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Saturday morning: Had a marvelous time last night. I spoke on the secret place, and they hung on every word. At the close, their worship team just hung out and ministered to the Lord for the longest time, so very sweet. Unrushed, flowing, organic. I had brought two suitcases of books with me on the plane for Saturday evening, but as it turned out, they bought up most of the books I brought. The folks in Torrance tonight will get only leftovers.
]]>Here’s the schedule: Two Saturday morning sessions, then Sunday morning.
I’m with two ministries here that I was with back in March: Women at the Well (which disciples women breaking free from addictions and other tough circumstances), and Hillcrest Church. Women at the Well are hosting the Saturday meeting and lodging me; Hillcrest Church is hosting the Sunday meeting. March was my first time with them both, and I’m so pleased to return this quickly.
Saturday 4:00 pm: I didn’t realize it, but they wanted me to speak last night. So when I showed up — late — to the “night of worship,” they were eagerly waiting for me! It was a moment to be “instant in season,” and I went for it. Spoke on being a friend of God. Then today (Saturday) I did two sessions — on the cross, and on loyalty. Very good time in the Lord’s presence. These are fabulous saints! I feel greatly honored that I can come and support what Women At The Well is doing to help women breaking free of addictions.
]]>Wednesday 9:00 a.m.: Yesterday’s two sessions were strongly graced of the Lord. The students responded with great eagerness toward the Lord. I feel so enriched to be able to impart to such excellent young people. I had vocal strength for two sessions, thanks for praying me through!
]]>Friday night: Tonight was the retreat’s opening session. I spoke on coming into intimacy with God through the blood of Christ. It seemed to be a good start.
Saturday noon: Excellent session this morning. This morning I’m starting to hear feedback, and it seems there is strong edification happening in the messages. I’m so grateful to the Lord for His help!
Saturday night: In the concluding session of our retreat tonight, I spoke on the power of promise. I crafted the message just for this retreat. I don’t know how relevant it was to the folks in the group, but it was a delight to my soul both to prepare and deliver the message. A promise from God puts chutzpah in your soul!
Sunday morning we’ll have breakfast here at the retreat center, then drive the 1.5 to 2 hours back to Grafton, and enjoy a Sunday morning celebration service together at 10:30 a.m. After the service I’ll go straight to the airport for my 2:30 pm departure.
Sunday afternoon: Had a marvelous morning service. At the close I invited folks to come forward if they wanted a touchpoint of prayer with me (I would lay hands and agree with them), and a long line filled the front of the altar. Later, I learned from the pastor that they don’t normally practice this as a church, and he was thinking nobody was going to come forward. But to our surprise, the front filled with eager responders. Part of their openness to respond was because we had been together at the retreat and a bond had already been formed between us. So it was a sweet time of response and sense of the Lord’s presence in the midst of the family.
Also, we just received this week sample copies of the Arabic translations of COVENANT WITH MY EYES and DEALING WITH THE REJECTION AND PRAISE OF MAN. Both books look great! Our publisher is based in Cairo. Please join us in prayer, for the Lord’s blessing to be upon their publishing ministry, and for the books to be a huge blessing in the Arabic reading world.
Friday: This afternoon’s workshop went very well. I spoke on Job, how he was a worshiper, and how worship played a significant role in his story. It’s been a long time since I’ve talked about Job’s story, and it was sweet for me to do so again, and fresh in a new way.
Sunday afternoon: Saturday evening I had a change of message. So I worked on Saturday to prepare for the change. I spoke on “Word-based Worship,” using the Scriptures to deepen our worship. At the close of the message I went out on a limb and decided to close with a “practice session.” I coached everyone to get their Bible out, we put a Scripture on the screen for those who didn’t have one, and then engaged in worship using the Scriptures before us. We sang psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Something like that is risky, and we waded into the pool slowly and carefully. But at some point the Holy Spirit moved in, and it became a very rich time in the presence of the Lord. Folks ended up staying for quite a while, just soaking in the Lord’s presence.
This morning (Sunday) I spoke at one of the 5 campuses of City on a Hill. They have a campus that meets in a theater in Bellevue at 10:30 a.m., all English. My host, Yuri, serves as that campus pastor. They were gracious to give me more time than usual for the message, knowing I was going to speak on “a covenant with my eyes.” The message ended up going longer than their service normally goes, I think. I sensed the Lord’s grace on the message. It's ironically interesting that the Lord should lead me to speak on that topic in a theater.
]]>My speaking slots are Wednesday 11 a.m. and Thursday 10 a.m. Around 100-120 leaders typically gather for this event, some from other nations with whom Paul has connections.
Wednesday 5:00 pm: Powerful session this morning. Amazing grace. It was sweet both for me and for everyone else too. Close to 100 leaders are gathered, with around 14 nations represented, a quality group of leaders and saints.
Thursday 9:00 pm: Had another wonderful session this morning in Nashua, the exchange of much affection, and the sense of meaningful times in the Lord’s presence. Afterwards I got a rental car, and have driven myself here to Hartford/Manchester.
