."

Just a beautiful reminder that His promise is near, not afar off.

Photo: taken by Brittany Georg (friend and neighbor)

My Testimony

2008-06-21T13:17:00.000-07:00

Daddy's Home!

2008-06-20T09:39:00.003-07:00

I just want to take a moment and give God praise. He has been so overwhelmingly good to us, lavishing us with his love and compassion. We have been walking in new levels of freedom because God has dealt so wonderously with us. Our services are much like Heaven on Earth. We are free to praise and worship without inhibition and pray together with no fear of judgement... All because Daddy is in the house.

In prayer meeting yesterday, the Lord reminded us that in the 60's and 70's, we had the Jesus movement. In the 80's and 90's, we had the Holy Spirit movement. Now, we are on the cusp of the Father's movement, and with that, the freedom to be just like children in His presence.

Matthew 18:3 "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven."

Remember when you were a child, you were completely dependent on Daddy for everything! Without him, there would be no roof, no bed, no clothes, no food, and no father's love.
It was as if the world stopped when Daddy came home from work. That was the momement the family was complete.
If you had a problem, Daddy could fix it. He always knew what to do!
If there were any bullies or enemies, Daddy was the great defender. He would never fail to come to your defense.
Fighting and rivalry between brothers and sisters was not allowed. Daddy loved all equally!
Daddy could do anything! There was none smarter, stronger, and wiser than he!

I am beginning to see this childlike faith return in my heart. He is teaching me that truly there are no limits to what He can and will do to those who just believe Him. I have huge expectation in my heart for each service, and each day of my life. God has just begun to reveal Himself as Daddy, and I can't wait to see what He'll do next.

By the way, we are expecting HUGE things to happen this weekend at the Lighthouse. Laverne and Edith Tripp will be with us at 10AM Sunday AM. In our 6PM service, it'll be another blowout of the Holy Spirit. Come!

1 John 4:4, "You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world."

Follow Up On Savage Dam Break

2008-06-19T16:12:00.000-07:00

Friends,
I received this email through a listener of He's Alive Radio. I thought I would post this for those who are following the Dam break at the Savage River Dam. For those who are coming in late on this story... Chuck Pierce and Dutch Sheets prophesied that in Maryland, there would be a natural dam break that would reflect the spiritual dam break that would flood the state with the Glory of God.

From Kelly:
I searched Times-News about Savage Dam. Article follows. I do believe whoever it was that proshesied about the dam bursting being on target because it always seems to be that it happens natural- then it happens spiritual- First Man, Adam (carnal)- 2nd man, Adam (spiritual). Enjoyed visiting with you all.

BLOOMINGTON - The Upper Potomac River Commission, owner and operator of Savage River Dam, has begun to lower the reservoir level gradually to allow inspection of the back-up water control gates. One of the gates was discovered to have malfunctioned during an inspection in December, however it was determined that will not have any impact on the dam's ability to provide flood damage reduction. It is customary to lower the pool during this time of year to reduce the chance of down-stream flooding during spring rains and snow melt. The pool is typically reduced to 1,430 feet in elevation by early February. This year, the commission plans to lower the pool an additional 30 feet.

BLOOMINGTON - The inability to quickly fix a disabled release gate at Savage River Dam does not affect the safety of the structure, but could lead to full drainage of the reservoir during one of the next two winters so that repairs can take place, according to Scott Shumaker of the Upper Potomac River Commission. Shumaker said Tuesday that one of the dam's four release gates remains stuck in the down or closed position. "We tried to access the area to look at a panel that operates the gate, but water prevented us from doing that, " Shumaker said, adding that steps were taken to reduce water pressure on the broken gate. The commission continues to await a consultant's report about the fitness of the gates at the dam. Shumaker said it is possible that the report will show that more than one gate needs to be replaced. "To do that, we may have to drain the reservoir," he said. "That would take place during the winter, possibly this winter or the next. "Shumaker said operators began to refill the dam May 9. "Then we got all that rain and it refilled to full pool in nine days. It's spilling over today," Shumaker said Tuesday. "The reservoir would have refilled under normal rain conditions. It just would have taken longer. "It's important that people know we wouldn't refill the reservoir if we didn't know it was safe to do so," he said.

