Category Archives: Harvest

-Hope in the Now and the Future

Posted on September 15, 2011 by Michael| 2 Comments
where?

(Image by Keoni Cabral via Flickr)

I have heard many Christians refer to the future and proclaim that they have ‘read the back of the book’ so they are not afraid because God is in control. In response I wonder if they have really studied it at all with all of the upheaval portrayed in the Book of Revelation.

I have read the last chapter also but find myself naturally afraid at times considering the chaos we seem to be facing daily; coming at us economically, politically, and in natural cataclysmic events. A lot of Christians have been seeking ‘signs and wonders’ but some of the natural signs we have been getting lately are nothing like what we have been praying for. If we are in the beginning of ‘end times’ like some seem to think, then it sure isn’t going to get any better any time soon -only worse. At least until the very end.

It reminds me of a famous quote from the first Star Wars movie when Luke Skywalker says that he is not afraid and Yoda responds: “You will be.” That scene always send chills up my spine.

We may be entering times that the Bible says will try our very souls and cause hearts to fail. How are we Christians to respond to the fear and the chaos all around us? We will not be able to ‘faith’ it all away and change reality like some of the ‘health and wealth’ folks seem to teach. Particularly if God is in the chaos bringing about his own ‘end time’ purposes.

This is a good time to remember and hold on to all of the promises that God has made to believers over the years. When I really get down sometimes I turn to an old paper back book that I picked up during the ‘Jesus people’ move of the 70’s. It’s got one page after another of encouraging promises that God and his Son Jesus have made to believers through the generations including those who find themselves in the very final moments of history.

Here’s one scripture that I find particularly helpful right now:

Jer 29:11-14
11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me. When you seek me with all your heart, 14 I will be found by you, declares the LORD,…”
ESV

Jeremiah spoke these words of encouragement to a people who were in exile and had lost everything, their jobs, their homes, their church (Temple), and their nation. We don’t have it quite that bad yet.

While the current events are disconcerting, I believe that the Lord has plans for His people to rise up and still bring the Gospel to every nation and people …then the end shall come.

It is not a time to dwell on our fears or what we might have lost but what we might gain through a closer relationship with the Father in the midst of fulfilling His destiny and calls on our lives. The church has yet to rise up and become that shining beacon on a hill –but it will.            *Top

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Posted in Economy, End Times, Harvest, Natural Disaster

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-Greenland: A Sovereign Work Among the Inuit

Posted on September 9, 2011 by Michael| Leave a comment
Greenland map

Image via Wikipedia

Greenland is that big island on the world map in the north between Canada and Iceland. The land mass is huge but only 58,000 or so live there and most of them are native Inuit (88%), many of which have immigrated from Canadian islands.

There has been a Christian mission there for over 40 years with very little success. Now God is reaching out to the Inuit people and for the first time ever they are now beginning to outnumber the Europeans in church. A remarkable story:

“God’s Love Melting Hearts in Icy Greenland”

Response: Another people and nation where God is sovereignly moving and calling out and harvesting his people.

It occurs to me that this might be just the beginning. After a strong core of Inuit Christians are established in Greenland then the islands and north country of Canada could be next. It is really remarkable that a brother from Singapore is instrumental in this move.

Look for the Asian Church, especially the Chinese and Korean Christians, to rise up and bring revival all around the world. Particularly in places where Americans and Europeans are not able to go or not all that welcome.            *Top

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Posted in Harvest, Move of God

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-Praying for Libya and The Muslim Nations in Turmoil

Posted on August 27, 2011 by Michael| 1 Comment
Map of commonly included MENA (Middle East & N...

(Image via Wikipedia)

The 42 reign of Gaddafi seems to be coming to an end. Egypt is up in the air and Syria faces major revolts. Even Jordan has been affected by demonstrations against the government. The whole Muslim Middle east and Northern Africa is in the state of flux. How it will all end nobody knows.

One thing for sure, we need to be praying for the people and for the Gospel to finally be free to touch the lives of 100’s of millions presently subjected to the darkness of Islam. These nations are obviously being shaken for a purpose. At the same time, we know that in many of these nations there is an on-going illegal ‘secret revival’ where millions of Muslims are becoming followers of the real Jesus through dreams, visions. and healings.

