Take a Step With Jesus by Pastor Brent Lokker

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Philippians 2:13 Take a Step with Jesus This year the Lokkers enjoyed an early family Christmas celebration two days early because that’s when it worked on everyone’s calendar to share a leisurely, fun day together.  So when December 25th came around, Suzanne and I experienced the first Christmas Day in our 31 years of marriage where we had nowhere in particular we had to be and nothing in particular we had to do. Surreal! On this most unusual Christmas Day afternoon, I decided to tackle some of the many projects in our yard: the rain gutters needed cleaning, the leaves blown off of our back patio, the front lawn mowed and trimmed and the leaves in the street in front of our house swept up, to name a few. After trading my PJ’s for some sweats, I headed outside only to find myself stopping dead in my tracks several steps outside my back patio door. What do I do first?  It sounds like a simple enough question, but what ended up happening is I would decide on a certain project and take a few steps in that direction only to stop again in my tracks a few steps later to rethink my decision.  I repeated this process several more times heading in several different directions before I realized I’d been outside for several minutes without being any closer to accomplishing any of the projects I’d set out to do. Finally I said to myself, ”If I would just blow the leaves off the back patio and see it clean, I would be a happy camper.”  Good! I made a decision, retrieved the blower, unwound the extension cord and witnessed the transformation of 600 square feet of concrete from a chaotic mess to a blissful clean canvas. When I made a choice to complete one project, it lead to a handful of others getting done as well (I’d need to double the size of this article to tell you all about it). I didn’t check every single thing off my to-do list, but I did happen to get a few things done I hadn’t planned on because they just came up as I made my way around the house. And what I did accomplish felt great!  Even better yet, I enjoyed the presence of Jesus throughout the course of what I was doing. Does Jesus even like yardwork?  If it’s with you or me, of course he does! So what’s the point of this story? As I thought back on the day, Papa God began communicating an important truth that I want to share with you as you are heading into a new year with a mixture of some disappointments of what didn’t happen this past year as well as some hopes as to what lies ahead for you. This is what my spirit heard from God… “I’ve placed dreams and desires within you to do good things (Eph. 2:10) and I’ve put my own Spirit within you to accomplish them (Phil. 2:13).  Of the good dreams and ideas I’ve placed within you, I want you to choose something. I want you to choose something. This is the free will—the ability to choose—that I’ve intentionally fashioned you to walk in and enjoy with Me. When you choose from the dreams and ideas I’ve placed within you to expand My Kingdom, it will lead to more and more good. You won’t get everything on your list checked off, but that’s not the point. The point is you and Me enjoying life together and in that journey blessing a whole lot of people along the way and letting them see glimpses of a Father who loves them. Are you good with that?  Make a choice from the dreams and passions I’ve placed within you. Take a step with me and see where it leads…” That's your direction for this new year from the Lord. On your marks...get set... With Love, Brent

MOED - Your God Appointed Time Is Right Now by pastor Todd Lout

So do not consume your selves with questions: what will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear? Outsiders make them selves frantic over such questions; they don’t realize that your heavenly father knows exactly what you need. Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and then all these things will be given to you too. So do not worry about tomorrow. Let tomorrow worry about itself. Living faithful he is a large enough to ask for today. Matthew 6:31-34 There’s a word in the Hebrew language that, like many Hebrew words, is more than just a word.  It’s a way of life that is assumed and lived out.  That word is MOED.  It means, “Appointed Time”.  More in depth the literal meaning is, “You are at your God-appointed time, right this minute...and in the next minute, day, week, year and so on.” The understanding that there is no questioning that we are at the age we should be and in the place we should be does away with fear and worry.  No getting upset that we are ageing.  No allowing circumstances to become larger than the fact that God’s got this.  Even if we royally screw up some of our moments, or even years of time, God is still in this very Moed, waiting for us to walk it out with Him.  He certainly has the best answer, the greatest solution, and He’s the only one who can take all those screw ups and make things right in this moment.  He is always standing in our appointed time, willing...no, desiring to be involved. My own translation of this word, Moed, is “A Constant Appointment With Jesus”.  When something or someone attempts to rob from us (our joy, our peace, our time with our Maker...) we have every right to say, “No, I have an appointment I need to keep.” Believing that we are in our God-appointed time will also crush the lie that our life is simply a statistic or mistake.  Friends, if that lie has hung around you, it’s time to tell it, “Nope, I’m in my appointed time that God, Himself, has placed me in.  There is an abundance of purpose here!” Eventually, as we understand that we are always in our Moed, we will become more aware of how we steward our time.  Let’s change things and allow this word, Moed, to be another standard for our lives...along with that ever-present banner over us that says, “This Is The One I Love”.                                                                          Love, Todd P.S. I shared in detail about this last Saturday night. While speaking, a couple songs came up.  Here's the link to the message and links to those songs: Live In The Moed Not In A Hurry - Will Reagan Life Is A Gift And The Giver Is Good - Pat Barrett

