THE FAVOR

"May I find favor in your eyes, my lord the king."

2 samual 16:4

It all began at a local restaurant recently while eating dinner with my family and some friends. We were all enjoying conversation about the Lord, our lives, and the Sunday church service. There was nothing unusual about it at the start, but by the time it was over we knew God had visited with His favor.

Our 12 year-old son, Joel, is not eating off the children's menu these days. A child's portion just doesn't work to fill his appetite anymore. As we were all looking at our menus, I noticed he had his eye on one of the biggest items on the menu. I could see his eyes light up when he looked at it. Then a couple minutes later I asked him what he wanted, and sure enough, it was the "TOUR OF ITALY". Although I would've liked to have gotten it for him, I knew the price was much more than we had for that meal so I had to tell him we couldn't do the "TOUR OF ITALY" today.

Maryann, one of our friends with us said, "Can I buy him the 'TOUR OF ITALY' today?" We happily replied, "Sure." Joel was jubilant that he could eat such a meal. I said, "I guess the favor of God is on you today son!" Shirl and I were both very pleased God had chosen to bless Joel with his desire through a friend.

We all placed our orders and then went back to our conversation. About 5 minutes later I heard a great clattering of dishes and I turned and saw a waitress reaching to catch her tray of dirty dishes as it was falling. Everything ended up on the floor!

At first it appeared to me that some of the heavy dishes had just missed hitting Joel. I thanked God that they had missed him. Just one of those dishes could have done serious damage had it hit him on the head. We asked Joel if he was OK and he said very casually, "Yes, no problem".

A few minutes later a gentleman seated at the table next to us came over to Joel. He stated, "You are one strong boy because you took a hard hit... you are one tough boy!" Then he looked at me very seriously and reiterated, "He REALLY is -- he took a hard hit!"

After he went back to his table Shirl asked Joel, "Are you sure your shoulder's OK?" (She thought a plate had nicked his shoulder.) Then he answered, "My shoulder's fine. It's my head that got hit." None at our table had seen the plates hit his head. Now we understood why the man had emphasized being hit hard. So we thanked God that an angel must've softened the blow.

Later on during our meal Joel had a wide-eyed look on his face - he was astonished about something. We asked him, "What's up?" He lifted his hand from the table and uncovered a $20.00 bill. We wondered where that came from and then he told us it was from the man who had spoken to him earlier. As the man was leaving the restaurant (without us noticing his departure) he had discreetly given it to Joel and said to him, "The Lord said, 'Bless and you will be blessed', so I want to bless you!" and he quickly walked out.

So I said, "Wow Joel, the favor of God REALLY is on you today!" Shirl also pointed out the fact that Joel is a giver and God has seen the many times he has freely given and here was a direct Word from the Lord through a stranger to emphasize the giving principle.

As we were finishing up our meal, the waitress, who had profusely apologized to Joel, returned and quietly asked him if she could buy him a desert. He politely refushed, but she left the dessert menu with him and told him to look it over anyway. Trying to be considerate, he said he wasn't going to order, but his mom explained to him, it would probably make the waitress feel better if he accepted, so that would be the most polite thing to do. At that his eyes lit up and he got a great big grin as he said, "Give me that menu!"

He ordered a special Pumpkin Cheescake with caramel topping and once again I told him that God's favor was definitely on him and remarked jokingly, "I wish I had been sitting in your chair today!"

As our meal eneded our waiter walked over to me with a huge bowl of soup to-go. He told me, "This is for you to take home." That had never happened to me before -- my favorite soup -- no charge -- God's Favor --- YES!!

Then to top it off, the next day Shirl recieved her special favor from God unexpectantly as well. While shopping at the craft store, she saw an item that she would just love to have, but thought she better not get it at this time. When waiting in the checkout line she offered to let another lady go ahead of her. That lady, in turn, gave her a 40% off coupon for that special item she had wanted -- and now she could get it. She had experienced in a small way, as Joel and I had the previous day, the favor of God.

