Tonight, myself and a couple from a local church went out into the community to follow the lead of the Lord as we walked. Goal? Spread God's love, Kingdom in whatever way He direct.
We were only a few hundred feet from our starting point when a man standing next to a parking meter notices the T-shirt of the man in our group.
Nebraska! the man says. J. stops and engages conversation. J. says what does Nebraska mean to you? T. answers that he became a football fan when he lived there, the Corn Huskers. J. asks him who he remembered? The man thinks for just a moment and replies, J.O., to which J. replies, I am that man. T was totally astounded. He had not recognized J.O., both men shake hands. J.'s wife and I intercede as the two men talk football, we know God has designed this encounter so we watch and pray.
T. was young when he was introduced to football, J. played 40 years ago. Here they meet on a side walk! J and T have a very similar background in the church which gives J. the opportunity to speak into T from personal experience. The longer the men talked, the more it was confirmed this as a divine appointment!
The conversation turns to our intent, which is to pray for people according to God's lead. We ask T. if he wants prayer. He is surprised and willing to let us pray, which we do according to the leading of the Holy Spirit. T. is clearly ministered to, mission accomplished.
As we walk away from T, I repeat one of my favorite verses, Eph. 2:8-10. Then it strikes me, T. had become a football fan as a child which is when he became familiar with J.O.'s name. Forty years later the two meet on a sidewalk, an encounter engineered through Intelligent Design. God's design. Just in time to receive ministry tailored to fit T to a T!
God planned for the two to meet before He laid the foundation of the world. Forty years ago, T. became a football fan who followed J.'s team. It struck me that this is like a seed planted which takes forty years to germinate!
Those verses in Ephesians just took on a deeper meaning. God is at work far before we actually realize!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Busy Market Place, Lots of Divine Appointments
Our Team, after sharing God stories, soaking in God's presence, waiting in prayer for clues, set out to find our "treasures" in the local downtown shopping area attached to an amusement park.
Our team of three directly talked with 17 people in less than three hours, indirectly a handful more who stood next to the individual we talked with specifically.
First clue, locate someone near pinball machines. We entered the appropriate venue and walked around looking for our first "treasure". With clues in mind, we scanned the room for anyone matching any of our clues. One woman seemed highlighted in a strong way, yet when we approached her she said she was atheist, turned away from further conversation. We quickly moved on, it does not do any good to push it, bless and go.
Next we passed two women wearing hats, apparently mother and daughter, I tried making contact with them. When I explained that we were looking for people who matched our clues, they quickly turned away refusing any further conversation. Again, we didn't push it. I did begin to pray, two refusals at the get go is very unusual.
We continued to walk through the crowd, looking for anyone matching our clues. A mother and daughter approached us, the younger wearing high leather boots, woo hoo, a match. They passed me, sat at a bistro table. I approached, explained what we were doing, looking for persons matching our clues. Then I pulled out my paper and showed her, person wearing high leather boots. She was surprised. I asked if I could pray for her, she accepted, said she was spiritual. Then I turned to mom and asked if I could pray for her, she also accepted. When I placed my hand on her arm, I began to get words of knowledge, which I stated, she aknowledged. Both were encouraged, I turned to the daughter and said, "Isn't it amazing that the Jesus, who we prayed to before coming, gave us a clue which led us to you to offer prayer?" "He is demonstrating how much He loves you and wants to draw you into greater fellowship". She received it, the mother was clearly glad for the encounter, prayed as I talked with the daughter. Way cool.
We continued to walk, R. saw a man, J. coming towards us with a wrist brace. We stopped him and asked him if he'd accept prayer, which he did. He agreed with our prayer quietly. yeah God.
Next we walked into the hotel, to the large lobby/sitting area. R. got a pain in his back and began to look around for who it might be having back pain. We walked a bit, stopped and looked to see if we'd get more revelation as to who to approach. I turned my head just in time to hear a women, C., backing up to an arm rest of a chair saying to her friends, "I just have to sit a moment", I blurted out, "Do you have pain in your back?" "Yes" she replied. R. walked over to her and explained that he felt pain in his back when he walked into the area and had begun looking for actual person with the pain, further explaining God gives him the sensation of pain where others are actually in pain. "Can we pray for you?" He asked, "Yes" she replied. We prayed, R. standing in front of her, I asked her friend sitting in the chair behind her to place her hand on area where her friend has pain. I placed my hand on her friends hands. KEEP PRAYER SAFE.
We prayed, stopped, asked C. how her pain was, if there was improvement? She walked around a bit, and said with a surprise, "It's fifty percent better", We asked if we could pray again for more pain releif? She agrees, we pray again, she has more relief. She was so surprised, so to the group of friends who were with her. Kingdom power demonstrated, Yeah God!!!! A sign in the lobby announced a group called Mercy House was meeting in a room nearby. A sign in the natural of what God brought to the woman through the release of Kingdom Power!!!!!
We made our way out of the Hotel back into the market place. We walked quite a distance till we passed an older fellow. R. as he passed the man, felt an urge to turn back and bless the man, he received it, said he had his beliefs and did not want to discuss it, but was blessed by our wanting to bless him in Jesus name. His wife and grand daughter watched, not sure what to make of it, but responded with smiles to our kindness. That's it right there, KINDNESS RELEASED IN JESUS NAME. It goes a long way, plants a seed.
We continued down the long path past stores and open market venues, we saw a man walking a distance from us wearing a red and white striped shirt which matched one of clues on our papers. We walked his way. As we approached, he looked our way and kept eye contact. I felt confident that this man was indeed the "treasure". We explained what we were up to, this man is a Chritian. He accepted the offer of prayer, which led to prophetic ministry for his entire family who graciously gave up their time to receive ministry. We spoke words of encouragement, destiny, confirmation, blessing. They were blessed, Yeah God.
R. saw an older woman walking passed us with a brace over her knee. He stopped her and asked her about the brace, her condition. She did receive prayer, but was hesitent. I pray that soon this will be commonplace, Christians going about releasing the Kingdom as a normal part of their day!
