Is That IT?

It's Halloween night and as it happens, both Debbie and I are home for the evening (NOT the par for the course!). So we've been taking turns answering the door and handing out candy to the Trick-or-Treaters.

Now before I go any further, let me comfort anyone freaking out that we participate at all in anything to do with Halloween: I take the opportunity to pray for each child (and parent) who comes to our door and speak God's blessing over them. This has been my practice for more than a few years. I'd rather have nothing to do with this "holiday," but since it brings people to our door to receive whatever I have to give them (including the blessing and prayer [as long as it is preceded by candy!]), I offer them a little more than they expected. Here's to using The Enemy's holiday to "reverse the curse," as it were!

{ding dong} I'm in the kitchen getting dinner and it's Debbie's turn to answer the door. As she puts the candy in the bag of the first kid, I hear him belt out: "Is that IT?" (Debbie's classic response was: "Most people just say thank-you").

That sure is a typical comment from our society of entitlement. We deserve the best, therefore we should have it, therefore other people should make sure we get it . . . et cetera, ad infinitum!

And don't we often approach God that way? Before we go to him in prayer with our request, we already KNOW what we want him to do for us. If we were writing the "scripture" for this part, we'd probably say it something like this:

"Before I even asked, I knew what your answer should be."

Is that IT, God? Is that ALL you're going to do for me? Aren't you forgetting something? Hey- I'm talking here!

Shaky ground indeed.

Most Christians should just say "thank-you!"

Posting a Notice of Eviction!

Saturday we got to spend a little time with some good friends. Part of our purpose in getting together was to pray through their corps building to "oust" some evil spirits that had lodged themselves in places they were not welcome. We've done this kind of thing before, but the reason I write about this particular situation was a very interesting thing that happened while in the process.

First we walked through every room in the building listening to things God wanted to tell us about those rooms (this gives us the "road map" of where we're to go and what we're to do when we get to the actual praying part). Sometimes he tells us these things through our spiritual senses, but other times he tells us these things through our physical senses. It just takes some discernment to know what God is saying- especially when it could be the burrito you ate for dinner speaking instead of God!

The pertinent gift mix of those present included 2 prophetic gifts, 2 different types of discernment and 1 gift of deliverance. This is important to understand as you go into such a mission, because you need to know how each person will sense things and contribute to the task at hand. And each person plays a part in reaching the final outcome (sounds vaguely like a body, huh?).

The officers appointed to this particular corps were present- and this is vitally important, because they have the legal authority to extricate such unwanted squatters. They have this authority because of their official appointment by The Salvation Army, the entity that owns and resides (operates) in the property. They are the ones who must ultimately tell them to leave (demons are so legalistic! [which, by the way ought to tell you something about where legalism comes from]). Without that authority present and participating, it is near impossible to deal with such situations- demons just won't leave, because not just anyone has the right to make them. The corps officers do have that right, just as owners or renters of a house would have the right to deal with their property.

At one point we opened a door and immediately, 2 of us (with discernment) felt sick to our stomachs. I was also "afraid" to venture in the room. I put afraid in quotes, because I wasn't really afraid, I just felt like something was trying to make me feel that way. I sensed the fear in that room, even though I wasn't really afraid (I know my place in God's created order of things and my standing as a child of God, so there is no need to fear demons). In effect, it didn't want us in that room, so it was emanating fear, in the hope that we wouldn't go in and deal with it. I have found that demons know when their time is short and when backed into a corner, they fight fiercly. I knew this was such a situation and knew we had found the source of our infestation.

Later as we moved through the building praying and pushing the evil ahead of us (and finally out the back door), we reached that central room. Interestingly enough, it was central to the building and also central to the issue that had been plaguing this corps for many years. This was the room where it had all begun- who knows how many years ago.

Here's the part that I have never experienced before: All of a sudden we could smell a terribly foul odor in that room. All of us knew it was not there before that particular moment. THAT was a confirmation that what we were doing was right on target. And the fact that the odor left just as quickly as it had come after we finished praying in that room, had no small effect on our sense of victory!

