Thursday, May 30, 2019

'A New Kind Of Leader' by Mario Murillo

This is an excellent, thought-provoking article by Mario Murillo that was published on Global Prophetic Voice.  Where is God calling you?

'A New Kind Of Leader' Mario Murillo

May 29, 2019
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In the next few years, you will see social media virtually ban all preaching. Not only that, but there will be a concerted effort to marginalize the church in ways you never imagined. Does that mean that Bible-based Christianity is over in America? Absolutely not! You watch: God will come out of nowhere to meet this threat.

Remember I told you this…a new kind of Christian leader will soon appear. They will not fit any present mold. They will be the catalysts. They will usher in the next great awakening.

A few of them will be in pulpits. More of them will be in politics, business, science, law, entertainment, music, or a thousand other fields of endeavor.  They will not introduce subjects—they will introduce eras.

No one will be able to buy them off or get them to change the subject. They will operate on a disquieting plane of holiness and consecration. I believe A. W. Tozer was describing them when he said, “They serve God and mankind from motives too high to be understood by the rank and file of religious retainers who today shuttle in and out of the sanctuary.”
Today they suffer. Their agony is what happens when worlds collide. They see their destiny. It’s big and dangerous. A part of them glories in the potential to know God intimately and represent Him bravely. They see themselves rebuking kings, tyrants, and warmongers. They see themselves commanding the transfer of the wealth of the wicked into the control of the righteous. (Is. 60:5)


 God is warring to save America. You must find your assignment in that war. But how can we know our assignment?

The secret to finding your assignment is your heart. God speaks to the heart and then the heart must control the mind. Today, many spirit-filled believers are unwittingly involved in New Age practices. They relate to God as if He were some kind of ‘force’ rather than a Person.

They think that audacity and confidence will unlock gifts, authority, and direction. They speak of “activating gifts” as if there was a formula to supernatural manifestations. My friend, it comes through brokenness, not arrogance. The ‘force’ is a farce.

The gifts and anointing of the Holy Spirit always come through relationship. Sorry, but Christianity has always been, and always will be, family owned and operated. So then how can we know our assignment?

Your assignment in the Army of God is your individual expression and extension of Christ’s destruction of the works of the devil. You are a destroyer of the works of the devil. God will give you a way to do it that is unique to you.

Until that gets through to you—until you admit and agree to those terms—God will remain silent about your assignment.

Because the situation today in America is an impossible one, only one kind of person will make a difference now. They must be armed with divine certainty. They must own an unshakable, bone-deep conviction that they have been chosen for this task.

Without this, we have zero hope of removing the bloody talons of Satan from the throat of our nation. Without it, we are doomed to another embarrassing misfire, pawned off as revival.
Next, you must face the fact that very few believers are supposed to be teachers, preachers, or pastors (see James 3:1). For too long, we have listened to the voice of God through a filter. In the past, whenever God has moved someone to serve Him, we have assumed it meant ‘ministry.’

This assumption of ministry has sent many Christians to Bible College who didn’t belong there. Worse yet, it has filled pulpits with people who should have never been ordained. This reminds me of why President Woodrow Wilson once said, “One of the proofs of the divinity of the Gospel is the preaching it has survived.”

This filtered view of service is one big reason the church lost influence in our nation. God tried to send people into education, law, medicine, business, art, media, and yes, even politics−but instead, we herded them into “Christian service.”

You see it in the Bible. You see it in the stories of heroes of faith throughout history who altered the course of their generation. At the dawn of their mission, God infused them with incontestable certainty. 

This certainty plays a critical role in their survival. Think of it like the escape velocity of a rocket. Escape velocity is one of the biggest challenges of space travel. In order for a rocket to break free of the Earth’s gravitational force it must reach a speed of seven miles per second. That’s 25,000 miles per hour!

Evil convulses at the approach of a new vessel of God. Hell instantly puts chosen ones on a hit list. The child of God must be blasted by divine certainty into a trajectory that will escape the pull of devils, the seduction of fame, withering criticism, and the dark night of the soul that comes to all who are called of God.

From his death bed, John Wesley wrote his last letter to William Wilberforce to encourage him as he fought in Parliament to abolish slavery in England. In this letter, Wesley confirms the urgency of divine certainty: “Unless God has raised you up for this very thing, you will be worn out by the opposition of men and devils. But if God be for you, who can be against you?  Are all of them together stronger than God? O be not weary of well doing! Go on, in the name of God and in the power of his might…”

Understand this child of God! The same Spirit that is awakening a passion and direction in you is doing the same thing to millions more. Soon an army will emerge that will invade every area of our culture.

