October 18, 2024
Can we say Brandon Lake hangover? But was there really one when the power of the spirit was still burning inside of those who went to the concert? Despite the lack of sleep, most of us who went to concert the night before couldn’t help but show up for praise and worship. How can we not?
“It’s going to be small tonight; a lot of our regulars can’t come tonight,” Janine said. As Jesus moves though, we still needed 24 chairs for newcomers and those that continued to say YES despite the burdens of their week or their lack of sleep. One of my new favorite things we have been doing is offering up, not only those we want to pray for, but the burdens weighing on our hearts. Not only did I hear the words spoken with power, but felt the true surrender as they were declared.
Anger, sadness, depression, anxiety, fear, control, unbelief, doubt, anxiety, anger (yes repetitive!) I could feel the unburdening and the release as they were said. It was pure powerful - like letting out a deep breath. The courage and bravery for you to say it out loud leads to freedom in opening your heart to what Jesus wants to fill you with tonight. So often we feel like we are not worthy, unknown, unseen, unlovable, and too far into the “pit” to receive God’s love. He wants to tell you otherwise.
“I see you child, though you can’t see me and I know your thoughts before you even think. I’ve heard every last prayer you prayed; though answered all the time, you just didn’t hear my reply. And I know it’s not easy. Don’t you give up on me…cause the darker the night gets, the brighter the light is…you ain’t seen what I’ve promised; child we’re just getting started. There is so much more…I wouldn’t have it any other way because lovin’ you is EASY…open your hearts, open your hands, open your eyelids ; I’ve got more plans, I’ve got more dreams, I’ve got more blessings. Don’t lose your hope, don’t lose your faith, that’s your the fight is.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gW1IVM3qq0
I can’t help but reiterate this lyrics each time. I had to read them. LOVING YOU IS EASY! That’s what your Heavenly Father says to you. He wouldn’t change a single thing about you; not your past, not your faults, not your mistakes. Every suffering He works into greater glory. It is time to own that knowledge. It is time to stand tall as a child of God. We are His children and He fights for each and everyone of us. Be exactly who He created you to be: uniquely and wonderfully YOU. HE WOULDN’T CHANGE A SINGLE THING.
You are worthy. You are seen. You are known. You are loved.
The prayer chair provided a pathway to healing in the hearts of those that sat in it. I could feel the chains breaking. I could feel the healing happening, I could feel the word of the Lord being engraved on your heart as you sat there. The fire and power coming off of everyone was nothing like I have felt before (and I know I say that a lot), but the heat was not only burning on my palms, but I could feel the tingling of the Spirit running through my body. Whatever it is that you are facing, Jesus has the answer. He is answering your prayers even when you cannot see it, even when you cannot feel it.
Where was your extraordinary in the ordinary this week? Today? This moment? Life is so hard and I think we need to be reminded so often that Jesus cares about YOU - your struggles - your hopes - your dreams - your fears. We don’t do this well for ourselves. We don’t even care for ourselves the way Jesus does. It is so personal for us and for Him. He comes for you personally. He plants the seeds of our hopes, dreams, and desires on our hearts because He wants to fulfill them. Trust in him. Believe in His word. Welcome His loving embrace. See in His eyes the adoration He has for you.
One of my favorite things to do lately is look around our circle. I love seeing everyone’s face when they pray, praise, and worship. I love imagining the stories or what’s on your heart at the moment and I love watching you bask in Jesus’s love. This is where it happens; in the presence of Jesus. We can go to concerts and listen to podcasts, pray in the comfort of our own homes, but when walk into the Father’s House, everything is different. In the past you may have felt that walking into the Father’s House had expectations that you had to fulfill and rules you had to follow. But have you looked around lately? At the diversity, the varying ages, the new and familiar faces, the way your leaders dress in sweatpants every Friday (LOL!). NOTHING can stop Him from moving. It is about the RELATIONSHIP you cultivate. It is about the unity in praise and worship. OPEN YOUR HEARTS. OPEN YOUR HANDS. OPEN YOUR EYELIDS. Feel, welcome, and see the truth of what God is doing in your life. He is MOVING. You are RISING. This is too good not believe what is happening in you.
A member shared this story: I used to think I had to follow all the rules, but a change came about two years ago when I learned to pray differently. I realized that I don’t have to be perfect and I’m allowed to make mistakes. It changed everything. I looked around and realized that everyone was exactly like me: angry, sad, lonely, and struggling. It changed everything and I realized that we are all human. Not only are we all the same, but God made us this way. He intended for us to be human. This is what made me free.
“If you feel called to stand, STAND. If you feel called to kneel, KNEEL.” These were the words spoken with such authority last night. What you are doing when you are being called to do one of those movements is being obedient to WORD OF THE LORD. This is your posture to receive, be in thanksgiving, and praise - which changes everything. It’s when transformation happens. It’s when you become more free. What a beautiful name it is … break every chain. I watched it happen. I saw us all with shackles around our ankles. Jesus was standing in the middle of our circle where the prayer chair used to stand. He was taking the shackles off of each of our ankles, collecting them for himself, and setting us all free. When He had them all collected and we stood in unison with our new freedom, a hole opened up in the ground where the prayer chair was and He sent them down there. Completely taking them all away and never to be seen again. You are now free; walk in that freedom, bask in that glory, keep your head held high. Thank you Jesus for breaking us free.
The new trifecta…
Gratitude, Tear Off the Roof, and Praise
Does it get any better than this?
