A Quest for Honor, Truth, and Loyalty

I just finished watching the movie "The Last Samurai." I had forgotten just how much I am moved by these types of films. Though it was fiction, it depicted a time in history when a nation still had mores. The beauty of the culture of Japan, mixed with the horror of war causes my heart to twist. I relish the simplicity of life that was a part of Japan's ancient history.

I am mostly moved by the way that honor was (and still is, to a degree) such a big part of their beliefs. Most cultures lack the character of honor, especially in America. We don't know what it is to honor one another, in word or in deed. Honestly, I am myself challenged to peer into my own heart to visit the voids of values that my heart longs for.

We all long for honor, truth, and loyalty, yet many times we do not even know how to pursue or even offer them to others. These qualities are a part of the ancient path that I am looking to tread, regardless of national or temporal boundaries. I am looking to revive these ideals in my day, and I believe that with the help of Christ and the apostles of old, I will find them.

There is a River

Back from a small hiatus...

Unusual things are happening around here at IHOP Atlanta. This past weekend we had our annual Passionate Pursuit Conference, where Corey Russell and Allen Hood came in from IHOP-KC. These men carry weight in the spirit and an amazing amount of revelation of the Word. I've been anticipating something awesome happening during this conference, and it did.

The Lord came in the most amazing way. He didn't come the way I had expected, but most times He doesn't. He began to pour out His Spirit on our House. He came with wine and joy. He is still moving and walking in our midst. His River is running from His throne right through our prayer room (Rev. 22:1-5). We are giddy with His presence. There is joy in His house of prayer (Is 56:7).

Friday night I went up to the altar for prayer and someone touched my hand and I immediately fell down. This never happens to me. After a while of laying on the floor in His presence I slowly stood up and began to dance. I was experiencing a new freedom that I had not felt before. I danced the dance of freedom. Later a holy laughter came over me. I was finally experiencing the joy of the Lord that I have so long contended for. Then on Saturday morning Billy Humphrey, our director, points me out, gets off the platform and says, "He has turned your mourning into dancing. No, for real, HE HAS TURNED YOUR MOURNING INTO DANCING!" It was so powerful and confirmed what the Lord began the Sunday before when He told me to get up and dance during a Devotional Worship set, even when I didn't feel like. I began to dance. Then I began to actually FEEL like dancing. Then I realized that I was performing warfare over different areas of my life. I knew I was dancing on injustice.

God is doing something in Atlanta. He is delivering us from religious mindsets and calling us deeper into His heart. He is showing us another facet of who He is. He LOVES TO LOVE. He loves to pour out His river of pleasure, even in this age, as a sign of what is to come. So, jump in the River... the water is FINE!