The Next Move of God's Spirit by prophetic overseer Bill Hernandez

This past Saturday at Blazing Fire Church, Pastor Brent spoke of the Inward Journey to connecting with Jesus for the third straight week as more and more people were finding the heartbeat of the One they have been seeking. You can hear that message here. I believe the Church around the world is in the midst of a significant shift. As we connect more deeply with the heart of Jesus, he is giving us His heart to BE His presence wherever we go. I feel like the Lord is saying that this next move of His Spirit across the world will be unlike any other move in history. We’ve learned so much in the last few moves of His Spirit and I feel like He is saying that even the wisdom of the wisest among us will be surprised by How the Lord puts a new spin on what we think we understand. I feel like He is going to bring in a new hack for how to do Kingdom in surprising ways. It’s all geared not so much for them that believe, but for them that do not. It’s for them. He is coming for them that don’t believe and He is going to use us mightily. When we call down heaven to bring healing in impossible illnesses, He will act to the astonishment of the world. The most important aspect of this next move will be great acts of compassion, kindness and miracles regardless of whether or not it is received, regardless of whether or not hearts are changed. The bottom line for us all is that we are called to love without conditions and that we generously pour out love. In this outpouring the Lord will send miracles and works of power, not only to touch mind, body and spirit, but also the physical earth. I heard Rodney Howard Browne once say that the church is the one that gets revival and not the world. What the world needs needs is to be “vivaled.” I believe this next move of God will be a great “vival”, a great awakening for the lost. “I will be overturning notions about how I move and what I do. Any wisdom about how I do things will be turned around in unexpected ways. I will put a new spin on how I act and how I touch everyone. I am coming with a compassion so deeply understood that even them that don’t follow Me will take notice and see that I’m truly real and that the Kingdom is a real thing. Hearts will be turned to Me in droves. Waves of converts will turn to Me and My ways as they see that I’m a God who acts and does great things. I’m pushing back the dark veil over people’s eyes to see the Kingdom in their midst. I’m granting them that don’t believe the ability to see and by seeing, being given the opportunity to chose. There will be power and anointing backing up compassion and kindness. It will be nearly impossible not to notice. Some will chose Me and some will not, but I will continue to pour out works of power among you and the world. There is a great wave coming, a wave of newborn believers and I will flood every fellowship with disciples who know My ways and My presence and My words.” John 12:46-48 I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness. If anyone hears My sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. Bill Hernandez (You can read this prophetic word and others by Bill Hernandez at www.whisperoflove.org)

