Today is a day to Fight!

Yesterday was a good day!

I woke up for church and hopped in the shower as usual. I wasn't terribly excited about going to church. Lately it had has felt like . . . church . . . like religion. . . not like the living, active, exciting, ever-changing relationship and celebration that it used to be. I don't want church. I don't want to start off with a hymn, sing 3 worship songs - 1 slow, 1 upbeat and 1 multi-cultural, then sit down, watch and listen to the announcements, give our tithe, say hello to everyone as we shuffle off the kids to their classes, then sit and listen to the pastor preach a good sermon, but end on time so as to keep the scheduled list of events going smoothly. That's what it's felt like lately - at least for the last 6 months or so. I wanted CHURCH - the bridegroom - the body of Christ - living, loving, rejoicing, weeping, warring, healing, ministering, bringing freedom . . . What has happened to God's bridegroom? We are being lulled to sleep. I can't live like that anymore.

So, I was in the shower complaining to God about it, asking Him what this discontent was all about. . . . was it just me (which I don't doubt it could be)? Was it the church? Was He getting me ready for a change? A move? What?

I may have said this before - but I am no longer willing to live a normal life! 2009 will be a year of intentionally living a supernatural life every day (or as much as I can)! My heart's desire is to see everyone living like that - living not only in freedom and peace, but influencing other lives, warring over evil, bringing in the harvest, and more! I want that for my family and for all those around me.

After my shower, all I could do was lay on my bed and cry and beg God to change things. Bring life back into the church (not just our church - but churches in general - His bridegroom) - show us what YOU want us to do - don't let us stray too far as we plan our services and schedules - but help us to do what YOU want us to do.

God then placed a sword in my left hand. I wanted to switch it to my right (my dominant hand. I can't use a sword with my left hand God!), but He said "No." My right hand was for holding onto his left hand while He held His sword in His right hand. He was a little ahead of me and to the right as we held hands.

"Fight when I tell you to fight and stay when I tell you to stay (rest). But TODAY is a day to fight!"

"There is a war going on in the heavenlies. Spirits are set against the church and the battle is thicker and deeper than before. Today is a day to fight! Pick up your sword, hold my hand and fight with me. I know you feel inadequate (with the sword in my left hand) - but you are to depend on me. I am training you to fight - for bigger battles are coming!"

"Today is a day to fight! Pick up your sword and fight!"

God led me to Psalm 27:1-6 -

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.

3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.

4 One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.

5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.

6 Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.

God was calling us to war today - to bring forth praises . . . to worship Him! As we did this, it would bring the angels to fight the battle with us!

Today was a day to pick up our sword even when we feel inadequate - and to hold onto and trust God to lead the way - to fight the battle with us - to train us so that we will become better warriors for the days ahead!

As God led, I shared the word with my church - though, for many in our church, it was more of a word of rescue. People need to be rescued before they can stand to fight. And people did. They came forward - took that step of faith to take up that sword and hold onto God's hand! PTL! I know God was rescuing people and handing them their sword today!

Then my pastor went on to preach a sermon about living a life empowered by the Holy Spirit! :) (Wow! Isn't God awesome??) His initial scripture was in Acts 2 - about the last days and God pouring out His Spirit on ALL people. I looked over to verse 25 and this is what David said about God - "I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken . . . " (read the verses following it too. They are good!)

God - I am soooo thankful that you are holding onto my right hand and leading me - especially leading me in the battles that surround me. Lord - revive your bridegroom! Holy Spirit - release your presence in our lives each and every day and help us to live a supernatural life . . . to really LIVE - not just exist! Help us to impact those around us and to do what you have called us to do. Send your angels to war in the heavenlies for us. Show us how to fight with them. We want to reclaim what you desire for your church! Continue to show us Lord!!

Today is a good day to fight!!

Go for it!!

L :)

Raise up an Army!