And victory it was! When we were through, there was no more atmosphere of fear and lying (the ultimate root of the problems) hanging around that place. It was like a fresh rain had washed through the whole building and left behind a fragrant smell of flowers. I'm counting on the fact that there will be a lot of people almost confused at the different atmosphere from here on out!

Demons should have no right to influence our lives, but unfortunatly we often give them the right- usually without realizing it. And then for years we wonder what's going on! However, I am so glad God has provided for our freedom from such demonic guerillas.

If you're curious, check out how many times Jesus dealt with demons in the New Testament. He gives us a great example and we know his blood is all powerful!

PTL!

My Favorite Worship Leaders, Part 3

The worship leader I have most listened to over the years is Scott Underwood (apparently there is another singer named Scott Underwood, so know we're talking about the Scott Underwood associated with Jesus and The Vineyard).

Scott is probably the first worship leader I ever "noticed," but was frustrated in finding his music because Vineyard only used him in combination with other worship leaders on their CDs for so long. I believe there is 1 album of his (I don't own) titled: Take My Life, but just recently they released his second entire CD of his own: Tear Stained Eyes.

I like Scott's music so much, I actually compiled and burned 2 complete CDs of just his music which I've been listening to for years.

Immediately, you'll notice Scott's special anointing when you listen to his stuff- it almost seems God is in the very first notes! He's got a strong rock feel to most of his music, which I like a LOT. However it was a sad day when I discovered his penchant for country music. Every now and then, you get the distinct flavor of country popping up, but because of the strong anointing, I can actually listen to it and enjoy it (mostly)! Even the tunes that are totally country (although thankfully, there are only a couple). {sigh}

Check out his web site at http://www.scottunderwood.org/. It's set up very cool. I think you'll enjoy it.

You can go to worshipmusic.com to check out some albums he's on. http://www.worshipmusic.com/scottunderwood.html. I would especially recommend It's All About Jesus (extremely worshipful) and Shelter (if you like jazz/rock his first cut Hop on the Bus is incredibly fun!).

I've been recommending Scott Underwood as a worship leader for years, so listen up and let me know what you think about him.

My Favorite Worship Leaders, Part 2

Here pictured is Jason Upton, an incredible worshiper! I'm not as font of his music as I am of some of the others I'll be mentioning here, but I'm not critiquing music anyway- I'm talking about those leaders who bring us into God's presence by their anointing in worship. So I can't go any further without mentioning him.

I first experienced Jason Upton, like Lindell Cooley, at a conference I attended a few years ago. Also like Lindell, I have been collecting Jason's music ever since. Come to think of it, whenever I discover a worship leader that is powerfully anointed for worship, I seek out his/her music. I guess it's my M.O. (motis operandi) and why the size of my Worship CD collection has grown!

I feel Jason's music has a distinct flavor of seriousness. Unlike some others who get my feet tapping and my hands drumming (both styles are equally valuable and good), I must be on my face while listening to Jason Upton. I assume it's not the case with all of his music, just my thoughts at the moment.

If you'd like to read more about him, check out some Bio info at
http://www.worshiptogether.com/features/worship.aspx?iid=216451.

The most amazing story I can tell you about Jason Upton, actually comes on the CD sleeve of his album, Remember (my favorite and pictured below). I'll quote it directly here:

"There is no explanation for the last song, Fly, except that during the 'do you see what I see' portion you will hear a soaring voice over the top of the other voices (6 minutes and 11 seconds into this section). At first we thought it was an ambient microphone picking up an overtone. During mixing all of the channels were searched and we found that this "boys choir" type voice was not on any of the other microphones, but was bleeding through my own microphone (which would make it impossible for it to be an overtone because it was not present on any of the other open microphones). If you listen carefully you will hear it again later in this section; it's not quite as clear because, unfortunately, my voice is prominent on that microphone. Interestingly, a boy came up to me that night and told me that he saw an angel standing about fifteen feet behind me . . . and another one behind the drummer. At that time I doubted that; but after hearing the 'voice' alone during the mixing process with no other instruments around it, I do not doubt it any more. It was very humbling and convicting for me to realize that I had not believed the boy. I sometimes wrestle with why I so often disbelieve the supernatural (why would I first think it was something natural like an overtone, instead of believing it was an angel). The Bible tells us that we should not be surprised by angelic visitations; but I must admit, I was surprised!"