We turned around and walked where we'd already been. We walked for quite a while without any contact. Eventually we walked our original route again. This time we headed for a kiosk selling pearls, since that was a clue on one of the papers. One of the team members bought an oyster which contained a pearl. The cler, M., who waited on B., turned out to be a single mom who was eager to receive prayer and encouragement after she completed the sale. I told her that the clue we received in prayer before leaving home was pearl. I further explained that God had intended for us to find her and encourage her through prayer. It impacted her. Yeah God.
Next we went to a large, long, winding store. It was crowded. We decided it was time to find the "Tall Woman" a clue on R.'s paper. 15 minutes later we found her. She matched the clue, we approached her, showed her the paper to make our point for stopping to talk with her. She told us that it was interesting we were on a treasure hunt, since she was also there for a treasure hunt having to do with her job. For some reason her company sent out the employees on a treasure hunt. Hours later, we approach her and tell her we are treasure hunting, and she is our treasure. That got her attention. She agreed to prayer, and explained a personal situation having to do with her family, two daughters engaged at the same time which was causing issues. R. who got the word, was also engaged and married within weeks of his brother, but it was a good situation for his family. So we prayed with her for the Lord to bring reconciliation, as we are called to the ministry of reconciliation. We prayed that things would turn for good, as it was in him R.'s case. Turns out that her first name is also the name of R.'s wife. The more connections while talking, the more it was so clear that M. was definately the match, and the treasure God was wanting us to find! God cares about so many things in our lives. When that can be demonstrated to a person, it has a clear impact!
While we walked throught the market place, we passed different musicians. One in particular caught my attention. As he played, I began to feel the presence of God come powerfully. I stood from a distance and prayed for this man to know God. I felt this man has a powerful spiritual anointing to play that he is not aware of. I prayed for his eyes to be opened to God, the anointing, God's purpose in his life.
We continued on our way. B. had gotten a word of knowledge about a man wearing a blue shirt and tan pants. A few passed him, but he did not stop them to talk. Finally he saw another sitting on the edge of a planter, he and R. decided to approach him together, they showed him the paper with the written clue. This impressed the man and seemingly got his attention. The man eventually accepted prayer for an acquaintance in the hospital fighting pneumonia. The man's daughter and older companion watched as R and B prayed. WRITING OUT THE CLUE RECEIVED BEFORE HAND IS POWERFUL WHEN LATER SHOWN TO THE PERSON MATCHING THE CLUE!
On our way out we thought to go into the pin ball venue again, we walked through. Nothing.
However, it did lead us to meeting up with a fellow we'd seen earlier who matched a clue, "eyes". The first time we saw him, he was standing near a band playing. The second time we saw him, he was in a better spot to approach him. We asked if we could pray for him, he agreed. We prayed for God to bless him, for healing to come to him. He received it. R. spoke a word of knowledge which P. received and his father aknowledged. They were blessed and thankful.
One might ask, when did you preach the gospel. I believe we demonstrated the gospel first and foremost, we honored people's time, showed them God's love and encouraged them. We declared our intentions were initiated by Jesus who sent us. I believe that this is what we were sent today to do. Maybe tomorrow we will lead someone in the sinners prayer. Maybe tomorrow we will discuss doctrine, the need for redemtion through Jesus.
I make it a point to stay focused on the Lord as I walk about looking for those God high lights. I am looking to "do" only what the Spirit of the Lord is leading me to do in the moment. Selah.
Our team of three directly talked with 17 people in less than three hours, indirectly a handful more who stood next to the individual we talked with specifically.
First clue, locate someone near pinball machines. We entered the appropriate venue and walked around looking for our first "treasure". With clues in mind, we scanned the room for anyone matching any of our clues. One woman seemed highlighted in a strong way, yet when we approached her she said she was atheist, turned away from further conversation. We quickly moved on, it does not do any good to push it, bless and go.
Next we passed two women wearing hats, apparently mother and daughter, I tried making contact with them. When I explained that we were looking for people who matched our clues, they quickly turned away refusing any further conversation. Again, we didn't push it. I did begin to pray, two refusals at the get go is very unusual.
We continued to walk through the crowd, looking for anyone matching our clues. A mother and daughter approached us, the younger wearing high leather boots, woo hoo, a match. They passed me, sat at a bistro table. I approached, explained what we were doing, looking for persons matching our clues. Then I pulled out my paper and showed her, person wearing high leather boots. She was surprised. I asked if I could pray for her, she accepted, said she was spiritual. Then I turned to mom and asked if I could pray for her, she also accepted. When I placed my hand on her arm, I began to get words of knowledge, which I stated, she aknowledged. Both were encouraged, I turned to the daughter and said, "Isn't it amazing that the Jesus, who we prayed to before coming, gave us a clue which led us to you to offer prayer?" "He is demonstrating how much He loves you and wants to draw you into greater fellowship". She received it, the mother was clearly glad for the encounter, prayed as I talked with the daughter. Way cool.
We continued to walk, R. saw a man, J. coming towards us with a wrist brace. We stopped him and asked him if he'd accept prayer, which he did. He agreed with our prayer quietly. yeah God.
Next we walked into the hotel, to the large lobby/sitting area. R. got a pain in his back and began to look around for who it might be having back pain. We walked a bit, stopped and looked to see if we'd get more revelation as to who to approach. I turned my head just in time to hear a women, C., backing up to an arm rest of a chair saying to her friends, "I just have to sit a moment", I blurted out, "Do you have pain in your back?" "Yes" she replied. R. walked over to her and explained that he felt pain in his back when he walked into the area and had begun looking for actual person with the pain, further explaining God gives him the sensation of pain where others are actually in pain. "Can we pray for you?" He asked, "Yes" she replied. We prayed, R. standing in front of her, I asked her friend sitting in the chair behind her to place her hand on area where her friend has pain. I placed my hand on her friends hands. KEEP PRAYER SAFE.
We prayed, stopped, asked C. how her pain was, if there was improvement? She walked around a bit, and said with a surprise, "It's fifty percent better", We asked if we could pray again for more pain releif? She agrees, we pray again, she has more relief. She was so surprised, so to the group of friends who were with her. Kingdom power demonstrated, Yeah God!!!! A sign in the lobby announced a group called Mercy House was meeting in a room nearby. A sign in the natural of what God brought to the woman through the release of Kingdom Power!!!!!