I know God's ultimate FAVOR was sending Jesus to redeem mankind from our sins. But sometimes it's those little "favors" in life that He does for us that makes what Jesus did for us so much more "real".

"Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoever finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the Lord..." Proverbs 8:34-35

TEACHING INTO AN ENCOUNTER part 2

Continuing on in this book by Bill Johnson called "WHEN HEAVEN INVADES EARTH", I wanted to just say a little bit more about chapter 8. It is so rich with God's practical truths.

"... the culture," says Bill Johnson, "which values ideas above experience, has shaped most of our Bible schools, seminaries, and denominations. Many present day movements have made a virtue out of staying the course without a God experience... To make matters worse, those who speak subjectively of an experience are often considered suspect, and even dangerous. But God cannot be known apart from experience... He is a person, not a philosophy or a concept."

HOW TRUE! It seems like God is using "Internship" more these days than "Bible school" per se. With an internship you get some bible teaching, but a lot of hands on experience. I went to college for 6 years to get my Masters degree. I received very little hands on during that time. When I finished, I could "compose", orchestrate, transcribe, transpose, conduct, play instruments, etc., etc., but what good was it without the practicality of "getting a job"!

[By the way, Love Aflame! Worldwide is starting an intern program in the fall of 2006. If you're interested you can look into it at www.loveaflame.net]

The Holy Spirit is a person. We need to work on our relationship with Him. Just as in a marriage, "relationship" doesn't just happen -- I must take time for my wife or our relationship will not grow and will probably even eventually die.

If I only work, work, work and never take time to be with her -- to talk with her -- to listen to her heart -- to be intimate, we will slowly drift apart. If we don't "experience" each other I could write her all the letters she could handle, and fill a room with books about my love for her, but she will never know the reality of an experience with me... a live person, her husband.

So it is with the Holy Spirit. He is alive! The Bible is written about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, but, if we never have an experience with the Living God we will only know the God of the book. The God who was, but not the One who is and is to come.

"God is bigger than His book," Pastor Johnson says. "The Bible is the absolute Word of God. It reveals God; the obvious, the unexplainable, the mysterious, and sometimes offensive. It all reveals the greatness of our God. Yet it does not contain Him."

Oh Holy Spirit... teach us not to try to control you. Can we control the wind? Help us Lord. Your church is in need of You Jesus, and sometimes we don't even realize what that means.

Next time I will write a little about chapter 9, "The Works of the Father".

I would highly recommend this book. I believe this book will impact your life. You can find "WHEN HEAVEN INVADES EARTH" for a 21% discount in our bookstore at www.loveandfire.net (then click on the menu item "Music and Bookstore").

REVIVAL IS ON OUR LIPS

Revival has been a word on our lips all year long. We can see it in the distance but the road we're on to get there is slow traveling. It began with a real hunger for Jesus and His presence in our lives and that has led us to repentance as individuals and corporately. As more people get hungry and desperate they realize the need for repentance.

As a Body, we are about to step into restoration, some are already there. After restoration revival will come if we can keep looking on Jesus and not the world. If we can stay desperate, hungry, and dependant on the Holy Spirit He will send revival.

Revival will be followed by reaping. This is God's progession that can be seen in the book of Joel. I have been sharing it with the Prophetic Worship class I've been teaching for the past few weeks and I believe the revelation of it is becoming clearer.

As we are beginning to enter into the restoration phase of revival the Holy Spirit led me to this book called "WHEN HEAVEN INVADES EARTH". It is subtitled "A Practical Guide to a Life of Miracles" by Bill Johnson. I believe the information in this book is one of our next steps on the road to revival. I would encourage each one of us to get a copy of this book and listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying through it, and then... act on it. Make it a part of your "normal" Christian life... a life of miracles!