Any question of a powerful anointing on Jason Upton now?

I currently have 5 of his albums (although Jenn fights me for them whenever she's home!). If you'd like to listen or purchase some of Jason Upton's CDs, you can check them out on worshipmusic.com as follows:
http://www.worshipmusic.com/jason-upton.html.

Please listen and tell me what you think.

We Interrupt this Series of Blogs to . . . Pray

Here I sit in my chapel in Bangor, Maine. It's SonDay at 8:10 AM and I've been here since 7:30. Lincoln Brewster (we'll talk about him as a worship leader soon) is playing over the sound system and although I am just finishing the necessary prep for the services (Turn the heat and lights on, get the computer and sound system up and running, etc). I have recently begun to come in on Saturday to do the majority of this prep because it has so easily taken over the time I would rather use for prayer on SonDay. You know, it's so easy to let other things take over my prayer time!

Anyone else out there understand that?

Even this entry, as important as it is, takes valuable time away from what I consider to be the MOST important use of my time- ESPECIALLY on SonDay AMs. And I was fighting off the urge very well this morning, until God spoke very clearly that right now, he wants me to write this word from him.

Where is my church? Where are my people? On the day they have set aside to worship me, so many are still in bed trying to get those last few "precious" minutes of sleep. I want to meet with you- even before the larger group gathers, to prepare you; to use you to prepare the atmosphere in my house for my people who don't yet know me and rid it of your enemy's presence which so often trips you up from my greater purposes and keeps you from reaching the heights of worship I desire.

Can you give up those precious minutes of sleep for me? Would you come to be with me just a little earlier? You'll never get there before me; I'm always there waiting for you. I have been waiting.

I'm still waiting.

You know, I've made it my practice to spend SonDay AMs in my chapel for the last 15 years. I fast and pray for God's people in my corps to experience God and let him change them. I've seen results. But mostly I've seen the change in my own life as I've come to cherish this special time with God.

Anyone out there listening? Anyone willing to put yourself out a bit, one day a week? Anyone willing to take up this challenge of mine; this request from your God?

Then start next SonDay. Get up early, get ready, skip breakfast and head to your corps chapel to worship and pray. If you don't have access at that time of morning, I'm sure you can get your CO or Sgt Major (praise God for faithful Sgt Majors!) to open up the building a bit earlier than usual for this purpose. If you're faithful enough, maybe they'll eventually give you a key. Maybe they'll join you. Maybe we'll start something that will spread all over the Army world and we'll see that revival that God has promised and so many of us have been praying for. Who'll be the first?

Trust me- God will already be there and he'll be glad you came.

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To anyone taking up this challenge, I'd appreciate it if you'd let me know. Keep me posted on what God is saying to you; what happens in your corps services; who joins you, etc.

My Favorite Worship Leaders

I love music! All kinds of music. Opera and Country are the only two styles I don't enjoy, so I listen to a wide variety. But over the last few years I have settled into listening to "Praise and Worship" more than anything else. I've developed quite an extensive CD collection of music and downloaded mp3 files that "put me into God's presence." And that's really why I listen to such music a lot- I want to be in God's presence and am interested in doing anything that will help me get there.

What I've noticed about Praise and Worship music is that the person singing and/or leading makes a HUGE difference in whether or not the music touches my spirit and ushers me into heaven's throne room. This comes as no surprise, since I've noticed over the years this same difference in performers of Army music- such as Black Dyke Mills band versus the Star Lake Band playing Resurgam. While Black Dyke is flawless in this incredible piece, when all is said and done, it doesn't touch your spirit like the Lake Band does even with all the errors.