One Christian leader, Nik Ripken of the International Mission Board, is hoping for the Roman road to be open once more to facilitate the spread of Christianity. Ripken is asking believers worldwide to pray for the kind of stability in Libya where access to Jesus will be a basic human right. Christianity has long been restricted in that nation:

“Often we ask people to pray that governments provide the safety and security necessary for the gospel to spread, such as the early church had under the Roman Empire. But when stability is the stability of governments that deny their people even access to Jesus, then that is the worst form of persecution.”

There is a shaking going on among the nations. Charismatics and Pentecostals give lip service to the idea that God is really in charge of events going on around the world.

Now is a good time for us to join in prayer and pray for revival to continue unabated and reach a new level in Muslim countries that are now facing instability. May the new governments that replace the old make it more possible for greater religious freedom among the people of that region. Lord let the revival continue and increase.            *Top

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Posted in Africa, Islam, Middle East, Missions, Move of God, Revival

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-Knocking on the Door of Europe?

Posted on July 17, 2011 by Michael| 1 Comment

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Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. –Rev.3:20  (ESV) 

Jesus is currently knocking on the door of every nation. A great harvest is taking place all around the world except in the Western nations, particularly Europe. Many have even given up on Europe and forecast that it will be Muslim within a generation.

But wait a second. We have previously written about a current move of God among the Roma people (Gypsies) and even in Hungary and now here are two stories about folks coming to Christ in France and Portugal:

Palau Leads Historic Gospel Campaign in France 

Portugal Sees Fruit of Evangelism Efforts

Both of these examples come from evangelistic groups (Palau and Billy Graham Evangelistic Associations) which traditionally have been involved in larger meetings and campaigns but in this case their efforts are on a much smaller scale but the results are remarkable nevertheless.

Is the door of Europe finally creeping open? One can only hope and pray. In both of these cases the Holy Spirit is doing his part for sure.            *Top

Posted in Europe, Evangelism, Harvest, Move of God

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-Move of God in Hungary and Among the Gypsies

Posted on June 12, 2011 by Michael| Leave a comment
An enlargeable basic map of Hungary

(Hungary via Wikipedia)

From all accounts, Europe is going the wrong direction when it comes to the ongoing world harvest –at least Western Europe.

However, Eastern Europe is becoming a different story. We have previously written about the current revival among the Gypsies or Roma. Now here’s a link to J.Lee Grady’s latest article:

“Growing Spiritual Hunger in Hungary”

Grady begins his article with this observation:

The passion for revival I saw in eastern Europe this week rivaled what I have seen in Africa or Asia.

Then he goes on to describe the current ongoing move of God among the Gypsies and Hungarians which he was able to observe during his visit. He winds up his article with this very encouraging assessment:

Blind eyes opening … in Europe? Three-hour worship sessions … in Europe? Churches filled with teenagers and young adults … in Europe? It’s all happening in Hungary, a nation that borders seven other European countries—and could affect them all. I’m not writing off this region. What I saw this week in Hungary was enough to convince me that a new spiritual trend has begun.

Well worth reading and guaranteed to bless everyone looking for revival.            *Top

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Posted in Europe, Harvest, Revival

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-Is the Baton Being Passed to the Asian Church?

Posted on May 28, 2011 by Michael| Leave a comment

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Here’s a link to the latest article by J. Lee Grady: “Has the Baton Been Passed to the Asian Church?”

Grady asks this question in a visit to Singapore and observes that the Asian Church is coming of age. For years, those of us in the West have looked upon the church in Asia as a mission area. Now I have heard many talking about how the Asian church might actually be found leading the way in the near future.

I have a cousin that travels to South Korea on business who mentioned to me 10 years ago that Korea was well on its way toward becoming a Christian nation. Then recently I have read about the expanding house church movement in China and have seen several forecasts that China could actually become a Christian nation within 20 –25 years at the current pace. Remarkable and exciting.

In his article, J. Lee Grady list 3 reasons why the Asian Church will be come a major factor globally in the future:

1. They are taking world evangelism seriously.

2. They understand the importance of the Holy Spirit’s power.

3. They are investing in the next generation.

It is really amazing what is transpiring in Asia but also in Africa and in South America too, along with a secret harvest going on in Muslim countries. A world wide harvest/revival is ongoing just about everywhere except in North America, Europe, and the West.

Asian churches are beginning to send missionaries into North Korea and the Middle East plus African churches are actually sponsoring new missions in the UK and Europe.