Jesus Is Always Enough by Pastor Brent Lokker

For the past two Saturday nights at Blazing Fire we’ve given extra space and time to connect more deeply with the heart of Jesus and we plan to go there again this coming Saturday night. Why? Because Jesus is our life. Jesus is the source of our joy. Jesus is the hope that floods us. Jesus is the brilliance within us. Jesus is our very dear elder Brother who always has our backs. Jesus is a devoted Friend and Companion through every step of our journey. Jesus is our Savior who sets us free to be the best version of our real selves. Jesus is our Creator who marvels at us, His living works of art. Jesus is our Risen King who forever conquered death and sin and anything that could ever separate us from the perfect love of our heavenly Father. When you're asking, What am I going to do?  Be with Jesus. When you're feeling aimless, be with Jesus. When it appears you're stuck in life, be with Jesus. When disappointments seem to rise up around you like a prison cell, be with Jesus. When fear rears it’s ugly head, be with Jesus. When life seems mundane, be with Jesus. When you’re happy, be with Jesus. When you’re feeling adventurous, be with Jesus. You get the idea. What does this deeper connection with Jesus look like? It could look something like this story from a woman from our Blazing Fire family. She was there Saturday night when we marinated in the truth that Jesus is our good, good shepherd…     The Lord is my best friend and my shepherd.      I always have more than enough.  (Psalm 23:1, TPT) And this woman’s spirit continued to connect inward with Jesus the following morning… This morning I spent time on the word Always.  I always have more than enough.  The Lord kept repeating to me always, always, always. I will always love you, I will always provide for you, I will always take care of you, I will always be there for you. I will always give you more than enough!!  I heard the Lord call my name personally and say, "My word for you today is ALWAYS."  So I responded, "Yes Lord!  I choose to believe in the Always." I grew up in a house of fear. I was told that something bad is just around the corner and so I need to do a-b-c to get ready for the bad thing. I break that lie in the name of Jesus. The truth is that God will ALWAYS be there for me no matter what, no matter what my circumstance looks like. God will always love and take care of me!  Always!!!  God will love me on Monday, Tuesday and forever. It's silly to think that he would only love me on Monday and forget about me the next day.  The same thing is true for providing for me!!!!  He will provide for me ALWAYS!!!!  He will not abandon me.  He loves me ALWAYS!  So I choose to believe in ALWAYS!!! Jesus is loving you now and always from within. You are never apart, never distant. He’s ready right now to tenderly touch your heart in a meaningful way. Make a choice to take some time as soon as you possibly can to quiet your mind and allow your spirit to go there with Him. Right now would be a perfect time! With Love, Brent

The Inward Journey by Pastor Brent Lokker

The Kingdom of Heaven is within              ~Jesus (Luke 17:21) The love you long for is within The joy you seek is within The hope you need is within The faith you desire is within The peace you crave is within Why? Because Jesus is within you and all that He is belongs to you. The riches of the glory of God's mystery is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27) Last Saturday I gave a message about the Inward Journey to connect more deeply with Jesus. I didn’t just talk about it, but we took time to try it.  I must have hit a nerve—a good one. I received more positive feedback than I can remember from one message in a very long time, so I’ve decided to continue the message this Saturday, The Inward Journey—Part 2. . I’ve also asked several of those who were impacted last Saturday to share a testimony about their ongoing inward journey as we gather this Saturday. (You can hear last week’s message here and you can skip to the part of my message about the Inward Journey at 24:24) The good nerve I hit upon is the longing for the Lord within each one of you that He's placed right inside of you. Even the longing is found within! But remember Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled!” So what is the key to connecting more deeply with Jesus? It begins by knowing by faith He is within you and never far away. You are not trying to do somethingto get him to come from somewhere out there, but you are becoming more and more aware of the One who has made his home inside of you. Then, there is a process of learning how to quiet your mind so you can enjoy unhindered intimacy with Him. One thing we practiced was "Praying the Scripture." We practiced slowly meditating and digesting word-by-word a passage of Scripture with the purpose of quieting your mind and focusing on Christ within you. Try it now... Live in the holy awe of God—which brings you trembling into His presence. God will continually revitalize you, implanting within you the passion to accomplish the good things you desire to do. Philippians 3:12-13 (TPT) (with each "..."  below, take time to be aware of His indwelling presence and love, pause and linger often, especially when you are feeling his presence) Live in the holy awe of God...Live...I am alive right now in the holy awe of my God...the holy awe of God...I am in awe in your presence God...trembling...trembling into your glorious presence...Your presence within me...your holy presence within me...your holy presence within me at this very moment...God, you will continually revitalize me...God, you will revitalize me...You continually breath fresh life in me...this is what you do...you implant within me passion...I have passion for life...you infuse me with that passion...passion to accomplish good things...good things I desire to do...good things I desire to do because you have placed them within me... Our good and very dear Savior is making himself known to everyone who wants him. Never give up this inward journey. The continual pay-off of his very real presence is what you were born for more than any other pursuit. With Love, Brent