We made our way out of the Hotel back into the market place. We walked quite a distance till we passed an older fellow. R. as he passed the man, felt an urge to turn back and bless the man, he received it, said he had his beliefs and did not want to discuss it, but was blessed by our wanting to bless him in Jesus name. His wife and grand daughter watched, not sure what to make of it, but responded with smiles to our kindness. That's it right there, KINDNESS RELEASED IN JESUS NAME. It goes a long way, plants a seed.
We continued down the long path past stores and open market venues, we saw a man walking a distance from us wearing a red and white striped shirt which matched one of clues on our papers. We walked his way. As we approached, he looked our way and kept eye contact. I felt confident that this man was indeed the "treasure". We explained what we were up to, this man is a Chritian. He accepted the offer of prayer, which led to prophetic ministry for his entire family who graciously gave up their time to receive ministry. We spoke words of encouragement, destiny, confirmation, blessing. They were blessed, Yeah God.
R. saw an older woman walking passed us with a brace over her knee. He stopped her and asked her about the brace, her condition. She did receive prayer, but was hesitent. I pray that soon this will be commonplace, Christians going about releasing the Kingdom as a normal part of their day!
We turned around and walked where we'd already been. We walked for quite a while without any contact. Eventually we walked our original route again. This time we headed for a kiosk selling pearls, since that was a clue on one of the papers. One of the team members bought an oyster which contained a pearl. The cler, M., who waited on B., turned out to be a single mom who was eager to receive prayer and encouragement after she completed the sale. I told her that the clue we received in prayer before leaving home was pearl. I further explained that God had intended for us to find her and encourage her through prayer. It impacted her. Yeah God.
Next we went to a large, long, winding store. It was crowded. We decided it was time to find the "Tall Woman" a clue on R.'s paper. 15 minutes later we found her. She matched the clue, we approached her, showed her the paper to make our point for stopping to talk with her. She told us that it was interesting we were on a treasure hunt, since she was also there for a treasure hunt having to do with her job. For some reason her company sent out the employees on a treasure hunt. Hours later, we approach her and tell her we are treasure hunting, and she is our treasure. That got her attention. She agreed to prayer, and explained a personal situation having to do with her family, two daughters engaged at the same time which was causing issues. R. who got the word, was also engaged and married within weeks of his brother, but it was a good situation for his family. So we prayed with her for the Lord to bring reconciliation, as we are called to the ministry of reconciliation. We prayed that things would turn for good, as it was in him R.'s case. Turns out that her first name is also the name of R.'s wife. The more connections while talking, the more it was so clear that M. was definately the match, and the treasure God was wanting us to find! God cares about so many things in our lives. When that can be demonstrated to a person, it has a clear impact!
While we walked throught the market place, we passed different musicians. One in particular caught my attention. As he played, I began to feel the presence of God come powerfully. I stood from a distance and prayed for this man to know God. I felt this man has a powerful spiritual anointing to play that he is not aware of. I prayed for his eyes to be opened to God, the anointing, God's purpose in his life.
We continued on our way. B. had gotten a word of knowledge about a man wearing a blue shirt and tan pants. A few passed him, but he did not stop them to talk. Finally he saw another sitting on the edge of a planter, he and R. decided to approach him together, they showed him the paper with the written clue. This impressed the man and seemingly got his attention. The man eventually accepted prayer for an acquaintance in the hospital fighting pneumonia. The man's daughter and older companion watched as R and B prayed. WRITING OUT THE CLUE RECEIVED BEFORE HAND IS POWERFUL WHEN LATER SHOWN TO THE PERSON MATCHING THE CLUE!
On our way out we thought to go into the pin ball venue again, we walked through. Nothing.
However, it did lead us to meeting up with a fellow we'd seen earlier who matched a clue, "eyes". The first time we saw him, he was standing near a band playing. The second time we saw him, he was in a better spot to approach him. We asked if we could pray for him, he agreed. We prayed for God to bless him, for healing to come to him. He received it. R. spoke a word of knowledge which P. received and his father aknowledged. They were blessed and thankful.
One might ask, when did you preach the gospel. I believe we demonstrated the gospel first and foremost, we honored people's time, showed them God's love and encouraged them. We declared our intentions were initiated by Jesus who sent us. I believe that this is what we were sent today to do. Maybe tomorrow we will lead someone in the sinners prayer. Maybe tomorrow we will discuss doctrine, the need for redemtion through Jesus.
I make it a point to stay focused on the Lord as I walk about looking for those God high lights. I am looking to "do" only what the Spirit of the Lord is leading me to do in the moment. Selah.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Six Take To The Market Place, 20+ Receive Prayer
Six of us met today and prayed for a period of time before leaving the house for the market place. The Lord rested on us in power as we continued to pray. We prayed into our goal, reaching the lost with the gospel, over one another, anointing, power, authority.
We also sat quietly and waited on the Lord for clues which would lead us to the people He intended for us to meet. Each of us wrote our clues on our own papers, later we shared the clues with each other. Then we loaded into the van, off to the Walmart, our first target since two had received that same destination clue.
Just out of the van, we came upon a mom, dad, and 18 month old who was wearing a polka dot blouse which matched one of the clues. We asked if we could pray to bless little E., the parents said they are Mormon, what did we plan to pray? Blessing, we answered, they agreed, we carefully prayed blessing, all that God had for her to be released into her life, in Jesus name.
A few more steps, one team member asked if he could pray for a woman with crutches, a leg injury, she agreed, we prayed. She identified herself as agnostic, her husband Catholic. The older woman with them said she is Christian and takes them to church on occasion. How cool that strangers would come up and offer to pray for the injured young woman, the older woman was in agreement, probably an answer to her prayers for this younger couple.
One team member approached a woman standing nearby selling candy for a fund raiser. She was within ear shot of our praying over the injured woman mentioned above. Still need to hear the story, she was spoken to by one of our team member though.
We finally made inside the door of Walmart and we already spoke with several people!
R. went into the vision center to talk with the folks there since there was a clue pointing to eyeware on one team members paper. In talking with two ladies behind the counter, he received a word of knowledge about back pain. One of the ladies said indeed she had back pain, but the other one shut down the opportunity to pray, asked the group to leave the vision center. This happens, bless and leave gracefully.
