I have been looking into my family's spiritual heritage and discovering how dysfunctional the Body can become when we lose our Fathers. Not just our Fathers biologically, but our spiritual Fathers. Who are they and how do we recognize them?
God is Love. That would the place to start. A Fathers heart is motivated by love. This person may or may not be a leader but they are a 'lover'. They understand what Paul meant when he said, 'What comes on me daily is my deep concern for all the Churches'. The Fathers heart hopes all things. As they look at their sons and daughters they genuinely HOPE that the best case scenario will happen in all circumstances. Fathers are people of Faith. Of course they have faith, but to be a Father in the Pauline sense, one must forsake the praise of people including their spiritual 'children' and be fully persuaded that the path that God has chosen for us as His children is the only option to please Him.
How many times have you heard someone say, "I have no spiritual Father. I don't feel like anybody is interested in mentoring me". If this is you, then start to serve someone you admire. You could get hurt but God will use that too. Be compassionate towards the one you choose and love them. Commit for at least a year to honour them especially and learn what it is that created that admiration you have for them.
As well as that you could ask the Holy Spirit, who needs your influence and encouragement? You could GROW UP and choose someone or several and begin to love them, hope with them and live out your faith with them. Invite them into your home and do not hide from them. When Paul said 'imitate me', this included copy my brokenness, my repentance, my humility, my choice to go in the face of fear. We have much to learn and a very gracious Father in Heaven who began the work and will complete it until it is done. I want many sons and daughters who I can say to, 'copy me because I am trying my best to copy Jesus'.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
What happened next ...
The book of Acts is ... What happened next. Jesus came out of the tomb, spent a day here and there with His disciples, gave some very important instructions and then, left to take His place outside of time and to send our precious Friend, Holy Spirit.
WHAT HAPPENED NEXT is what happened next. The Acts of the Apostles. These are the same guys a few pages earlier who shared the Last Supper with Jesus. Now they are the caretakers of the Truth, as are we. These devastated and humble men and women then had to overcome their grief and look as Jesus did, at the needs of others. Jesus had recently wept because the people were so lost.
How long since you read the book of Acts. Do it today. This is a big clue into what the Church could look like. People who are full of the Holy Spirit, taking care of each other and providing for the needs of the ministry. Bold, organized, PRAYING, looking out for each other and declaring this Good News no matter the circumstances. Ship wrecks, prison, whatever is an opportunity to do what Jesus did and mingle with people downloading the goodness of God.
As I read I was looking for the Supernatural. I wondered as I read how I would respond to people if they told me some of these stories on the weekend.
...'an angel visited me ... I fell in a trance and had a vision ... I was in prison but the doors opened by themselves and I followed and angel down the street ...' This is what happened next. Lord we need a Revival!
WHAT HAPPENED NEXT is what happened next. The Acts of the Apostles. These are the same guys a few pages earlier who shared the Last Supper with Jesus. Now they are the caretakers of the Truth, as are we. These devastated and humble men and women then had to overcome their grief and look as Jesus did, at the needs of others. Jesus had recently wept because the people were so lost.
How long since you read the book of Acts. Do it today. This is a big clue into what the Church could look like. People who are full of the Holy Spirit, taking care of each other and providing for the needs of the ministry. Bold, organized, PRAYING, looking out for each other and declaring this Good News no matter the circumstances. Ship wrecks, prison, whatever is an opportunity to do what Jesus did and mingle with people downloading the goodness of God.
As I read I was looking for the Supernatural. I wondered as I read how I would respond to people if they told me some of these stories on the weekend.
...'an angel visited me ... I fell in a trance and had a vision ... I was in prison but the doors opened by themselves and I followed and angel down the street ...' This is what happened next. Lord we need a Revival!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Will you not pray with me ... one hour
These words of Jesus to his disciples on the night of his betrayal are confronting. Have you ever heard him say these words to you. I hear them now. As I read through the '10 minute prayer' this morning I felt a very real sense of the Holy Spirit gaze at my soul, reminding me of the enormity of the responsibility he has bestowed on the Church.
This burden is one that I carry with joy and with reverence, often unworthily and yet I feel the smile of God on my life in a way that resonates of the Amazing Grace for which he is well known.
A survey was done on American University Campus' and they were asked; 'What is Jesus best known for?'' The answer of the majority was, 'he was the one who said, 'Love your enemies'. This is as it should be because the apostle Paul said, If I do this and that and pray and fast and be the VERY MOST SPIRITUAL Christian I can be and do not have LOVE, then I am NOTHING ... NOTHING!
Sobering isn't it, so as you pray, if you remember that someone has an offense against you, leave and love and come back knowing the devil has nothing on you. Keep on Asking, you will receive what you ask for.