I’m here for the Elim Fellowship New England Regional Conference that is hosted here in Manchester, CT by pastor Dave Mullen. Around 50-70 Elim credential holders and leaders are expected to gather for the one-day event on Saturday. I’m scheduled to speak twice on Saturday. And then I’m staying over to minister in Dave’s church on Sunday morning here in Manchester, CT. Church of the Living God. Dave is a pillar in this region, having served here for decades, and this church is a lampstand church in the area. I’m looking forward to privilege of being with them for the first time.
]]>Saturday 9:30 pm: Tonight’s gathering was mostly from the sponsoring church, but several other churches were also represented in the group. There was an excellent spirit in the midst, and an atmosphere in which it was very easy to minister. They came hungry, and I believe left with a deposit from heaven.
Sunday 4:15 pm: Greetings from Lake Charles airport, where I’m waiting for Security to open. Had a marvelous time this morning with this church family. This church is a lighthouse and lamp stand in this region, and it’s a privilege to sow into the great soil here. Strong anointing, strong release of grace through the word and the Spirit. My heart and family just got larger, smile.
]]>Friday midnight: Tonight’s service was graced of the Lord. He helped me in the delivery, and the response time around the altar at the end was very heartfelt, reaching out for all of God. A great start. I have an early start tomorrow, so am off to bed.
Saturday afternoon: The Lord’s presence was sweet and strong during this morning’s session. I enjoyed watching Him touch His people. Afterwards I was treated to lunch — chicken and rice, a very Singaporean dish — by some friends whose friendship I’ve enjoyed through the years. Followed by a nap that dealt a mighty blow to jet lag pangs. Now I’m waiting to be collected for this evening’s session.
Sunday 4:00 pm: Saturday night was the closing session of the conference. I spoke on the secret place. Meaningful, significant, challenging. A good closing. Then on Sunday morning I spoke on having confidence to draw near to God because of the sprinkled blood of Christ. It was a great capstone to an excellent weekend. My heart is glad and grateful to God.
I brought the new RESET book with me to Singapore, it was my first chance to make it available because the books arrived just this past week. And I was encouraged by the interest in the book. I thought I had brought too many, but turns out they scooped them all up and wanted even more. So I’m encouraged by what seems to be initial interest in the book.
]]>Saturday night: This evening’s session was sweet and graced of the Lord. A call back to the secret place. So good.
Sunday night: Greetings from home. Had a good trip home, a direct flight from Detroit. This morning’s message was graced strongly of the Lord. It was very meaningful for me personally, as I was mostly just preaching to myself, smile. Not many people came forward at the conclusion in response, but no matter, I did!
]]>Tomorrow I will stretch my faith and do two sessions, one in the morning and one in the late afternoon.
Already I am being pampered with Colombian food. For lunch I was treated to Bandeja Paisa, the consummate Colombian plate. Just fantastic! I love beans and rice all over the world, but for me, Colombia does beans and rice the best.
I just about killed myself to get books to this event. I won’t even start with the hurdles. But tons of effort means that now the books will be seeded through these saints to many places in Colombia. It’s the seeding of the books that is possibly the most gratifying part of what I do in the Lord’s service. They seem eager to get the books, which warms my heart.
Saturday 4:00 pm: This morning’s session on the secret place went well. Strong response to the word. At the close I think the entire group came forward when an opportunity was given for personal prayer regarding the message. Afterwards, I was taken with the pastor and other speaker on a car ride to a town around 25 minutes away named Salento. It’s one of Colombia’s tourist hotspots. We enjoyed a delightful lunch, and then walked around the central city area. The place is chock full of shops, virtually all of them targeting tourists. So for a few minutes it was like we were all on vacation in an exotic destination.
Now we’re back at the retreat center, and I’m waiting because the other speaker is doing a session before me. Then I think I am holding the concluding session of the conference. But yesterday I asked the conference attendees how many were planning to be with us on Sunday, and it seemed to me like everyone raised their hands. So it’s possible that Sunday is considered the conclusion of the conference. This part of the country gets a downpour of rain most every day, and right now we’re in the rainy part of the day. The rains don’t usually last real long, but tend to move through. These daily rains mean that the countryside is constantly green and lush, and the air is always being refreshed. The evening temperatures here get cool enough that some folks wear a jacket while others don’t. The temps are right in-between, and you can’t figure out sometimes whether to put a jacket on or take it off. Great retreat weather. No heat or AC in any buildings in these parts, windows and doors are always thrown wide open. It’s like this year round.
Saturday 7:00 pm: Our sharing on an eye covenant was graced of the Holy Spirit. The group seemed very attentive and responsive. At the close there was opportunity for laying on of hands prayer and anointing with oil, and it seemed to me that almost everyone in the room desired to receive that ministry. The presence of Jesus was precious in the room, and I’m believing for the fruit of the sharing to be eternal.
Sunday 1:00 pm: Greetings from the Pereira airport. My hosts managed to get me on a 1:30 pm departure today to Bogota, so I am starting my homeward pilgrimage, grateful that the Avianca pilot strikes have not totally disrupted my travel.