C. found a lady matching her clue, red shirt, blond hair by the candles, which matched another clue, the lady was shy about receiving prayer, even though C. showed her the written clues matching her description. She excused herself to find her husband.
D. passed an isle at the end cap just in time to see a box of crackers fly out of a woman's hand, S., who was sitting in a motorized scooter. D. picked up the box, handed it to the woman and asked about her physical condition. The lady allowed for D and R. to pray for her. R. spoke a word of knowledge over her, blessed her, off we went. Later we realized that the encounter happened near the Ritz crackers which was one of our clues! Confirmation.
C. and A. found T. who matched two clues, unfortunately he refused prayer. However, he did listen long enough for them to explain that they approached him because his name and color shirt matched their written clues. C. and A. did share God's love with him, sometimes that is all one has the opportunity to say, it is indeed a seed planted!
R. M. and B. found a family to pray for whose son was wearing camouflage pants, which matched one of the clues. After ministering to the family, R. noticed this occurred next to Superman videos, you guessed it, another clue! Confirmation that indeed this family was the intended treasure.
D. found an employee whose husband was not doing well, has prayed for this family on other occasions, the circumstances are very tough. The husband just home from another hospital stay, was not doing well, so the timing of this encounter was truly God appointed.
B. found a man matching one of his clues who was with his wife buying fabric. B. approached the two while the rest stood at a distance and interceded. Eventually, B. invited D. C. and A. over to pray for M and M. Blessing and prophetic words of knowledge were prayed over both. The husband received but was a bit unsure, the wife smiled and thanked us warmly.
C. and D. walked as a team through the store looking for more who fit our clues, eventually we saw A. who was wearing a large bandage across the lower portion of her neck. A's daughter A. explained that the mother was dealing with cancer. She received prayer and the Lord's presence, it was clear the Lord was all over her as she received prayer. The rest of the team stood off at a distance in interceded. The encounter occurred next to the baby section which was pointed to by one of the clues, her condition matched another descriptive clue received. Way cool. No doubt, she was meant to receive prayer.
The six of us came back together, as we walked a main isle, a shopper coming towards us turned out to be a fellow church member. V. was glad to greet those she knew. It was explained what we were up to, she asked us to pray for her. Oh my, the Lord came powerfully on V! We spoke several words over her, she cried. B. had a word of knowledge for her which was right on the mark. V. explained that one of her sons was a prodigal. Interesting to note: before leaving, we spent time in intercession, one of the prayers led by the Spirit was for prodigals. And here we were through a word of knowledge, calling a prodigal son back into the Kingdom with a mom who has sown many hours praying for her son in tears. God is so good. The Lord came on V. so much, she had to lean on the shelves behind her. She thanked us, giving each a big hug. Oh, the love that God loves to pour out, mm mm, never get tired of seeing it.
On our way out of Walmart, we saw a man that simply stood out to a few of us. After consulting with one another, M. approached him. First three guys prayed for him then nearly the whole group a second and third time. C. is a believer who attends a Catholic church and is not familiar wtih this type of ministry. He was intrigued by the things the team prayed which hit targets in his life. It was fun to watch him, as he watched the person speaking to him. His wheels were turning as he stood listening. I long for the day when this type of ministry is the norm in OC!
We made our way to Babies R Us, where we found E. who matched a clue we'd already found. Why not twice? C and D talked with E and R who both received prayer, we shared the good news with E who said she did not believe in anything, she eventually accepted prayer and later a bible. R who is 8 months pregnant received prayer, words of knowledge, she was visibly touched, began to feel emotional as the Spirit of God rested on her, we prayed some more. You could see her open up to receive more of God's love, encouragement the second time we prayed. C and A shared the gospel now that both were more open to receive. E. received the offer of C's bible, both women were smiling, obviously moved by the encounter!
Next stop, Home Depot. D. felt a leading to the garden dept. on the way to the store. R. got an unction to stop and talk to Ch. who incidentaly worked in the garden dept. M, B and R talked and prayed for Ch. while the others stayed off to the side and interceded. After Ch. received prayer, the group walked all through Home Depot. R got a leading to go to the garden dept., as we approached the doorway, who comes walking up from anther direction? Ch! We greeted him again. We walked the garden dept. No one else matched any clues. We left the garden dept. just in time to see Ch. again. Then a fourth time! Ch. is the only person we ministered to at the Home Depot, and it was obvius that God made sure we met up with him four times to make a point! You cannot plan this stuff, only God can make it happen like this!
There were a few others who were approached, nothing much happened. This is normal. When someone is not interested, gracefully bless them and move on. It's important to respect peoples space and time. I think this is a valauble witness of God's love when no offense is taken by their refusal to receive from us.
The goal is to spread God's love, the good news, draw people towards God, not give them another reason to distance themselves from Him!
We also sat quietly and waited on the Lord for clues which would lead us to the people He intended for us to meet. Each of us wrote our clues on our own papers, later we shared the clues with each other. Then we loaded into the van, off to the Walmart, our first target since two had received that same destination clue.
Just out of the van, we came upon a mom, dad, and 18 month old who was wearing a polka dot blouse which matched one of the clues. We asked if we could pray to bless little E., the parents said they are Mormon, what did we plan to pray? Blessing, we answered, they agreed, we carefully prayed blessing, all that God had for her to be released into her life, in Jesus name.
A few more steps, one team member asked if he could pray for a woman with crutches, a leg injury, she agreed, we prayed. She identified herself as agnostic, her husband Catholic. The older woman with them said she is Christian and takes them to church on occasion. How cool that strangers would come up and offer to pray for the injured young woman, the older woman was in agreement, probably an answer to her prayers for this younger couple.
One team member approached a woman standing nearby selling candy for a fund raiser. She was within ear shot of our praying over the injured woman mentioned above. Still need to hear the story, she was spoken to by one of our team member though.
We finally made inside the door of Walmart and we already spoke with several people!
R. went into the vision center to talk with the folks there since there was a clue pointing to eyeware on one team members paper. In talking with two ladies behind the counter, he received a word of knowledge about back pain. One of the ladies said indeed she had back pain, but the other one shut down the opportunity to pray, asked the group to leave the vision center. This happens, bless and leave gracefully.
C. found a lady matching her clue, red shirt, blond hair by the candles, which matched another clue, the lady was shy about receiving prayer, even though C. showed her the written clues matching her description. She excused herself to find her husband.