A Heart Filled With Thanks by Pastor Brent Lokker

Every time we think of you, we thank God for you. Day and night you’re in our prayers as we call to mind your work of faith, your labor of love, and your patience of hope in following our Master, Jesus Christ, before God our Father. It is clear to us, friends, that God not only loves you very much but also has put his hand on you for something special.  (1 Thessalonians 1:2-4, TMB) As I read this, and in light of the glorious time we spent together this past weekend at the Restoring Family conference, my heart is filled with deep gratitude!  Here is my prayer of thanks. I encourage you to make it yours and to add your own voice of thanksgiving to our very dear and kind Father.   Thank you, Father, for all that Jesus has done for us! Thank you, Father, for pouring out your Spirit in rich measure over us! Thank you, Father, for a spirit of unity that is rising up! Thank you, Father, for healing the places in our hearts that have caused us to alienate each other. Thank you, Father, for filling the hunger in the hearts of your children for deep connection with you! Thank you, Father, for giving us great favor! Thank you, Father, for providing for us in abundance! Thank you for being a good, good Father in every way! You’re the best!! And I truly thank God for each of you! With Love,                Brent

God is Better Than We Can Imagine by Pastor Brent Lokker

Oh, My Dear Friends! In the midst of whatever life looks like for you today, you have to remember something: God is better than anyone could ever imagine! Yes, He’ always so loving and kind, and it never stops! (Ps 107:1) And remembering this causes us to lift up our hands to our tender Abba, Papa, Yahweh and give thanks for his marvelous kindness and miracles of mercy because He loves us. (Ps. 107:15) Let that sink in deeper…He loves you! He adores you! He is particularly fond of you! Allow the words of this chorus you know well wash over you: “He loves us, oh, how he loves us Oh how he loves us, oh how he loves!” He is jealous for me. He loves like a hurricane, I am a tree bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy. When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory And I realize just how beautiful you are and how great your affections are for me! I declare over each one reading this the suddenly of the Lord’s glory overtaking you and eclipsing any afflictions you may be going through. I declare the truth over your life that, God turns our barren wilderness into an oasis with water! He makes springs flow into the desert places and turns them into fertile valleys! (Ps. 107-35-36) I know you have been crying out for your heart to connect more deeply with God, your Father. How can I know this? Because God’s Spirit is moving within all of us, causing the longing for the deepest desires to be fulfilled. And God is answering! Your deep cries are being answered!  Do not give up hope!  You have a Father who adores you and who’s better than you could ever imagine! He’s so loving and kind to you and it never, ever stops! With Love, Pastor Brent

The Joy Of Sharing The Simple Gospel by guest contributor Vivian Phi

“I refused to be ashamed of sharing the wonderful message of God’s liberating power unleashed in us through Christ! For I am thrilled to preach that everyone who believes is saved—the Jew first, and then people everywhere!” ~ Romans 1:16 ~

Don’t give up, pray! Not long ago, I shared the good news in a facility with a mother of three young children, but she was separated from her family because of drug abuse issues. She was skeptical from the beginning and would just watch and observe from a distance when I prayed for other women or had Bible studies with them. I simply served others as usual with hugs, encouragement, prayers, and love without “pushing” her to hear the gospel. I literally “left her alone” while praying for her privately. After two months, she started to ask me questions about God and the Bible. She even asked if she could have Bible study with me. Later she opened up and shared that she was more and more eager to read the Bible because God’s words have given her much strength and hope. A month ago, I received a card from her in the mail. She shared that she has continued to read the Bible everyday no matter how hard her situation is! Praise God! Simply step out There is no fixed rules and formula as to how to lead others to Jesus “the right way”; simply be available and step out is the key. Telling others “Jesus love you!” or “You are God’s precious one!” with a smile, a hug, or an act of kindness are great ways to witness, too! Sometimes my husband and I’d give prophetic words or word of knowledge when we receive revelation from God, and people usually respond the same: “It’s crazy!” when the words are accurate (Of course! God knows everything, right!). Sometimes we pray for people who are sick on the street, and when they feel better or are healed, they say, “It’s crazy!” Many people need to hear and receive God’s love and encouragement through us; they need to hear the good news of forgiveness of sins and hope (2 Corinthians 5:20). It’s time to step out!                                                                 Love,                                                                         Vivian