If the current trends do continue then Grady could be correct. What use to be the mission field and the tail is well on the way toward becoming the head.             *Top

Posted in -Asia, -China, -The Church, Harvest, Revival

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-California: Everything That Can Be Shaken…

Posted on May 24, 2011 by Michael| Leave a comment
The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, one o...

                             (Image via Wikipedia)

The LORD will march out like a mighty man,
like a warrior he will stir up his zeal;
with a shout he will raise the battle cry
and will triumph over his enemies. -Isaiah 42:13

There have been a lot of prophetic words lately about California suffering a major earthquake. Meanwhile the earthquake scientists at Caltech are warning us that a major quake is coming our way sometime within the next 5-10 years so all Californians need to be prepared.

In the news, around here there is concern about how the state will be able to pay its bills and avoid bankruptcy. Unemployment is as high as it has ever been in the Golden State. Remember that during the Great Depression of the 30’s folks came out west to California to find work. Now jobless people here are going the other way heading for Arizona and Texas. Last month 75 major companies left California for different less taxing states.

Meanwhile among my friends and family, many have had dreams and visions of major catastrophes coming our way. One of my sons who is one of the most accurate prophetic folks that I know even had a very real and vivid vision of a flash of light and a mushroom cloud appearing on the horizon as we were in the car together heading down the 91 freeway toward LA.

If you look at what happen in Missouri this week and the tornados that sweep across other areas in the last couple of months it is easy to see that we are living in different and chaotic times. I can’t remember a period in my lifetime when so many natural disasters have occurred one right after another.

A lot of us out here have been praying about how we are called to respond. A major word that was read to our congregation on Sunday indicated the following:

Everything that can be shaken will be…what remains will be solid.  It is not a time to run and leave, but a time to gather together and fight, a time to prepare for harvest.

Isaiah 42:13 was also cited (see above).

I believe that this message not only applies to our area but the entire country. We are living in chaotic times on many different levels both natural and spiritual, but the Lord is ready to do battle and bring forth a great Harvest in the midst of it all.            *Top

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Posted in American Church, Harvest, Natural Disaster, Revival

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-Japan: A New Opportunity to Spread the Gospel and Bring Revival?

Posted on March 31, 2011 by Michael| 2 Comments

In the midst of chaos, death, and sorrow one Japanese-American minister sees a new opportunity to spread the Gospel in a land that has basically rejected it.

Japan has a population of about 130 million and while the majority somewhat practice Shintoism and Buddhism in reality the younger generation is basically secular in their world view.

Only about one percent of Japan is Christian and the church has grown very slowly in the last 100 years or so. But the article also points out that the Gospel spread quite quickly there in the 16th century when  Portuguese missionaries first brought Christianity to Japan. However for a number of reasons it fell into disfavor and was actually banned from the country for hundreds of years.

Doug Stringer, the half-Japanese, half-American founder of Somebody Cares America, is leading a team now working on the ground in Japan. It is Stringer’s view that Christians need to work together as a team across racial and denominational lines in Japan in order to make any kind of real impact. The few Christians that there are in japan have unfortunately been divided and have seldom worked together in the past. Stringer is hoping that this will all change and the church will be far more united in the future:

“Crises draw people together, but some groups, even Christian groups, want to get their five-minute sound bite or 15 minutes of fame and they no longer really work together.  It’s like a fishing pole catching one fish rather than a fishing net woven together to catch a lot. We need to work together.”

Stringer has hope that the Gospel and the church will rise up and meet the challenge amidst the ashes of destruction in Japan and bless the entire nation:

“I believe we can turn it around again in Japan for Christ. This is our opportunity to go to that one percent. We can see a nation of very honorable, but proud people in a desperate situation receive the love of Christ through God’s people in a very tangible way. They will see the living Christ and meet the Hope of Glory because of it.”

“We must leave a lasting equity for churches, pastors and missionaries—the Christians in Japan—so that out of this tragedy we can see lasting transformation. I don’t know if I will have the opportunity to personally see those changes, but I want to empower believers in Japan to get past their differences and become part of something bigger than themselves—to see history in the making as hearts become open to the Gospel message.”

According to the article, Stringer has received a number of personal prophecies over his life including one word that indicated that he could end up touching the royal family itself and government of Japan.  Also, that he and his family might be instrumental in initiating a revival in that country.

