What Time is It? By Pastor Brent Lokker

Earlier today I looked up at the clock to see what time it was.  Usually when we check the time it’s because we don’t want to be late for an appointment or because we are assessing how our time management is going for the day.  If we’re being honest, we’re often trying to gauge how productive we are (As in, “Am I feeling good about myself that I’m getting enough done by this marker in the day?”).

My next flow of thought went to a very old (originally 1960’s) Dr. Pepper advertising slogan, “Drink a bite to eat at 10, 2 and 4.” (I know, pretty weird, but true and obviously this slogan came out long before we knew the toxic nature of consuming so much sugar.)  Since the numbers have to do with the time of day, many Dr. Pepper clocks were made to highlight those three hours.

Upon doing a little research, I found out that doctors back in the day had discovered a natural drop in energy at 10:30 am, 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm.  So I guess the logic is that if a person drains a bottle of carbonated sugar water 30 minutes beforehand, it will somehow offset the condition.  Hmmmmm…

So then, this God-thought popped into my head.  Because we have a Heavenly Father who adores His children, what if each time we looked at the clock, our first thought went something like this: It’s 10 am. I’m loved at 10 am!  It’s 2 pm.  I’m loved at 2 pm!  It’s 4 pm.  I’m loved at 4 pm!  Clearly God’s love is the supernatural pick-me-up that we were born for and the only one that can offset any emotional or spiritual doldrums we might encounter along the way.

The best news is that His love and affection isn't just for 10, 2 and 4, but for 5 am, Noon, 8 pm, Midnight…you get the picture.  God never turns His love off! What would happen if every single time we looked at the clock, it became a reminder of Papa’s affection for us at that precise moment? It would not only change your outlook in the moment, but it would change your day, your week, your month and your life!

I’m going to get really practical here.  Most of you will read this article and think, What I great idea! and then promptly forget about it. So how about this: Put a little sticky note on at least one of your clocks that you view regularly—the one in your bedroom that you look at before you go to sleep and when you wake up.  The one in the kitchen that you glance at several times during the rushing moments to get out the door.  The one in the dashboard of your car that you glance at frequently to see if you will be on time to your destination.  Or better yet, put a sticky note on each of them that says... “I Love You!”

Then when you check the time and see the note, you can remind yourself, “I’m tired this morning, but I’m loved!”  “I’m a few minutes late getting my kids to school, but I’m loved!”  “I have an appointment in 10 minutes and I’m loved!” “I have to get that report done in the next hour and I’m loved!”  “I have some time to sit and be quiet with you Lord--You say I’m loved!”  “I didn’t get all my to-do’s checked off today, but I sure am loved!”

Often, during the busyness of a day, I will intentionally look for Suzanne, my wife, and affectionately embrace her saying, “If we are too busy for this, we are too busy.”
Your heavenly Daddy says the same to you.  Take the time to be loved.  It’s what you were born for!

The Importance of Prayer by Jim Stillwell - Director of East Bay Prayer Furnace

E.M. Bounds wrote, “God does nothing except by prayer.” The uncreated God can do whatever He pleases at any moment, yet invites us to play a massive role in changing the spiritual atmosphere of our cities in the place of prayer. The honor and dignity that God gives human beings to partner with Him in prayer is a brilliant strategy to draw us into His heart and unite us with what He wants to do on the earth.

Prayer Is Vital To Missions And Evangelism

The prayer movement is not the next “cool” thing to hit the body of Christ. It is the pivot point at which God moves in the hearts of individual, cities, states, nations and ultimately the planet. Throughout history we can see God’s plan to have humans approach Him in the place of prayer to bring about a demonstration of His power. Psalm 132:7-8 “Let us go into His tabernacle; Let us worship at His footstool. Arise, O LORD, to Your resting place, You and the ark of Your strength.” King David understood the value of calling people into perpetual 24/7 worship and prayer that would result in God displaying His power in his generation.