Today it is sporadic fire, here and there, but soon the prophetic core of God will obey and embrace their assignment. They will come together in a chorus of victory that will be unlike anything we have ever seen.

Never forget, Christianity will survive without America−but America will not survive without Christianity.
Mario MUrillo


Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Novice Advertising

    I've been working on advertising for the next Elevate Praise event even though I've had no training in this area--only experience from attempting to promote our "Gatherings In The Park" these past few years.
     I spend much time trying to design eye-catching posters to hang and banners to install at Linn Park that can easily be read from a distance. Then there are the press releases to send to newspapers and letters to churches asking them to help us by promoting the event from the pulpit, plus the email announcement to those on the list I have.  It almost time to start over for another event by the time I get one promoted! Here is the latest poster in case you live within driving distance and can come to the night of worship.
     Carolyn Yoder is one of my favorite worship leaders so I feel really blessed and excited she has agreed to lead this evening.


    Since I used this format when creating the Brand New Day posters (see blog post here) I decided to keep it and change the colors and relevant information for each event.  Hopefully, it will become recognizable.

Monday, May 13, 2019

7 Ways to Stand for Rebellious Children - Kenneth Copeland Ministries

     A new friend sent me a link to this great article.  If you have rebellious children or grandchildren, or know someone who does I thought you might find it as helpful as I did.

7 Ways to Stand for Rebellious Children

May 8, 2019
7 Ways to Stand for Rebellious Children

Are you the parent of a rebellious child? There is hope. Find out how you can stand for a rebellious or prodigal child and finally see the miracle you’ve been praying for.

No one ever said parenting was easy. When you first bring your babies home from the hospital, there is so much hope and possibility for who they will become and what kind of lives they’ll lead. It doesn’t take long to realize that raising great kids is not automatic—it’s a lot of work! And you’ll have to contend for them every step of the way.
Whether their children are young or grown, many parents face the unexpected situation of dealing with a rebellious child or even a prodigal. The disappointment is stinging and the road often lonely. It can be difficult to even know where to start. First, we’ll begin with the basics.
What is rebellion?
A stubborn or rebellious spirit is one that rejects truth, challenges authority, and refuses to take personal responsibility for attitudes or actions. Further, a rebellious spirit is one that often, but not always, begins to turn away from God. Rick Rennerexplains that the word witchcraft comes from the Greek word pharmakeia, which refers to “the flesh’s attempts to avoid being confronted and changed.”
It’s important to understand that not all rebellious children are necessarily prodigals. Nonetheless, even the smallest hint of rebellion in the home must be dealt with immediately. Rolling the eyes, becoming angry when asked to take out the trash, or balking at the household rules will all open the door to a greater severity of rebellion down the line.
Perhaps your situation is much worse—stealing, lying, violence, drugs or alcohol abuse. Maybe your child is so far away from God, you can’t even see the possibility of his or her return. Know this: There is hope for your child. You are not powerless. You can see the miracle you’ve been praying for with these seven ways to stand for rebellious children.

1. Put Feelings Aside

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” –Romans 8:14 (KJV)

You’re hurt. You’re disappointed, shocked—even angry. You blame them. You blame yourself. You don’t know where to turn or what to do. When a child is rebellious, it is frustrating. When they’re extremely rebellious, it can feel downright devastating. 
Here’s where you have to be careful. The devil preys on feelings—any feelings. You don’t even have to swing the door wide open—all he needs you to do is crack it open just a tiny bit—and he’s in. He’ll have you doubting your ability to parent, questioning the moment-by-moment well-being of your child, and plummeting into deep despair. The game plan? Don’t even give him the chance.
Put all feelings aside and focus on the TRUTH. Don’t be led by thoughts or emotions—be led by the Spirit in everything you say and do regarding your child.

2. Give Them Room

“‘Your children will come back to you from the distant land of the enemy. There is hope for your future,’ says the Lord. ‘Your children will come again to their own land.’” –Jeremiah 31:16-17 

Mothers and fathers, take God’s Word for it. Receive Jeremiah 31:16-17 for yourself. Stop weeping for your children and start believing the Word. That’s the only thing that will bring them around. If necessary, go to your kids and ask their forgiveness for neglecting them. 
Many times, rebellious children feel lost, insecure and angry, and are trying to discover their true identity. Give them room. The closer you push in, the more they will tend to back away from you. That doesn’t mean you stop being involved in their lives; it means you focus on encouraging and blessing them, rather than criticizing, condemning or pushing them to have a relationship with God. 
Continue to set proper boundaries in your home or with their behavior toward you, depending on their ages. And don’t stop there. Take every opportunity to minister love to your children. 

Continue reading here.