Outbreak Testimony

2008-06-19T15:46:00.000-07:00

Tim:
I have to share the awesomeness of God’s hand at work in our Tuesday Service 6/17.
I know that many times I don’t remember much about things as they are happening in the altar but all I can say is I LOVE the NEW thing God is doing… I want more. I know that I have been getting “shaped” by the potter’s hand in many of the services including last Sunday the 15th, it’s so exciting. Hearing about such freedom in God for years has always been a desire but never really experiencing the fulfillment of it, until NOW. I know on Sunday the Lord was really doing a work in me and in many others as well. For myself I was experiencing for the first time more chains being broken off that I was holding on to and had me bound for years through generational bondages and transferences of a jezebel spirit through my spouse, and I was holding on to them as they were holding on to me - not realizing how much control they really had.

Melissa prayed very specifically about these bondages (and I didn’t say a word to her), but Holy Spirit was the one speaking, PRAISE GOD for her hearing and being obedient to His voice, and being set free from these chain. This was a major breakthrough for me. Then on Monday and Tuesday through the day the Lord was speaking to me about a “root”. This was something I was exposed to at a very young age about 5-6 years old till about 11 yrs old, and it was relative to the jezebel spirit and its works. I knew that I had to be rid of this ASAP, I realized that this was something that has been rooted for nearly 37 years. I was so eager to get to church on Tuesday and my expectancy level was extremely high. As I prayed and was declaring that I was going to be set FREE from when I went to church Tuesday night, that I will enter the sanctuary one way and I will leave completely different. Let me tell you GOD doesn’t disappoint. When Melissa and Lisa started to share the message and they gave the title “Deliverance and Christians” the Holy Spirit was setting me up, I couldn’t wait to get to the altar to pray, the fire started to burn inside me. When we did go up for prayer I was going boldly to the throne of grace, I didn’t care who heard my need or request I just wanted this thing gone. When the people started to pray for me I was engulfed by the Holy Spirit, I can only remember bits and tid bits of things. I know that I experienced travailing in the spirit and pains in my belly, almost like electric shocks running through my body like I have never experienced before. I don’t remember much after that except I do remember Melissa asking me “what am I feeling now”?, and I said a “peaceful deep” . This was a peace that I can’t even describe. I do remember saying something like ..The edges are so sharp and so deep. It was like I was seeing this big crevasse that was cut with a big sword that made an impact really deep, but such a peace Like the word says, “ a peace the surpasses all understanding”. When I started to come around I was speaking in a new prayer language, to me it sounds like Chinese or Korean? This has made a Complete Life Change for me> I am never going to be the same. People can criticize or nay say all day long if they like about if this is real or not, BUT I can, and am and will declare the works of the Lord. I know this was ALL HIM and not of man. PRAISE GOD for the NEW THING BECAUSE IT HAS SPRUNG FORTH AND I DEFINITELY SEE IT!!!!!!!!

True freedom can only be achieved through the AWESOME WORK OF THE HOLY TRINITY -The Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit, because it’s not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit saith the Lord. I encourage you and challenge you to humble yourself before the Lord and see what HE will do for you. I didn’t take a step out of the boat. I DOVE IN! Peter didn’t drown and neither did I, and you won’t either.
I give God ALL the Glory.

Bentley on Geraldo

2008-06-16T06:09:00.000-07:00

Geraldo invited Todd Bentley to appear on Fox News' At Large this past Saturday Evening. What a disappointment to see Geraldo's lack of preparation and what the media world calls "show prep."

Geraldo seemed to know little or nothing about the Lakeland Revival and Bentley's organization. Although knowing so little, he felt license to call Bentley's character in question by asking how much Bentley has profited from these meetings.