I received an email yesterday from Mike and Cindy Jacobs (that I will post below). After reading it and then hearing more news today about the executive order that Obama signed today (purposely on the 36th anniversary of Roe v. Wade), I just cried and my heart became heavy for this nation (again). It just hurts. (Here's another article on the executive order and other plans)

I spent the morning praying for Obama, our leaders, Washington DC and our nation. First of all - here is the email from the Jacobs and their ministry at www.generals.org.

Dear Intercessors,

Yesterday we had a transition in our government. I rejoiced to see the first African American president. I loved the unique love displayed across what has been a massive racial divide.

Today, I thought that I would check and see what the new government policies would be for the White House. I went on the official www.whitehouse.gov website and looked at the sections on Civil Rights and Family and was absolutely shocked and grieved at what was posted.

Here are just a few of the points:

1. Support for the LGBT Community (lesbian/gay/bi-sexual/transvgender)
2. Expanded hate crimes bills. These are the type of bills that stop all "hate
speech", such as pastors preaching against homosexuality from their pulpits.
3. Support of Full Civil Unions and Federal Rights for LGBT Couples
4. Opposition to a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage
5. Repeal "Don't Ask-Don't Tell" policies in the military
6. Expand adoption rights for same sex-same couples
7. Expand Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research
8. Opposition any Constitutional to overturn Roe v. Wade
9. Increased funding for abortions

For this reason, we are calling upon intercessors every where to make your way to Dallas, Texas, April 16-18, 2009 to Raise Up An Army to fight for righteousness in our land.

We are in desperate times and the hour is late to work to save the nation. We must be informed and know both how to pray as well as mobilize our concerted voice for biblical values.

Engaged in the battle for the nation,


Cindy and Mike Jacobs


This is what I sensed the Lord saying to me during my prayer time this morning.

Picture - A wall around D.C. (representing our nation). Something inside is slowly eating up/destroying everything within the walled city (like an infection that kills you from the inside out, or a bug infestation, etc). It was leaving the city empty - with nothing to support the walls from crumbling in on itself.

The Lord said - "Let me fill it - with myself -my presence." It will fill it up completely and support the walls from the inside. But He needed access into it - a hole in the wall - like a hole into a balloon or something - to be able to pour a liquid in that would expand and put positive pressure from the inside - supporting the outside structure from collapsing. We are to create that hole for Him.

How do we do this Lord?

"Pray. Speak the truth. Fight. Love."

What's going to happen to our nation? What are you going to do?

" Watch and see. I am stirring up something new".

Picture of God stirring a big black kettle/pot.

"It is cooking now and not quite ready to come out of the pot - but when it does - it will explode out and cover everywhere - it will go far. There is something hiding in the pot as well - something you don't normally find in soup. But I have hidden it there because I didn't want anyone to find and see it yet. I will pull it out and show you and others who are watching me stir the pot, but will put it back in till the soup is ready. When the soup explodes out of the pot - the item in the pot will remain and then grow and expand to fill the pot with something new - not soup - it is something no one has seen before or would expect to be in the pot. It is a new food with an unusual taste. Compared to what it look like (I see an off-white-yellowish substance - kind of firm, but moldable - smooth, yet rubbery, but can be cut into like soft butter, but stronger than butter) -the taste is indescribable - like nothing anyone has tasted before! Those that are near the pot when it explodes will be able to taste it first. They will then be able to take and pass some to those near them and it will continue to be passed on till more and more people want to come to the pot themselves.

So, watch and wait. I am stirring - but watch and wait for me to show what I have hidden. It will give everyone hope - especially when they see and feel the soup explode. Most will be afraid - but those who know about the secret "ingredient" will be excited - because something better is coming!!"

Dig Deep today!

L :)

Excited by an Inauguration to come!

Did you watch the inauguration this week? Were you excited . . . amazed . . . in awe . . . indifferent . . . angry . . . sad? Did it stir up any emotions in you at all?

I normally do not care about the inaugurations and have probably only watched 1 other in my life. But I could feel the excitement in the air everywhere I went about this past Tuesday's events.

It was as if royalty was coming to town.