D. passed an isle at the end cap just in time to see a box of crackers fly out of a woman's hand, S., who was sitting in a motorized scooter. D. picked up the box, handed it to the woman and asked about her physical condition. The lady allowed for D and R. to pray for her. R. spoke a word of knowledge over her, blessed her, off we went. Later we realized that the encounter happened near the Ritz crackers which was one of our clues! Confirmation.
C. and A. found T. who matched two clues, unfortunately he refused prayer. However, he did listen long enough for them to explain that they approached him because his name and color shirt matched their written clues. C. and A. did share God's love with him, sometimes that is all one has the opportunity to say, it is indeed a seed planted!
R. M. and B. found a family to pray for whose son was wearing camouflage pants, which matched one of the clues. After ministering to the family, R. noticed this occurred next to Superman videos, you guessed it, another clue! Confirmation that indeed this family was the intended treasure.
D. found an employee whose husband was not doing well, has prayed for this family on other occasions, the circumstances are very tough. The husband just home from another hospital stay, was not doing well, so the timing of this encounter was truly God appointed.
B. found a man matching one of his clues who was with his wife buying fabric. B. approached the two while the rest stood at a distance and interceded. Eventually, B. invited D. C. and A. over to pray for M and M. Blessing and prophetic words of knowledge were prayed over both. The husband received but was a bit unsure, the wife smiled and thanked us warmly.
C. and D. walked as a team through the store looking for more who fit our clues, eventually we saw A. who was wearing a large bandage across the lower portion of her neck. A's daughter A. explained that the mother was dealing with cancer. She received prayer and the Lord's presence, it was clear the Lord was all over her as she received prayer. The rest of the team stood off at a distance in interceded. The encounter occurred next to the baby section which was pointed to by one of the clues, her condition matched another descriptive clue received. Way cool. No doubt, she was meant to receive prayer.
The six of us came back together, as we walked a main isle, a shopper coming towards us turned out to be a fellow church member. V. was glad to greet those she knew. It was explained what we were up to, she asked us to pray for her. Oh my, the Lord came powerfully on V! We spoke several words over her, she cried. B. had a word of knowledge for her which was right on the mark. V. explained that one of her sons was a prodigal. Interesting to note: before leaving, we spent time in intercession, one of the prayers led by the Spirit was for prodigals. And here we were through a word of knowledge, calling a prodigal son back into the Kingdom with a mom who has sown many hours praying for her son in tears. God is so good. The Lord came on V. so much, she had to lean on the shelves behind her. She thanked us, giving each a big hug. Oh, the love that God loves to pour out, mm mm, never get tired of seeing it.
On our way out of Walmart, we saw a man that simply stood out to a few of us. After consulting with one another, M. approached him. First three guys prayed for him then nearly the whole group a second and third time. C. is a believer who attends a Catholic church and is not familiar wtih this type of ministry. He was intrigued by the things the team prayed which hit targets in his life. It was fun to watch him, as he watched the person speaking to him. His wheels were turning as he stood listening. I long for the day when this type of ministry is the norm in OC!
We made our way to Babies R Us, where we found E. who matched a clue we'd already found. Why not twice? C and D talked with E and R who both received prayer, we shared the good news with E who said she did not believe in anything, she eventually accepted prayer and later a bible. R who is 8 months pregnant received prayer, words of knowledge, she was visibly touched, began to feel emotional as the Spirit of God rested on her, we prayed some more. You could see her open up to receive more of God's love, encouragement the second time we prayed. C and A shared the gospel now that both were more open to receive. E. received the offer of C's bible, both women were smiling, obviously moved by the encounter!
Next stop, Home Depot. D. felt a leading to the garden dept. on the way to the store. R. got an unction to stop and talk to Ch. who incidentaly worked in the garden dept. M, B and R talked and prayed for Ch. while the others stayed off to the side and interceded. After Ch. received prayer, the group walked all through Home Depot. R got a leading to go to the garden dept., as we approached the doorway, who comes walking up from anther direction? Ch! We greeted him again. We walked the garden dept. No one else matched any clues. We left the garden dept. just in time to see Ch. again. Then a fourth time! Ch. is the only person we ministered to at the Home Depot, and it was obvius that God made sure we met up with him four times to make a point! You cannot plan this stuff, only God can make it happen like this!
There were a few others who were approached, nothing much happened. This is normal. When someone is not interested, gracefully bless them and move on. It's important to respect peoples space and time. I think this is a valauble witness of God's love when no offense is taken by their refusal to receive from us.
The goal is to spread God's love, the good news, draw people towards God, not give them another reason to distance themselves from Him!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Boardwalk at the Beach
So Wednesday night, J. and I walked from the Anglican Church towards the main street, eventually deciding to walk towards the beach, ending up on the boardwalk.
J. made a brief contact with a fellow he saw the week prior. Build relationship, see what develops.
We passed many people, no unction to stop them and talk until we reached two women stretching out their legs fitted with roller blades. J. started a conversation around the stretching exercises. The closer I came to F., one of the women, I could feel the presence of the Lord. I asked her if she grew up in church in order to discern her relationship to the Lord.
She said church was off and on while growing up. I told her that I could feel God's presence the closer I stood next to her. She smiled. I learned later that others have told her the same thing. I asked her if I could pray for her, as I did, I received words of knowledge which I prayed into. She received it and was encouraged.
I turned to her skating partner, looked at her and immediately "got" she had a singing gift which she affirmed. She bent over giggling. I asked if I could pray to bless her worship talent, she replied yes. The girls said that she was the "churched" one! After I prayed for her singing talent, the Lord told me she had a writing gift. She bent over giggling again. She explained that she is in the midst of writing a manual for her job. I prayed over that too.
Then I turned to F. and encouraged her to get plugged back into church. She said that others have been saying the same. Confirmation. They were encouraged, off they skated.
The next couple turned out to be Greek and did not want any prayer when we stopped them to ask if they needed prayer from us. We explained that we were from the church nearby, out praying for folks who needed such. They declined, no problem we said, off they went.