This morning’s session on Heb. 12 was excellent, with once again a great response from the people. I’ve had a marvelous time here with these tremendous saints. I’m pulling myself away from Pereira, but my heart will always be joined with these believers.
]]>Thursday 4:00 pm: I’ve just left the afternoon session, and the Lord graced me to speak on following the river of God in corporate worship. The Lord helped me, and I believe the impartation was meaningful. I believe the Lord strengthened the grace on many to find the river in worship, stay with the river, and go deeper. I am so grateful to the Lord for the humbling privilege of imparting to such an amazing gathering of eager saints.
Now I’m making my way to Pereira, Colombia. A red-eye flight, following by a domestic flight inside Colombia to the city of Pereira. By the time I arrive it will be late morning of Friday. Then I will rest up and prepare for the weekend of ministry: Friday night, twice on Saturday, and Sunday morning. I’m speaking at an annual conference hosted by Amistad Cristiana.
]]>Then I was contacted a couple weeks ago by a church in Berlin, CT. They heard that I’ll be in CT for the weekend, and they asked if I might be available to come do a Sunday night with them. It’s come together, and I’ll be doing Sunday night in Berlin at Wellspring Church. They are launching into a church-wide study of SECRETS OF THE SECRET PLACE, and it so happened that this Sunday night is their launch night. When they heard I was nearby, they wanted to see if I could personally launch their study. So we’re doing it!
Sunday 5:00 pm: Greetings from my place of lodging in Berlin, CT. This morning’s service at Gateway was marvelous, such a delightful and free-flowing move of the Spirit in worship, it was way refreshing. The Lord enabled me to speak on “The Way the Church Breathes,” dealing with loving God and then loving people. We gather to love God, then we disperse to love the world. This is how the church breathes, every week an inhaling of love so that we can exhale His love to the world. It’s so important that we breathe!
]]>Sunday 4:00 pm: Greetings from the Sacramento airport, where I’m boarding momentarily for home. The Lord’s grace was with me today to preach in two services. Excellent saints, I had a great time with them. I’m coming home enriched and full, the Lord is good.
]]>Saturday morning: Last night was our Congress launch. It took us considerable time to negotiate the sound check, but finally after working on it for well over a half hour, we finally got it to work. That delay meant the service started after the 8 pm start time, but no one seemed to notice. In fact, when I left at nearly midnight, people were still hanging out everywhere and eating their meal together. Start times are not a big deal here, and long services are no big deal. It’s not easy to get them together, but once they’re together, they’re together. I spoke on Loyalty. I put some fresh work into the message, and it was meaningful to me in fresh ways. It’s simply not possible for me to read the response of these folks, but I trust it was helpful and meaningful to them. Almost nobody speaks English, so interaction is very limited. Today (Saturday) there will be day meetings. I will be collected to join everyone for lunch, and then will return to my hotel until this evening’s service.
Sunday morning: Last night’s service was a stronger connection with the people, it seemed to me. I spoke on Heb 12, Chastening. At the close the altar area filled with saints coming to present themselves to the Lord in response to the word.
I was expecting to preach the Sunday night service today because, in Brazil, Sunday night is the main service of the week. But I’ve been asked to speak Sunday morning instead because some of the out-of-town guests will be returning home Sunday afternoon. So I’ll be collected around 11 a.m. today for the second session of the morning.
Sunday 7:00 pm: This group got warmer and warmer as the weekend progressed. By the time we were done, we were famous friends, smile. Today’s session on the secret place went a bit long, but they stayed with me, and responded warmly to the Lord’s invitation in the word. Now I’m in my room and preparing for the trip home. I will be collected at 11:45 pm for a 2:00 a.m. departure.
On a different note, this is my first time to see the Portuguese translation of Illegal Prayers. I’m bring a few copies home with me. Please bless this translation in your prayers!
]]>I leave at noon today for the airport, arriving into Brasilia around 6 pm tonight Lord willing. I’m looking to share briefly with the church leaders tonight, then we start a weekend conference, Fri/Sat/Sun meetings. My host church is Manancial de Vida Church, they were the ones to extend the original invitation to Brazil. This will be my third visit with them, actually.
]]>We fought with the sound system at the outset. We tried to get the in-ear monitor situation to work, and my translator was able to get his to work to a satisfactory level, but I was unable to do so. So I pulled my ear buds out of my ears, and we pulled over some floor monitor speakers to try to make them work and give me vocal feedback. It was dicey, but we finally got it to a setting that could work just barely, and off we went. I taught on the secret place. They hung on every word. It’s amazing to see 500 people gathered on a Tuesday night to hear the word of the Lord. At the book signing that happened after the time of altar ministry, several came up with books worn and marked up, wanting me to sign them. It’s so humbling to see how my books have impacted lives here in a place I thought I’d never visit.
It’s now past midnight and we’re hitting the road for Curitiba. We should arrive around 2 a.m., the Lord helping us. Wednesday night I’m speaking at a church in Curitiba called Christ Community.
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