It definitely WAS an historic moment, and I am thrilled at how far we have come in the last 60 years - to finally see not only a black man as president, but to have seen 2 other women in the running for president and vice president. It was an exciting election year, full of twists and turns - something I will not easily forget.

I watched the faces of the people in the crowd and all those reporting on the inaugural events, and they were jubilant, beyond excited, moved to tears - it was beyond words. Many people voiced their excitement about how Obama would bring change - how he would bring peace to the world even.

I do believe he will bring change.

I'm sure there will be some good things that change, but I also know there will be some things that will grieve the Lord.

I wanted to cry during the inauguration - not because Obama was becoming president, or because I was excited for him to bring change - but because I wish I saw the same amout of passion for and belief in the one man who actually CAN bring true CHANGE and true PEACE throughout the WHOLE world . . . . . JESUS! Instead, many in our country curse Him, blame Him for many of our problems, hate Him, and if he was here in person - would probably throw stones His way. It breaks my heart!

Obama is probably a good man (and I urge you all to pray for him and our other leaders), but the One that we should be getting excited about to bring change and peace is the only one who can . . . . but we don't. We take him for granted. We go to church with sullen faces, bored and just waiting for the sermon to end so we can get home and watch the latest game on tv. Or, even if we go to church happy - do we really believe that Jesus can bring change to us - to our family - to our neighborhood - our city - our nation - or even our world? Do we really believe it? We don't live like we do.

When was the last time that you got excited about seeing Jesus - about His return - His "inauguration" as the true leader of this world - the new heaven and earth that will be established under Him?

I, personally, CAN'T WAIT!!

I want the world to feel that way too!

That is my hope and prayer this year! That many more people will become excited for the Lord - not just because they think they should - but because they are IN LOVE with the Creator of the universe, the Savior of their souls, the one man who can and will bring awesome changes and peace into their lives if they will let Him.

Whatcha think? Are you ready to feel that way - again . . . or for the first time? I hope so.

If you don't know how . . . let me know, ask someone who IS in love with the Lord, or just ask God! Let Him love on you today and show you just how special and important you are to Him. He thinks you are AWESOME! He WANTS to change your life! He WANTS to give you peace! Look to Him (instead of President Obama, your pastor, your financial planner, or anyone else in your life) to bring the change and peace that you need. You will be amazed!

Swim a little deeper today! You won't regret it!

L :)

Riding the Waves

Are you feeling beat up today?

Are you feeling tossed around, caught in the edge of a rough surf in life?


What is causing you to feel that way?

What can be done about it?

There are many days when my life as mother of 5 little kids feels just that way - noisy, busy, exhausting, relentless, unending, and messy. The "waves" never end. The house continues to be a mess no matter how many hours I spend cleaning it. The kids will still whine, or cry, or scream, or fight tomorrow no matter how many times we've dealt with the same issues before. There will still be meals that need to be cooked, laundry that needs to be washed, boo-boos that need to be kissed, fights that need to be mediated, and on and on the waves continue. I keep getting frustrated and am exhausted.
Will it ever end? Is there really an end to the craziness of mothering?

For others of you, it may not be about mothering. Your "waves" are different. Each day you are buffeted by fears, insecurities, anger, bitterness, disappointment, rejection, addictions and more.

When will it end? Is there really an end to all this?

What are your choices?

You could get out of the water - go back on dry land. But at some point you will most likely have to go back in (especially if you are a mother. You can't just walk away . . . though I know you are tempted some times! I know I wanted to get on a plane this weekend and just take off for a week!). But how do you keep from getting stuck in the surf?

If your "waves" are due to fears, anger, addictions, etc - again - you could get out of the water. But it's not the water that is the problem. It is the land. . . . . . it is "the world" around us.

God calls us to go deep with him . . . . deep out in the water. The world is "calling" us to come closer to land. There's a battle going on - between the water and the land. It's in the in between stage, at the shoreline, in the "shallow" water where the bruises, exhaustion and struggling occurs.