Living In Sonship by Pastor Susan Fochler

Starting out as Orphans As I look back on my life, I can see a clear progression from having an orphan mindset to a growing confidence in my identity as a child of God.  As an orphan, I derived my worth from external measures such as performance and popularity.  Neither of which was ever enough, but for a little moment it seemed to satisfy.  Becoming a son/daughter means my security is increasingly drawn from belonging to and being with God.  Any fruitfulness from my life is wonderful, but not the source of my joy.  Being rooted and grounded in His love has become my goal and I am ever aware nothing less will do. Recently I had an experience that vividly revealed the nature of this unconditional love.  I had to give someone some news they did not want to hear.  As an orphan, their initial response was to lash out with rage because they felt so hurt.  I was shocked; news that seemed like a mild inconvenience to me felt like a personal attack to them.  His Constant Love is Always Enough During a time of prayer after this happened, God took me back in the spirit to that moment.  But this time He completely enveloped me in His love; I was inside Him, He was inside Me; we were as one.  And as we stood there facing a very angry person, I could feel God’s unwavering affection and kindness pouring through me.  It was like He was oblivious to the hostility.  His love was pure and holy, completely undeterred by any temper tantrum!   His Love sees Us I could sense His love flowing, unrelenting, so like the river of life we read about in the scriptures.  His smile, unflinching, His joy-filled eyes so glad to be there, seemingly oblivious to the turmoil He was facing.  His focus was on who the person was, not how they were behaving.  I became keenly aware that there is no situation, no matter how stressful, that can diminish His perfect love in any way.  That’s exactly how a loving Father treats His kids.  He sees our true hearts, not our momentary wobbles, and because He is the source of all love, He can do nothing else than pour unconditional affection and acceptance upon us.  Limitless Love that Flows like a River It is interesting that the root word for river in the Hebrew has to do with inheritance.  Just as a child receives his inheritance freely, without earning or deserving it, so do we receive freely of the unconditional, limitless love from our Father.  Come and drink your fill of all you need of belonging, approval, mutual enjoyment; there is always enough!   I encourage you to drink and delight in God’s sweet, never-ending acceptance as we read in the Psalms: All may drink of the anointing from the abundance of your house. All may drink their fill from the delightful springs of Eden. To know you is to experience a flowing fountain, drinking in your life, springing up to satisfy. In the light of your holiness we receive the light of revelation.   Psalm 36:8-9 TPT. Keep on drinking in the love! Pastor Susan