If you don't have a copy of this book you should get one. I believe this book will impact your life. You can find "WHEN HEAVEN INVADES EARTH" for a 21% discount in our bookstore at www.loveandfire.net (then click on the menu item "Music and Bookstore").

TEACHING INTO AN ENCOUNTER part 1

"Any revelation from God's Word that does not lead us to an encounter with God only serves to make us more religious. The Church cannot afford 'form without power,' for it creates Christians without purpose."

Those two sentences, written by the author of "WHEN HEAVEN INVADES EARTH", Bill Johnson, could rock our world (for the better) if we allow the truth in them to penetrate our hearts. As I read this book with my family and take these truths into my heart and then begin to act on them, I am experiencing the awesome living God -- a God who is not about words only, but about power.

Jesus said in John 14:11, "Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. If not, believe because of the things I do." He was basically saying that if you don't believe His words then watch what He does. If teaching does not lead to demonstrations of power then of what use is it!

Bill Johnson says in chapter 8, "Bible teachers are to instruct in order to explain what they just did, or are about to do. Those who restrict themselves to mere words limit their gift, and may unintentionally lead believers to pride by increasing knowledge without an increased awareness of God's presence and power... There comes a time when simply knowing truth will no longer satisfy. If it does not change circumstances for good, what good is it?... Teaching MUST be followed with action that makes room for God to move."

As I have been teaching Prophetic Worship at our church over the past few weeks, I have been asking God to make it real -- to demonstrate what I am teaching... He has been faithful and we have seen His power as we have looked to Him! I have told the Holy Spirit I do not want to teach anything unless His power is there to demonstrate what I am teaching from His Word. I would rather keep my lips closed than just babble on with some teaching that does not have the life of the Spirit. I don't want to continue on with worship in "Moses' Tabernacle" when the Ark of the Covenant has moved to "David's Tabernacle".

Holy Spirit lead me in Your ways. When I teach, help me to follow You and leave room for Your power to be demonstrated -- for "the kingdom of God is not in word but in power".

There's more I want to share on this chapter tomorrow.

If you don't have a copy of this book you should get one. I believe this book will impact your life. You can find "WHEN HEAVEN INVADES EARTH" for a 21% discount in our bookstore at www.loveandfire.net (then click on the menu item "Music and Bookstore").

THE ANOINTING AND THE ANTICHRIST SPIRIT part 3

"Jesus made a frightening statement regarding those who hold to Bible study vs. experience, 'You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of me'." Author of "WHEN HEAVEN INVADES EARTH", Bill Johnson.

As Shirley, Joel, and I have been reading this book together it has been confirming what the Holy Spirit has been speaking to us lately. Study the Bible? Yes! But if that study doesn't lead to an encounter with God (a deeper relationship), it will only lead to religious pride with no power to do the works of Jesus.

Bill Johnson states in chapter 7, under the section "How do you picture 'balance'?", "Jesus did not say, 'My sheep will know my book.' It is His voice that we are to know. Why the distinction? Because anyone can know the Bible as a book -- the devil himself knows and quotes the Scriptures. But only those whose lives are dependent on the person of the Holy Spirit will consistently recognize His voice."

Yes, the Bible is the precious Word of God, but it is the Holy Spirit's voice that gives impact to what is printed. We can't settle for anything less than knowing the God of the Bible by experience. Isn't that how every other "giant" of the faith knew God? He wasn't a God to them who was only between the pages of the Bible... but He was living and breathing in them -- more than just words on a page that give nice feelings! Help me to know You more Jesus. Come breathe on me Holy Spirit and let me experience Your life and power in me. Not for my sake only, but for the sake of Your glory in the earth, O Most High!!

If you don't have a copy of this book you should get one. I believe this book will impact your life. You can find "WHEN HEAVEN INVADES EARTH" for a 21% discount in our bookstore at www.loveandfire.net (then click on the menu item "Music and Bookstore").

