LOVING LIKE JESUS DOES - By Brent Lokker

Jesus gave us one new command: “I want you to love each other in the very same way that I love you.” (John 13:34)   This is not complicated, just impossible. Well, not exactly impossible since “with Christ, all things are possible,” which really gets to the crux and the answer of how we love others like Jesus does. The perfect love of Christ in and through us does it. The life of Christ in us is the true vine that sprouts branches of the very same substance which produces exquisite fruit—mostly love—just so long as we don’t wander from the only source of our life. This love is the fruit of the Tree of Life (Jesus) in the garden of Eden we were always meant to eat of as we enjoy deep intimate connection with our heavenly Father. The very same Father who “was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself and no longer counting anyone’s sins against them.” (2 Cor 5:19)   Is it possible to wander from this source of life? While nothing can separate us from the love of Christ, we can act in an independent way when we try to do life on our own terms (the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil) instead of enjoying our intimate connection. That independence is the work of our selfish ego, that we also call the flesh, trying to run the show. When our flesh tries to be the director of our own play, it gets U-G-L-Y! In case you weren’t aware, our flesh really likes to be right…as in all the time. And this means that someone else is necessarily wrong and our flesh wants the other person to know all about it. Other ways of saying ‘right vs. wrong’ is ‘who’s in and who’s out?’ or ‘who’s us and who’s not us?’   But in Christ, there’s only us! “There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28). When Jesus included all of us in his death and resurrection (Romans 6:10, 1 Corinthians 15:22), he ended all the ways our flesh wants to make ourself superior or to make another feel inferior in any way. This includes ethnicity, social class and even gender. Leveraging or putting others in their place is the world’s way and not the way of our Father’s kingdom.   In another passage, Paul makes a similar point: Where there was previously a hostility between Jews and Gentiles, Jesus made peace by creating in himself one new people from the two groups, reconciling both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, thus ending our hostility toward each other which was put to death. (Ephesians 2:14-16)   Did you see how this is something Jesus accomplished?   So, how do you love like Jesus? Instead of redoubling your efforts to try to love other people, you are invited to surrender to the person of Jesus within you and allow his love to change your heart first, flowing through you more and more unhindered. Then, you will have a sincere love for others with a love you didn’t even know you had! By surrendering to his Spirit and by agreeing that he already took your flesh/selfish ego to the cross, his life in you looks more and more like a very familiar description of love that we could accurately rephrase like this:   “Christ in me is patient and kind; Christ in me is not jealous or boastful;  Christ in me is not arrogant or rude. Christ in me does not insist on its own way; Christ in me is not irritable or resentful; Christ in me does not rejoice at wrong but rejoices in the right. Christ in me bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Christ in me never ends. His love for me and through me never fails!” 1 Cor 13:4-8 (based on RSV)   Take some time right now to entrust your heart to Jesus and surrender to his goodness in you. Invite Holy Spirit to lead you and to show you when your selfish ego/flesh tries to run the show. Now comes repentance: “I choose your Spirit to lead instead, Lord—your life in me—because I trust you to usher me into the freedom you promised!”