Parable of the Hibicus by Pastor Brent Lokker

About a month ago, I purchased a hibiscus plant to enjoy in our backyard. Actually I bought two of them—one with pink blossoms and one with orange blossoms and I planted them in the same extra large pot for a splash of colors to enjoy throughout the waning days of fall. When I bought the plants, one orange flower was already in full bloom with numerous buds of each color well on their way to producing a beautiful floral display. Then something happened...more accurately squirrels happened and my beautiful flower as well as all the forming buds on both plants became a scrumptious early morning squirrel buffet. Arrrrrgh!! So I went straight to Google to get the scoop on how to dissuade these hungry critters. I learned that sprinkling some fresh coffee grounds over the soil (who knew squirrels weren’t early morning coffee drinkers?) as well as spreading a thin layer of petroleum jelly laced with cayenne pepper (who knew squirrels weren’t into spicy foods?) around the edge of the pot would do the trick. And you know what? It did! The squirrels completely laid off of their hibiscus buffet. With a renewed commitment to see these plants restored I continued to faithfully water the plants every few days and kept the pot in full sun. I also continue to spread around fresh coffee ground every week or so. Although it took several weeks, new buds formed and the first two bright colored hibiscus flowers returned—one pink and one orange! Even with the flowers now flourishing, the squirrels still don’t cross the coffee/cayenne pepper barriers. Then the Lord spoke to me... “I love the beauty and fragrance of your life just the way I’ve created you. My intention is for you to flourish! The enemy of your soul wants to come and devour the fruit of your life through lies of discouragement and fear. Just as the squirrel couldn’t cross certain lines, so too the enemy cannot be around you when your heart is deeply connected to mine and we are enjoying closeness together. The blood sacrifice of Jesus brought the truth of perfect intimacy back into clear view, just as Adam and Eve had with me in the garden. This enjoyment of your protected place in my heart is a barrier the enemy simply cannot cross. So let’s walk together more closely as you enjoy the tenderness of my heart that’s my most priceless gift to you. Continue to drench and soak your life in my love. Continue to bask in the sunshine of my approval and favor. You will flourish again! Don’t get distracted my child. Intimacy with me is the key to a sustained fruitfulness in your life. I am inviting you in this very moment to know me in a deeper, more tender way than you’ve ever experienced before. Let’s go there!” We are to God the sweet aroma of Christ (2 Cor. 2:15) ​ Yet all of the accomplishments that I once took credit for, I’ve now forsaken them and I regard it all as nothing compared to the delight of experiencing Jesus Christ as my Lord! To truly know him meant letting go of everything from my past and throwing all my boasting on the garbage heap. It’s all like a pile of manure to me now, so that I may be enriched in the reality of knowing Jesus Christ and embrace him as Lord in all of his greatness. My passion is to be consumed with him...  (Philippians 3:7-9, TPT)                                                                            Love,                                                                                  Brent

Tenderize & Soften My Heart by Pastor Todd Lout

Non of us are immune to hardness of the heart attempting to set in, and on a daily basis. It's because we live in a broken system in a broken world, among broken people all around.  But God offers a replacement, a "heart of flesh" instead of a stoney one. We really want to, and need to, take Him up on this offer because the hardness of heart will clog our ears from hearing Him more clearly. It will cause us to see others without love-lenses.  It will block us from going through the doors we can go through, eat away at our joy, cause bitterness, misunderstanding, lack of identity and other such things that can eventually manifest into actual, physical problems.  Why is this such a big deal? Because the heart is not simply the blood-pumping organ in our chest. Consider the Greek word for heart, which is Kardia.  Kardia means the CORE or CENTER. In Hebraic-Biblical thought, the heart is the most central part of a person's being, governing a person's entire life.  Proverbs 4:23 tells us, "Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life." Often we can get so busy in life, so consumed by external things, that we forget to tend to our heart.  Over time we even allow some things in and to become our "norm" that are building stone walls around our hearts.  Recently, knowing that my heart can easily get rocky, I decided to pay attention to every little thing that made a threat to my heart in a single day.  I thought there would be many things, but was shocked when it became blaringly clear just how many things posed a threat in a 24 hour period.  It was so unsettling that I went to bed, that night, praying Song of Solomon 5:2 over myself, "I sleep, but my heart is awake.", asking God to be at my heart's door, even in the middle of the night. I could bombard you with a vast array of things that threaten to harden our hearts, but I'll make a short, short list here just to possibly provoke some awareness for us all:

* Sin (those things that we do when we forget who we really are) * Religion             * Offence * Injustice (To me and to others.)          * Small Beginnings * Taking on other people's hardness of heart. * People not getting our heart and even misrepresenting it. (For me, probably the worst) * Not getting your way.                            * That person who is just moseying in front of your car when you're trying to make that turn and they look right at you like, "I know you want to go, but Imma walk slow as I want....then they mosey in the next crosswalk that's in your turn!!   :)