THE ANOINTING AND THE ANTICHRIST SPIRIT part 2

A few days ago I was talking about chapter 7 in the book "WHEN HEAVEN INVADES EARTH". I want to share a few more of my thoughts on that inspired chapter, but first, let me recommend this book to you. It is full of the "Kingdom of God" message that Jesus preached and how we can do the works Jesus did. My life and my family is being impacted as we attempt to walk out some of these principles. I believe yours would be impacted as well. You can find it for a 21% discount in our bookstore at www.loveandfire.net (then click on the menu item "Music and Bookstore").

The author, Bill Johnson, in the section called "The Realm Beyond Reason" states, "The realm beyond reason is the world of obedience to God. Obedience is the expression of faith, and faith is our claim ticket to the God realm."

The Holy Spirit has been stressing obedience to us for the past 6 months. We are seeing that obedience is the key to so much of God's Kingdom. It's not a "new" message, but one that we were being lax in. If we really want "as in heaven so on earth", we must obey! We must follow the Holy Spirit's lead in our lives. What Bill said is so true, when we obey it shows God our faith in Him, and we know faith can move mountains -- faith in God can heal the sick and rase the dead just as Jesus did... but it starts with our obedience!

Pastor Johnson goes on to say in this section, "For most churches, very little of what we do is dependent upon the Holy Spirit. If He were not to show up, most churches would never miss Him... We plan our services and call it diligence. We plan our year, and call it vision. I'll never forget the Sunday that the Lord informed me that it wasn't my service, and I couldn't do as I pleased."

How can we expect the Holy Spirit to move in our services when we don't even give Him any room? God, help Your Church to open up to Your Presence and to flow with Your Holy Spirit -- that's where THE Life is.

As I have been drawing closer to His Spirit this year a major thing has been happening in my life. My heart has been burning with desire to be with the Holy Spirit more than I ever remember before in my life. When I pray I want to listen to what he has to say more than just keep blabbing on and on about this situation or that. It's a "deep calling unto deep" time for me. God's presence is changing me -- the presence of the living God!

Pleasing God is all that matters -- pleasing man is no longer on my agenda. I know if I am truly pleasing God, loving and helping my fellow man in a God-way will fall into place. What it boils down to is seeking the Kingdom of God first and obeying His voice! Lord, lead me on in my faith walk -- keep me in the flow of your Holy Spirit... Keep me red-hot for You Jesus, my King!

CSB FATHER/SON WEEKEND

This past weekend Joel and I were able to go (with 15 other dads and sons from our church) to Camp Hickory Hill for our annual fall campout. We joined with about 170 others from churches in western New York for a great time in the outdoors.

This year we were in for a real treat. The main speaker was a very talented juggler. Not only was he exceptional at his art/craft, but he had a good message throughout as he entertained. He absolutely had the boys (and us dads) attention throughout our weekend.

His message of "keep looking up" (because that's what you have to do when juggling) rang true as we related it to keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.

Another message he had was about the "little" things in our lives that take up so much room that we don't have a place for the "big" things that really matter. This he demonstrated with big rocks and sand -- and it hit home for me.

This guys name is Nels Cremean and he has a website at www.injest.com. There's a 2 minute video that will give you an idea of his talents and his connection with the kids was intense. I would say he truly captivated Joel and the other boys.

The rest of the time at the camp with Joel was tremendous. From starting a campfire to shooting on the rifle range; from attacking the "fort" to sleeping in the cabin with the bunk beds; from good food to good friends, and even getting dad to join in on a rousing game of Battleball -- we truly cherished our time together.

By the time we got home I was physically wiped out. That was due in part to the "endless" Battleball game, but also due to Joel and his friends staying awake in the cabin and talking until 4 A.M.... but isn't that part of the fun of such a father/son adventure? I think so. So I tolerated it and ended up with only 2 hours of sleep that night. But sleep I can always catch up on later... this moment was between a father and a son -- and time was not a factor!!

