Your sons and daughters

These are 'those' days where the ear-mark of the Church is the flow of the Spirit through our sons and daughters, men and women alike. They shall dream dreams, see visions and prophesy. In your praying, expect the God who speaks, to give you understanding through dreams and visions. Early this year I was taking a few days out to pray and fast. I had felt an inner urge to get away from my 'life' for the express purpose of spending time with my Heavenly Father. From the first moment I drove out my driveway till the last, I did not feel alone. The Holy Spirit was with me in the same way you would be with a longtime friend. No bored moments or awkwardness. Just a wonderful sense of peace in His presence. He shared many things with me over those few days and I felt nourished on every level of my life but I want to share with you, one specific picture that I saw vividly.

I was wide awake, in prayer, singing I think, and this moving picture began, its details unfolded as I merely watched it play out. I submit it to you.

I was in a large auditorium filled with hundreds of people, laughing, chatting and interacting. They were well dressed and all seemed to be in a good spirits. Conversations were flowing about kids and work and the stuff of life. I was a silent observer somewhat enjoying the vibe and the life that was being experienced. It appeared to be a well organized event where people were enjoying each other with a sense of comradship. No one was in a hurry to go anywhere but rather content to be in this atmosphere that was humming and full of energy.

After taking it all in, I became curious and began to look around. Something inside me begged me to cast my eyes over the scene as if I was being 'watched' from some vantage point. I then noticed that behind the stage there was a thick curtain, like you might find at a theatre to accommodate a backstage area. Seeing this intensified my curiosity and I felt like a secret agent as I looked around and began to make my way to the stage area. I walked to the back of the stage and glanced back across the room, noticing that my movement had not disturbed anyone, in fact no one even seemed to be aware of my presence.

I stepped through the curtain and was immediately in a completely different atmosphere. Firstly, I noticed it was bathed in a soft blue glowing, similar to being underwater in a crystal clear sea. The light danced slightly and the noise from the first room could no longer be heard. The room was an open space that was almost as big as the original room but much fewer people, maybe 20. It was calm yet brimming with a quite energy. People were getting dressed, in various spots and most people were being attended by another person. I looked and saw someone being prepared in a 'fantastic' type of battle attire, well fitted, aesthetically bold and yet inobstrusive. With one leg up on a chair a weapon was being strapped to their leg by the helper. All over the room, quiet conversations were taking place as people were being equipped and getting ready for their role. As my eyes moved around the room, these people noticed me, looked at me with smiling eyes but kept doing what they were doing with intention and focus. I instantly knew that the people in the first room were there because of what was going on in this room. I took it all in, this sparcely occupied room. These fierce people with a bigness of heart expressed on faces that emanated a rare confidence. They were being fully prepared, armoured, unstressed, almost serene and bathed in this glorious light. Each one clearly knew their task, including their attendants and was ready to perform it.

My understanding of the picture is this. The big populated room is the Church. Many people are blessed and function in the context of relationship as they come together to glean and participate in the Life that flows from the Grace of God to its members. It was filled with activity and talk and a certain momentum carried it along. The people were happy in this room but mostly oblivious of what was happening in a parallel room.

The second room was like the place of prayer. It had a whole lot less people but they understood their place and went about their 'work' in a way that needed no introduction, no fussing. The light was the presence of God and the Power that is found in Him. Both armour bearers and warriors were backstage and were not concerned so much with the 'stuff' of the other room, but had a keen sense of purpose for the sake of the greater good of the Church, which is Jesus' body. God is calling people to come and be equipped, get prepared and carry the work of the Kingdom forward in a parallel place. There, you will experience a peace and a purpose that will ripple into the realms of reality, moving us all toward victory and maturity in Jesus. Our precious Holy Spirit beckons us, "Come backstage, get in My presence, feel the anointing and empowerment that comes from being fully equipped and see His Kingdom Come!

July 10 - Dream with me!

Can you imagine the Church in the city having a public prayer meet. What if she stood up and took her place as the voice of God declaring His intentions over your region. David prophetically sings; "Ask of me and I will give you the nations..." So come on let's ask. And he who asks, receives! On July 10th, 10 thousand warriors will take to the street to arrive at their city's HQ, local council chambers to stand in the gap for its members. Gather your friends and family, your small group or your entire congregation for this cause and see what happens when the people of God pray.

I envisage that in many towns and cities of this nation there will be individuals and groups of various sizes, taking the initiative to go down town and PRAY. Try to arrive around 11, encourage each other and then, armed with your 10 minute 'Prayer for our Cities', 10000warriors.com , walk around the building and pray for 10 minutes at 11.30am, believing for change in the spiritual climate of your locale.

I have heard it said that the Church is the biggest people group in the world, and I believe if we can establish some solidarity of vision we can confidently pray, Your Kingdom Come ... This vision is an Australia who is a beacon of hope to the nations of the world. Think its far fetched? With man this is impossible, but with God, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE! See ya there.