Extended Worship this Saturday the 9th + Encouragement from Doug Addison!

Hello Amazing Friends!

About two weeks ago, I met an amazing woman, Lani Netter, who is the wife of Gil Netter, the producer of "The Blind Side" as well as many other movies ("A Walk in the Clouds", "Fever Pitch" & "Marley and Me", to name just a few). Lani has been interceding for Hollywood for quite a while and is seeing the fruit of her labor coming forth. She has a great passion to see the mountain of entertainment ruled by Jesus! I am super excited to announce that Lani Netter will be coming to speak Blazing Fire on January 23rd, as well as speaking at Wildfire (youth group) on Monday night, January 25th, and at our Kingdom Training School of Supernatural Ministry on January 26th. She will be sharing about how and why "The Blind Side" is shaking Hollywood (it has grossed well over 200 million dollars!) as well as sharing some of her own personal journey in how God has prepared her for such a time as this.

Also, I want to encourage you to come this Saturday, January 9th, for our Extended Night of Worship from 5:00-11:00 pm to spend 6 hours enjoying the presence of God and also receiving prophetic or healing ministry (come at 5:30 pm for sign-ups to receive ministry).

Here is a really encouraging word from Doug Addison, who will be coming to speak at Blazing Fire in April:

A really great thing about God is that He sees us as who we are becoming through His love and power. As He looks at our lives, He knows our past, understands our present, and can see us in the future, all at the same time. His love, mercy, and grace are unfathomable. Imagine the possibilities if we could see ourselves the same way that God sees us. Much of the time we are not able to see our purpose and destiny with much clarity, so we are required to rely on faith. The principle of faith allows us to trust that there is something special and unique for us, even if our experiences have been the opposite. Sometimes there is great resistance or even setbacks before we are able to get into the fullness of God's desires for us. Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 NIV

We need to be certain of the fact that God has nothing but good intentions for us, even though we may not see them yet. You'll see this in this powerful Biblical principle: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

These are God's intentions for us. His plans are to prosper us, to give us hope and a future. If you read on, you'll see the benefits of grasping this. Then (after you discover God's plans for you) you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:12-13 NIV

We must see what God is doing in our lives and work with Him to bring it about. It's time to take a stand against what satan has in mind for us and come into line with God's wonderful intentions for us. If people can't see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; but when they attend to what He reveals, they are most blessed. Proverbs 29:18 The Message

Our Identity is in Christ!

The foundation of my life is this: in Christ, I am a new creation, and all the old thoughts and behaviors no longer have power over me. I am being renewed every day with God's love and character. I share in God's divine nature because God's Spirit lives in me. I am free from condemnation and have the strength to live my life free of despairing thoughts and the competing desires of my flesh. I am God's workmanship, created to do good works, which God has prepared ahead of time for me to accomplish. I am more than a conqueror through God who loves me. I have a clear mind and can make good decisions. I am increasing daily in faith, strength, wisdom, and love. I am able to love others because God has first loved me.

New Years Bliss!

Hello Wonderful Friends!

I am declaring over each and every one of you the most blessed and favor-filled, outrageous, amazing, and stupendous New Year and New Decade in Jesus!! You are further along in your destiny than ever before and God has not forgotten a single one of his precious promises over your life! Each day that you are given the gift of life on this earth, you are one step further along in the journey that the Lord has planned for you before the foundation of the earth--A plan to prosper you and not to harm you, a plan to give you hope and a future!! (Jer. 29:11) Be massively encouraged that you are right in the heart of God's best for you! Don't lose hope! Keep going! You are doing so much better than you think!!

Thanks for the friendship and love and encouragement that you all keep on pouring over Suzanne and myself. You're the best!

If you are looking for some place to go tonight to celebrate the New Year, I have 7 suggestions for you:

1. IHOP, East Bay--8 pm to Midnight at Parkway Baptist Church, 7485 Village Parkway, Dublin, CA

2. Fred Long's place--7 pm, 785 Hampton Road, Hayward, CA

3. Charles & Tina Razzel's place, 8 pm, 1805 Brooktree Way, Pleasanton, CA

4. Sausalito Christian Fellowship--7 pm at 131 Filbert Ave., Sausalito, CA. Blazing Fire's Janet Shottelkorb will be leading worship!

5. Harvest House in Fremont, 6 pm-Midnight--Worship & Praying for the 7 mountains of influence! - 40645 Fremont Blvd., Suite 10A, Fremont, CA

6. New Ecstatics w/Ben Dunn & John Crowder, 9 pm @ Studio E, 152 Harvey West Blvd., Santa Cruz, CA

7. Stay at home and sit at the feet of Jesus! Now there's a choice that will never be taken away from you!!

We are going to have an extremely powerful time together this Saturday night, January 2nd, at Blazing Fire Church as we make bold declarations from heaven to earth!!! Expect shifts to happen! We will most likely end in a New Year's blessing tunnel!! It all starts at 6 pm at our usual location, 3200 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton.

I look forward to seeing many of you and ushering the new decade in with authority and much joy!!

Christmas Night - 2009

Hello Wonderful Friends!