I thought about Jesus getting up in the early early morning hours to meet with His Father. It must've been sheer joy -- a pleasure because it was His Father. And I thought about how the Father must feel when I, His son, miss some of our "meeting" times. I thought about what I would have felt like had Joel missed our meeting times at the camp...

Draw me close to You

Never let me go

I lay it all down again

to hear You say that I'm Your friend

You are my desire

No one else will do

cause no one else could take Your place

to feel the warmth of Your embrace...

O Father... Draw me close...

The Joy is Never Ending!!

Check below for some new photos just in (hot out of the oven). :)


A baby girl is born to our niece and her husband, Camille and Dion Halkides.

Maleah Elizabeth Halkides

Born: October 10, 2005 12:33 pm
Weight: 7 pounds 10 ounces
Length: 20 inches

CLICK HERE to leave a message for Dion and Cami.


A note to Dion & Camille,
If you only knew how overjoyed we are at the birth of Maleah -- a daughter of Zion!! Her beauty is unique and clearly seen; the pleasure and joy she will bring to you will be well worth the many years of waiting for God to bring this marvelous creation to birth!!!! We wanted to be there so much -- We're praying to see her soon (and you two also).

Joel is so excited at the birth of his new cousin Maleah. He says he's ready for a California visit! We Love you!
Uncle Joe, Aunt Shirley, & Joel


"I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well." Psalm 139:14

RISKY OBEDIENCE

Last night I had an opportunity for some "risky obedience". It was "The Altar" night and the youth had already began praying fervantly, crying out to see God. I was in my office at the sanctuary preparing to go to the prayer time.

A young man by the name of Jason and his girlfriend came in to my office. He described to me how he had dislocated his shoulder. It was very painful from time to time. He had it in a sling. He had not been able to work since his arm got messed up. Then he explained to me how we were his last resort for helping him to get some money so he could buy two perscriptions he needed for the pain until he could have surgery. I believed him to be sincere, but the church at the moment is in tough times financially speaking, so there were no funds to draw on.

I did tell him that I could do something though, if he was willing. I told him what Peter said to the man who needed to be healed, "Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have I give to you". And then how Peter prayed and the man was healed. Then I told Him I could pray for him to be healed. He said that would be fine. I asked him if he knew Jesus as Lord and he said he was saved.

A few of our prayer warriors joined in with me. We prayed into heaven for Jason that night with faith, believing that he would walk out of the church completly healed. It was "risky obedience" because I could've just said, "Sorry Jason, no money here -- goodbye, I'll pray for you sometime". But I didn't. Thank God I took the risk of going out on a limb and prayed a bold prayer... and faith began growing in me even as I prayed.

There are no dislocated shoulders in heaven -- no pain. And I was believing for an "as in heaven, so on earth" experience. Unfortunatly, it was not to be, at least not immediate. Jason (as far as I know) did not receive his healing before He left -- but that will not stop me from praying and believing for healing at my next opportunity -- I am going to keep doing "Risky Obedience" for my King, Jesus, until He returns!! Won't you join me?

"My Heart Burns for You"

LOVE & FIRE LIVE WORSHIP CD RELEASED

Love and Fire Ministries releases their first live CD. Recorded at The Love Church, in Horseheads, NY, during a very special time of God's Spirit moving corporately on His people in a powerful way.

Titled "My Heart Burns for You", this worship experience speaks of an intense longing to be with Jesus -- a burning desire deep within that will not let go.

"Love is as strong as death... It burns like blazing fire,
like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love;
rivers cannot wash it away." Song of Songs 8:6-7

The sound is raw on this CD, but the worship is passionate! So if you're looking for production perfection you won't find it here. But if you're longing for a rendezvous with the Holy Spirit, you will find it on "My Heart Burns for You". Take time to get alone when listening to the new Love and Fire Worship CD, just you and His Spirit, and let Him draw your heart into His burning fire!