The great evangelist to Africa, Reinhard Bonnke, has said, “Evangelism without intercession is like a bomb without a detonator. Intercession without evangelism is like a detonator without a bomb.” Night and Day prayer is core to missions and evangelism having their full expression. In 1727 a German nobleman named Count Ludwig Zinzendorf gathered Christians together to his large estate in Germany, known as Herrnhutt, and began prayer meetings that continued 24 hours a day for 120 years. It resulted in the first Protestant missions movement in history. Night and Day prayer represents the reality that prayer will release people into evangelism to fulfill the call of Jesus to go and make disciples.

A Missionary Activity That Is Essential For Justice To Break In

Traditionally we think of missions as the “action side” of the Great Commission. There is also a “prayer side” to the fulfillment of the Great Commission. God is raising up missionaries who will express both of these dimensions that are necessary for the Great Harvest. In other words, God is establishing “intercessory missionaries.” Luke 18:7-8 “Shall not God avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, … 8 I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly.” Justice speaks of wrong things being made right. Through the finished work of Christ on the cross, He brought justice to everything contrary to God His Father. When we pray we are asking for God to release His justice over sick bodies, disunity in the church, crime in the streets, darkness that keeps humans in spiritual and emotional prison. Jesus connected night and day prayer to His justice being made known on the earth. It is God’s desire that men and women would be fully aware of His presence interacting with them and on their behalf. Night and day prayer is essential and a requirement for us to see the full expression of God in our society.

Press the Pause Button by Pastor Karena Lout

Years ago, Todd and I performed in a few shows in Branson, Missouri.  If you aren’t familiar with Branson, it’s an entertainment tourist attraction for families and seniors traveling by tour bus. Let’s just say, I hope most evidence from this time period will remain hidden. It was quite a funny and interesting time in our lives. We started out in the Andy Williams show at the Moon River Theater and later moved on to a musical about the life of Jesus called The Promise. The show ran six days a week, twice a day in a 2500 seat theater.

One of my roles in the production was an angel, where I got to fly over the audience, along with my twin sister. I had a lot of vision and expectancy in my heart as I took on this new job. During rehearsals, I remember the exhilaration I felt stepping off the catwalk and flying for the first time. I was excited to see how God was going to move in our shows. But over time, this “dream job” became very familiar and mundane. There were many times I would go out on stage and recite my lines without any thought or emotion attached at all. I was doing everything from a place of functionality. Even though we saw countless lives touched and changed through the Gospel, at times it felt like it was just another job I needed to make income.

One day as I was climbing the ladder up to the catwalk to prepare to fly, I felt an overwhelming sense of God’s presence begin to pierce my heart in a way I hadn’t felt before. I started weeping uncontrollably as the soldiers began to whip the actor who portrayed Jesus down the aisle below me. My heart was getting so moved by what Jesus endured for me that I forgot I was actually at work. I felt purpose behind what I was doing again. God started to tenderize my heart in a way that I really needed.

There are many times we succumb to going through the motions of life, forgetting the purpose behind it all. We get so busy with what we’re doing that we forget why we started in the first place. Whether you’re a pastor, at home raising your children or leading a business meeting, if you don’t have vision and passion for what you’re doing, you may find yourself steeped in dullness and burned out. We were created to be fully alive, our hearts connected so that we can thrive in the places God has put us.

Sometimes we need to press the pause button, to remember and ask why. Why am I at this particular job? Why am I giving my time to this or that? Why was I born at this particular point in history? If our hearts aren’t connected, aren’t moved, then even the really good things we’re doing can feel futile. I encourage you today to take time with Jesus and ask Him to remind you of the vision He has for your life. He really is involved in every aspect of our lives. There is no separation. It’s finding Him in the little things, the big things, even the not so thrilling part of our lives that we come to understand Jesus is ever present with us.

I pray that our loving Father will show you the endless opportunities He has for you each day you wake up. I pray that He will soften and tenderize your heart even more and that you will experience the real connection He paid for!