I saw B. coming towards us, I got a word of knowledge. We chatted with him a bit, he said he was a believer who did not attend church. He accepted prayer from us, I prayed that God would draw B. even closer to him and bless his time on the beach. My goal is to bless, encourage, and point folks to Jesus. B. said he believed in God, so we blessed that in prayer and asked God to pour out more of Himself into B.'s life. I believe God will do just that.
Next we encountered a family of five. Dad, mom, three children, two of which were teens. As they approached, I got a word of knowledge that the dad was just a "dynamic" dad. I was trying to figure out how to speak this into his life when he turned to the fellow I was walking with. V. noticed J.'s Nebraska T-shirt. They chatted, this gave me time. When the time seemed right, I broke in and gave him my word of knowledge. V. was encouraged and described something he had tried to do just a few moments before we met. He tried to speak into a musicians life who was playing on the beach. It did not take and he was discouraged.
He further explained that he and his wife are Pastors. I asked if we could pray for them, they said yes. Well, the Spirit of God fell and prophecy flowed. First I got lots of words, they flowed like water and as I prayed, they both cried, V. was bent over a couple times. The Lord decided to pour out on this pastor who was far from home on vacation but concerned for his flock at home. God used this encounter to encourage this shepherd.
When I was done praying for both V. and K. his wife. V. asked if he could pray for me. It was powerful, the Spirit of God continued to flow in power. Then V. prayed and prophesied over J who was moved to tears due to the accuracy of V.'s word, which spoke to a private prayer request that J. and his wife had been praying. The the Lord gave me words for J.
V. laughed and said we were having church right on the beach!
Hey, believers, the Spirit of God, sounds like a meeting to me. People watched as this whole session played out. I wonder what they were thinking. In the moment, I was too busy to care, it was so powerful.
J. who is a pastors son, encouraged the three children with wise words of wisdom, PK to Pk. It was awesome. The whole family was encouraged.
I just say, woo hoo. Too much fun. The Holy Spirit is not shy and makes going out two by two sharing the Kingdom with folks radical.
J. made a brief contact with a fellow he saw the week prior. Build relationship, see what develops.
We passed many people, no unction to stop them and talk until we reached two women stretching out their legs fitted with roller blades. J. started a conversation around the stretching exercises. The closer I came to F., one of the women, I could feel the presence of the Lord. I asked her if she grew up in church in order to discern her relationship to the Lord.
She said church was off and on while growing up. I told her that I could feel God's presence the closer I stood next to her. She smiled. I learned later that others have told her the same thing. I asked her if I could pray for her, as I did, I received words of knowledge which I prayed into. She received it and was encouraged.
I turned to her skating partner, looked at her and immediately "got" she had a singing gift which she affirmed. She bent over giggling. I asked if I could pray to bless her worship talent, she replied yes. The girls said that she was the "churched" one! After I prayed for her singing talent, the Lord told me she had a writing gift. She bent over giggling again. She explained that she is in the midst of writing a manual for her job. I prayed over that too.
Then I turned to F. and encouraged her to get plugged back into church. She said that others have been saying the same. Confirmation. They were encouraged, off they skated.
The next couple turned out to be Greek and did not want any prayer when we stopped them to ask if they needed prayer from us. We explained that we were from the church nearby, out praying for folks who needed such. They declined, no problem we said, off they went.
I saw B. coming towards us, I got a word of knowledge. We chatted with him a bit, he said he was a believer who did not attend church. He accepted prayer from us, I prayed that God would draw B. even closer to him and bless his time on the beach. My goal is to bless, encourage, and point folks to Jesus. B. said he believed in God, so we blessed that in prayer and asked God to pour out more of Himself into B.'s life. I believe God will do just that.
Next we encountered a family of five. Dad, mom, three children, two of which were teens. As they approached, I got a word of knowledge that the dad was just a "dynamic" dad. I was trying to figure out how to speak this into his life when he turned to the fellow I was walking with. V. noticed J.'s Nebraska T-shirt. They chatted, this gave me time. When the time seemed right, I broke in and gave him my word of knowledge. V. was encouraged and described something he had tried to do just a few moments before we met. He tried to speak into a musicians life who was playing on the beach. It did not take and he was discouraged.
He further explained that he and his wife are Pastors. I asked if we could pray for them, they said yes. Well, the Spirit of God fell and prophecy flowed. First I got lots of words, they flowed like water and as I prayed, they both cried, V. was bent over a couple times. The Lord decided to pour out on this pastor who was far from home on vacation but concerned for his flock at home. God used this encounter to encourage this shepherd.
When I was done praying for both V. and K. his wife. V. asked if he could pray for me. It was powerful, the Spirit of God continued to flow in power. Then V. prayed and prophesied over J who was moved to tears due to the accuracy of V.'s word, which spoke to a private prayer request that J. and his wife had been praying. The the Lord gave me words for J.
V. laughed and said we were having church right on the beach!
Hey, believers, the Spirit of God, sounds like a meeting to me. People watched as this whole session played out. I wonder what they were thinking. In the moment, I was too busy to care, it was so powerful.
J. who is a pastors son, encouraged the three children with wise words of wisdom, PK to Pk. It was awesome. The whole family was encouraged.
I just say, woo hoo. Too much fun. The Holy Spirit is not shy and makes going out two by two sharing the Kingdom with folks radical.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Five people, Two locations, 12 Encounters, Great Stories!
Wow.
Six of us sat in my family room and waited on the Lord for clues we'd subsequently follow in the market place. We wrote clues on paper, we shared our lists with one another before going out.
Five of us left for the market place after discussing the clues. We headed to the first of two locations highlighted by Holy Spirit, incidentally revealed through three people's clues.
We entered the first store, and boom, four clues pointed to the first individual who accepted prayer. We explained we were on a treasure hunt and she was our first "treasure". We showed her the clues written down on paper which she matched, this impressed her. Put yourself in her shoes. We proved to her that God destined for her to receive prayer from us. Radical! The clues? Ralph's grocery store, knee issue, electric scooter, sandwich shop (deli in Ralph's). We prayed, tears came to her eyes, she was so blessed. I am believing for her recovery from inoperable knee issues, and stroke.