Grasping God's GIGANTIC Love - by Clayton Jung

Eph 3:16-19 (NIV)  I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. In these verses, Paul offers a great prayer about God’s love filling our hearts. And once while reading this passage, an image came to mind about a big satellite antenna (like the one below).   Just like this antenna can pick up signals, I could picture my heart receiving more of God’s love. And here are some other insights God showed about this analogy: God’s love is gigantic and all around, just like the antenna picks up from all the vast expanse of invisible waves surrounding it. The adjectives “wide and long and high and deep” (v18) painted a picture of me being fully surrounded, and right in the middle, of His love. “HE may strengthen you with power through his Spirit” (v16): HE strengthens and HE fills my heart with more of His love. I used to think I have to strive and try making my heart tune more into God, like the antenna tuning into just the right frequency. However He showed it’s the other way around. It’s like God is at every frequency, and I mainly just have to turn the antenna “on” (i.e. open my heart to Him) and discover what His love is already saying to me! One meaning of “grasp” (v18) means “to understand”, and “to know” (v19) can mean “practically, through personal experience”. So God is the One who helps me to more fully understand & experience His love through my life’s highs and lows. Also, another meaning of “grasp” is “to desperately cling to”, and on Saturday, I shared a story of how He helped me see and feel His healing love during a desperate time in my life.  Besides the picture of this satellite antenna that helped me to receive God’s love in that tough time, He also used other means to speak to me, like: During a counseling session, I got a picture of sitting with Jesus on a garden bench that felt so real.  I could feel His love and comfort relieving some painful memories. Through worship songs. For instance, while singing “Take Courage”, particular lyrics felt deeply meaningful, like “He’s in the waiting…He's never failing” Whether you’re seeking a deeper understanding & experience of God’s love out of heartfelt desire or out of pain & desperation, I pray you’ll be able to  Pause and find a quiet time to open your heart to God Find hope that He’s all around you and already reaching out to you Receive His special message of love to help in any area of need in your life That special message could be a timely word of encouragement from a loved one, or a Bible verse or worship song whose meaning takes on sudden significance, or a mental image that speaks to your situation, or maybe you’ll discover a fresh, creative way God is encouraging you. May you find in better ways how God is helping you see and hear His encouragement today! This coming Saturday, February 11, 2023, at 3:00-4:30 PM, we'll meet before church to explore further about some different ways God might be speaking to you, helping you to understand & experience more of His gigantic love. With His Blessings, Clayton

TREAT STRANGERS AS SAINTS - by Karena Lout

Several years ago I was helping with a presentation about human trafficking at a high school in Oakland. A survivor who used to attend the school was sharing her very vulnerable story of being trafficked. As she was sharing, a group of guys started making fun of her, yelling obscenities and calling her horrible names. The Mama bear in me got really angry and all I could think about was how I would tell them how wrong they were after the presentation. But surprisingly, God began to soften my heart. Afterward, I approached the “ringleader” of the group and began to tell him, “You’re so much better than what you just did to that young woman. Maybe no one has ever told you this before, but I believe in you and I know one day you will see who you truly are.” Tears began to fill his eyes and he gave me a hug.   At times it can be easy to see what we don’t like, what we don’t agree with in those around us. Before you know it, we’ve built a case against them that we believe proves our opinions. If others agree with us, it helps justify our feelings. God recently began to show me the case He’s built for all mankind: We are created in His image and likeness, we are all His sons and daughters, every person on the earth is His treasure regardless of their mistakes and poor choices.   HONOR:  Accurately acknowledging someone’s God-given value.     Romans 12:13 (Mirror) “Purpose with resolve to treat strangers as saints; pursue and embrace them with fondness as friends on equal terms of fellowship. Make yourself useful in the most practical way possible.” Vs. 16 “Esteem everyone with the same respect; no one is more important than the other. Associate yourself with the lowly than with the lofty. Do not distance yourself from others in your own mind.”   There is no hierarchy in the kingdom. The more we see each person’s God-given value; that we are all equals, we will begin to see that we are all more alike than we are different. What became evident when I spoke to the young man who angered me at that high school is that I wouldn’t be able to speak into anyone’s life that I am too busy judging. My prayer is that Jesus would continue to show you how much value He has for you and that you would see it in all those around you.   With Love, Karena

TRUSTING GOD (When You've Tried Everything Else) - by Kat Sionon

I used to believe God blessed me as a reward for something I did right. As I continued to grow and mature in Christ, I realized my expectation of Him was more transactional rather than relational. If something good happened to me, I took it asa nod from God (rhyme unintended). If something bad happened, or I didn’t get what I prayed for, I felt it was my fault, or I blamed God. After repenting, I still held it against myself. Eventually guilt, and disappointment in me, would set in and I hid from God or did every good deed or ministry to make up for it. That was exhausting. God uses life interruptions to force us to be still, and to reveal who He is to us, and for us, when we are at the end of ourselves and feel we have nothing to give Him. When COVID hit in 2019, I checked out and muted the noise in my head (and heart) by watching TV. When I had down times and my phone wasn’t blowing up with calls or texts, the quietness provided the perfect atmosphere for God to enter the room and bring up heavy issues in my heart that had gone unresolved for decades. God comforted me in those moments, pulling me up to see His perspective, and reminded me it was not all up to me to make things happen in my walk with Him. For the first time I got “it” -the message in Galatians 2:20 (Amplified Bible): “I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Since having those encounters with God, I feel more drawn to Him, less condemned by myself, and less bent on paying for my mistakes that Jesus already paid for. We love Him, because He first loved us." (I John 4:19) . Big hug, Kat