I love Jesus, Julie
This burden is one that I carry with joy and with reverence, often unworthily and yet I feel the smile of God on my life in a way that resonates of the Amazing Grace for which he is well known.
A survey was done on American University Campus' and they were asked; 'What is Jesus best known for?'' The answer of the majority was, 'he was the one who said, 'Love your enemies'. This is as it should be because the apostle Paul said, If I do this and that and pray and fast and be the VERY MOST SPIRITUAL Christian I can be and do not have LOVE, then I am NOTHING ... NOTHING!
Sobering isn't it, so as you pray, if you remember that someone has an offense against you, leave and love and come back knowing the devil has nothing on you. Keep on Asking, you will receive what you ask for.
I love Jesus, Julie
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Now is the time to Worship
In the valley of dry bones the angel begins to explain the vision in Ezekiel 37, and he says to the prophet; 'This is the whole house of Israel, (the church), they say our bones are dry ...all hope is gone, THEREFORE PROPHESY!
According to this scripture the antidote to dryness and hopelessness, is to Prophesy. When we sing and worship God, declare His Majesty and His promises coming into His presence we set ourselves up for the Spirit of God to move in us and on us to Prophesy.
Come on people ... Now is the time to worship, not with rules and regulations, not with sacrifices and offerings in an attempt to appease our God. Through Jesus Christ the veil was ripped, FROM TOP TO BOTTOM, so that we can come as His adopted children into His presence with the assurance that we accepted in the Beloved. Don't let anybody put a trip on you that there is still some requirement of the law to Please Him. Jesus was the requirement fulfilled totally. Follow Him.
Jesus said, now you can ask the Father anything, using my name and He will give it to you. I will not ask for you but you ask,using my name. Keep on Asking, everyday because God is your Father.
Lord we are asking for You to visit this land in Power. May every place of worship, that names your name as the King of Heaven and the Returning Son of God, experience a Dynamic encounter of our precious Holy Spirit that begins a work in the hearts of your people that is carried forward.
Let those who follow you hear the call to, Arise Shine, the Light has come, the Spirit has been poured out, now let Your Kingdom come! We are desperate for you. We refuse to live without Your Presence in our lives.
According to this scripture the antidote to dryness and hopelessness, is to Prophesy. When we sing and worship God, declare His Majesty and His promises coming into His presence we set ourselves up for the Spirit of God to move in us and on us to Prophesy.
Come on people ... Now is the time to worship, not with rules and regulations, not with sacrifices and offerings in an attempt to appease our God. Through Jesus Christ the veil was ripped, FROM TOP TO BOTTOM, so that we can come as His adopted children into His presence with the assurance that we accepted in the Beloved. Don't let anybody put a trip on you that there is still some requirement of the law to Please Him. Jesus was the requirement fulfilled totally. Follow Him.
Jesus said, now you can ask the Father anything, using my name and He will give it to you. I will not ask for you but you ask,using my name. Keep on Asking, everyday because God is your Father.
Lord we are asking for You to visit this land in Power. May every place of worship, that names your name as the King of Heaven and the Returning Son of God, experience a Dynamic encounter of our precious Holy Spirit that begins a work in the hearts of your people that is carried forward.
Let those who follow you hear the call to, Arise Shine, the Light has come, the Spirit has been poured out, now let Your Kingdom come! We are desperate for you. We refuse to live without Your Presence in our lives.
Monday, September 14, 2009
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.
WARRIORS - don't be like the 'foolish Galatians' who were born again in the Spirit but then started to work in the flesh to achieve their righteousness. The veil was torn, from top to bottom, by God Himself, so that we could be in His presence. We could not ... cannot achieve that. By Jesus Christ we have access to our Father. We are the children in this relationship and as such, make mistakes.
HEAR ME GOOD, It is by grace we have been saved and even this is not of ourselves, but a gift from Him. There are some and because of their own feelings of inadequacy will attempt to get you to work to get favour with God. Receive this word, Nothing can separate you from His love.
I don't fully understand the grace of God, but I do know this; from the Gospel of John, that Jesus was FULL of grace and FULL of truth.
We thank you Jesus, for your undeserved mercy poured out to us. It is your love that constrains me, motivates me and inspires me to follow you, allowing you to fulfill your promise to complete the work you began in me.
Yours for Revival. Julie
HEAR ME GOOD, It is by grace we have been saved and even this is not of ourselves, but a gift from Him. There are some and because of their own feelings of inadequacy will attempt to get you to work to get favour with God. Receive this word, Nothing can separate you from His love.
I don't fully understand the grace of God, but I do know this; from the Gospel of John, that Jesus was FULL of grace and FULL of truth.