“My heart is confident in you, O God, my heart is confident. No wonder I can sing your praises. Wake up, my heart! Wake up, O lyre and harp! I will wake the dawn with my song.” Psalm 57:7-8 (NLT)

With Love, Karena

Do it Again, Daddy! by Pastor Brent Lokker

I’ve loved playing with my boys at every age of their young lives, but some of my most tender memories are of my interactive play with them in their early toddler years, when I would show them my love and affection mainly through my touch and eye contact. We could play a simple game over and over again without it ever getting old, like when I would lie flat on my back and hold them straight up above me with outstretched arms, face-to-face, so that our twinkling eyes locked onto each other. After an anticipatory moment of waiting in that position, I would quickly collapse my arms and engulf them into my chest. They would squeal with delight and I would giggle right along with them in utter joy! Theywould say to me, “Do it again, Daddy!” I needed no coaxing. I would immediately hoist them up for another round of affectionate play. Just thinking about it all these years later instantly brings me back to the sweetness of those adorable toddlers of mine, making me laugh all over again.

My boys didn’t have to twist my arm to make me do that. They didn’t beg me and bug me until I somehow relented against my will. No. The truth is, I wanted to have fun with them, because I absolutely loved being with them and laughing with them. They couldn’t keep me away even if they tried (which, of course, they didn’t). At first,I had to initiate the playful love because they hadn’t experienced it before, so how could they know? Once I gave them the experience of how much fun I could be, there were times when they would approach me and initiate the playful encounters. Either way, it was every bit as fun for me as it was for them.

How much more your heavenly Father enjoys you! His tender affection for you isn’t something He has to conjure up, and He certainly isn’t waiting for you to beg Him to give you some attention. This is the way Papa’s heart always is toward you. He had to initiate true love first or you wouldn’t even know what it was. But the more you experience His genuine affection, the more you learn to initiate fun times with him. Either way, your Papa adores you.

Wild horses couldn’t drag Him away from you! He wants to be with you—not just for this moment— but for every moment throughout all eternity.

(This is an excerpt from Brent's book, Daddy You Love Me: Living in the Approval of Your Heavenly Father) www.DaddyYouLoveMe.com

A Quick Thought About Freedom by Pastor Brent Lokker

As I was thinking about the early fathers and mothers in America who sacrificed so much for us to have the freedom we enjoy, this thought struck me: Although we often think of freedom as synonomous with independence (which is one aspect of freedom) those who fought to gain our freedom were quite interdependent. They desperately needed each other and had to work together closely to make it through the extreme hardships they faced. Those who isolated themselves didn't fare well.

As followers of Jesus, we've been given a freedom beyond our wildest dreams. Yet, the way to live out that freedom is not in isolation, but in community, connection, and interdependence. We need each other! God planned that way.

"It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom. If you bite and ravage each other, watch out—in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then?" (Galatians 5:13-15, The Message Bible)

I'm so glad this is God's plan--for us to need each other and learn how to love well. I'm also glad that so many of you have chosen to go there with us. We need you!

Happy Independence Day and Interdependence Day! Use your freedom to love well!

A New Door Has Opened: The new is Here! by Doug Addison

(Doug is a prophet and frequent guest at Blazing Fire Church. Here is a word from Doug posted on the Elijah List two weeks ago. As we are just now finishing our 6 month journey through "Winds of Change," it's a perfect now word!)

A Door Opened in the Spiritual Realm

I released a prophetic word in May about sudden changes coming and the Wind of Change angel. During the weekend of May 30, a new door opened in the spiritual realm that is going to usher in a new season of radical changes for the good.

We had two earthquakes in Southern California and I not only felt both of them, God spoke to me during the shaking.
The first one was on Friday, May 30, a 3.8 that was near San Pedro (Saint Peter, the rock). I heard the Holy Spirit say to "Prepare for something new." God is going to "rock" things and radical change is on the way.

I felt compelled to "prepare" so I bought some earthquake preparedness items. On Sunday, June 1, just before 8 PM and just as I was installing earthquake straps on our new television, another earthquake rocked the Los Angeles area. These were very mild earthquakes and there was no damage. It was a prophetic sign of something new coming. This is not a judgment word. The first earthquake was 3.8 and the second one happened as I was strapping down my "tell-a-vision". This is symbolic that God is bringing new visions and a new foundation for the way to bring these new visions into reality.

I was drawn to Revelation 3:8 that says:

"I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept My word and have not denied My name."

