Dear Friends, Intercessors and Zion Aligned:
Storm seasons cause us to process our lives from different perspectives. In the midst of a storm there is majesty and terror all wrapped up in one emotion. These are times that we must process our storms properly. Jesus taught His disciples how to develop faith in the midst of storms.
A couple nights ago, my wife Pam told me that she had a concern within her about terrorist activity. This might not be a physical storm, but should be a storm that we all are thinking of as we progress into the new season ahead. This was very unusual for her to say this since she is not prone to be concerned in such areas. Therefore, be watchful in whatever storm you are going through and whatever adverse wind is stirring around you.
All through the night that Hurricane Ike came on shore, I found myself praying for all of our partners and associates. I would text Penny Jackson in Houston back and forth for updated conditions. I felt peace by 3:14 AM, and then began to praise the Lord. We are in trying times.
This is a Season the Lord is Watching to See How We Respond
This is a season that the Lord is watching to see how we respond to our circumstances, accusations, and to the problems of others. In every year of "8" we must learn to receive "Super-Abundant Grace" and extend "Super-Abundant Grace."
In this month of ELUL, there are many patterns in the Word that I am reviewing. A key pattern is from Nehemiah 6. In this passage, Nehemiah is progressing to finish the wall around Jerusalem when he meets great resistance. I love the way he responds. Here are some keys for you as you press toward certain tasks of your endings. Respond correctly to:
• The seducing power of the enemy on your path!
• The evil reports that you are having to process!
• The fear opposing the completion of the project you have been sent to accomplish!
• The secret "messengers" who claim they have been sent by God, but are attempting to sway you from completing your task!
• The forces rallying against you to stop progress!
• The narrow "eye of the needle" entryway facing you! LET GO and GO THROUGH!
Houston Reports and Communications:
At the beginning of August, during our Firstfruits Gathering, I gave Deborah DeGar (a key minister from Houston) a word to "Lead prayer for 21 days. Pray at midnight in Houston and break the fear of the night!" She finished those 21 days of prayer last Friday morning, the day that Hurricane Ike was to come on shore. Here is her report from September 12:
"'SHORE UP.' This is the word that the Lord dropped in my spirit on the morning of September 5, 2008. It is not a phrase that I am especially familiar with, nor is it a term that I would ordinarily use. Therefore, I had to do some research to define the meaning. In this season, God has asked us to Grow, Mature, Increase and Accelerate.
"Many of us have been praying through the twenty-one days that we believe the Lord set aside. The focus has been for this region to find its footing, accelerate, and move forward into the destiny and purposes of God. We felt that the the 30-day prayer points issued by Chuck Pierce were ideal as a springboard that could serve as our initial emphasis.
"Today, September 12, 2008, is the last day of the twenty-one day prayer emphasis for Houston. In April, Chuck had prophesied about the waters coming to the gates of our city as well. When I heard the words 'Shore - Up,' I knew it was a nautical term, but I was not sure what it all meant. Houston is now faced with preparing for hurricane winds and heavy rain according to the weather forecast.
"The 'American Heritage Dictionary' describes shore as 'the land along the edge of an ocean, sea, lake, or river; coast. Land: native shores.' Shore up implies to 'prop up,' as with an inclined timber. 'Shore up sagging floors': a beam or timber propped against a structure to provide usually temporary support.'
"As I was driving the streets of Houston this morning returning from early morning prayer, there are homes and businesses boarded up and nearly anything that can move is tied down. I believe the Lord has given us the plan for this season to be applied both naturally and spiritually. Though we must brace for what is ahead, I believe there is victory on the other side of the storm.
"The Scriptures that are in my spirit are Isaiah 35:1-10 and Hebrews 12:11-13. Decree that all of your desert places will be watered and blossom, and by all means 'Shore Up!'
"'Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; He will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as a hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.
"And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes. And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called the way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.
"No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there: and the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.'" Isaiah 35:1-10
"'Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.'" Hebrews 12:11-13
Here is another report from Tom Victor in Houston (sent on September 15):
"Thank you for covering us with your prayers regarding Hurricane Ike. The request was sent to a large group of friends and prayer networks, literally around the globe. Several of you have sent e-mail messages asking how we are and for an update. So here goes.
The Situation: "As most of you no doubt know by now, Ike came across Galveston Island and over the City of Houston. While it was a very large and significant storm, and because it crossed directly over Houston, an area of 5.6 million people, the impact was widespread. The storm surge on the coastal area was huge. We went right through 'the eye of the storm.'
"Almost all of Houston lost power. Almost all communication systems were down, including phones, internet, cable systems, etc. I'm sending this e-mail out from the one source I know where I have e-mail access. Power is being restored, but we are told it will take weeks to restore it across the city. Because of a lack of power, it is very difficult to get gasoline and/or other needed resources."
The Positive: "With all of that said, we are very thankful. Many precious lives were spared. There was every indication that the storm would continue to strengthen in wind speed. It hit land at 110 mph, one mile an hour short of a category 3 storm. For some reason the eye did not fully form. It continued to remain disorganized. The rains that were expected to precede it never materialized, limiting the impact.
"Several experts continued to comment on the unusual nature of the storm. They did not have a good explanation. We are now seeing the residents of Houston come together in new ways. Many of the distribution points for supplies are at local churches across the city. There is a good partnership between local agencies and churches. Read Psalm 93!"
And here is a report from Virginia Grace Green, realtor, and a Business of Zion and Zion Aligned Member (sent on September 16):
"We have water and electric!!! Have mixed messages as to the safety of the water, but God has shown us incredible grace and mercy. From the way our officials (national, local, FEMA, Red Cross - at every level) have handled the crisis, to neighbors cooking outside in the alley ways and helping one another - the Lord's name is being praised!!
"Damage has been minimal in Houston considering the magnitude of the storm. The Lord gave us the cool front to assist with the outside temp since there has been no AC, and before the cool front, the clouds remained to help protect us from the intense heat. There has been a full moon so we have been able to see much better after dark.
"On a personal note: I have been cooking on a single unit Coleman stove. One small canister of propane lasted until this morning after breakfast. I was going to make another pot of coffee which has been a staple to all neighbors who have not had the ability to cook or heat things. When I struck the match the propane ran out, and within 30 seconds the electric power was restored. God's timing has been awesome!
"Neighbors have met neighbors! People have felt the love of God for others and are assisting in any way possible. Every moment, our Father, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, has put to use for His purposes!!! Praise the Lord!!! There is a long way to go, but God is in control. Thank you so much for your prayers and watchfulness in the Spirit. We love you all and are so grateful for you!!"
Blessings,
Glory of Zion International Ministries