We thank you Jesus, for your undeserved mercy poured out to us. It is your love that constrains me, motivates me and inspires me to follow you, allowing you to fulfill your promise to complete the work you began in me.
Yours for Revival. Julie
Thursday, September 10, 2009
The enemy within.
Good day, warriors. Today is Jemiah's birthday. She is 2. She is beautiful and she is free. She dances as if no one can see her. She sings like no one can hear her and she loves like some one who has never been hurt.
Jesus said, 'unless you become as a little child, you cannot enter the Kingdom of God' When we were 2 we found it easy to be as a little child and yet now we have become encumbered by all our sophisticated notions of being a grown up.
May be we should all try to grow down, become childlike. Forgive easily and move on. That is the quickest way to retard and remove the power of sin from our lives.
When we stand in our authority and pray for peace and freedom for our cities....we must ensure that the enemy is not within us, or the foothold could become a stronghold and destroy the work that God is doing in our lives.
Forgive us AS WE FORGIVE those who offend us. For yours is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory, Forever!
Jesus said, 'unless you become as a little child, you cannot enter the Kingdom of God' When we were 2 we found it easy to be as a little child and yet now we have become encumbered by all our sophisticated notions of being a grown up.
May be we should all try to grow down, become childlike. Forgive easily and move on. That is the quickest way to retard and remove the power of sin from our lives.
When we stand in our authority and pray for peace and freedom for our cities....we must ensure that the enemy is not within us, or the foothold could become a stronghold and destroy the work that God is doing in our lives.
Forgive us AS WE FORGIVE those who offend us. For yours is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory, Forever!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
AMAZING Sunday 13th Sept
GOD IS MOVING ACROSS THE NATION - IN SYDNEY, SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH THE BIRTH OF 10W HERE IN QLD, A GROUP OF PEOPLE LAUNCHED A PRAYER OFFENSIVE AND CALLED IT -
10,000 Warriors. Peter Madden from Blacktown Sydney will be speaking at Good News Company. GNC meet Boronia Hts Primary School Hall, (Middle Rd) at 9 & 6 on Sunday and we are believing for a knitting of hearts to the dream of Revival. If you are free - then you are welcome to join us. Keep on Asking, Keep on Knocking and Keep on Seeking
10,000 Warriors. Peter Madden from Blacktown Sydney will be speaking at Good News Company. GNC meet Boronia Hts Primary School Hall, (Middle Rd) at 9 & 6 on Sunday and we are believing for a knitting of hearts to the dream of Revival. If you are free - then you are welcome to join us. Keep on Asking, Keep on Knocking and Keep on Seeking
Majesty
Majesty! As I came into God's presence this morning I felt that familiar smile forming across my face. As I enjoyed being with Him, I considered how amazing it is that to be here I had followed no protocol rules.
Yes, I was thankful and I had lifted my voice in praise because these are the ways to experience His presence for sure. However I had no fear that I might say the wrong thing or look silly to Him.
If I had an appointment with the Queen or the Prime Minister, it would be expected that I would behave a certain way and be sure not to mention certain things. Well ... not when I am sharing the time/space realm with my Father, Abba, Daddy. He is my Majestic King and yet I smile and sing like I should be able to with anyone who is so secure that they need no assurances from me. If I did not praise Him the rocks would so my Father in Heaven does not need me to confirm that He is above all. Majesty!
Yes, I was thankful and I had lifted my voice in praise because these are the ways to experience His presence for sure. However I had no fear that I might say the wrong thing or look silly to Him.
If I had an appointment with the Queen or the Prime Minister, it would be expected that I would behave a certain way and be sure not to mention certain things. Well ... not when I am sharing the time/space realm with my Father, Abba, Daddy. He is my Majestic King and yet I smile and sing like I should be able to with anyone who is so secure that they need no assurances from me. If I did not praise Him the rocks would so my Father in Heaven does not need me to confirm that He is above all. Majesty!
Narrow Road
Hey... Today I read the Gospel of John and half of Mark. I am determined to build my 'house' on the teachings, (the words), of Jesus. He said 'if you remain in my and my words remain in you. I don't know if that comes easier to you than it does to me but I have to engage all my energy to remain in Him. And even though it is challenging to operate COUNTER CULTURALLY I will, by His grace give it my best shot.