Geraldo's guest commentator took it upon herself to question the validity of any miraculous healings. What Geraldo and she did not know was that Bentley had verified proof in the form of doctor's notes and written testimonies in hand. They allowed no time for that proof to be shared.

The interview ended with an "offer" to have Bentley back on to follow-up if he would forward his year-end income filings and verified proof of the miracles. The arrogance!

Todd was gracious and kind throughout the assault. He explained how his income is a salary given by his organization on a bi-weekly basis and no additional income has been personally received from the Lakeland Outpouring services. As a matter of fact, he said when the offerings are counted, it comes up to less than $5 / person in attendance. What a sad commentary on the generosity of the saints! Offerings taken were being given to cover expenses and also to world missions outreaches.

I was impressed with Todd's preparedness. He knew these allegations would surface, so he was ready with documented support. We must always live our lives above reproach, not affording the enemy ground due to our misjudgements or carelessness. We, too, must be ready to answer for the good things God is doing - expecting skepticism and unbelief.

In my opinion... Round 1: Bentley.

More about Bentley at: freshfire.ca

Outbreak Testimony

2008-06-15T10:24:00.000-07:00

Linda:

Hi Melissa,
I was listening to WAIJ one day when you were sharing being set free of religion. It came through the airwaves and I too was set free of religion. I prayed myself through it and then fell under the joy and laughter of the "New Wine" of the Spirit of God. During that time God showed me that we were going to go back to Genesis and be naked again and worship God as He intended us to. That the garments of religion and sadness would be taken off of us! Hallelujah!! Shew!! Since then the Spirit of God falls on my anytime anywhere! God is shaking me up and messing me up big time!!! Hallelujah!! Shew!!Thank you for being so transparent and real. Thank you for helping me to "Shake" it off too! I am so excited about what is to come next!
Love ya sister -
Linda Kling

Carry the Bones

2008-06-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

"And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you." Exodus 13:19

One of the reasons we believe we are having this great move of God is because it is part of our inheritance. Many of the fathers and mothers of the past have paid a price for this. We are reaping what we have not sown for and enjoying the fruits of a vine that is older than we.

When Moses brought the Israelites out of Egypt, he had to bring the bones of Joseph with him. A covenant was made between Joseph and his children that this would happen. Joseph would not live to see the day of freedom for his people, but he knew his bones would.

How do we take up the bones of our forefathers? We do it by honoring their memory and preaching the truths they heralded and pioneered. Let's not forget why we are seeing this great move, today. You will be able to read more about these fathers and mothers in our upcoming book, "The Return of the Ark" which is now in production.

Don't leave our fathers and mothers in the past. By bringing their memory with us, we can partake in the inheritance!

Pictured right: A ancient Hebrew bone box used for storage of remains, courtesty of Flikr.com.

Christmas Comes Early This Year

2008-06-14T08:23:00.000-07:00

Every day it seems we are getting little gifts from Heavenly Father. He has lavished us with the precious gifts of His Holy Spirit. What is so wonderful, is once we receive these timely gifts, we are to turn and give them to someone else.

One such little "gift" was a scripture I stumbled on yesterday in Worship 180. 1 John 3:1 says, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God..."

The word "love" is of course, agape, which means in the greek "affection," "benevolence," and "love feasts." Once I read this, I began to shout. You see, God's kind of love is more than just divine affection. It is benevolent. That's why God will heal a sinner, a doubter, or someone who doesn't have his faith walk all together! His love is benevolent... meaning it responds to need. You may have heard it said that God is not moved merely by need. He is moved by faith. While this is true, we must entertain the fact that God is also compassionate and merciful beyond our human capacity for empathy. Romans 5:8 says, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

Religion will tell us we have to have our P's and Q's all in line to receive love or benevolence from God. If that were the truth, none of us would have experienced this move of God. I have found out in His presence just how limited my vision of Father really was. He has responded to me in much greater measure than my faith ever asked. How about you? Has God lavished you with anything that blew your spiritual "mind?"