Friday, May 10, 2019

"What God Showed Me Over the Next 5 Years" Rebecca Greenwood

I love to read prophetic words given by those who have submitted their words to trusted overseers.  This word from Rebecca Greenwood posted on The Elijah List today, is very encouraging for us as a nation in the next 5 years.


In my intercession time on April 23rd, the Lord brought a clear vision of the United States of America. Over the following week I had been in intercession concerning the vision, and on the morning of the National Day of Prayer, May 2, I felt the Lord prompting me to share what He revealed in order for the Church and the intercessors to pray in agreement. After submitting the word to trusted friends and prophetic voices, I was encouraged to share this vision publicly, as I strongly believe this word is an invitation for intercession.
In this vision, I saw Jesus standing above a large map of the nation. He was intentionally highlighting specific regions throughout the nation by positioning Himself above the regions that He began to speak to me about. He was maneuvering throughout the land with the intent of highlighting these regions and speaking His purposes for what He continued to call "The five-year period of grace and awakening."
Northern U.S. – Unlocking of Covenants
Initially, I saw Jesus in the northern region of the United States, and I heard Him say, "There will be an unlocking of original covenants in the land that will cause the nation to shift into righteous covenant. As this unlocking occurs it will pave a way throughout 2019, leading into 2020, and 4 years following 2020 for continued and increased righteous governance in the White House that will lead this land. This government will continue to decree righteousness through alignments with key nations, standing for life of the unborn, the supporting of Israel and the belief in Christian values and prayer."
Abortion Legislation
He then brought the focus to abortion and said, "Abortion will continue to be dealt with state by state, region by region; a grassroots movement of states that will stand for righteousness. This is just the beginning."
He further revealed that as we begin to advance from now through to 2024 and going into 2025, there will be 28 states that will shift abortion legislation to righteousness in which an unborn child will no longer be considered a fetus, but a human life. Legislation will begin to shift in these 28 states to the stance that abortion is murder and illegal once the heartbeat is heard in the mother's womb. In many of these 28 states I could even see a newer wave of legislation being written. The language within this new legislation will be "Life begins at the moment of conception."
The East Coast – Oil and Fire Awakening
As the vision continued, Jesus made His way to the East Coast where He said, "There is an oil and fire awakening and movement of My Spirit that is coming to the East Coast."
I could see that there is an increased awakening coming all along the East Coast. I could see a fire, a spiritual fire, moving throughout specific locations. Broward County in Florida was one of the highlighted areas. The occult practices in Broward county and the surrounding regions that have been engaged in these practices, with the intent to hold back the nation from righteous and conservative values, will be exposed and dealt with. I could see the apostolic/prophetic prayer army issuing a final blow to the schemes of the enemy in that region.
As the vision continued, I could see clearly the dark hand of the deep state that had gripped the United States. But every area and region that the Lord walked into, the grip of the deep state could no longer keeps its demonic hold on our nation. I heard Him say, "Florida, you are key for this time; for such a time as this. Where the deep state has penetrated through to Broward County, the grip will be broken and there will be a new move of My Spirit that will come into Florida and cause a righteousness to rise up."
North and South Carolina, get ready for a visitation.
Georgia was highlighted, and He spoke, "Awakening is on you, even within the government. This move of awakening will have great impact in governmental state leaders."
The South – a Gateway of Authority
I then saw Jesus standing above the South. I heard the Lord say to the South and specifically to Texas, "You are a gateway of this nation and what is established in the South will reverberate across the nation all the way up to Washington DC. It is a season of being re-established as a righteous gateway for the nation. Where it has been an entry point for evil along the border, this evil is being shut off."
I then saw that sex trafficking at the border will be dealt with. The entity of Santa Muerte, that has tried to come into our nation through the borders of Texas, will be cut off because that door of evil will be shut.
The Lord is awakening the gateway authority of the South – a spiritual position of standing at the gate. In the days ahead it will no longer be a gateway of contention, but a gate-keeping authority will continue to rise up within the Church, within the prophetic, and the intercessory army. What is unfolding within the government of Texas will have an effect and impact all the way to the nation's capital in DC. (Photo via Pixabay)
The Plains States – Awakening the Father's Heart in the Land
I then saw Him move into the center of the U.S. and He spoke to the Plains States, "You will cause the heartbeat of the Father to beat again, and there will be an awakening to the heartbeat of the Father. A recognition of the Father's heart of love will be awakened from the Plains States that will have effect across the nation."
I could see the pillars of unrighteousness that have held that area in the heartland, but I could also see new strategies being birthed and implemented in order to see those pillars of unrighteousness toppled.