Yes, it seems fun on land . . . . parties, activities, you get to stay dry and warm and you don't have to get wet. But after awhile, the heat is oppressive, some of your friends have gone home and you are getting quite thirsty. The water starts to look more appealing than it did before. You decide to try it out - to test it and see if it is as cool and refreshing as some people have told you. You can see (or at least hear) people way out there - calling to you - telling you how wonderful it is. So you dip your foot in.

It does feel refreshing. The sound of the waves is enticing. You put another foot in. Oh, that feels good. You reach down to scoop up some water and take a sip of the fresh water (not salty). It's ok. It's cold and it does quench your thirst, but you get a little sand in your mouth. That's not what you really want, but it will do for now. You decide to go out a little deeper.

Now the waves are starting to crash right against your legs. At first it's fun - it's exhilarating. You giggle and invite more people to join you. See - it's not so bad. It's better than you thought. But as you go deeper, you realize you are getting further from the shore. That scares you a bit. It's unfamiliar. It's a bit scary. You are not sure you want your feet to leave the comfort of the sand below. So you decide to have the best of both worlds - the water and the land. You stay in the surf. This is awesome! You can do both - enjoy the land and the water! Who would want anything else?!

You ride a few waves onto land and go back out again. You stay and play and talk with others in the surf. You all seem to be having fun and enjoying yourselves. But a wind blows, a storm comes and the waves get a little bigger. To keep from losing your footing on the sand and getting into water over your head, you move back into shore a little bit. But doing this seems to cause the waves to only crash harder against your body - not just your legs. You are being tossed and turned and beat up with each crash of water. The white foam blocks out your view of the bottom, and you can't see the land beneath you. You are getting exhausted, and are tired of feeling this way. The water isn't as fun as you first thought. You are ready to get out.

You talk with your friends in the surf and many of them agree that this just isn't "right" - it doesn't "feel" or "look" right - this can't be good. Your friends on land urge you to come back out of the water. They say you look foolish trying to stay standing amongst all the waves. Why should you have to put up with this - with these waves attempting to beat you down every chance they get?

They weren't this big when you got in? Why did they have to change? If only the storm hadn't come. If only the wind hadn't picked up. Then the waves would be tolerable and comfortable. Then you could enjoy the shallow water of the surf. You might have even been able to find a seashell or two in the crystal clear water you had originally been wading in. But not now. You've had it. You want out.

So out you go. Some of your friends join you. You all vow to never go back into the water again. It's not worth it. Why would you want to get beat up and feel exhausted all the time when you could be partying and enjoying the warmth of the sand with your friends - not having to worry about whether the waves are getting bigger or smaller. I'm sure someone will come along to bring refreshments at some point. There's got to be other ways to get refreshed.

As you look back out to the water, you see a few of your friends that didn't return with you. In fact, they are not even staying in the surf. They are, unbelievably, heading out into the deeper water. Are they crazy? Why would they ever want to put themselves into a position where they couldn't touch land - where they had to let go and just float . . . . or possibly drown?! They might not ever be able to get back to land and enjoy it ever again! You are so glad you didn't join them. You think to yourself - "They are so foolish! They will find out soon just how stupid a decision they made! Look at them. They can't even touch the ground anymore! I'm glad I'm not out there with them."

You turn your back and continue on, trying to enjoy the land as the sun beats down, your skin perspires, and you realize that there really is no substitution to refresh you like the water did. But you have made up your mind to never turn around again to even look at the water. And so you don't.

The others that decided to take the chance and go deeper are suddenly surprised. They were afraid to leave the land just like you were. But they continued to listen to the urgings and encouragement of the others that were farther out in the water. They took a step of faith and moved out deeper. The waves got bigger. They were scared, but they learned how to dive under some of the waves to keep from being tossed around so much. "Wow. That was easier", they thought. Soon they didn't even have to dive under. The got to a point where they could easily float over them. They laid back and looked up to the sky and just floated - enjoying the gently rocking of the waves - the same powerful waves that were pummeling them at the shoreline. The same power, but less of a threat now. In fact, the waves were actually enjoyable and bringing a sense of peace to their lives. Everyone out in the deep was floating peacefully and had no fear. Occasionally they dove down deep into the crystal clear water and saw wonders they never knew existed - things they couldn't see from land or even the shallow shore. They drank from this water, and realized that there was no sand causing a gritty taste in their mouth. It was pure, refreshing, life-giving, and peaceful.