LOVE & FIRE WORSHIP

Live at The Love Church

Worship Leader -- Joe Cuda

and

The Love Church Worship Team

NOW AVAILABLE
$13.00

TO ORDER CLICK HERE

THE ANOINTING AND THE ANTICHRIST SPIRIT part 1

Tonight I was teaching a class on "Prophetic Worship" at The Love Church. The topic was the restoration of David's Tabernacle. I spent quite a bit of time speaking about the anointings of David, Jesus, and us and the importance of knowing that the same anointing that was on Jesus is now on His Body -- US, His Church! It is crucial to get a revelation of this truth to be able to walk out this Kingdom life.

When I opened up the book tonight to begin reading it during our family reading time, I saw the title for the chapter was about the anointing. I was excited to hear what insight Bill Johnson might have into this subject -- I was not dissapointed when our reading time was over.

"WHEN HEAVEN INVADES EARTH" has been a treasure of revelation since we began it a couple of weeks ago. I would highly recommend it to all. You can find it for a 21% discount in our bookstore at www.loveandfire.net (then click on the menu item "Music and Bookstore").

As we read chapter 7 tonight, I could hear the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking clearly to me through it. So many thoughts that it will probably take the next few blogs to just scratch the surface of what I am receiving from this chapter.

"The nature of the antichrist spirit is found in its name: anti, 'against'; Christ, 'Anointed One'." That spirit is working against the Holy Spirit's anointing in the Church to take dominion over the works of darkness. John didn't talk about the "Anti-Jesus" spirit but he mentioned the "Anti-Christ" spirit. It is a spirit that is against the anointing.

Bill Johnson says, "The spirit of the antichrist is at work today, attempting to influence believers to reject everything that has to do with the Holy Spirit's anointing. This rejection takes on many religious forms, but basically it boils down to this: we reject what we can't control."

And the fact is... the Holy Spirit is like the wind -- He is not controllable (He just leaves if control is evident). He is not predictable (which makes it difficult for those who like to "extreme" plan).

I can't help but think of Benny Hinn who relates to and speaks of the Holy Spirit a lot. He is probably attacked by the "church" more than anybody else I can think of. Why? Because he moves in the anointing that breaks yokes, the anointing that antichrist (anti-anointing) spirit hates, the anointing that religion hates.

I'm going to retire for the night now. But tomorrow I want to mention a little more in this chapter dealing with "The realm beyond Reason".

"Religion idolizes concepts and avoids personal experience," the author says. "Being led by the Holy Spirit is an ongoing God encounter... ANYTHING that will take the place of dependence upon the Holy Spirit and His empowering work can be traced back to this spirit of opposition."

Joy, Joy, Joy!!


A baby girl is born to our niece and her husband, Camille and Dion Halkides.

Maleah Elizabeth Halkides


Born: October 10, 2005 12:33 pm
Weight: 7 pounds 10 ounces
Length: 20 inches



A note to Dion & Camille,
If you only knew how overjoyed we are at the birth of Maleah -- a daughter of Zion!! Her beauty is unique and clearly seen; the pleasure and joy she will bring to you will be well worth the many years of waiting for God to bring this marvelous creation to birth!!!! We wanted to be there so much -- We're praying to see her soon (and you two also). We Love you! Uncle Joe, Aunt Shirley, & Joel

CLICK HERE to leave a message for Dion and Cami.


"I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well." Psalm 139:14

REPENT TO SEE

Chapter 3, "Repent to See", from the book "WHEN HEAVEN INVADES EARTH" is where I am right now and where our church body is right now. Since June the Holy Spirit has been speaking this strongly to us and He has been moving powerfully in our midst as we have been obedient to His call.

I have been reading this book with my family. The subtitle is "A Practical Guide to a Life of Miracles" and it is written by Bill Johnson. I believe the Holy Spirit brought it to my attention and there is something He has for me, my family, and the families of our church in it. It has been a treasure of revelation since we began it last week. You can find it for a 21% discount in our bookstore at http://www.loveandfire.net/ (then click on the menu item "Music and Bookstore").