Bottom line: the spirit of the person presenting the music makes all the difference in the outcome.

So herein, I'd like to take some space over the next few days to tell you about those Worship Leaders who hold a special place in my own times of worship.

Without a doubt, Lindell Cooley is #1 for me. He was the Worship Leader for the Brownsville Assembly of God Church in Pensacola, Florida during the incredible revival years. If you want more info on his life and ministry, here's a link for his biography http://www.mmi-inc.com/biography.htm.

I first heard him live at a conference I attended a few years ago and I was blown away by his fun music style(s) and amazing sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. In my experience, there is no one who I have seen so consistently usher a room of worshiping believers into God's holy presence. Here is an incredibly talented and gifted worshiper.

Ever since that first experience with Lindell, I've collected his CDs and often listen to them while praying SonDay AMs in my chapel in Bangor (and other times). Here is a page of his CDs from worshipmusic.com http://www.worshipmusic.com/lindellcooley.html#top.

It's hard to pick a favorite album, but here is one of them (pictured here) "Open up the Sky." There are many others right up there with it, like "Freedom," "Desperate for You" (awesome Gospel style), "Quiet Songs" (for meditation and prayer), "Send the Fire" and "Songs from the Great Revivals" (which includes an old Army favorite- "Send the Fire").

Take a listen to Lindell Cooley and let me know what you think.

I know, I know!

We've been quite busy the last couple of weeks so blogging has taken a back seat (a wedding, our Annual Harvest Auction, Special SonDay meeting guests, etc).

There was a time not too long ago when this blog took too much of a lead in importance to me and I did whatever I could to "get the daily blog up." I've since learned there are actually other things that take precedence . . . once in awhile! And I've learned to let it go without sweating too much. Ha!

You will want to know I've been collecting all kinds of good stuff to write about and I plan to get it up here soon. So get your thinking caps out and ready for heavy use.

Want to Learn How to Draw?

Check out this interesting website that will give you Free Drawing Lessons!

http://www.drawspace.com/

In this day and age of everything digital, take a moment (or many moments) to get a piece of paper and a pencil and get back to basics.

Fascinating!

Malcolm & Vicki Daniels

We just returned from Malcolm Daniels and Victoria Balcom's wedding. Now mind you- the day's not over yet- we still have The Celebration (party) to go to in a few minutes! I hear it's a big spread!

What a blessing to be asked to do the wedding of one of your old Junior Soldiers! And I must add, Malcolm was (and still is) one of my all-time favorites!

Everything went extremely well. Everyone looked great- especially the bride (of course, she was radiant)! It was certainly my honor to officiate. And as one of my responsibilities, I was asked to pray over them and offer a blessing during the ceremony. Here are my prayerful words:

Malcolm & Vicki's Blessing
When people all around you feel as though God has left (and they will), you will know for certain he has not. That's because you know when people turn away from God, he redoubles his efforts to get through to us.

When the road gets dark because of trials and difficulties (and it will), you will know Yahweh is always near to lean on. You will know the darkness only serves to strengthen you. And it is merely temporary.

You are strong- together. As a cord strengthens with each strand added, so combining your spirits makes you a formidable weapon against The Enemy. That strength is God's plan and you will be an example of how that unified strength has changed you both.

You are swift to see injustice and do something about it. Together you are a refuge for the lost and your home is a safe haven for those in need. Many will come to know of Yahweh's love for them by your loving example.

You have been down a difficult path, but your experience will be used by God to teach faith in Him and good decision-making in those who look up to you. You are an example of Yahweh's amazing grace; the more he pours into you, the more you will flow over into those around you.

Your communication skills will blossom as you resolve conflict thrown at you by The Enemy. His attempts to divide you will not be successful; you will always see him coming from afar and deal with him long before he even gets a chance to get his foot in the door.