Just a quick note to share something that was on my heart for you today. Sometimes because of all the stress getting ready for Christmas, there can be a feeling of let-down. You might think to yourself, "I did all that for this?!!"

If you are feeling any sort of post-Christmas blues whatsoever, let me assure you that nothing of eternal significance has changed since yesterday, nor will it be different tomorrow...You are still Daddy's favorite! You are still the delight of His eyes! You still touch his heart more deeply than you will ever know! Wonderful Holy Spirit still lives within you! Jesus has still paid the full price for your freedom! And you still have a destiny as a world-changer, loving people one heart at a time!

No matter how you are feeling, remember this:
"Jesus is so completely able to rescue and preserve those who come to God through him because he is always alive to intercede on their behalf." (Hebrews 7:25)

You know what that means? You can have on off day, but Jesus never does! He's always on and He's always for you. He neither sleeps nor slumbers (Ps. 121), but his eye is upon you, and he is declaring God's truth over you, finishing the good work he started in you!

Hope your day-after-Christmas is filled with the joy and peace of knowing that you belong to the Lord...and the day after that, and the day after that, and the day after that...

A Merry Christmas! - Dec 17, 2009

As Christmas approaches, I declare the Peace of Jesus upon you! If you need more of that peace, take a listen to my sermon last week, "The Prince of Peace" on our podcast.

Be encouraged by this brief description of the "real" story of St. Nicholas:

St. Nicholas should be an inspiration to us all. He was a godly man whose reputation for giving to people caused him to be a revered example of what compassion and giving are all about. He was not a jolly large man who climbed down chimneys, and he didn't have flying reindeer.

A Gift From God
Nicholas and his parents lived in Turkey in the third century and were Christians. Nicholas' parents had prayed and asked God for a child, much as Abraham and Sarah had done. From the time Nicholas was born in about A.D. 280, they considered him a gift from God. Diligently, they taught their young son devotion to God and to be very generous to the poor. Although they both died when Nicholas was in his teens, their heritage of living for God and giving followed Nicholas.

Ordained as a young teenager, Nicholas entered the priesthood at age 19. His uncle, the bishop who ordained him, prophesied that Nicholas would offer guidance and consolation to many people, that he would eventually become a bishop, and that he would live a life of enlightenment. Eventually he did become the bishop of a small, coastal village, and his influence spread into many nations.

Many accounts have been written about the life of Nicholas. It was said that he would spend all night studying God's Word to bring it to the people. He was known for helping the poor, for praying, fasting and standing steadfast in faith and goodness. Many miracles were brought about through his prayers. Included among the accounts of his ministry is the report of twin brothers who were raised from the dead. It was written that one could hardly keep count of the virtue and goodness he spread around him.

When Nicholas died on December 6, A.D. 343, he is said to have quoted Psalm 11 with his last breath, "In the Lord I put my trust." In the Greek language, the name Nicholas means "victorious" or "hero of the people," and he did indeed become a very popular figure in the centuries that followed his death. Stories of Nicholas spread throughout Greece and into Russia. He became the popular patron saint of Russians, who called him "Nikolai, the wonderworker."

The story of the true St. Nicholas is a beautiful picture of the giving that Christmas is really about. St. Nicholas represents the giving heart of our Heavenly Father, Who always gives good gifts. The greatest gift of all is the gift of Jesus Christ to us from God the Father. Jesus is our hope, redemption and victory. He is our advocate with the Father, our blood-covenant Friend Who will never leave nor forsake us. In Him, we have the joy of living a heavenly life on earth.

He is the meaning of Christmas "Christ mass" means "anointing celebration." It's the celebration of "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power…." It's the celebration of how the anointed Jesus "…went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil…" (Acts 10:38). It's the story of our triumphant Savior—Jesus, the Christ—the King of kings and the Lord of lords!

Now, that's a Merry Christmas!

There Is A River - Dec 12, 2009

Daddy approves of you! Yes, YOU! You are the delight of His eyes and you are exactly what he wanted when he made you! If you do nothing else today, take time to snuggle up to your Heavenly Papa and take in the love! That is the ONE THING that will truly make your heart merry this season! Oh, and then go spread the love the first chance you get! Papa loves it when you do that!!

Last Saturday during and after our time of worship, I sensed and felt a huge, strong River that was flowing through the church building and, subsequently, right through each person who was present! The Lord led me to play my Native American double flute while encouraging each person to receive from that heavenly River exactly what they needed: love, mercy, healing, peace, forgiveness, strength, hope--absolutely anything and everything we needed was available!

Here is one testimony from Cheryl Field, who was there that night:

Pastor Brent,

I have to tell you want happened Saturday night! When you asked us to stand for healing, I stood up for my brother who has hidradenitis and my 16-year-old nephew who has Crone's disease, even though I have been in constant pain in my shoulder. On the way home, I asked Papa to heal my shoulder and take the pain away. Later, around 11:30 pm, I was laying in bed re-reading Blazing Fire's Core Values, and my heart started to race and I felt Holy Spirit's presence...all of a sudden my shoulder started quivering and shaking like I have never seen before! The pain was gone!!! This morning is the first time in I don't know how long that I didn't wake up in pain or have to take any Tylenol! Papa is so awesome! Thank You Holy Spirit, and Jesus for making it possible!!!