Doors represent new opportunities and seasons. New strength and spiritual authority is coming to those who are weak and have been holding on to prophetic words and promises. The new door has opened and we can expect to see things pick up.

I want to share a few things I have learned about responding to something of this magnitude.

Things Often Look Opposite

As God is on the move and opening news doors, keep in mind that things quite often look like the opposite just before a breakthrough. I keep mentioning this to people because it is crucial to understand this right now. As God is releasing something new in your life don't be surprised if the enemy comes and tries to distract you. A mesmerizing type of spirit is working overtime to get you to look at your problems and not solutions. Old thoughts and behaviors may have recently surfaced, and during a time we should be excited we end up feeling discouraged!

We have to be careful that we don't come into agreement with the attack of the enemy.

"Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in Heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in Heaven. Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by My Father in Heaven." Matthew 18:18–19

Here's some good news: Stay the course and you will break through the fog. June gloom will lift and July through September will have a different feel and spiritual freedom will come.

Limits Are Being Removed

God is limitless so what you can do through His love, power, and strength has no limits as well! You have access to everything you need to succeed. You have peace with God, the power that raised Jesus from the dead is in you, you have the Holy Spirit and God's network of angels. You have God's word and promises and you have friends and people who love you and can pray with you! Yes, you have lot's of resources so be sure to utilize them.



"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

"...but with God all things are possible."Matthew 19:26

The Outcasts Are Coming! The Outcasts Are Coming!

There's a commitment level coming on a generation of people who have been living in a dry time. They will soon come on the scene and have an amazing commitment to the Lord. My entire ministry and life calling is to help these individuals who are "spiritual outcasts." They are already starting to rise up. They are not really in a particular age bracket but they are the best of the best being saved to come on the scene at the right time. What God is doing right now is starting outside of church buildings and it may look strange at first to those who don't have spiritual "eyes to see" as Jesus said.

If you know someone who fits the outcast description, maybe your children, grandchildren, or someone you love is seriously adrift, here's a promise from God to you for them:

This is what the Lord says: "Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded," declares the Lord. "They will return from the land of the enemy. So there is hope for your descendants," declares the Lord. "Your children will return to their own land." Jeremiah 31:16–17

The New is Here!

Expect to continue to see things happen at an accelerated pace. We are moving into a time that we can accomplish more with less effort. Keysfor this new time are to stay at peace and let go of doubt and fear. Ask God to show you what you should focus on specifically for this time.

This is an amazing time to be alive!

Blessings,

Doug Addison


InLight Connection


Email: respond@dougaddison.com


Website: dougaddison.com

Dream Fulfillment by Mark Paulson

(Mark is one of the Blazing Fire Winds of Change home group leaders in the San Jose area)

I remember getting out of rehab and asking God, “I have no idea where to go from here; what do you want me to do?” I don’t think I’ve ever been quite as furious at him as when he replied, “what do you want to do?” He flipped my “perfect will” paradigm on its head.

Life is exciting, spontaneous, and vibrant. Many of us have spent a long time in a culture of fear that feels like it needs umpteen confirmations for every decision. In the early church, however, they said, “it seemed good to us and the Spirit.” While I think a confirmation or two often brings peace and greater fellowship, I also think there is an adventurous spirit within each of us that God created to uniquely put on display. Don’t put your dreams on hold. More times than not, you’ll find God planted that dream. So don’t throw away dreams that seem too big for you. God relishes bringing about big dreams in your life.

When He convinces you of who you really are and you realize the unparalleled security of Abba’s loving embrace, old passions and dreams are awakened with even loftier expected outcomes. He blows the lid off limitations to your co-dreaming with Him! You don’t feel like you’re walking a tightrope because you see your boundary lines have fallen in totally pleasant places with tons of room for wonderment and exploration. Since you live from joyous sabbathing in what He has done, it will not feel like the weight of the world is on you for the fulfillment of your dreams. It will be a totally joyous unfolding of desires fulfilled as His powerful grace gift works marvelously through you and the family He places around you. Go ahead, ask Him for nations!

Psalm 2:8
Ask of me and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.