The second person we prayed for fit a clue perfectly. Red shirt over black shorts. Father and son passed us, son wore a red shirt and black shorts. Incidentally, all the employees in this grocery store were wearing those colors, but only the boy was wearing black shorts instead of pants. We approached father and son. Though initially apprehensive, he agreed to let us pray for his son when we asked permission to pray for his son. As we prayed, tears came to his eyes. He told us that so many things we prayed were so right on, he was impressed. We told him we were just listening to the Holy Spirit who was leading the prayer. He said it was going to be hard to relay the incident to his wife without falling apart, he was so touched.
We continued to walk, specifically looking for the clues on our list. We found H. in a furniture store, he fit three clues, we demonstrated that fact by showing the lists with clues. He accepted prayer, he was blessed, I am believing for revival to happen in his heart towards God!
We walked to another store, looking for a clue, "Easter Basket", we found D. the clerk who led us to the clearance section. We tried to minister to him, he deferred to J. a fellow worker who received prayer, including couple words of knowledge, prophetic ministry. Kingdom break-in into J's life. woo hoo.
We continued looking in this store for more folk fitting our clues. We found a gal who was wearing a white T-shirt with a scarf, which fit one of our clues. One of our team members approached her, told her what we were doing, told her she fit a clue received from the Lord before leaving home, asked if she needed prayer? She replied "Yes, I could use prayer for a home deal we are trying to finalize". The team member asked the woman's name prior to praying only to discover that her name fit another one of the clues received earlier as well! WAY COOL! Turns out A. is searching religions, tending towards Buddhism. We told her that Jesus who we prayed to, gave us specific clues that would lead us to her. It was pointed out that since God saw she was searching, He sent us as His personal messengers in order to demonstrate He is indeed real. I believe that got her attention. She indicated that she might visit our church, we gave her a card with the address. Come on, this is sweet.
Later we found another "treasure" a pair matching another clue; a shy child next to a parent. Turns out this family are people of faith in Jesus, suffering like many, having to sell their home due to financial problems. The wife approached, we told her what we were out doing. They accepted prayer. The Lord began to touch the wife, I asked her if she felt God's peace resting on her. She said yes, which I expected her to say, she'd begun to sway gently as the Spirit poured out on her. We were just about to say goodbye, when I got a word of knowledge about allergies, I pointed to one of the three daughters, they replied that indeed one had allergies, but it was the one closer to me. They allowed me to pray for her healing. They were so encouraged by the encounter, appreciative, Yeah God!
While two of us ministered to the family of the shy girl, three others were ministering to a few folk in the parking lot which fit clues they'd received. One person with an ice cream cone, the other I have yet to hear about.
We got into the car and drove to a second location, in the first store at the mall, one team member was hoping to find a fellow by the name of Frank, one of the clues we'd received back at my house. The team member asked a clerk if Frank was in, the clerk led us to another register, well, Frank had left for the day. I had never thought to pursue a name clue in this way before, hey why not?
I was intent to find one of my last clues: someone looking at their watch. I exited the mall store just in time to see a young man look at his watch. Bingo, there's my treasure! I asked one of the other men on the team to accompany me, we approached H. and explained what we were doing, turns out, he is a Turkish Muslim. He allowed five of us talk and pray for him. Three of us were given permission to place our hand on his knee or shoulder while praying. I nearly fell over as I felt the power of God come upon H., I had to brace myself so I wouldn't loose my balance. It was clear to me that God was pouring out His Spirit upon this young Muslim. We further explained that Jesus had led us to him through clues we received in prayer, we showed him the two papers, he was surprised. We talked and prayed with him for maybe 10 minutes, then his friends interrupted our discussion, they said it was time to go. I am confident that the Kingdom was indeed demonstrated, and believe one day this young man will know Jesus personally.
While walking the crowded mall, I mistook a fellow sitting on a bench for a fellow we prayed for earlier at another location. I walked up to him, they looked so similar to me, and began talking as though we talked earlier. This guy totally jumped into the discussion, then I realized he was not the same guy! Apparently someone else had just approached him and talked with him which he says happens a lot. No wonder he was so responsive to my talking with him out of the blue. Thinking back, I still am astonished at how similar the two people looked, or did the Holy Spirit let me believe that in order for the ensuing discussion to occur? Hmm, something to ponder.
Though I eventually realized the error, talking with him turned out to be a fun God encounter! We explained how we had just shared Jesus with a Muslim, who fit two clues we got before leaving home. Turns out this young man is an intern at a huge conservative church in South County who some day hopes to share the gospel in foreign countries. Jesus introduced D. to one more way to share the gospel, through power/prophetic evangelism!
In the mall, one of our team members approached a fellow who fit clues received earlier, green shirt with the Nike logo, he stopped to talk with him, unfortunately the young man wearing the green shirt did not speak English well. The team members shared what they could, I am trusting a seed was planted. Sometimes this happens, we get clues that take us only so far, or so we think. You just never know what God is doing in the background since He is the one who released the clue in the first place. Maybe we did all we were supposed to do! Isn't that a freeing thought?!
Finally we stopped to talk and pray with a couple. Initially, when I saw them walking towards me I decided not to approach them even though I felt a little tug to do so. They walked passed me, but came round again and sat not far from where I was sitting in the patio furniture section of Sears. I realized the Lord was giving me another chance.
They were glad to receive prayer, which initially focused on their personal needs but quickly turned into a prayer session for the Vineyard movement as a whole. God dropped into our midst, right there in Sears.
Ha, prayer, intercession can break out anywhere! Four Vineyards were represented by those in the prayer circle, it was powerful. Apparently the couple had earlier listened to a recording by Bill Johnson who said the very same things some of us were led to pray without the benefit of hearing his teaching. Hmm, a suddenly, confirmation. Woo hoo.
All in all, five of us were able to find most of the clues we'd received earlier, twelve different encounters reached more than 20 people in approximately four hours in two seperate locations. Woo hoo, Yeah God!
Six of us sat in my family room and waited on the Lord for clues we'd subsequently follow in the market place. We wrote clues on paper, we shared our lists with one another before going out.
Five of us left for the market place after discussing the clues. We headed to the first of two locations highlighted by Holy Spirit, incidentally revealed through three people's clues.