There is a stirring in the Dakotas which will surprise many. There is an awakening that is coming to the First Nations people in the Dakotas, a revival awakening move of the Father's heart that will begin to beat again.
The Heartland – a Season of Grace and Breakthrough
As the vision continued, I could see and was made aware of the focus of the next 5 years. It is a season of grace and breakthrough. I noticed that every region where the Lord had positioned Himself over on the map saw changes. I saw that within the next five years the dark grip of the deep state – that demonic grip of extreme agendas to condone death of the unborn and to establish socialism in our nation – lost its grip.
I was able to see that in the heartland, in the center of the U.S., there is stake of truth and righteousness that is being driven into the land by the Lord. As it was penetrating the land, it caused the heartbeat of the Father for this nation to be awakened within the people of this land. The heart of the land began to beat again in rhythm with His purposes. In the next five years, as the pillars of unrighteousness come down we will see God's Kingdom purposes established in the heartland.
The West Coast – Shakings of Awakening 
I then saw the Lord positioned above and highlighting the West Coast. He said, "I am visiting certain regions and cities of a dry and a parched land. People have said, 'Can anything good come out of San Francisco?'" And He said, "Watch what I will do in the days ahead. In these five years of grace, a spiritual birthing of awakening will occur. There is about to be a move in San Francisco that will surprise many."
I could hear and see in my spirit, San Diego and San Bernardino. There are stirrings of His Spirit in those dry and parched lands. What the enemy meant for harm will not prevail. The Lord will cause a movement, and that which was meant for evil will be turned for His good and His glory.
I could see that there were going to be shakings in the West Coast. But these shakings will not bring devastation. These shakings will cause people to awaken to the Lord. I could see that in the West Coast, it was time for righteousness to be established from their gates.
I heard the Lord say, "There is going to be a turning around even in the West Coast, in key locations. In the midst of the several shakings that are ahead, there will not be devastation or destruction, but a shaking unto awakening of truth and holiness."
Historic Movements and Exposures
I then saw Jesus back in our nation's capital. He spoke again, "During this five-year period of time, there will be historic movements that no one has expected to see. There will be historic exposures which have not been seen; exposures of corruption, and exposures of under-the-table, corrupt agreements, where deals have been made by the shaking of hands with corrupt, elite structures."
Friends, it was evident within this vision that we are in a five-year grace period of exposure of corruption and the gavel of justice, the Lord's gavel, is coming down against these corrupt structures.
The Lord stated, "Do not be surprised when you see more revealed, more shaking, more chaos because in this season, I am exposing the corruption. And it will look like chaos, but it is exposure leading to a cleansing during this five-year period of grace."
Demonic Grip of Corruption Loosed and Holiness Movement Birthed
As this vision was unfolding, everywhere the Lord walked throughout the land, the demonic grip of darkness that has tried to control and squeeze the nation in its hold, was loosed, and no longer had the power to hold the nation in its influence.
I could see a new holiness movement coming into the land, a holiness movement without compromise. Even within the Church where there has been so much compromise, even at a denominational level, there will be some who will arise within those denominations and say, "We can no longer compromise. We must stand for truth and righteousness." It will be a cry of repentance, truth and holiness, drawing a line in the sand between those who have compromised and those who will no longer compromise. (Photo via Unsplash)
In this season, there is an understanding that is coming to the Body of Christ of the true agenda of what has been occurring at the hands of corruption and perversion. Exposure, exposure, exposure will occur in the days ahead.
We are in a five-year period of grace for this nation. What we have seen unfold, even in the past three years, will not compare to what we will see unfolding in the next five years. We have seen darkness while at the same time awesome, suddenly, unexpected surprises causing a movement toward righteousness.
The Lord spoke clearly, "In the days ahead you will see many more." We are in a five-year grace period for this nation! (To Subscribe to the Elijah List subscribe here.)
Rebecca Greenwood
Christian Harvest International

Email: click here
Website: www.christianharvestintl.org

Monday, May 6, 2019

The 7eventh Time Down's Brand New Day Concert Was Amazing!

In spite of the cool temperature, the early morning rain, and the wet grass the 7eventh Time Down's Brand New Day Tour concert was excellent.  Over 500 people braved all that to worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

Here are a few photos. The first is of Cloverton opening the concert.  They were amazing!  And a new-found gem for me!  Then 7eventh Time Down on stage.  I was working at the concessions stand during Jason Gray's set so didn't get a photo, but I heard many great comments about all the bands.  How blessed to be able to be part of the evening!

I can't wait for the next Elevate Praise event with Carolyn Yoder and the VWorship Team on June 2.





Wednesday, May 1, 2019

The driveway is totally finished!

This is the end result! Our driveway is finished. I promised I would post a photo, if I remembered, after the sealer was applied so you could see how it turned out.  It looks more like a patio now than a slab of concrete in front of the house.  What do you think?