The people in the deep realize that it wasn't really the water that was the threat to them - that was causing them to be tossed to and fro. It was the land. When the water hit the land, it caused friction - it caused the waves to rear their heads and come crashing down. Any little storm or wind in life only intensified the waves. But it still wasn't the water's fault. It was the land's. But that doesn't mean the land is more powerful than the water. In fact, the opposite is true.

The water is powerful. Despite it's cool, refreshing appearance, relaxing sounds, and peaceful qualities, the same water can dig caverns into rock, erode thousands of miles of sand away, knock down tall buildings, and capsize boats. It is not something to be taken lightly. But when you know the man who controls it, you do not have to be afraid.

Yes - I am not talking about really playing in the surf today. I am talking about your walk with the Lord, with your struggles in life, and your view of Christianity, religion or the church.

If you are having issues that keep beating you down - take notice of where you have your feet planted? Are you still touching the land (the "world")? Are you just testing the water? Or have you taken that step of faith to follow God's gentle calling to come deeper with Him? It seems scary. The waves seem bigger. How will you ever get back to land?

Trust me - trust someone who has gone out into the waves and learned how to dive under and then eventually float on top of them. Trust someone who has tasted the unsatisfying refreshments of the world, the semi-refreshing sips of the surf, and the fully quenching wonders of the deep.

Storms and waves are much easier to handle in the deep, next to my Savior, than in the surf with the other surfers.

What will your choice be?


Go DEEP!! I don't think you will ever want to go back to the land again!

L :)

The Offer of Life or Death

Deut. 30: 11-19 Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, "Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, "Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.

See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to LOVE the LORD your God, to WALK in his ways, and to KEEP his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.

But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess.

This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Time to Rescue

I find it fascinating how God will quietly and secretly intertwine things in my life to make a point. He does it all the time . . . but I have to pay attention. Many times it may seem like a coincidence - but I know it's not. I've heard Him talk to me so many times in my life through various means, that I know it is by His design and not just some coincidence. Lately there have been a few themes running through various channels in my life (like preachers on tv, my own devotional times, random conversations with friends, etc). The first of which is that God has been getting on my case about my procrastination in writing the book He wants me to write (and in writing in general - but especially the book). OK Lord - I will be diligent and intentional in writing this book! (you guys are all my accountability partners! Keep me accountable!)

The 2nd thing is that He wants my children (ages 4-13) to start moving out in the giftings that He has placed in them - that we are to pray with them to be baptized in the Holy Spirit and start teaching and training them in how to move in the power of the Holy Spirit. Kids do not get a junior version of the H.S. - they get the same version that we as adults do - and they can do miracles and move mightily in the Lord just as much (if not more) than adults. Kids have tremendous and unhindered faith - and I want to see the Lord use that faith to work miracles and move in the lives of their friends, our neighbors and anyone they meet! I also want to see my kids living passionate lives for the Lord and experiencing His awesome love for them at an early age! I think that would have saved me a lot of heartache and mis-steps in life had I experienced it.

The 3rd issue that He has been talking to me about is that this year is a year of "Salvation". That we are to be "bringing in the harvest". He has been speaking to me about it for a couple of years now actually - but there is definitely more of a mandate to do it NOW (no more procrastinating!).

Back in October, when I was soaking in the Lord's presence, God showed me 2 things.
"Listen Lori",God said. I heard singing/praise. "But some of the choir is missing. They are not all here yet." I could see big gaps/holes in the choir that was all over the world (like looking at a globe with people standing on it. There were big empty areas across the globe. There were areas of concentration, but then areas with nothing - no one - even in places in America.) We need to bring the people in!