We entered the first store, and boom, four clues pointed to the first individual who accepted prayer. We explained we were on a treasure hunt and she was our first "treasure". We showed her the clues written down on paper which she matched, this impressed her. Put yourself in her shoes. We proved to her that God destined for her to receive prayer from us. Radical! The clues? Ralph's grocery store, knee issue, electric scooter, sandwich shop (deli in Ralph's). We prayed, tears came to her eyes, she was so blessed. I am believing for her recovery from inoperable knee issues, and stroke.
The second person we prayed for fit a clue perfectly. Red shirt over black shorts. Father and son passed us, son wore a red shirt and black shorts. Incidentally, all the employees in this grocery store were wearing those colors, but only the boy was wearing black shorts instead of pants. We approached father and son. Though initially apprehensive, he agreed to let us pray for his son when we asked permission to pray for his son. As we prayed, tears came to his eyes. He told us that so many things we prayed were so right on, he was impressed. We told him we were just listening to the Holy Spirit who was leading the prayer. He said it was going to be hard to relay the incident to his wife without falling apart, he was so touched.
We continued to walk, specifically looking for the clues on our list. We found H. in a furniture store, he fit three clues, we demonstrated that fact by showing the lists with clues. He accepted prayer, he was blessed, I am believing for revival to happen in his heart towards God!
We walked to another store, looking for a clue, "Easter Basket", we found D. the clerk who led us to the clearance section. We tried to minister to him, he deferred to J. a fellow worker who received prayer, including couple words of knowledge, prophetic ministry. Kingdom break-in into J's life. woo hoo.
We continued looking in this store for more folk fitting our clues. We found a gal who was wearing a white T-shirt with a scarf, which fit one of our clues. One of our team members approached her, told her what we were doing, told her she fit a clue received from the Lord before leaving home, asked if she needed prayer? She replied "Yes, I could use prayer for a home deal we are trying to finalize". The team member asked the woman's name prior to praying only to discover that her name fit another one of the clues received earlier as well! WAY COOL! Turns out A. is searching religions, tending towards Buddhism. We told her that Jesus who we prayed to, gave us specific clues that would lead us to her. It was pointed out that since God saw she was searching, He sent us as His personal messengers in order to demonstrate He is indeed real. I believe that got her attention. She indicated that she might visit our church, we gave her a card with the address. Come on, this is sweet.
Later we found another "treasure" a pair matching another clue; a shy child next to a parent. Turns out this family are people of faith in Jesus, suffering like many, having to sell their home due to financial problems. The wife approached, we told her what we were out doing. They accepted prayer. The Lord began to touch the wife, I asked her if she felt God's peace resting on her. She said yes, which I expected her to say, she'd begun to sway gently as the Spirit poured out on her. We were just about to say goodbye, when I got a word of knowledge about allergies, I pointed to one of the three daughters, they replied that indeed one had allergies, but it was the one closer to me. They allowed me to pray for her healing. They were so encouraged by the encounter, appreciative, Yeah God!
While two of us ministered to the family of the shy girl, three others were ministering to a few folk in the parking lot which fit clues they'd received. One person with an ice cream cone, the other I have yet to hear about.
We got into the car and drove to a second location, in the first store at the mall, one team member was hoping to find a fellow by the name of Frank, one of the clues we'd received back at my house. The team member asked a clerk if Frank was in, the clerk led us to another register, well, Frank had left for the day. I had never thought to pursue a name clue in this way before, hey why not?
I was intent to find one of my last clues: someone looking at their watch. I exited the mall store just in time to see a young man look at his watch. Bingo, there's my treasure! I asked one of the other men on the team to accompany me, we approached H. and explained what we were doing, turns out, he is a Turkish Muslim. He allowed five of us talk and pray for him. Three of us were given permission to place our hand on his knee or shoulder while praying. I nearly fell over as I felt the power of God come upon H., I had to brace myself so I wouldn't loose my balance. It was clear to me that God was pouring out His Spirit upon this young Muslim. We further explained that Jesus had led us to him through clues we received in prayer, we showed him the two papers, he was surprised. We talked and prayed with him for maybe 10 minutes, then his friends interrupted our discussion, they said it was time to go. I am confident that the Kingdom was indeed demonstrated, and believe one day this young man will know Jesus personally.
While walking the crowded mall, I mistook a fellow sitting on a bench for a fellow we prayed for earlier at another location. I walked up to him, they looked so similar to me, and began talking as though we talked earlier. This guy totally jumped into the discussion, then I realized he was not the same guy! Apparently someone else had just approached him and talked with him which he says happens a lot. No wonder he was so responsive to my talking with him out of the blue. Thinking back, I still am astonished at how similar the two people looked, or did the Holy Spirit let me believe that in order for the ensuing discussion to occur? Hmm, something to ponder.
Though I eventually realized the error, talking with him turned out to be a fun God encounter! We explained how we had just shared Jesus with a Muslim, who fit two clues we got before leaving home. Turns out this young man is an intern at a huge conservative church in South County who some day hopes to share the gospel in foreign countries. Jesus introduced D. to one more way to share the gospel, through power/prophetic evangelism!
In the mall, one of our team members approached a fellow who fit clues received earlier, green shirt with the Nike logo, he stopped to talk with him, unfortunately the young man wearing the green shirt did not speak English well. The team members shared what they could, I am trusting a seed was planted. Sometimes this happens, we get clues that take us only so far, or so we think. You just never know what God is doing in the background since He is the one who released the clue in the first place. Maybe we did all we were supposed to do! Isn't that a freeing thought?!
Finally we stopped to talk and pray with a couple. Initially, when I saw them walking towards me I decided not to approach them even though I felt a little tug to do so. They walked passed me, but came round again and sat not far from where I was sitting in the patio furniture section of Sears. I realized the Lord was giving me another chance.
They were glad to receive prayer, which initially focused on their personal needs but quickly turned into a prayer session for the Vineyard movement as a whole. God dropped into our midst, right there in Sears.
Ha, prayer, intercession can break out anywhere! Four Vineyards were represented by those in the prayer circle, it was powerful. Apparently the couple had earlier listened to a recording by Bill Johnson who said the very same things some of us were led to pray without the benefit of hearing his teaching. Hmm, a suddenly, confirmation. Woo hoo.
All in all, five of us were able to find most of the clues we'd received earlier, twelve different encounters reached more than 20 people in approximately four hours in two seperate locations. Woo hoo, Yeah God!
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