In Papa's love, Cheryl

Thank you, Jesus! We are seeing more and more miracles of people being completely healed and set free! And do you know why? Because the river of God's love and presence and power and joy is flowing mightily from his throne and it's getting deeper and wider all the time!! (see Ezekiel 47) The Source of that refreshing, cleansing Water from Heaven is nothing less than the Father's heart, and let me tell you, His heart is infinite and it is unlimited! God's supernatural world is totally invading the natural world that we see with our eyes and ears. And it's only going to increase because the Kingdom is always advancing!!

Psalm 46:4 says, "There is a River whose streams bring joy to God's city. It sanctifies the dwelling of the Most High."

That river is not just a fun concept--a nice idea. It's REAL!!!

So, I declare this river of supernatural joy to gush upon you and within you RIGHT NOW! I declare that river to break forth from you, bursting out from your belly (John 7:38) to saturate a hurting and severely malnourished world with blessing and encouragement straight from God's heart--through you--to theirs!

Anyone for some River rafting?! The water level is UP...again!!

SO Thankful for YOU! - November 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving, Friends!!

Paul's words from 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4 are a perfect expression of how Suzanne and I feel about all of you:

"You need to know, friends, that thanking God over and over for you is not only a pleasure, it's a must! We have to do it. Your faith is growing phenomenally and your love for each other is developing wonderfully. Why, it's only right that we give thanks. We're SO proud of you! You're so steady and determined in your faith despite all the hard times that have come down on you. We tell everyone we meet in the churches all about you." (The Message Bible)

It's actually quite true! Whenever I talk about what God is doing at Blazing Fire, I start talking about the obvious transformation I see happening in you all over the months and years as you have willingly embraced the truth of the Father's deep love for you and the astounding grace that is yours because of the finished work Jesus on the cross!

After 8 wonderful years of this journey called Blazing Fire, our hearts are FILLED with gratitude to the Lord for surrounding us with so many passionate lovers of Jesus! Thanks so much for helping to make the journey so fun and meaningful! We are truly blessed to have so many amazing friends!!

Love,
Brent & Suzanne

P.S. The Lord graciously multiplied food (turkey, mashed potatoes & pie) last Saturday at the Oakland homeless outreach! Karen shared about it at Blazing Fire and another server told us her story of the same phenomenon--more and more food every time they went back to check! How cool is that?!!

The God Who Heals - Nov 20, 2009

Hundreds of years before Jesus came on the scene to walk the earth and display the true heart of His Father who loves and heals his children, there was a man who 'got it' to the core of his being--He knew the depth of God's love and compassion that is displayed in miracles, signs and wonders.

The man's name was King David, and this is what he said about his amazing God:

"Bless the Lord, my soul, never forget all his acts of kindness. He forgives all your offences, cures all your diseases, he redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with faithful love and tenderness; he contents you with good things all your life and renews your youth like an eagle's." (Psalm 103:

God has never changed. Everything David said was true, and Jesus came to demonstrate the true nature of his Father with extravagant acts of love and power. Yet, a battle still lingers, mostly in the confines of our own minds, about the goodness of God. Not wanting us imprisoned with the misconceptions that have been perpetuated by the enemy, God is graciously revealing more and more of the depth of his great love toward us, causing us to see Him for who He really is.

As a result, we are seeing a dramatic increase in how God is powerfully touching and healing people. A few weeks ago, a teenager came to Blazing Fire's worship service in desperate need of deliverance. He was in a very dark place and wanted freedom, but didn't know how to receive it. In the middle of the worship, God gripped this young man's heart, so much so, that for over an hour he was taken by God to a place in the Spirit that was 'other than' where he was standing in the natural. In that place, God was sovereignly and supernaturally setting him free to the point where he became a radically changed person. The most amazing part of the story is that no human being prayed for him! God just did it! Two Saturdays ago, there were well over 50 people healed of ailments, injuries and diseases. Most of you have heard by now of a creative miracle that took place that night as Lee Betancourt (who oversees our outreach to the homeless in Oakland) had the tip of his pinkie finger, that had been chopped off in an industrial accident 35 years before, grow back!! Lee and Daniel (who was praying for him) watched in utter amazement as God not only grew the 1/2" of his finger back out in a matter of seconds, but even fully restored the nail as well!! Come on!!!!!!!!!! That's just absurdly astounding!! A testimony like this will mess with you!! Just who is this God, anyway??? Well, He's so glad you asked because he really wants to show you. And when you see greater and greater displays of his power (and that is absolutely going to happen), just know that he is really displaying the fullness of his love towards you and all of his children.

What David saw and what Jesus demonstrated, is what we are seeing before our very eyes: God is GOOD and He cannot withhold his extravagant love for us!! And that love is showing itself in dramatic ways--He can't help himself!!

Are you ready? Because we are entering into unchartered territory where the outrageous goodness of God is going to surpass our ability to even explain what He's doing. Here we go!!!!!!!!!