When I saw the latter meaning, "love feasts" I really began to rejoice. In Mark 7, Jesus spoke to the Syrophenician woman about healing being the children's bread. Jesus was explaining that God had prepared a love feast of benevolent healing for His children (Hebrews). However, because this Gentile woman had faith for her daughter's deliverance, she too, was invited to the table.

His agape... benevolent feast of love is for you, today. Forget about whether you deserve it or not. Forget about whether your faith is perfected or not. Ask for your healing. Ask for your deliverance. Be free in Jesus' Name!

Just expect... just hope... just look to Him to bring Christmas to your house a little early this year.

He Is A Rewarder

2008-06-12T06:33:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege of worshiping this week at Victory Church in Cranberry, PA where Keith Moore was the special guest speaker. He shared something Monday night that will remain with me forever.

His text was Hebrews 11:6, "But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

We must believe first that God is. He exists! He is not the figment of some imaginative ideology. Secondly, we must believe that He is a rewarder!

If you have ever owned a dog, you'll know that your dog believes that you exist... and that you are a rewarder! If you have ever given your dog a treat, you better believe he knows where you keep them! You might be in a hurry with a hundred other things to do. But if you take a look at those hungry eyes, you will inevitably stop to bless your canine friend.

We should have more faith in our loving Heavenly Father than our dog does in us! When you attend church next, be expecting! Some words that are associated with faith are: expect, hope, desire, trust, and excitement. Friend, God is! And He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Expect a miracle! Expect the signs and wonders, seek Him diligently and He will reward you with Himself!

Outbreak Testimony

2008-06-11T18:59:00.000-07:00

Pam:
Hi Melissa,
I was reading some of the testimonies on your blog and The Lord impressed me to write . I just want people to know what true freedom is For some years I struggled with acceptance and so many rejections and torment of who I was and how I could never be anything for God . But I have been set free, with one Sunday night just saying... Yes. I wanted to experience the freedom and no longer feel sad and lonely, and God delivered me from it all, WOW! I have had so many people say you look so different like you have been reborn, and I have . To the ones reading this be encouraged that God is there for us no matter what we have done in the past. He sees the past as if we never had a past. God loves us and he wants to be our Heavenly Father. Let him in. Just Say, Yes. Allow God to heal you, deliver you, and set you free because it feels GREAT, Praise God! Thank you, God. Thank you, He's Alive Radio, WLWC and everyone who just lets God Be God. Amen.

Love,
Pam

In Your Hands

2008-06-09T08:53:00.001-07:00

Last night in our evening service, Mom (Pastor Sharon) and I prayed for a dear friend and member of the church. She had a large knot on the back of her head/neck that was very painful. After a simple prayer of agreement, the lump immediately shrunk to next to nothing. She said the pain was nearly gone... in an instant. We danced and rejoiced at this most amazing miracle.

There were so many wonderful things happening all at once! People were being delivered and healed, and not because of a personality, but because God showed up. I have noticed that any believer can pray in this move and signs, miracles and wonders take place. Last night, I witnessed my eleven year old daughter and her friend lay hands on each other and enjoy the blessing of holy laughter. The teens were travailing over one another and seeing great breakthroughs. The men prayed for the men and the women for the women and tears and healing flowed! You see, all of us as believers have been given an anointing to release, and it's hidden in a most unusual place.

Habakkuk 3:4 says, "His (God's) radiance is like the sunlight; He has rays flashing from His hand, And there is the hiding of His power."

Just as our Heavenly Father has power hidden in His hands, so do we. I heard Robin McMillan say "God has hidden his power so well, most Christians don't even know it's there!" You have power to release in your hands... healing in your hands... blessing in your hands! What are you doing with it?

It is written of Paul in Acts 19:11, "God was performing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul." Acts 5:12 records, "Now by the hands of the apostles numerous and startling signs and wonders were being performed among the people." The Kingdom of God is at hand!

What are you waiting for? Go and release His Kingdom power... it is hidden in your hands!

Service times at the Lighthouse are Tuesday at 7PM and Sunday at 10AM and 6PM.