Secondly - I was singing about being thankful for God rescuing us (from eternal death, from situations in life, etc).
Then I saw a vision: It was a picture of a rope and then a life saving ring. WE are that rope/ring. It's time to get off the boat and be willing to be thrown out to rescue people - to bring them onto the boat. Stop sightseeing and enjoying the ride and get out there rescuing people! The "hole" in the middle of the ring (the middle of us) is from previous wounds - that have been healed. It is there to create a place for people to fit in and for us to wrap around them to take them to Jesus (who is the captain of the boat) and can pull them out of the water. Then, when they have been dried off, redressed, fed, and healed - God can throw them back out to rescue more!

Do not let your past hinder you from thinking you are useable by God. Do not think that just because you have a few "holes" in you - that you are not worthy enough to be used by God to rescue and minister to others. God LOVES to use ALL parts of us - for His glory! Your "holes" will allow you to reach people that would otherwise be unreachable. Your "holes" give an open door for others to feel safe in sharing with you their own pain, struggles and "holes" in their lives. Use your "holes" to bring those hurting people to the Lord. Let HIM rescue them. You are called to just bring them to Him! But in order to do that - you HAVE to get OFF THE BOAT!! You cannot rescue people from the comfort and safety of the boat. You can see them - but you will never be able to rescue them that way.


Get off the boat! Get out of your comfort zone! Allow God to use you in ways that seem scary (ie - flying through the air - only held on by the rope), that are new, that seem like they won't work. Sometimes you have to be thrown several times in order to finally connect with the person in need of resucing . . . . don't let that stop you! Keep letting God throw you out to them! One of these times you WILL connect. Don't give up!


The other time God talked to me about "holes" was when I was praying on Wall Street in October. It is a slightly different version of "holes". I posted about it - Praying on Wall Street But here is a portion of what God said.

" . . . I have new oil to pour out – but can’t. My people are not ready – not ready to accept it. Get them ready!”
How? “Tell them. Prepare them. Encourage them. Correct them. Say what I tell you to say - in doing so you will create holes in their hardened exteriors. These holes will cause them to become like sponges. THEN they will be able to soak up ALL the oil I have to pour out on them. Then they will be ready. They are not ready. But make them ready. Show them their need for these holes. They see it as damaging to who they are. I see it as vital for them to grow and be who I want them to be. Show them Lori.”
How do I show them?
“Be transparent. Show them your holes. Show them the oil you’ve been able to soak up because of those holes. Don’t hide your holes. Show them. Then they will see and know that I am God and that what you say is true.”

I am full of holes! Holes created by God - tearing out some of myself, my flesh to make room for more of Him and His spirit. And some created by myself from all the stupid things I've done - the self-inflicted wounds, and even the wounds caused by others that I allowed to fester and get bigger before being healed. I'm sure there will be more holes to come. But I do not look at them negatively now. I see the value in them. I WANT them. I WANT God to take away MY flesh and give me HIS! I WANT His oil! I WANT to be able to be used by God! And I love knowing that God can take a selfish sinner like myself - and use me to bless others and rescue them from death! Isn't that awesome??!!

So - examine your "holes" today.
Which ones do you need to let God heal?
What areas do you need to let God make a few more holes in?
Are you willing to get off the boat - to be thrown into the wind and waves in order to save a precious soul? What if someone hadn't done that for you? . . . . .

If you are in need of rescuing - please let me know . . . let someone know! It is so much easier for the rescue party to know who needs to be rescued when they shout out "help"! So if you are serious about getting out of the water that you feel you are drowning in . . . please shout out for help - to others around you - or to the captain of the boat Himself . . . Jesus!

I pray that 2009 is truly a year of salvation - not only for you - but for many, many others all around this world! I am excited to hear the sounds of the choir when all the members are there! How glorious it will be!

Dive Deep today! Or at least - allow yourself to be thrown in the water! :)

L :)