JESUS REVEALED THROUGH US - by Susan & Russ Fochler

Last Saturday night the elders of Blazing Fire Church shared what we felt God has been showing us lately in dreams, words, and experiences.   We are each part of Jesus’ bride and there is growing joy and anticipation about what is to come.   It’s about Jesus being revealed through us.  Unified by our love for Him, we are learning to love even those who feel like enemies. We His bride radiate His light and humility to people walking in darkness and pride.  Many, including some of our own loved ones will be freed to see Jesus as He is.  The veil is being lifted!  All are invited into fulfillment and true identity through simply knowing we belong — and not because of anything we do or know.  On the cross, Jesus embraces us in our cruel confusion, going to the very depths with us and then bringing us up into new life with Him. The kingdom of heaven flows with abundant life that never runs out.  It is beyond measure.  You became aware of this flow of His grace when you first said “Yes” to Him.  And now we continue to experience more and more of His fullness for each of us.  He chose you, He wants you, He’s committed to you, He’s pleased with you, He understands you. Please speak these declarations over your life to remind yourself of who you really are! 1.  I am clothed with the presence of my Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 13:14) 2. I am adorned as a beautiful bride in Christ’s righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels. (Isaiah 61:10) 3. I am a living, prophetic declaration of His presence here on the Earth! 4. As we become more intimate with Him, and recognize our true identity with Him, we will display His glory. (2 Corinthians 3:18) 5. God the Father wants to show us off a His true sons and daughters. Jesus wants to display us as His glorious Bride. (1 Corinthians 4:9) 6. God is restoring us to a place where we truly believe we are His favored ones. We are going from rags to riches in our thinking and actions. (Col. 3:12) 7. We agree that the enemy’s veil be taken down so our loved ones can perceive with the eyes of their hearts, the beauty and attractiveness of Jesus. (2 Corinthians 3:17-4:4) 8. Father I surrender and acknowledge and surrender to the fact that you know what you are doing in my life. (Romans 8:26-28) 9. I love You and You know I love You. 10. Please shape my life along the same lines as the life of Your beloved Son, Jesus. (Romans 8:29-30) You were chosen first by Father God to be His cherished son, His treasured daughter.  In addition you are a beautiful, spotless bride for His Son Jesus.  All we need do is agree with the truth of how much He really does value us and let the current of His love carry us! We encourage you to watch/listen to the service from last Saturday night. Brent begins speaking at about the 1 hour 26 min 29 seconds mark. The earlier parts of the service are also well worth watching. Click for Saturday's Service With Love,  Susan & Russ