Chapter 3 opens up with, "Most Christians repent enough to be forgiven, but not enough to see the Kingdom." The author goes on to say, "Repentance means you change your way of thinking... This is not just a heavenly mandate to have happy thoughts. Obeying this command is possible only for those who surrender to the grace of God. The renewed mind is the result of a surrendered heart."

I have been in a time of surrendering things to God and He has been renewing my mind about many areas in my life. He has been changing me as I have been surrendering. The cry of my heart has been "ALL OF ME FOR ALL OF YOU" -- and as I surrender areas of my heart to Him He gives me more of Himself to replace those areas with. It has definitely been a great exchange. I don't want to go back to the old Joe. I was living my life for Jesus (I thought) but there is a new definition for what "I live for You" means.

Repent and see His Kingdom realized in Spirit and in Truth!

TODAY IS A VERY SPECIAL DAY
by Joe Cuda

On October 9, 1987 I met the love of my life. That was 18 years ago today!

It seems like such a short time ago. There I was sitting in the Officers Club in Gelnhausen, West Germany when she walked into the room. This was the first time I had ever seen her before and I immediately knew she was the one I wanted to marry.

We were introduced by a mutual friend as she joined us at the table. What a lovely name, Shirley, it was as if I was in a dream -- or even like floating on a cloud. What a wonderful evening we had after dinner strolling through the coblestone streets of this beautiful old German town. We shared about each others family background and discovered we were both born the fourth child of five children, and we were both raised in Pentecostal churches.

We Met in Gelnhausen, W. Germany

I knew my God-given destiny was wrapped up in this beautiful little lady. We were married the following year and have served Jesus together every day since. She has been a faithful wife, lover, and friend -- the desire of my heart.

In 1993 He blessed us with the best son a father and mother could have ever desired. We named him Joel because He is a "Declarer of God" and God is using him in a mighty way for His Kingdom work! And to think it all began with just one look -- that's all it took and I was hooked on this day 18 years ago. Thank you Jesus!

So when all is said and done my love -- come away with me my fair one... come away. I love you Shirley Cuda... with all my heart. You have blessed me more than I could've ever imagined. Thank you for 18 wonderful years.

All My Love,

Joseph

PRAYING HEAVEN DOWN Part 2

"WHEN HEAVEN INVADES EARTH" is "A Practical Guide to a Life of Miracles" by Bill Johnson. I would highly recommend it. I have been reading it with my family for the past week. It's an easy read, but is greatly challenging our lack of faith (even though we thought we had faith) to believe God for miracles. Faith is beginning to grow in us -- but it is only a start. You can find it for a 21% discount in our bookstore at http://www.loveandfire.net/ (then click on the menu item "Music and Bookstore").

Yesterday I was writing about Chapter 5, "Praying Heaven Down". In it, the author talks about Jesus' model prayer. He concludes that the prayer can be broken down into 3 parts:

1. Praise & Worship
2. Praying for Heaven on Earth
a. Heaven's effect on material needs
b. Heaven's effect on personal relationships
c. Heaven's effect on our relationship to evil
3. Praise & Worship

This prayer is truly about the Kingdom of God and when we pray as in His example heaven will invade earth. Even though I have known this basic theology for years, it is beginning to come alive in me. God keep that measure of faith you have put in me growing until it crowds out all unbelief. That's what I want in my life Lord. Sometimes it's easier than others, but my prayer is to have consistent faith in You Jesus, and that I would ride HIGH IN THE HEAVENS with Your Holy Spirit so that I can minister healing & deliverance LOW IN THE EARTH!

I wanted to mention one more thing that leaped out at me on the page as I was reading this chapter with Shirley and Joel: "We often pray in the place of risky obedience". That was a big ouch of conviction from the Holy Spirit for me... but more on that tomorrow if I get time.