We hope and pray that these words will be fulfilled through brother Stringer and others who are also called to break down the spiritual walls of resistance that has kept Japan from receiving Christ. Please pray with me for revival to break out among that honorable people.            *Top

Posted in Divine Appointment, Evangelism, Harvest, Japan, Natural Disaster, Revival

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-8.9 a Sign of the Times?

Posted on March 12, 2011 by Michael| 1 Comment
NASA Satellite Image of Japan Captured March 1...

(NASA Goddard Photo and Video via Flickr)

The earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan is one of the largest recorded in history. I have heard it referred to several times as an event of Biblical proportions. Is the earthquake also a ‘sign of the times’?

Yes.

But it depends on what you mean by that. Is it a sign of the ‘last days’? That remains to be seen however it is a ‘sign of the times’ that we are currently going through for sure.

Everything that is happening in the world right now is exceptional or unique. No one can explain the convergence of economical and political upheaval along with some of the greatest natural disasters the world has ever known.

Is this God’s judgment or is the enemy at the bottom of it all or a combination? Some prophetic folks are referring to all of it as ‘the perfect storm’.

Most prophetic people are saying that everything right now is being shaken that can be shaken. In that sense the 8.9 earthquake is a natural sign for what is taking place. Economies, political structures, alliances, churches, religions, and cultures –everything is being turned upside down and up for grabs.

Lately a lot of prophetical words to God’s faithful have been warnings that it is going to get a lot worse before it gets better. How much worse? A lot depends upon the prayers of His people. I don’t know what is is like where you are but out here we are receiving a definite call to prayer. Our church is right now trying to set up 24 hour prayer. As it stands now just a few hours in the middle of the night will probably not be covered.

Now For The Good Part

Our enemy has his plans but so does our God. Remember the word that Joseph spoke to his brothers after it was all over. After years in slavery and prison to finally be lifted up as the prime minister of Egypt:

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” –Genesis 50:20

The plan is to save many lives for all eternity—the greatest harvest and revival of all times.  A world–wide harvest but also a major revival for America.

Increasingly we are living in times in which knowledge is expanding at an exponential rate and what is wrong is being presented as good and what is good according to God’s law is now considered bad. But a new day is coming when the faithful church will rise up and shine for a moment like never before as a light and beacon to the whole world.            *Top

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Posted in American Church, Harvest, Natural Disaster, Revival

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-25,000+ Young People Attend ‘Onething’ IHOP Conference

Posted on January 3, 2011 by Michael| 1 Comment

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Over 25,000 young adults attended ‘Onething’ –an annual worship and teaching conference sponsored by IHOP (International House of Prayer) at Kansas City Convention Center Dec. 28-31.

The conference attracted young people from all across America and from over 50 different countries including folks from as far away as South Korea, China, New Zealand, Europe and South America.

The purpose of the conference was to rise up and equip a new generation of Christian leaders that are dedicated to ‘Onething’ only- living and spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the entire world. Learning to love God and people with all their hearts.

In talking about the recent conference, Mike Bickle (IHOP-KC founder and director) said the following:

“We are in the early days of seeing sweeping changes that will confront the status quo in the church and in society. It is in these strategic moments that the disciples of Jesus will become the hinge of history, that pivotal point that determines which way the door will swing.”

“Right now we stand at a critical juncture in history. All across the earth, the Holy Spirit is visiting His people with power as He raises up a generation consumed with God’s zeal—zeal to see the fame of Jesus’ name go forth in the earth. Zeal to see revival in the church. Zeal to see justice established. Zeal to see a great harvest of souls.”

IHOP–KC is an evangelical missions organization based on 24/7 prayer with worship that sponsors a full-time school for training missionaries in Bible, music, and the media. IHOP is also heavily involved in evangelism, healing the sick, inner-city outreach, multiple justice initiatives, and planting houses of prayer. and training missionaries.

Here’s a link to Videos and podcasts of the recent 2010 Conference sessions.

Response: Preparation and participation in major international revival is the major theme and context of ‘Onething’ conferences. Our church sponsored a Onething conference on the West coast several years ago and I can tell you that it is an experience not to be missed if there is any way you can get to one- especially if you can get your young people to attend- it is a life changing event.

The conference in KC is the major one but others will be sponsored all across America this coming year. Check out the IHOP-KC website for the nearest one coming to your area.       *Top

Posted in -Revival Culture, Conferences, Harvest, IHOP Awakening, Revival

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