What is the deal that we can call ourselves believers or followers of the most Radical person to EVER walk the planet and be ordinary...dead set mediocre. Come on people, if you have to be alive then you might as well Live! Can I put it out there, lets say for the duration of this prayer campaign which culminates on the 10th of the 10th, (32 days left) we read only the gospels, unless the Holy Spirit specifically directs you to something else of course. I am desperate to please my King...He is worthy of all honour and praise. Yours for Revival Julie - A Warrior with Dreams
What is the deal that we can call ourselves believers or followers of the most Radical person to EVER walk the planet and be ordinary...dead set mediocre. Come on people, if you have to be alive then you might as well Live! Can I put it out there, lets say for the duration of this prayer campaign which culminates on the 10th of the 10th, (32 days left) we read only the gospels, unless the Holy Spirit specifically directs you to something else of course. I am desperate to please my King...He is worthy of all honour and praise. Yours for Revival Julie - A Warrior with Dreams
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Its all we have!
This (today Monday 7th September) is the day that the Lord (God who created the first day) has made, you might as well rejoice and be glad in it (now, while it is happening)
You have read this scripture so many times, now do it....REJOICE!
Today pray with passion, put it on if you have to. The apostle Paul said, 'put off the old man and put on Christ' Jesus was a man of passion, he was constantly moved with compassion. If passion, feeling and conviction was your Christ-likeness guage, pay attention. Get passionate, Rejoice, pray with conviction. This is not a dress rehearsal...truthfully Today is all you have!
You have read this scripture so many times, now do it....REJOICE!
Today pray with passion, put it on if you have to. The apostle Paul said, 'put off the old man and put on Christ' Jesus was a man of passion, he was constantly moved with compassion. If passion, feeling and conviction was your Christ-likeness guage, pay attention. Get passionate, Rejoice, pray with conviction. This is not a dress rehearsal...truthfully Today is all you have!
Welcome Family - especially Dads
Welcome 10000warrior family. I have so been looking forward to keeping you up to date with all that God is doing through our prayers and celebrating the twists and turns of our journey together.
Today is Father's Day so I would like to honour the men of God who have embarked on this pilgrimage of prayer, who, by their faith, are creating a better future for our nation, our cities and our children. It is no small thing for a man to challenge the status quo and offer up fervent prayer.
I think it is worth my while here to say up front what we, at 10000warriors (10w) use as a working definition of the term 'Revival'. It is less of a mysterious cloudy type of floating, hope it comes this way, idea, as it is the Church standing up in her potential and reflecting the Glory of God. It is the people of God, side by side, establishing His Kingdom in time and space.
I have been blessed by so many of you, but let me share this good news story.
One man told me a detailed vision of a large black mosquito net that was draped over a city. The peoples prayers were being caught in the veil and were not penetrating through it. As he began to pray with the knowledge that many others were joining the taskforce, there appeared a brilliant metal cutting implement on one of the edges of the veil. Then in the vision a nick was made on the edge and with momentum it weakened the side and began to split the entire dark covering and releasing the prayers en masse through to the heavens.
The conditions are ripening for the Church to Rise Up...to stand together and begin to walk and then run in her destiny. So here's to the journey...why don't you grab a friend and tell them to get on board. I fully believe that God is leading us forward and that if we remain in Him and pure in heart, we can do this. We can co-work as the Body of Christ and with the Holy Spirit, lay down any agendas we have where they do not honour the calling of God. Trust Him, He loves you.
Lord I sign off now with a prayer...May your name be kept holy. Your devoted daughter Julie
Today is Father's Day so I would like to honour the men of God who have embarked on this pilgrimage of prayer, who, by their faith, are creating a better future for our nation, our cities and our children. It is no small thing for a man to challenge the status quo and offer up fervent prayer.
I think it is worth my while here to say up front what we, at 10000warriors (10w) use as a working definition of the term 'Revival'. It is less of a mysterious cloudy type of floating, hope it comes this way, idea, as it is the Church standing up in her potential and reflecting the Glory of God. It is the people of God, side by side, establishing His Kingdom in time and space.
I have been blessed by so many of you, but let me share this good news story.
One man told me a detailed vision of a large black mosquito net that was draped over a city. The peoples prayers were being caught in the veil and were not penetrating through it. As he began to pray with the knowledge that many others were joining the taskforce, there appeared a brilliant metal cutting implement on one of the edges of the veil. Then in the vision a nick was made on the edge and with momentum it weakened the side and began to split the entire dark covering and releasing the prayers en masse through to the heavens.
The conditions are ripening for the Church to Rise Up...to stand together and begin to walk and then run in her destiny. So here's to the journey...why don't you grab a friend and tell them to get on board. I fully believe that God is leading us forward and that if we remain in Him and pure in heart, we can do this. We can co-work as the Body of Christ and with the Holy Spirit, lay down any agendas we have where they do not honour the calling of God. Trust Him, He loves you.
Lord I sign off now with a prayer...May your name be kept holy. Your devoted daughter Julie
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