OK, now for the GOOD NEWS! ("Oh thank God! Todd's email was getting depressing and hardening my heart!":). We don't have to live with a stoney heart!  NO!  True worship, fellowship with Holy Spirit, contemplating Jesus' heart, consuming His Word, setting our minds and keeping them set on "things above" and being outward (putting others above ourself) like Jesus is, will tenderize and soften our hearts.  The TRUTH will set us free! One thing I've decided will be my normal, every morning, is to hold out my hands in surrender and say to the Lord, "Tenderize and soften my heart."  I've done this when I can see the signs of it going the other way throughout the day and most of the time there is an instant shift.  Also, I'm learning to be really intentional in the middle of situations....like with the crosswalk moseier (that's probably not a real word).  I would ask God to give me His heart for that person and immediately He gives me a word for them.  Now my heart is tender and I'm thinking His thoughts toward that person, rather than letting a silly little thing do something yucky to my core. In conclusion here I would like to make a declaration over you by adding to one of my favorite quotes from one of my favorite movies, "The Help":  You is KIND. You is SMART. You is IMPORTANT. You is a SOFT-HEARTED PERSON. You is AWARE THAT EVERYONE ELSE IMPORTANT TOO. You is LOVED BY A PERFECT FATHER.

The Next, Bigger Wave is Arriving by Pastor Brent Lokker

(this article is a bit longer than most I write, but if you have 10 minutes, I believe it’s worth the read…) In the mid-90’s to the early-2000’s, I was part of a wave of the Lord’s refreshing and healing that seemed to cascade over major parts of the world. It was easy to sense and experience his presence, healing was prolific, and joyful laughter was a hallmark in our gatherings. While recently reminiscing on that, the Lord took me back to my body-surfing days growing up as a teenager. And in a movie-like fashion, I was reliving a common occurrence…   I’m just finishing riding a good wave when I turn back to the ocean and see an even bigger and better wave coming. At first I have to force my body against the current of the previous wave and surrounding water that’s still making it’s way to the shoreline. I can feel the muscles in my legs straining stride by stride to get out in time to catch the bigger wave, my arms also tugging against the water to get there faster. Then, just before arriving at the new wave, the water suddenly changes direction as the next wave is now powerfully sucking me in towards it. I flip around and start swimming with all the strength I have left as the wave suddenly lifts me up, up, up and forward with a massive force. The exhilaration of it all engulfs me. The Lord has been impressing upon me that the followers of Jesus are experiencing something very similar. Some of you may be old enough to remember the sweetness and power of the mid-90’s to early-2000’s and it was a sweet wave to be sure. But since then I feel as though we’ve been in a prolonged season of pushing against a strong current to position ourselves for a bigger wave that we all have felt is coming for quite some time. We’ve all done our best to keep standing in the strength of the Lord (Ephesians 6:13) even though it’s been hard at times and the enemy of our souls has tried his best to get us to believe that no other wave is on the way… BUT GOD! God is always faithful and the next wave is quickly approaching. Many of us have been feeling the increasing glorious presence in our Saturday night gatherings at Blazing Fire over the past few months. I’m feeling the drawing of His Spirit, the very force that is pulling us up, up with a massive force that’s far beyond our own strength.  He has been telling me that this world-wide wave that’s pulling us in and up and forward will far surpass what we saw two decades ago. Why? Because the Holy Spirit has since given the follower of Jesus an understanding and a passion to be sure that this next move of God isn’t confined to the church, but that it impacts all aspects of society around us. Can you imagine the impact as God’s sweet presence, his joy, and his healing finds its way through the followers of Jesus into each of the 7 mountains of society so that we see strong families, a victorious church, godly governments, biblical education, excellence in business, positive influence through media and redemptive arts & entertainment? That’s what’s coming! We just crossed over into the New Year in the Hebraic Calendar: 5779, and we are in the middle of the 10 days of Awe where the Lord is releasing wisdom and fresh revelation and fresh vision for the year ahead. Listen to the voices of the prophets and what they are declaring we’ve just crossed into. And as you do, cling to the words that resonate in your spirit and claim them as your own: “Your season of promotion and seven-fold repayment is here"  (Doug Addison, Los Angeles, CA) "As we crossover into 5779, I heard the Lord decree: 'This is the year where everything changed!'" (Lana Vawser, Brisbane, Australia) “This year is a time of birthed destiny because you waited for God’s best!” (Michael Russo, Rochester, NY) “This is a marker year—God’s goodness will be revealed.” (Kathi Pelton, Portland, OR) "5779 Will Be a GOOD Year! It will be a time of birthing God's promises for you. It will be a time of recovery as you experience the harvest of your labors and a time of fruitfulness as you experience God's goodness. Don't give up before you get to the open door God has for you.” (Joni Ames, Rock Hill, SC) God is inviting His sons and daughters to seize this moment in time. We are in a time where Holy Spirit is saying, "It's not time to stare at the open door or opportunities, but it's time to step through and occupy the door to possess your inheritance." Over the next few months, God says, "Get ready for suddenlies, shifts, and surprises!" (Torrey Marcel Harper, New York, NY) Everything is going to speed up spiritually. New prophetic movements will come with unbelievable clarity, prophesying life back into what has died or been stolen by the enemy. Women will come forth to blaze new trails and bring unity to cities and nations. The arising will prepare for the glory to come for the greatest move of God ever. (Ray and Renaid Almgren, Monroeville, PA) I believe we have entered into a season where things are going to be so accelerated, mind-boggling miracles will become second nature. It's a season where when we decree a thing, it happens instantly. I believe we will see the Lord bring healing to the sick, the dying and those who are being held captive in such a powerful, swift release. I see so many sudden manifestations of the miraculous which bring the Lord's glory. You won't believe it, until you SEE it. (Michele Cole, El Dorado Springs, MO)   "Look at the nations and watch—and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days at you would not believe, even if you were told."  (Habakkuk 1:5)                                                                                              With Love,                                                                                                           Brent