Called to Full Disclosure - by Bill Hernandez

Last Saturday at Blazing Fire’s Worship service, Diane Jung, Bill Hernandez and Joel Pollard released powerful prophetic insights for this New Year and lead us in making declarations.  You can listen at the 57 minute mark here. All three talked about an invitation into a place of deeper intimacy with Jesus and here is the latest prophetic word from Bill Hernandez's website www.whisperoflove.org that captures the essence of what he released last Saturday: I believe the Lord is urging us on to go deeper and more honestly with Him in all we are thinking, feeling and doing. As we encounter more of His love He is building a greater confidence in bringing everything to Him without fear of retaliation. In I John 4:18 it says, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.” By admitting everything to Him, we get insight and understanding from Him if we also stop to listen after opening ourselves to Him. If we are in full disclosure before Him, we can then begin deeper work. The environment of experiencing His love as He has been revealing more and more is building within us self respect. A person with self respect speaks up boldly and has a voice. Many of us have grown up in environments of judgments, ridicule, rejection, abuse and neglect. As a result we may have lost our self confidence. This affects our ability to be open with the Lord subconsciously feeling like He may punish us for opening more and more of the shadows within. He sees our shadows of anger, rage, fear, confusion, self hatred, cynicism, doubts, dark thoughts. He sees it all and sees all the good stuff too. Everything we share with Him is like jewels in His hands because this is about trust and intimacy. There is nothing so dark or broken where His love is not greater. He always has an answer of understanding, support and solutions. He says, “I understand.” He can’t be insulted or dishonored by what we say to Him in disagreeing or being impatient with Him. He always says, “I understand.” Like a parent, He embraces us no matter where we are at, whether we are rational or not. Earthly counselors will encourage full disclosure knowing that without it, progress cannot be made. Often there is so much clutter in our minds, we have to get it out and expel it to reveal deeper things that ultimately leads to change. The Lord is our heavenly psychiatrist who is on call 24/7 and He is free. He is Dr God as it were. It’s time to let Him in deeper and by doing so discovering the depths of His unending love, patience and kindness. Whatever we are feeling and thinking, He is feeling and thinking it right there with us because we are one. In Psalm 139:3 it says, “you are familiar with all my ways.” So He truly understands because not only is He the God of love and compassion, but also the God of Empathy. This means we have a constant companion who is fully knowledgeable of the good, the bad and the shadows. He is accompanying us through it all to help us make good choices and bring victorious, lasting changes. I had an encounter with Him about some dark things in my heart I was hesitant to tell Him about, but because He has provided a loving and accepting environment I felt emboldened. Still a bit fearful I felt I had to take a leap of faith and if I died, I died. I was really battling religiosity in my heart to get beyond being politically correct with God. I had a vision of Esther deciding to come before the king uninvited. Apparently she could’ve been executed for this breach of protocol. She said, “If I die, I die.” The king instead extended his scepter to her because he was pleased with her. God is pleased with us and gives us the right to come before Him as His prince, His princess, His family, His bride. I almost expected that a lightning bolt would destroy me as I confessed before Him. Having opened darker things before Him, He said matter-of-factly that this full disclosure meant the deeper work could now commence and that it was a good start. The ground didn’t open to swallow me whole. I experienced full acceptance, understanding and kindness. I felt like I had just finished a session with the doctor. He is totally vested in our deepest well being and our emotional and mental health. He is drawing us deeper into love encounters so that we can see what the real deal looks like. Disclose away then. Go for it. This partnership with Him will enable us even more so to reach out to the world with His heart for them in a very informed way about what love looks like. This is about the Great Commission.   We love because He first loved us. I John 4:19

Clothed with the Presence of Christ - by Brent Lokker

Some of you may have already watched a YouTube video I just released about a how Holy Spirit recently visited me in a dream, sharing profoundly about the wedding garments we are all wearing--wrapped up in the goodness and light and love of Jesus!  I had originally planned to share this hope-saturated dream with you on New Year’s eve but since we had to cancel our service due to significant flooding, I want to encourage you to watch it now if you haven’t already done so: On our journey, we have to become immersed in what Holy Spirit is revealing about the truth of our identity. We are clothed in Christ! God's Spirit is pouring out, bringing renewal, refreshing, strength, courage, healing and restoration, causing you to bloom and have hope again!   I encourage you to read aloud these scriptures and then make these declarations:   Romans 13:14a (NLT) “Clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.”   Isaiah 61:10 (TPT) “I will sing and greatly rejoice in Yahweh! My whole being vibrates with shouts of joy in my God! For he has dressed me with salvation and wrapped me in the robe of his righteousness! I appear like a bridegroom on his wedding day, decked out with a beautiful sash, or like a radiant bride adorned with sparkling jewels.”   Acts 2:17 (TPT) “This is what I will do in the last days —I will pour out my Spirit on everybody and cause your sons and daughters to prophesy…”   John 7:37-39 (Mirror) “On the final day, the crescendo of the eight-day Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus, knowing that he is the completeness of every prophetic picture and promise, cried out with a loud voice, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let them come and stand face to face with me and drink. In your realizing that I am what the Scriptures are all about, you will discover uniquely for yourself, face to face with me, that you are what I am all about and rivers of living waters will gush out of your innermost being.’ Jesus spoke about the Spirit whom those who would believe that he is the conclusion of Scripture were about to grasp since who Jesus was in all of his majestic splendor was not yet fully acknowledged and thus the Spirit was not yet evident.”   Declarations: (speak these out loud for greater impact) I am clothed with the presence of my Lord Jesus Christ! I am adorned as a bride in his righteousness! I am face to face with my beloved Jesus! Rivers of living waters, Holy Spirit within me, gush out of my innermost being! Father, you have poured out your Spirit on everybody! I am a living, prophetic declaration of your presence here on the earth! The light of Jesus is shining brilliantly through me everywhere I go!