PRAYING HEAVEN DOWN Part 1

I've recently been reading a book with my family called "WHEN HEAVEN INVADES EARTH" . It's "A Practical Guide to a Life of Miracles" by Bill Johnson. You can find it for a 21% discount in our bookstore at http://www.loveandfire.net/ (then click on the menu item "Music and Bookstore").

I would highly recommend it because most of us live with some unbelief. We can believe Jesus' blood can save us and give us entrance to heaven, but when it comes to healing and things like that... "Well, if it's God's will..." Jesus rebuked the disciples for their unbelief (lack of faith). I know He's rebuked me many times for it -- but inspite of my unbelief at times, I still keep on praying for the miracles and healing power of Jesus Christ to be evident in my life as it was in the life of Christ. But how much more would those prayers be answered if they were given from a heart filled with Faith (the kind of God-Faith that Jesus had while He walked as a man)? I'm not there but I desire to be there -- for the sake of His Kingdom and the life it can bring to people!


We're currently reading Chapter 5, "Praying Heaven Down". The chapter opens with two quotes. The first is from a book by Albert Hibbert about Smith Wigglesworth called The Secret of His Power.
"If you want anything from God, you will have to pray into heaven. That is where it all is. If you live in the earth realm and expect to receive from God, you will never get anything."
It's the "praying into heaven" words that leaped out to me.

The second quote is from John G. Lake's book titled "His Sermons, His Boldness of Faith".
"The Church has been negligent in one thing... she has not prayed the power of God out of heaven."

Whew! Praying "into heaven" and receiving God's power "out of heaven". Show me what that's all about Lord! Infuse me with your power out of heaven. Give me faith Lord -- without wavering so I can be used to bring life.

WHEN HEAVEN INVADES EARTH

I've recently been reading this book with my family and it is a powerful book. It's "A Practical Guide to a Life of Miracles" by Bill Johnson. You can find it for a 21% discount in our bookstore at www.loveandfire.net (then click on the menu item "Music and Bookstore").

When Heaven Invades Earth is a powerful statement and testimony on the Kingdom of God. Theologically sound, well supported, and extremely well argued, this message provides a carefully constructed biblical foundation for the average Christian to live and walk in the miraculous, supernatural power of God. Not only is the supernatural possible, it is also our commission. The Great Commission that Christ gave to the Church challenges us and makes us responsible to rise up to this supreme supernatural calling. Johnson shows you how you are called to dominion in the earth through the divine rule of God.

We're currently reading Chapter 4, "Faith - Anchored in the Unseen". It has some real good revelation about Faith in it, and that's something we can all use more of. At the beginning of this chapter the author says, "Faith is the mirror of the heart that reflects the realities of an unseen world -- the actual substance of His Kingdom. Through the prayer of faith we are able to pull the reality of His world into this one. That is the function of faith." Chew on that for a while.

The writer of Hebrews put it this way, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Wow, so needy I am -- I need Jesus so much -- I am beginning to get just a tiny glimpse of real faith... and I want more... I want to live this Kingdom of God to it's limitlessness (if that's a word).

Holy Spirit, help me to live a life of faith... where nothing is impossible... NOTHING!

IT'S TIME TO STOP

I believe the Holy Spirit is telling us to STOP!! STOP what we're doing and reevaluate our lives! Reevaluate how we are spending our time. The Holy Spirit brought me to this point earlier in the year, the 3rd Sunday in June to be exact. When He broke into my routine -- my life -- He messed me up big time!

I stopped everything I possibly could in my life. I began to spend more time with Him. He began to show me changes that needed to happen in my life and I began to act upon them -- not in my power, but in the power of His might.

I began to ask God, "What can I get rid of in my life and the life of my family and what should we be embracing with our time"? He spoke very clearly and my family and I have been quick to obey... and the spiritual reward has been great! I wouldn't trade it for any treasure in the world -- no amount of money could be exchanged for what I have rediscovered in Him. Praise His Holy Name!!