God has a leadership role in store for you. Watch for his leading. He is sending a number of people your way and he desires that you will show them the way. You both naturally accept people where they are. This is a great starting point you should develop to its fullness, for it is placed in you by Yahweh himself for his grand purposes.

Know this: You have not even begun to experience the amazing ways God plans to use you both! This marriage will be a beacon to all.

It is good. And God is pleased.

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God bless you, Malcolm & Vicki!

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PS: Here's their wedding website.

Not Really Funny

If this weren't so true, it might be funny.

How can people not see this brash enemy who kills thousands of children right under our noses? And we either turn our heads or fight for the right to continue this practice.

BLESSING:
May your eyes be opened to the destruction all around you caused by our great Enemy. May his plans be clear to all and his ways deemed shameful and appalling. May your heart be broken until you actually get up the courage to do something about it all. You can make a difference; may you start today.

Prayer Ammo for Africa

Paul & Sherry Pelletier recently went on missionary service to Kenya, Africa. We miss having these good friends nearby, but we do keep in touch through email.

Below is self-explanitory, by Paul. If you desire to pray for their ministry (or anyone's ministry in Africa) here is some good prayer ammo for your arsenal.

- - - - - - - -
Greetings,

I picked up a good book at the book fair. Foundations of African Traditional Religion & Worldview by Yusufu Turaki. I would like to share the basic theological and philosophical views that are crystallizing the big picture of African life for me.

Fundamental Theological Beliefs:

1. Belief in Impersonal Mystical powers: Activities of mysterious higher powers, personal or impersonal, that generate or deposit power in things or objects (I found this similar to new age thinking and various sorts of pantheistic, Hindu faiths. In the African context witchdoctors and other type of folks attempt to harness this power whereas wicca and new age have folks who try to master crystal energy and things along these lines).

2. Belief in Spirit beings: Mystical power is not only attributed to objects and things but spirit beings, spirits, dead ancestors, etc. Similar to the above it is believed these spirits can inhabit inanimate objects such as rocks and contributes to the mystical belief in powers that need to be harnessed. There is much more to this but the general idea can be understood.

3. Belief in many Divinities: African terminology prefers divinities or diety's to "gods." There is debate over whether these diety's are worshipped or merely serve as intermediaries, (similar to the saints in the Catholic Church). Some divinities are from African legends, and like many other polytheistic faiths, have divinities for various parts of life; health, harvest, sun, moon, rivers, etc.

4. Belief in a Supreme Being: It can be established that many Africans believe in a supreme being but that direct worship of this supreme being who is over the lesser beings does not really happen. The first three areas of belief mentioned are the areas that mostly effect the daily life of Africans. The supreme being in traditional African life is not so much concerned about the affairs of men who are to seek out lesser powers to meet their chief desires. A person may actually acknowlege the God of Abraham as a supreme being and never worship Him as such.

5. Belief in a Heirarchy of Spiritual Beings and Powers: All spirit beings for part of an order, but the distinction between the levels is vague and fluid. Africans respond to these spirit beings according to each spirits place in the hiearchy.

Fundamental Philosophical Beliefs

1. Holism: It is a complex interdependency where each part of an organism has a function. Everything is connected, spirits, sky, earth, etc. There are no clear boundaries between the physical and material. Western dualism creates serious theological problems for traditional Africans. Africans do not live in a confused world of non-integrated parts. Life is a mysterious, but in is part of a whole. The whole is governed by a law of harmony, the goal of which is to maintain a state of agreement or peacefulness (while there are some positive lessons to be learned here one can also see how this leads to pantheism; similar to new age).

2. Spiritualism: The traditional African philosophist might slightly differ with the notion that there is no real difference between the physical and spiritual world but might say the world is more spritual than material; (which we can see tempts into a gnostic view). It is believed that whatever happens in the physical realm has a spiritual coordinate. The response to life situations is spiritual; in sickness, the organic issues is overlooked and a spiritual solution is sought for. This is a combination of pantheism and polytheism.