Jesus, Friend Forever - by guest contributor Favor Mitchell

From creation, God’s intention has been to walk with us in loving community and friendship. Before having to leave the garden, Adam was walking with God in the cool of the day. Abraham was called a friend of God, as was Moses, who knew His ways while the children of Israel just knew His actions. David had such a relational connection to God that he was called a man after God’s own heart. We see beautiful snapshots of the type of bond we all were always meant to have with God in the Old Testament, yet somehow, humanity got into a distant, disconnected, taskmaster-slave mentality driven by what God is “supposed” to do and what we’re “supposed” to do in exchange. Enter: Jesus, the Game Changer! Jesus fully divine, became fully human  and fully connected to His heart to physically love on humanity and show us what we were always created for. He came to show us what heaven truly looks like and this, My Friends, is where we discover that heavenly perspective is a whole new ball game! He says,  "You think you know who God is?  Nah, let me show you!" "You think you know what leadership is? Here, let me show you!" "You think you know what friendship is? Let me show you!" He broke into humanity’s limited perspective, showing us the kingdom realities of what we thought we knew.  He does the same for us today and as He does this, I am acutely aware of how much I personally don’t know. In my personal friendship with God, I press in and ask questions when He does something beyond my scope of understanding.  I ask, “Jesus, how were you able to be so present and vulnerable with people that often misunderstood you?” Most recently, I’ve been wondering, “How were you able to be totally vulnerable with Judas, sharing so openly with him even though you knew he was the one to betray you? How were able to not change the way you loved him? Were you even a little tempted to leave a corner of dust or donkey poo on his foot when it was time to wash his feet?” Ultimately, the way I learn this type of love is by asking these questions and having this level of intimacy in the first place. As I learn that God never intended to be my taskmaster… I stop trying to be His. Our relationship moves past lists and demanding requests camouflaged as prayers and turns into something beautiful; a place where we can safely exchange with Him and Him with us. A place where we can see and know His heart, and open ours for him to see. Therefore, discovering that God “never called [us] servants…”( John 15:15, TPT) messes me up in the best way possible. We’re free to  participate in this everlasting friendship that grows, stretches, and deepens.