3. Dynamism: Given the understanding of holism and spiritualism; dynamism is a way to communicate with the spiritual world. There is a desire for power to be
harnessed from the spiritual world to deal with life's troubles and desires. There are rituals, sacrafices, offerings, festivals, ceremonies, witchcraft and sorcery. Whatever is empowering is right and since man's needs cannot be met without power then a powerless religion is valueless.

4. Communalism: People are not individuals, living in a state of independence, but part of a community. One does not claim individual rights as in a Western approach Some author's claim there are at least 40 characteristics of communalism that contrast with Western individualism. The concept of community is not restricted to human beings alone but embraces the world of spirits and ancestors. Villages of different clans with various histories are what make up the essential community first then the household of parents and children.

At the root of kinship is a belief shared that there is a common ancestor which estalbishes a certain legend or tradition about that community. Within the community each clan has its own name, identity and social function; such as custodian of religious affairs, warfare, or hunting.

Each clan is made of the individual corps family of parents, children, grandparents, etc. This system of relationships has been seriously disrupted
by the introduction of universal religions such as Christianity, Islam, and modernism.

Communalism is not restricted to human relationships but the spirit world. Communal life can be considered ancestrally chartered.

It is important to avoid offending the spirits just as it is to avoid offending human beings. However, if one should offend the sprits or human beings
the communal system says the community must also bear responsibility and cosequence for the offense. This belief can result in the denial of individual responsibility for one's own actions.

Living in harmony with nature is also part of the communal system.

5. Fatalism: The traditional worldview considers that one is either born with or given at birth a destiny or a guardian spirit. This destiny whether good or challenging is to be accepted with gratitude and one's life has spirits about them to ensure the destiny that has been given. One's destiny is fixed but can be
interupted by others and where consulting power to reverse any disruption in a destiny is sought. The concept of destiny can also be manipulated by others (here I would caution that being in charge of Africans is not a career oppportunity). Some groups claim a destiny of power of other groups even among Africans (this is sort of a caste mentality) these types of beliefs lead to areas of violence, conflict, and tension.

Well, hope this overview assists some of you in praying and understanding about the African context a little more.

Don't Stop!

In New England, we just completed our annual Prayer & Fasting weekend (Fullness) at Camp Wonderland. It was a powerful time of fellowship, learning, worship and warfare! I believe much was accomplished in the heavenlies this weekend- especially since we were joining a world-wide prayer effort this year. Much thanks to Janet Munn for her God-anointed leadership in our territory (talk about a God-inspired appointment for us all!).

Great things took place and I'm sure I could blog for days about it, I only point out that God started this event a few years ago and it is just now beginning to break out into . . . (yeah- you guessed it) fullness! I understand that this year there are 8 divisions in our territory out of 12 (and what about the other 4?) who have scheduled such events. Incredible! God is ramping things up- get ready for the explosion!

I have a few others things to share with you today:

1) I want to make a clarification regarding my blog AGAINST human trafficking. While we should pray AGAINST the Enemy, his demons and their plans (like the trafficking of human beings), we should not pray against people. God loves every last one and desires that none would turn against him and lose his plan of salvation for their lives.

Our prayers for people should always be that they see God's love for them, repent, believe in Jesus and let Holy Spirit regenerate them into new creations.

2) Here are some specifics we can pray for in our war against human trafficking:

The Victims
The victims families
Careers and counselors
Police and immigration services
Lawmakers and governments
Media awareness
Those who abuse women
Those who profit from slavery and the sex trade
Against the Enemy and his evil plans

3) While our special weekend of prayer regarding Human Trafficking is quickly coming to an end, please don't let your prayers end as quickly! For the church to make a serious dent in such degradation we need to be persistent in prayer.

Ask and KEEP asking. Seek and KEEP seeking. Knock and KEEP knocking. If we will continue this attack on Satan's kingdom it is sure to fall and we will be witnesses to a HUGE victory for God. This is because our God is greater than even this problem. All he needs is our help in doing our part.

You're a part of the answer- don't shirk your duties. Pray!